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The Financial Tool Belt

Because everyone has different priorities, and the right tool makes all the difference. Let’s tackle what’s top of mind for you today.

Credit & Savings Basics:

• Track Your Spending: Use the budgeting tool in our RightCapital software to see where your money actually goes.
• Emergency Fund: Start from exactly where you are today. No judgment—just a plan.
• The "Deep Freeze": If you aren’t applying for a loan soon, freeze your credit for protection. It’s free and smart. (Experian | Equifax | TransUnion)
• Going Back to School: Learn the basics of investing with Morningstar's free Investing Classroom.
• What is Your Target Savings Rate for Retirement? Check out Table 2 in The National Savings Rate Guidelines for Individuals
  • "We developed these savings guidelines with the hope they will be publicized, generally accepted, and that once people are aware of how much they should save they will better prepare for retirement." Dr. Ibbotson 
• Download: Annual Contribution Limits for 2025 & 2026 – Keep this handy for your next meeting with your CPA!
• Lost a prior 401(k) plan? Check out the the Department of Labor's Lost and Found Database.

College Planning:

• The Essentials: A guide from J.P. Morgan on the current rules and tools.
• The Estimators: Figure out the cost of college and your financial aid need before you get the first tuition bill.

Disability Insurance for Income Protection:

• What it is: A "backup paycheck" if you can’t work due to illness or injury.
• Why it matters: Most of us depend on our monthly income to keep the lights on. Let’s make sure you’re covered.
• NerdWallet provides a great explanation on the difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• NerdWallet also suggests asking yourself these 4 questions when shopping for long-term disability insurance.
  1. How much of your income would you need to replace to maintain your lifestyle if you became disabled and couldn't work?
  2. How long could you wait before the disability benefits kicked in?
  3. How long would you want the benefits to last?
  4. How broadly would you define "disability"?

The Gift of Certainty (Estate Planning)

Remember that Barbie moment? "Do you guys ever think about dying?" We do—but only so your loved ones don't have to worry about the logistics when the time comes.

• Disaster & Emergency Highlights: The must-haves for your "In Case of Emergency" file.
• The Basics (For Free!): Draft a Free Will or a Healthcare Power of Attorney.
• Keep it Out of Probate: This overview was built for residents of CO, WY, and NE, but it will give you a good overview of what is possible.
• Michele’s Personal Wishes: Sometimes it helps to see a real example. Click here to see how I planned my final chapter (including my "surfing in Sayulita" backup plan!).
• If You are the Survivor- We have got your back. Please download our Survivor's Checklist and let us help.

Designing Your Second Act

Retirement isn't an end—it’s a new beginning. Let’s make sure it’s a masterpiece.

• Imagine Your Ideal Day: If money wasn't a concern, how would you spend your time? Where would you live?
• How long might you live?
  • Blue Print, Blue Zones, Living to 100

• The Money Bridge: Compare your budget to your Social Security benefit. That "gap" is what your retirement savings are for!
• Income Solutions®: A lifetime income annuity marketplace with simple, streamlined tools that can help you turn your savings into a paycheck for life.
• Legacy Lifeprint: Use this workbook to share your values, hopes, and memories with the next generation. It’s the ultimate love letter.
• Watch & Learn: How do I create monthly income? | What is your target savings rate?