Quick Quiz: The Flag Day Challenge 🇺🇸
Summer in Castle Rock is always special, but 2026 is hitting a whole new level of excitement. Between America's 250th birthday and Colorado's 150th sesquicentennial, there is a lot to celebrate right here in our backyard.
To kick off the festivities, we're focusing on a day that represents our shared history and community spirit: Flag Day (June 14).
Think you're a local history buff? Take our quick 3-question challenge to find out!
The Flag Day Trivia Challenge
Question 1: The Foundation
The American flag features 13 horizontal stripes. While we know they are red and white, do you know exactly what they represent?
- A) The number of signers of the Declaration of Independence
- B) The 13 original colonies
- C) The 13 months of the original lunar calendar
Question 2: The Designer Twist
The current 50-star flag we fly today wasn't designed by a government official or a professional artist. Who was the mastermind behind the layout?
- A) A 17-year-old student for a class project
- B) A retired General from the Civil War
- C) A local seamstress in Denver
Question 3: The Ground Rule
There is a common myth that if the American flag touches the ground, it must be immediately burned or destroyed. Is this true or false?
- A) True
- B) False
Check Your Answers!
- B) The 13 original colonies. The stripes represent the foundation of our nation, much like how a strong pooled retirement plan provides a foundation for a business's future.
- A) A 17-year-old student. Robert Heft designed the flag in 1958 for a high school history project. He originally received a B- for the assignment, but his teacher changed it to an A after President Eisenhower chose the design!
- B) False. While the Flag Code states the flag should never touch the ground, if it does, you simply need to clean it and ensure it is still in good condition for display. If it is worn out or damaged beyond repair, it should then be retired in a respectful ceremony.
Join the Celebration at Festival Park
If you want to learn more about flag etiquette or need to retire a flag that has seen better days, the Town of Castle Rock is hosting a special event just for you.
- When: Sunday, June 14, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Where: Festival Park, Downtown Castle Rock
- What: Flag education and a respectful retirement drop-off.
At Castle Rock PEP, we love seeing our community come together. Whether it's celebrating a historical milestone or helping local business owners simplify their 401(k) administration, we believe in making complex things simple so you can focus on what matters most.
Happy Flag Day, Castle Rock! We'll see you at Festival Park.
This content was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and reviewed by Castle Rock Investment Company for accuracy and completeness.
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.
- How much of your income would you need to replace to maintain your lifestyle if you became disabled and couldn't work?
- How long could you wait before the disability benefits kicked in?
- How long would you want the benefits to last?
- 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.
- 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!).
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- Replacing Your Paycheck in Retirement: Use this guide to begin charting a secure future for you and yours.
- Legacy Lifeprint: Use this workbook to share your values, hopes, and memories with the next generation. It’s the ultimate love letter.
- Watch & Learn: What is your target savings rate?
