Community | Castle Rock PEP

Business Spotlight

Current Spotlight

Ronia Grillos

Leather hat artisan · Castle Rock PEP member · Castle Rock Artfest exhibitor

Ronia Grillos turns full hides of leather — and the occasional exotic inlay — into one-of-a-kind, hand-finished hats. Every piece on her shelves is different: hand-tooled western crowns, beaded and braided hatbands, brims lined in contrasting leather.

She’s a member of the Castle Rock PEP community, and this fall you can see her work in person — she’s exhibiting at the Castle Rock Artfest, September 12–13 in Festival Park, alongside 110+ other artists.

Past Spotlight

Rocky Mountain Insurance Advisors

Watch our full interview with the owner, Bob Willig, on how he works to earn your trust.

Watch part 1 → · Watch part 2 →

Want a spotlight like this for your business? This is one of the ways Castle Rock PEP members get real visibility in the community — schedule a PEP Talk to learn more.

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 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 — download here.
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’ve 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.
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?

Watch the video →

Community Challenge

Starting January 1st, 2027

We invite you to test your investment knowledge and compete with your PEP peers in our Community Challenge.

WINNER PRIZE: Business Spotlight of the firm with the winning employee (or spotlight of the winning employee if preferred).

How to Win

Earn the most points from this quarter’s challenge by June 30, 2027.

Morningstar Investing Classroom	5 points per quiz certificate (if below 60%, reread course for certificate)
One-on-One Meeting with Michele	10 points per meeting, each quarter
Access your complimentary financial planning software	10 points if you create your online account
Dare to Share	10 points if you submit a picture of your current self and your future self at retirement age