Blog
Ask Me Anything: What is Asset Allocation?
If you’ve ever looked at your investment accounts and thought, “I know I’m invested… but I’m not exactly sure in what,” you’re in good company.Many people in Bakersfield have retirement accounts spread across old 401(k)s, IRAs,...
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How Bakersfield Home Equity Fits into Your Retirement Plan
For many long-time Bakersfield homeowners, the house they have lived in for years is more than a place to call home; it’s often one of the biggest pieces of retirement wealth on the balance sheet. Nationally, homeowners held more than...
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The Financial Decision-Making Patterns You’re Passing Down (Without Realizing It)
It’s easy to think of inheritance in terms of assets: accounts, properties, heirlooms. But what most families overlook is that what truly gets passed down isn’t just money. It’s money behavior.Our children watch the choices we make far...
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What Kern County’s Cost of Living Really Means for Your Financial Plan
If you’ve lived in Kern County for any amount of time, you’ve probably had this thought:“It’s cheaper to live here… but it doesn’t always feel cheap.”And that’s exactly where financial planning gets interesting.Because while Kern...
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Ask Me Anything: What’s the Difference Between a 401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA?
Most conversations about retirement sound like:“I have a 401(k). I think.” “Isn’t a Roth just for young people?” “My IRA is somewhere… probably fine?”You’re not bad with money if this feels confusing. These accounts were designed by...
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Built on Hard Work: Planning Retirement for Physically Demanding Careers
For decades, we've been told a simple formula: work hard, save steadily, and retire around age 67. It’s the benchmark used in Social Security projections, financial calculators, and even dinner-table conversations about “how much...
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What to Do with Old Retirement Accounts After a Job Change in Bakersfield, CA
In Bakersfield, job changes often aren’t about climbing a corporate ladder - they’re about opportunity, stability, or seasonality.Maybe you’ve moved between:Oil & gas companiesAgriculture or food processingHealthcare systemsEducation...
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Ask Me Anything: How Do Taxes Affect My Investments?
You can do everything “right” as an investor and still lose ground to taxes.Not because you made bad choices, but because no one ever explained how taxes interact with your investments. Once you understand that relationship, you stop...
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What Oil, Agriculture, and Healthcare Careers Mean for Retirement Planning in Bakersfield
Bakersfield has always been a city built on hard work. From oil fields and farms to hospitals and clinics, many local households earn their living in industries that are physically demanding, economically cyclical, or both. Those...
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What Are You Looking Forward To This Year - Really?
Every January (or honestly, any time of year), we’re asked the same questions:What are your goals?What are your resolutions?What are you going to fix, optimize, improve, or finally get right?Those questions have their place. But they...
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The Gift of Peace of Mind: Helping the People You Care About Get Financially Organized
We all have people in our lives who mean the world to us: family members, close friends, or longtime colleagues who’ve been there through every stage of life. We celebrate milestones together, share worries, and talk about everything...
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Ask me Anything: What are RMDs?
If you’ve ever heard the term “RMD” tossed around and nodded like you knew what it meant - don’t worry, you’re in good company. Required Minimum Distributions are one of the most common sources of confusion in retirement planning. The...
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From Gratitude to Guidance: How to Have Meaningful Money Conversations with Family This Season
As the holidays inch closer, you’re likely thinking about the time you’ll be spending with family and close friends. And while we all want those moments to be filled only with laughter and football games, this can also be an ideal time...
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Ask me Anything: What Is “Good Debt” vs. “Bad Debt”?
As we march forward into the holiday season, this is the perfect time to talk about the dreaded four-letter word: “debt.” Not all debt is created equal, and not all debt is bad. While it’s true that too much debt can create financial...
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Ask Me Anything: What Does a Financial Advisor Do (and How Do They Get Paid)?
Here’s a little secret: most people aren’t 100% sure what financial advisors really do. And that’s okay! Money can feel complicated, and no one wants to raise their hand and say, “Wait…what exactly am I paying for here?” So, let’s...
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The Costs and Rewards of Multi-Generational Living in Bakersfield
If you’ve lived in Bakersfield for a while, you know that family ties run deep here. Many families choose to stay close to their hometown roots — sometimes even on the same block or under the same roof. Whether it’s Friday night...
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Retiring in Bakersfield: How to Make the Most of Your Free Time
Retirement isn’t just about slowing down - it’s about discovering new passions, exploring community gems, and finding joy in everyday experiences. Whether you’re newly retired or well into this season of life, there are countless ways...
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Ask Me Anything: What’s the Difference Between Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds?
I often have clients in my office who seem to nod along when I discuss stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, but when I ask them if they really know how each of them works, they often don’t. And that’s okay! Many people haven’t had the...
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Planning for a Lifetime of Care: Financial Strategies for Families with Special Needs
Parenting a child with special needs is a journey filled with love, resilience, and advocacy. But it also comes with a daunting question: What happens when we’re no longer here to care for them? For many families, the goal is...
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Reading List for the Thoughtful Leader: Books That Fuel Growth (and Great Conversations)
If you're the kind of person who uses vacation time to catch up on leadership podcasts and still sneaks in a few pages between Zoom calls, this reading list is for you. Whether you're building a business, guiding a team, raising a...
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From Legacy to Longevity: Smart Strategies for Multi-Generational Wealth Transfer
When a high-net-worth family begins to think about estate planning, it’s rarely just about dividing assets or writing a will. It’s about building a bridge between generations: preserving wealth, minimizing taxes, and passing down...
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More Grace, Less Grind: Time for a Mid-Year Reflection
We started the year with resolutions, goals, and color-coded calendars. Maybe you set ambitious financial targets, committed to a fitness plan, or swore you’d finally master the art of “inbox zero.” But here we are, halfway through the...
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How to Create a Business Succession Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Owners
Are you one of the 75% of business owners who aren’t certain your business could go on if you had to step away tomorrow? As you’ve already guessed by that number…you’re not alone. And I get it – it can be hard to think about what would...
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Can You DIY Your Estate Plan? Take This Quiz to Find Out
Online wills are everywhere. So are horror stories about families left in legal limbo because something was missed. So, how do you know if you’re okay to do it yourself… or if you should really talk to an attorney? Take this quick quiz...
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Post-Graduation Playbook: What Every Parent Should Chat About with Their New Young Adult
The cap’s been tossed, the tassel’s been turned, and your fridge is still full of leftover sheet cake. High school graduation is a huge milestone for your kid and for you. But once the celebrations wind down and the “what’s next?”...
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What the CDC Cuts Mean for Kern County Residents—and Your Financial Safety Net
If you live in Kern County, you might’ve seen the headlines: a surprise move by the CDC has put more than $10 million in public health funding on the chopping block. No heads-up. No transition period. Just a stop-work order, leaving...
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Why Financial Planning Looks Different for Oil and Gas Employees
If you work in the oil and gas industry, you already know it’s a world unlike any other; the nature of the work, the compensation structure, and the job market itself make financial planning a bit more complex—but also full of...
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Coordinating 401(k), 403(b), Pension, and Deferred Compensation Plans: A Strategy for Tax Efficiency
If you’re fortunate enough to have access to multiple retirement savings plans—like a 401(k), 403(b), pension, or deferred compensation plan—you may find yourself wondering how to make them all work together. Each of these vehicles...
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Serving Together: The Best Family Volunteer Opportunities in Kern County
As a parent, I know that finding new and different ways to spend meaningful time with your kids can sometimes be a challenge. How do we get them to put down their devices and make memories that will last a lifetime? Fortunately, there...
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Traveling the World on a Retirement Budget: Can You Make It Work?
Many people list “travel” as one of the ways they plan to spend their retirement years. But that’s pretty broad. Are we talking a few times a year to see grandkids? Or are we thinking about going on a five-week African safari? These...
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Tax Strategies for California Residents
When it comes to taxes, living in California can feel like walking a financial tightrope. With some of the highest state income tax rates in the country, it’s essential to explore strategies that can help you keep more of your...
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Tax Planning: A Smart Strategy to Help You Keep More of Your Money
Taxes are one of life’s certainties, but overpaying doesn’t have to be. Many people think tax planning is just for the ultra-wealthy, but the truth is, everyone can benefit from a well-thought-out tax strategy. Whether you’re saving...
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Staying Calm During Market Swings: A Guide for Retirees and Pre-Retirees
If you checked your investment accounts during December 2024, you might have felt a little bit of a gut punch: the Dow Jones Industrial Average made history on Tuesday, December 17th with “its first nine-day losing streak since 1978.”...
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Post-Holiday Financial Recovery: 6 Tips to Regain Control
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and giving, but it can also leave a noticeable dent in your finances. Whether it’s from travel expenses, gift purchases, or holiday events, many people find themselves starting the new...
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From Guidance to Growth: The Lifelong Impact of Mentorship
If you’ve been around the job market for a while, you’ve likely learned the lesson, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” And the impact of networking and learning from others can begin at a fairly young age. I’ve had my own...
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What to Do with Your 401(k) and Investments After a Company Merger
Bakersfield has been in the news over the last few months due to the merger of Aera Energy and California Resources Corp. This change likely has some employees wondering what comes next concerning their investment accounts. Here’s a...
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Health and Wellness Spending with Year-End Flex Spending Account Deadlines
As the year comes to a close, many of us are looking at ways to make the most of our finances. One area that often goes overlooked until deadlines are approaching is our Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). FSAs are a great way to set...
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Understanding the 2025 Changes to Medicare
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s important to stay informed about the upcoming changes to Medicare that could impact your healthcare and finances. Each year, adjustments are made to this federal health insurance program for people aged...
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Inherited IRAs: Avoid These Common Mistakes and Potentially Maximize Your Inheritance
So, you've inherited an IRA. Now what? First off, take a deep breath. Dealing with inherited IRAs can feel like a daunting task, especially when you're already navigating the emotions of losing a loved one. What Is an Inherited IRA,...
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Consolidating Your Accounts Now for a More Manageable Retirement Later
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American stays at a job for 4.1 years. This means that by the time you reach your 50s and beyond, you might have retirement accounts in several different places. Whether...
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How Financial Planners Can Spot Issues in Your Financial Plan That You Might Miss
Picture this scenario: Cindy calls a handyman because her back gate isn’t closing quite right and she’s worried her dog, Hercules the Chihuahua, might escape. Thinking all that needs to be done is a new latch, she finds out from the...
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How Much is Enough? Understanding Your Insurance Needs in Retirement
It’s time to wrap up our series on “How Much is Enough?” with a biggie: insurance. So far, we’ve discussed budgeting for your hobbies and questions you should ask yourself before you downsize. However, one of the biggest worries we all...
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What to Do About Your Health Benefits If You Get Laid Off in Kern County
With the roller coaster that has been the Kern County job market lately, many might wonder what their options are as far as health benefits. Dealing with health insurance in good circumstances can be confusing; trying to figure it out...
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How Much is Enough? Key Questions to Ask Before You Downsize
In the first part of our series on “How Much is Enough?” we discussed budgeting for your hobbies. Now, let’s talk about whether or not your current living situation is one that will still fit you after you retire. A 2024 GOBankingRates...
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How Much is Enough? Figuring Out Your Hobbies Before You Retire
Retirement is often seen as a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor, but the fear of running out of money can overshadow this period. That’s why we’re discussing some of the things that can wreck a retirement if not planned...
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5 Possible Positive Economic Impacts During an Election Year
As we keep moving closer to the November 2024 election, we know that some people feel an acute sense of anxiety about the unknown. From national security to changes in healthcare, many of us are looking at the news with a wary eye....
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Mid-Year Financial Check-In: 10 Things to Boost Your Financial Health
We know that as you enjoy the summer months, the last thing you want to do is think about your finances. However, this is the perfect time to check in with your financial self and make sure you’re hitting the goals you established at...
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Overcoming the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement: Strategies and Solutions
According to a recent study, more people worry about running out of money than they do about dying. “The worry of running out of money has increased in recent years. In 2024, 63% say they worry more about running out of money than...
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Last-Minute Summer Getaway: Budget-Friendly Tips for an Unforgettable Escape
We’re about to start those glorious summer months which might have you thinking, “Why the heck didn’t I plan a trip months ago?” No worries! There are still ways you can travel on a budget. First: Where should you go? According to Be...
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Ensuring Business Continuity: The Vital Role of Succession Planning
As a financial advisor, I've had the privilege of guiding numerous entrepreneurs and business owners through their financial journeys. It’s exciting watching someone take a dream and make it into a successful business! However, one...
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Essential Spring Home Maintenance Tips for Kern County Residents
As the days lengthen and the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to tackle those essential home maintenance tasks to ensure your home is in top shape for the coming season. Central California residents, in particular, have unique...
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Navigating Your Employer Sponsored Plan: Why Understanding It Matters
The road to financial security often begins with understanding the options available to you when it comes to saving for the future - and leveraging your employer-sponsored retirement plan is a big piece of that puzzle. However,...
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Navigating Finances After a Layoff: A Comprehensive Guide
Experiencing a layoff can be one of life's most challenging setbacks. Apart from the emotional toll, it can also bring financial uncertainty and stress. However, amidst the turbulence, there are strategies you can employ to regain...
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Trailblazing Women in Finance: Pioneers Who Shaped the Industry
In the realm of finance, women have long been underrepresented, but that doesn't mean they haven't made significant contributions. Despite facing numerous barriers and biases, there have been trailblazing women throughout history who...
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Preserving Wisdom and Values Through Legacy Videos
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world we live in, it's essential to find meaningful ways to pass down our wisdom, values, and expectations to the generations that follow. Creating a legacy video has emerged as a powerful and...
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8 Services Long-Term Care Insurance Can Cover
The aging population is on the rise globally, leading to an increased demand for long-term care services. (Image from A Place for Mom) Long-term care refers to a range of services designed to help individuals with chronic illnesses or...
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Strategies for Recession-Proofing Your Investment Portfolio
Recession news is all over the place with some economists saying it could be on the horizon while others are saying we’ll avoid it in the near future. However, a recession is always a possibility. In October 2007, San Francisco...
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Juggling Act: A Guide for Women Navigating Work and the Holiday Hustle
As the holiday season approaches, the festive cheer can quickly transform into a whirlwind of demands, leaving us feeling like master jugglers trying to balance work and the magic of the season. In the article The Gendering of Holiday...
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Q&A: Newly Divorced and Worried About Retirement Savings
CLIENT QUESTION: I am 43, female, working as an RN, and recently divorced. Is it too late to start saving for my retirement years? I lost more than half of my retirement savings from my divorce. First of all, good for you for...
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Navigating the Financial Impact of Company Reorganization
No one enjoys thinking about the possibility of being laid off or undergoing company reorganization, but unfortunately, these can be everyday realities in today's job market. The uncertainty of what's to come can be overwhelming,...
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Understanding Equity Compensation: An Invitation to Own and Grow with Your Company
There is a difference between just earning a paycheck and being a part of something bigger - owning a piece of a company's future success and growth. This is what equity compensation offers. Understanding Equity Compensation...
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Get Ready for 2024: 9 Financial Tasks to Complete This Fall
It’s hard to believe we’re talking about the end of the year already. As I write this, there are only 108 days until 2024 – and I know they’ll pass in a flash. We all get busy over the holidays, so I’m...
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4 Things You Can Do When Mortgage Rates are High
High mortgage rates can be a source of concern for homeowners and aspiring buyers alike. According to BankRate, “The last time U.S. mortgage rates were this high, Facebook had yet to be invented, Bill Clinton was...
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The Gender Pay Gap and Why Women Should Invest Smarter
If you’re a woman in the workforce, you’ve probably experienced everything from small slights at the office to more overt discrimination. But what probably frustrates you the most is what’s being deposited in your...
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Age is Just a Number: 5 Benefits that Keep Older Workers on the Job
Aging is inevitable, but it doesn't necessarily have to mean retirement. In fact, more and more older adults are staying in the workforce, and for good reason. Not only do they bring years of experience and knowledge to the table, but...
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A Guide to Saving for the Future When You’re Worried About Now
Having financial stability is important, but it can be difficult to think about long-term saving when we’re struggling to make ends meet right now. With increased inflation, cost of living increases, and the ups and downs in the...
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Don't Worry, Your Financial Advisor Won't Kill Your Fun
When you think of a financial advisor, do you imagine a stern-faced person who takes away all your enjoyment in life? It's time to put that stereotype to bed. Financial advisors are here to help you live your best life, not hamper it....
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The Benefits of Home Sharing: A Q&A with Tracie Barmann of Sharing Spaces
Finding affordable housing can be a challenging task for many people these days, whether you are a college student seeking a roommate or a senior citizen looking for a comfortable and secure living arrangement. According to Flex.com,...
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STEMTaught: The Importance of Introducing Kids to STEM
When it comes to exposing children to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), the possible positive effects can have an amazing ripple effect.STEM subjects can offer a huge number of career opportunities later in life.STEM...
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Women and Financial Planning: Protecting and Restoring Dignity
When it comes to money, it’s almost impossible to get to adulthood without some form of financial baggage.I know I have some: during my childhood, money was very tight, and we lived in financial chaos all the time. It...
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Getting Started: Financial Planning in the Bakersfield, CA Agricultural Community
In the Bakersfield, CA area, agriculture is at the very heart of our community. We are fortunate to be home to amazing companies that are involved in our neighborhoods and employ many of our friends and family members.I thoroughly...
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Separate Financial Accounts from Your Spouse? It's Okay!
It’s not uncommon for someone to come into my office and tell me they have kept their finances separate from their spouse or partner. However, what I’ve noticed is that sometimes people seem…well…embarrassed to...
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Donor-Advised Funds: What They are and How to Utilize Them
If the term “donor-advised funds” is new to you, don’t worry; it's not exactly a topic that comes up in everyday conversation. But if you’re looking for a way to donate funds that could help with your overall...
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Navigating a Pension Plan: A Comprehensive Guide
Although pensions are becoming less common, they are still used by many companies to help provide their employees with financial security in retirement. But what is a pension, exactly? And how can you make sure that you get the most...
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Changes to the SECURE Act: 3 Things You Should Know!
The changes to the original SECURE Act that originated during the pandemic are here – all 350 pages of them. I know you’re busy and don’t have time to read through all that, so here are a few things you should be...
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Bakersfield Senior Placement: Finding the Right Care for Your Loved One
Bakersfield, CA has many resources available to help the community. I was fortunate to come across Tim Kounter, Director of Placement Services with Bakersfield Senior Placement. His dedication to helping seniors and their families is...
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Concierge Medicine: The New Healthcare Trend That’s Personalizing Medicine
The healthcare system is constantly throwing changes at us, and it can be hard to keep up. Unfortunately, some of those changes don’t always feel positive – but there are some transformations happening that might make...
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A Moment of Gratitude: Thank you, Rex Athan
As we near the holiday season, I find myself in moments of gratitude thinking about my life and my work; I was fortunate enough to know someone who not only made a difference in my personal life, he changed my professional life as well...
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How Benefits Have Changed Since Covid: A Q&A with Heather Browning, MBA, CRM, CIC
With open enrollment coming up and so many companies changing their offerings, I thought it would be helpful to ask an industry professional what we should look for when it comes to our benefit selections. Colonial Benefit...
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How to Make the Most of Open Enrollment: Nov. 1 thru Dec. 15
Many times, people will sign up for benefits when they start a new job, and then they don’t think about it again until something truly life-changing happens. But the truth is, you should take a look at your benefits every year to...
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You’re Doing a Great Job with Your Finances! Here are 5 Reasons Why
You have a spending plan in place that helps you understand what’s coming in and out so you can get out and enjoy life.You’re consistently paying down your debt, starting with the highest interest rate first.You pay...
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Bitwise Industries: Removing Barriers Around Technology Education
One of the unique aspects of the Bakersfield community is how involved the community is in bettering the lives of others – and this is certainly true of Bitwise Industries. I recently reached out to Amy Thelen, SVP of City...
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Kern County Women Giving Back: Cheri Ezell
During the many years I have lived in the Kern County community, it has been a privilege to meet people who make a difference in our area. While some organizations are wonderful about marketing their message and mission, I also know of...
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Ladies, Don’t Let Time be Your Enemy. Here’s How it Can Affect Your Finances.
When it comes to saving for retirement, time can be your biggest ally or your biggest enemy, depending on when you start. And for women, time is not always on our side.
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Women Going to Work After Covid: How to Get Back on Track Financially
Since the onset of COVID-19, more than 2.3 million women have left the labor force, compared to 1.8 million men. (Source)So, for a lot of women who are thinking about going back to work, they might feel like...
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Silencing Limiting Beliefs: The First Step to Achieving your Financial Goals
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Kern County Women in STEM: An Interview with Cheryl Scott
As I mentioned in a previous blog, Kern County Women in STEM is gearing up to do amazing things for women in our local area. In this Q&A, I interview another member of the organization, Cheryl Scott, Executive Director of the...
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Kern County Women in STEM: An Interview with Melissa Morse
Throughout the years, I’ve enjoyed helping many organizations, both locally and globally. Part of my purpose is helping and mentoring others – and the Kern County Women in STEM group has been a wonderful way for me to...
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More and More Women are Handling Household Finances
I’ve been in the financial industry for over 33 years, so I’ve seen firsthand how much of the marketing for financial planning is usually targeted at the man of the house. However, my personal experience – and the...
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Retirement Planning Isn’t Just About the 401(K)
If you’ve been working over the last couple of decades, you’ve likely seen a lot of changes when it comes to retirement planning options. Our parents and grandparents often had pensions that would see them through...
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How Life Transitions Can Help Your Relationship with Money
Life transitions are usually never fun. But here’s the thing: they’re inevitable. Transitions feel like an abnormal disruption to life, but in fact they are a predictable and integral part of it. While each change may be...
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Covid Isn’t Done Yet: Make Sure You Do These 3 Things
It seems like just yesterday that we were all breathing a cautious sigh of relief, hoping that the worst of Covid was behind us. Unfortunately…that might not be the case. We’re all hearing about or experiencing first-hand...
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Kern Leadership Alliance: Helping the Community Through Faith & Leadership
I feel like one of the “themes” that’s arisen in 2021 has been renewal. We spent a year living our lives in ways that were nothing like we’ve come to expect and through that experience we’ve learned a lot...
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What Do You Wish You’d Known About Money?
According to Self.com, “Finances is one of the main reasons that students drop out of college.” And that is a statement that hits close to home for me. My upbringing was one of scarcity. Starting from the age of 15, if I...
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Women Leaders in Business
If you are or have ever been a business owner you know that it can be a lonely place to be. There are decisions that have to be made daily, often on your own, and without someone to bounce ideas off of (or even just vent to every once...
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Women & Long-Term Care: Are You Prepared?
I’m just going to be frank: when it comes to aging, much of the burden falls on women. I’m not just talking about the role as a caregiver – although that is a major worry as those around us age. I’m also talking...
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Long-Term Care Insurance: Invest in Your Aging Options
We are fortunate to live in a time where we have choices when it comes to our care and planning for the future. Some people take advantage of these options while others find it difficult to plan ahead.
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The Pandemic, Women, & Finances: Where Does Kern County Go from Here?
In our last two blogs, we’ve looked at the statistics on how the pandemic has affected women in Kern County and we’ve also taken a personal look at how this last year has affected us. Now it’s time to talk about what...
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The Pandemic, Women, & Finances: A Personal Look
“(As of June 2020) Fifty-two percent of women workers have experienced one or more impacts to their employment situation as a result of the pandemic, including reduced work hours (24%), layoffs (16%), reduced salaries (13%),...
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The Pandemic, Women, & Finances: A Look at Kern County
When it comes to women, work, and financial planning…Covid-19 was a blow we didn’t need. Pre-pandemic, the “average gender pay gap in the United States…was around 18.9%, meaning that a woman working a...
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Bakersfield Angels
Charpentier Wealth Strategies is not only dedicated to helping our clients with their financial futures, we’re also active in the community as well. That’s why when we find an organization that’s doing amazing things...
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5 Things to Consider Before Retiring Early
No matter where you stand on current issues, I think there’s one thing we can all agree on: 2020 is a year none of us will forget. Almost everyone has felt some uncertainty at some point this year – whether it’s about...
Read MorePension Lump Sum or Annuity?
Pension Lump-sum or Annuity? from Milan Torres on Vimeo.
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Getting Downsized: Your Financial Options Before and After
“Downsizing” is a word that no one likes to hear or say. If you’re the deliverer, that means your company is likely going through an economic rough patch. If you’re the receiver, you know that your lifestyle...
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What You Should Know Before Filing for Social Security
We’ve all been experiencing a lot of changes lately, but questions surrounding Social Security are nothing new. In the past, the uncertainty has been about its funding (we address that in this video: CLICK HERE), but with recent...
Read MoreIs Social Security Going Broke?
Is Social Security Going Broke? from Milan Torres on Vimeo.
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JJ’s Legacy: An Organization Changing Lives in Kern County
Finding purpose and giving back to the community is a big part of our focus at Charpentier Wealth Strategies. That’s why I’m thrilled to highlight an organization right here in Kern County: JJ’s Legacy, a non-profit...
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Planning for Retirement Isn’t Just About the Money
In my last blog post, I talked about a cause that I’m passionate about. Now, it’s time to talk about YOU and what you love to do. Here’s the thing: Retirement isn’t just about the money. It’s also about...
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Then and Now: This Will Change Us All – I Hope
Let’s be honest; financial advisors are not always known for letting down their guards and inviting people to get to know them personally. But I feel like if I want to have a personal relationship with my clients, the...
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Kern County’s Real Estate Market: Where Do We Stand?
For this blog post, we asked local realtor Tami Workman how the current crisis is affecting how people buy and sell homes. For more about Tami, please read her bio at the end of this piece. The current crisis certainly affected the...
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Here’s the Good News about Stock Market Swings
With the onset of the coronavirus and the uncertainty of the stock market, many investors are feeling on edge. But I have good news for you: we’ve been here before. While the details are different, a fluctuating stock market is...
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How to Kick-Start Your Retirement Savings
I was not always the financial professional you see before you. In fact, there was a time when I didn’t know a retirement plan from a checking account. I was not raised in a home where money was discussed, which made the options...
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Money Talks: My Experience Educating Families in Rwanda
In previous blog posts, I’ve talked about my passion for working with the organization Under His Umbrella and how the mission trips I’ve taken to Rwanda have not only affected my life, they’ve changed how I help my...
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This Year’s Tax Documents Can Help You Plan for the Future
There are two words that strike fear into the heart of every American: tax season. And, unfortunately, I can’t sugarcoat it for you – tax season isn’t fun for anyone. What I CAN do is help you make the most of your...
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Think You Don’t Have “Enough” for Financial Planning? Think Again.
There is a HUGE misconception out there that only the rich use financial advisors. The truth is that anyone at an any age can benefit from professional financial advice and the great news is that there are many options for you to...
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Funding Your Passion and Purpose
As a financial advisor, I’ve gotten pretty good at not only looking at the numbers but looking at life as a whole. And that’s not just something I do with my clients; I practice what I preach and find ways to make my own...
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Retirement Spending: 6 Lifestyle Questions We Ask Our Clients
When it comes to retirement, most people are familiar with the “planning” part and less familiar with the “spending” part. Yes, you read that correctly: Retirement spending is also a factor in retirement...
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The Possible Hidden Bonuses of the 2020 Open Enrollment Period
Chances are you might have heard that open enrollment is upon us; from November 1st through December 15th, you have the option of changing your benefits. Again, you might already know that. But do you really know what that means? Many...
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Women and Retirement Planning
Women often face special challenges when planning for retirement. Because their careers may be interrupted more often to care for children or elderly parents, women may spend less time in the workforce and earn less money than men in...
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