Intelligent Investing

Insightful. Independent. Innovative.

Hans Blake, CFA, CPA

The Best Valentine’s Day Gift Isn’t in a Box

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

No one wants to admit they are struggling. We all have pride and want to put on an appearance that our marriages are perfect. Social media has exacerbated this facade.

I had a conversation with a spouse that reminded me of a much deeper expression of love: the gift of unity.

This person reached out to me deeply concerned about the state of their marriage and finances. As we talked, it became clear that the primary source of their anxiety wasn’t just the balance in the bank account—it was the fact that they and their spouse were no longer walking in the same direction. 

They are not alone. Almost half of couples avoid money talks because they’re afraid of conflict. We get it. Marriage is hard work.

Communicating with our spouse can be tough, especially when it comes to money. It can bring out some strong emotions. But those conversations if done in the right way, are where deeper connection (and stronger marriages) actually happen.

 

Beyond the “Roommate”

In Genesis 2:24, we find the foundational blueprint for marriage:

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

This “leaving and cleaving” is often applied to our family connections and our living arrangements, but it must extend to our finances as well. When we maintain “his and hers” money or keep financial secrets, we are essentially resisting the call to become “one flesh.” We inadvertently become financial roommates instead of spiritual partners.

Walking in Agreement

The Bible asks in Amos 3:3:

Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

When a couple isn’t in agreement on their finances, they are walking toward two different futures. This division is where stress thrives. However, when you choose total financial transparency and shared goals:

  • The Burden is Shared: You no longer face debt or inflation alone.
  • Trust is Fortified: Transparency in the checkbook builds trust in the heart.
  • Peace is Multiplied: As Mark 3:25 suggests, a house united is a house that stands firm.

This Valentine’s Day, while the chocolate and flowers are wonderful, I want to encourage you to give the gift of alignment. True financial unity turns a solitary struggle into a shared mission.

Let’s Get on the Same Page

If money has become a source of friction rather than a tool for your future, my wife and I would love to help. Our passion is to minimize financial stress and maximize lives. We love getting couples on the same page financially and working towards joint goals.

As a husband-and-wife advisory team at Intelligent Investing, we have a unique passion for helping couples bridge the gap. We believe that when you align your finances with your faith and your spouse, you experience a level of peace that no candlelit dinner can provide. Over the past 10 years or so, we have been helping couples transition into retirement, not only financially, but emotionally as well. 

We believe that when you get your finances right, it strengthens the very fabric of your marriage. It takes work, but it is worth the effort.

Ready to get on the same page? We would love to help you build a unified plan for your future.

Get Started!

 

Disclosure: This blog may reflect the perspectives and research of Intelligent Investing and, where applicable, incorporates insights from guest interviews or expert opinions. Any external views or opinions shared do not necessarily reflect the stance of Intelligent Investing. We may also utilize tools such as ChatGPT to enhance readability, grammar, and flow, while all core ideas remain proprietary to our firm.
Please note that Intelligent Investing does not provide specific tax or legal advice. All investments carry risks, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any specific securities, sectors, or investment strategies mentioned are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation. We encourage readers to consult with Intelligent Investing for advice tailored to their unique financial situation. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited without proper credit to Intelligent Investing.

Don’t Blow a Halftime Lead: The “Common Sense” Annuity Trap

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

The legendary rivalry of the recent UNC vs. Duke buzzer-beater is a masterclass in why you play until the very last second. For nearly 40 minutes, the Tar Heels were down. They trailed for the entire first half and 19 minutes and 59 seconds of the second.

​With 7 minutes to go, the models gave Duke an approximate 95% chance of victory. But the only scoreboard that mattered was the one that read “UNC 71 – Duke 68” after Tarheel Seth Trimble made a clutch 3-pointer in the corner with 0.4 seconds to win the game. 

​Sports fanatics call that a legendary comeback. 

In your financial life, it’s a warning: Halftime leads don’t matter if you make a split-second mistake at the finish line of your retirement.

​The Subtle Rivalry: You vs. the “Common Sense” Narrative

​You hear it every day on the radio and see it on TV—the loud pitches for “guaranteed” products that claim to be the only “common sense” way to protect your retirement. It’s easy for a family member to fall into this trap, especially when a slick insurance salesman makes a complicated annuity contract sound like a “sure thing.”

​But as the CFA Institute often points out, what sounds like “common sense” in a 30-second commercial can be a strategic disaster for high-net-worth families:

  • ​The Tax Penalty on Your Legacy: This is the most dangerous “blind spot.” Unlike traditional investments that benefit from lower capital gains rates and a “stepped-up basis” at death, annuity gains are often taxed at higher ordinary income rates. Passing an annuity to the next generation can inadvertently hand the government a massive portion of your family’s wealth.
  • ​The Performance Ceiling: Many of these products utilize “caps” that act like a coach benching his star players the moment they start scoring. If the market grows 20%, but your return is capped at 5%, you aren’t winning—you’re losing the compounding growth required to stay ahead of inflation.
  • ​The Liquidity Trap: A championship team needs to be nimble. Most of these “guaranteed” contracts are illiquid, locking your capital away behind hefty surrender charges. If your family needs to pivot, your money is stuck on the bench.

​Don’t Turnover the Final Possession

​At Intelligent Investing, we see these “common sense” mistakes frequently. One split-second decision with a salesman can ruin a whole generation’s wealth.

​That is why we offer a specialized “Annuity Rescue Program.” We help families analyze these complex contracts to see if they are truly serving their long-term goals or simply serving the insurance company.

​If you have $1M–$10M in investable assets and want to ensure your wealth—and your family values—are passed carefully to the next generation, don’t settle for a catchy slogan.

​Reach out to our team today for a complimentary call and no pressure second opinion. 

Let’s use our proprietary Intelligrations® framework to build a playbook that ensures you’re leading when the final buzzer sounds.

Get Started!

 

Disclosure: This blog may reflect the perspectives and research of Intelligent Investing and, where applicable, incorporates insights from guest interviews or expert opinions. Any external views or opinions shared do not necessarily reflect the stance of Intelligent Investing. We may also utilize tools such as ChatGPT to enhance readability, grammar, and flow, while all core ideas remain proprietary to our firm.
Please note that Intelligent Investing does not provide specific tax or legal advice. All investments carry risks, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any specific securities, sectors, or investment strategies mentioned are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation. We encourage readers to consult with Intelligent Investing for advice tailored to their unique financial situation. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited without proper credit to Intelligent Investing.

The $1.25 Trillion Merger and the Myth of the “Retirement-Free” Future

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

The financial world woke up today, February 2, 2026, to news that feels like it was ripped from a science fiction novel: SpaceX has officially acquired xAI in a massive merger valuing the combined entity at an estimated $1.25 trillion. Elon Musk’s vision is to create a “vertically integrated innovation engine” that includes launching orbital data centers powered by solar energy to scale AI beyond Earth’s limits.

This news comes on the heels of Musk’s recent “financial bombshell” where he advised listeners to stop “squirreling money away” for retirement because AI-driven abundance will soon make savings irrelevant. 

 Don’t worry about squirreling money away for retirement in 10 or 20 years. It won’t matter. – Elon Musk

At Intelligent Investing, we have a simple response: We completely disagree.

While we celebrate innovation, we believe that betting your family’s future on a technological utopia is a dangerous departure from the timeless principles that actually build wealth.

A Century of Broken “Abundance” Promises

Elon Musk isn’t the first wealthy visionary to predict the end of the “economic problem.” History is littered with similar, well-intentioned predictions that failed to account for human nature and economic reality.

  • The 15-Hour Workweek: In 1930, economist John Maynard Keynes famously predicted that by 2030, technology would be so advanced that we would only need to work 15 hours a week. He believed our biggest challenge would be what to do with all our leisure time. We are four years away from that deadline, yet most of us are busier than ever.
  • The “Everyone Ought to be Rich” Trap: In August 1929, just months before the Great Crash, financier John J. Raskob argued in Ladies’ Home Journal that “everyone ought to be rich” through simple, systematic stock investment. While his math on the power of the market was sound, he underestimated the behavioral gap—the emotional panic that causes investors to sell when markets get scary.

Wealthy prognosticators often underestimate the persistence of human needs and the “inappropriate behavioral proclivities” that cause the average investor to capture much less than half of their potential returns.

Born to Be Productive

We disagree with the idea that retirement is simply “waiting for abundance.” At Intelligent Investing, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that humans are born to be productive.

  • Productivity as Purpose: We believe we all have purposes in life and have been given money to help accomplish these purposes while building relationships.
  • The Freedom to Choose: We don’t save just to stop working; we save to have the freedom to choose work that fulfills our life’s purposes and maximizes our life.
  • A “Crisis of Meaning”: A future of pure “leisure” often leads to a crisis of purpose. We believe in maintaining a positive outlook—optimism as the only realism—but we prepare for that future with a disciplined plan.

The Cold, Hard Math of Compounding

Musk suggests that in 10 or 20 years, your savings won’t matter. This ignores the most powerful force in finance: compounding interest. * The Cost of Delay: Starting early may matter more than increasing savings later. For example, someone starting at age 25 and saving $250 a month at a 3% rate could have $229,297 by age 65; starting at 45 with the same amount yields only $81,713.

  • Exponential Growth: Compounding allows your money to earn returns on past returns, creating a “snowball effect” that grows exponentially over time.
  • The Danger of “Waiting”: By not acting today, you lose the one asset you can never buy back: Time. Even stopping just five years earlier can reduce a long-term nest egg by one-third.

Don’t Let the Headlines Drive Your Plan

The $1.25 trillion SpaceX-xAI merger is a fascinating piece of news, but it shouldn’t be your investment strategy. Our value at Intelligent Investing is acting as your behavioral coach—helping you ignore the “siren songs” and headlines that distract from your long-term goals.

We are planners, not prognosticators. We don’t bet on when “orbital data centers” will change the world; we bet on discipline, transparency, and accountability.

If you are an executive or professional still working and saving for your retirement, don’t let the noise distract you. Download our complimentary e-book entitled, ‘Is Your Portfolio on Track’ to ensure your plan is built on principles, not predictions

Download Here!

 

Disclosure: This blog may reflect the perspectives and research of Intelligent Investing and, where applicable, incorporates insights from guest interviews or expert opinions. Any external views or opinions shared do not necessarily reflect the stance of Intelligent Investing. We may also utilize tools such as ChatGPT to enhance readability, grammar, and flow, while all core ideas remain proprietary to our firm.
Please note that Intelligent Investing does not provide specific tax or legal advice. All investments carry risks, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any specific securities, sectors, or investment strategies mentioned are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation. We encourage readers to consult with Intelligent Investing for advice tailored to their unique financial situation. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited without proper credit to Intelligent Investing.

Is Your “Financial Junk Drawer” Blocking Your Next Act?

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

I still own the gold Tag Heuer my grandfather was given by his employer upon his retirement, along with a two-week, all-expenses-paid vacation to Hawaii. In his generation, that watch was a universal symbol of a job well done—the final period at the end of a long career. But today, retirement isn’t just about winding down; it’s about a “third act” that requires a new kind of preparation.

A powerful recent Wall Street Journal article, “The Retirement Crisis No One Warns You About: Mattering,” explores how many professionals are stunned by the loss of identity that follows a 40-year career. While standard financial planning focuses on your “wealthspan” (the assets you accumulate) and your “healthspan” (staying physically well), we often neglect our sense of mattering—the deep-seated human need to feel seen, useful, and essential in this next chapter of life.

A Barrier to Meaning

At Intelligent Investing, we believe all successful long-term investing is goal-oriented and therefore planning-driven. However, it is incredibly difficult to focus on your “Why” when you are drowning in “financial noise”. We frequently see clients arrive with what we call a “financial junk drawer“: a scattered collection of assets, accounts, and old decisions that add unnecessary stress to their lives.

We recently helped a couple in this exact position. They were approaching retirement with:

  • Two current 401(k)s at their current employers.
  • Two neglected Roth IRAs managed by an advisor they no longer trusted.
  • Complex debentures that clouded their “big-picture” lens.

They weren’t just stressed about the math; they were experiencing decision fatigue. Instead of dreaming about how to use their time, talents, and money to help those in need, they were worried about whether they were taking on the wrong amount of risk.

Integrating the Math to Focus on the Mission

Our mission is to minimize your financial stress so you can maximize your life. Using our proprietary Intelligrations® process, we intelligently integrate your goals, risk, and portfolio to provide a clear, real-time snapshot of where you stand.

One of the most powerful aspects of Intelligrations® is that it allows us to proactively monitor, manage, and even trade “held-away” assets—like those current 401(k) accounts—while you are still working. For this couple, that meant:

  • Unifying the Portfolio: We organized their “junk drawer” into a single view, allowing them to see their active 401(k)s alongside their other investments in real-time.
  • Maximizing Contributions: We provided specific tax advice to help them maximize their Roth and 401(k) contributions, ensuring their “hurdle rate” was lowered so returns could compound faster.

Finding Hidden Value: We identified a homestead exemption they were unaware of, putting money back into their pockets that could be redirected toward their family legacy.

Your Behavioral Coach and Accountability Partner

Technical organization is just the first step. We believe the dominant determinant of long-term, real-life returns is the behavior of the client and the advisor. At Intelligent Investing, we act as prudent behavioral coaches, helping you ignore the “noise and siren songs” that are always blaring so you can stay focused on what truly matters.

By serving as your financial accountability partner, we take the emotional weight of “managing the money” off your shoulders. This liberates you to focus on the things a computer can never do: sharing in the joy of an achievement, building deeper relationships, and fulfilling your life’s purpose.

If the math is in order, the meaning can follow. When your finances are nimble and integrated, you finally have the mental energy to be “useful” again.

Is Your Portfolio on Track?

If you are an executive, professional, or pre-retiree saving for the future, ensuring your “junk drawer” is organized is the first step toward a successful retirement. To see if your current strategy aligns with your long-term goals, consider downloading our complimentary e-book, “Is Your Portfolio on Track,” by clicking here.

We’d love to help minimize your financial stress in your life by organizing your “financial junk drawers.” Click here to schedule a complimentary call or coffee to get started.

Join Our Newsletter!

 

Disclosure: This blog may reflect the perspectives and research of Intelligent Investing and, where applicable, incorporates insights from guest interviews or expert opinions. Any external views or opinions shared do not necessarily reflect the stance of Intelligent Investing. We may also utilize tools such as ChatGPT to enhance readability, grammar, and flow, while all core ideas remain proprietary to our firm.
Please note that Intelligent Investing does not provide specific tax or legal advice. All investments carry risks, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any specific securities, sectors, or investment strategies mentioned are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation. We encourage readers to consult with Intelligent Investing for advice tailored to their unique financial situation. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited without proper credit to Intelligent Investing.

Leadership Lessons: Culture, Accountability, & Growth with Mike Meilinger

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In this episode of Intelligent Money Minute, Hans Blake sits down with Mike Meilinger, managing partner of Meilinger Consulting, to unpack the leadership lessons that have shaped him over the last couple decades. Mike is quick to admit these lessons were not learned from theory alone, but through real mistakes and hard-earned experience.

Here are a few of Mike’s most powerful takeaways for business owners who want to lead better, build stronger teams, and grow the right way.

Be Positive, But Hold People Accountable

Mike points to How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie as a timeless reminder that leadership is deeply tied to people skills. In today’s work environment, he believes positivity matters more than ever, but it cannot come at the expense of accountability.

Mike shares a principle he adopted as a core value: love and accountability. In practice, that means caring about people as humans while still holding the standard.

Lead By Example And Lead With Transparency

One of Mike’s strongest beliefs is that leadership is visible. Your team watches what you do more than they listen to what you say. That’s why he emphasizes leading by example and staying transparent, especially with the numbers.

He encourages business owners to share key performance indicators with their teams, because people want to know what winning looks like and how the business is performing.

Empower High Performers, Coach Everyone Else Up

Mike highlights something that surprises many owners: high performers only represent about 14 percent of the workforce.

Because of that, leaders need to think differently about how they manage their team:

Empower your top performers and avoid micromanaging them. Coach your solid performers so they grow into confident, self led contributors.

Mike’s goal is simple: keep developing people until more of the team becomes the kind of player you can trust with real ownership.

Repeat Yourself More Than You Think You Need To

One of the most practical lessons Mike shares is also one of the most overlooked:

You have to repeat yourself. Over and over.

He explains that leaders often assume something has been communicated clearly just because it was said once. But in real organizations, repetition is what turns values and processes into habits.

Even with something as basic as following up with clients, Mike emphasizes that leaders have to reinforce the standard, and sometimes that means pushing past email and picking up the phone or sending a text.

Culture Will Form, Even If You Do Nothing

Mike also warns business owners about a major blind spot: culture is never neutral.

If you do not create culture intentionally, it will create itself.

And when culture slips, the impact shows up fast: losing key employees, losing clients, and dealing with internal dysfunction that drains the business.

Choose Conflict Today, Or Live With Dysfunction Tomorrow

Mike closes with a quote he likes from Dan Martell:

You can have conflict today and dysfunction tomorrow.

Leadership often requires addressing the hard thing early, even when it feels uncomfortable. Mike’s view is that great leaders do not avoid discomfort, they learn to seek it, because that is where growth happens.

More From Mike Meilinger

Please be sure to subscribe to our podcasts as we will be interviewing Mike on upcoming podcasts where he shares valuable insights on how proactive tax planning, disciplined financial behavior, and long-term business strategy can create lasting success.

Mike Meilinger Bio

Mike Meilinger is the leader and visionary of Meilinger. He’s worked in public accounting since 1995. He has earned over 10 prof designations and his claim to fame is that he’s never failed a professional exam.

Mike’s passion is people. His “why” is he believes that every business owner should have a spiritual vision and that vision should be how they impact the lives of the people they serve. Mike’s vision is to dramatically impact the lives of his customers, his employees, and his vendors.

Outside of work, Mike loves working out and staying healthy. He’s tremendously committed to lifelong learning and is always studying things he thinks can help his clients and his employees get to the next level.

A Strategic Growth Story: How Acquisitions Fueled Success

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Some business stories are loud. This one is not.

It is a story about a company that rode a massive kerosene wave, watched that wave fade, and still found a path to grow. Not by guessing the future perfectly, but by making one early decision that created options, then having the discipline to follow the market where it actually went.

When Y2K Turned Kerosene Into A Boom

Kerosene hit its peak around Y2K. In 1999, fear was everywhere. People thought electronics would fail, lights would go out, and basic needs like heat and cooking would become a problem overnight.

So demand exploded. The company sold huge volumes of kerosene heaters, fuel cans, and related products. At one point, they sold roughly 100,000 portable cookstoves because customers believed it might be their only way to cook and stay warm.

Then the moment passed.

Y2K came and went, and kerosene continued to dwindle year after year. Eventually, the decline became so clear that in 2023 the company sold off the kerosene division.

The 1993 Decision That Changed Everything

Here is the part that matters most. In 1993, the company was asked to consider selling gas products like gas logs, fireplaces, and wall heaters.

At the time, it was a big step. But it fit the same customer base. It was adjacent. It made sense.

In 1999, the business mix was still heavily weighted toward kerosene at about 97 percent kerosene and 3 percent gas. Over the next decade plus, that mix flipped completely. For the last 10 to 15 years, it has been essentially all gas and barely any kerosene.

That is what adaptation looks like when it is done with patience. You do not need to abandon the core. You need to build a second engine before the first one stalls.

Growth Through Strategic Acquisitions & Regional Strength

This is also a competitive industry. There are large players and plenty of regional distributors who focus on a two to three-state footprint and win through service and relationships.

The company leaned into scale by acquiring regional competitors and turning those acquisitions into real operating hubs. Two key examples were Kentucky and Texas, where they now run full operations:

In Mount Sterling, Kentucky, they operate a 68,000 square foot facility. In Texas, they operate a 150,000 square foot facility shipping product every day. They also maintain a smaller warehouse in Florida to serve that market.

This is not acquisition for acquisition sake. It is acquisition tied to distribution, service levels, and operational reach.

Optionality, Focus, and People

This story maps cleanly to intelligent investing principles.

First, temporary spikes are not the same as durable demand. Y2K was real, but it was not permanent.

Second, small decisions can create massive optionality. That 1993 gas expansion started as a minority of the business and became the business.

Third, disciplined focus matters. Selling the kerosene division in 2023 is not a loss. It is clarity. It is making the business match reality.

And finally, people are the multiplier. Scott describes looking at his team in biweekly meetings and still feeling energized by the work: “I still enjoy getting up in the morning and coming to work.”

That is not just sentiment. It is a signal. Businesses that keep adapting usually have leaders and teams that can execute change without losing their identity.

More From Scott Groves

Please be sure to subscribe to our podcasts as we will be interviewing Scott on upcoming podcasts where he shares valuable insights on principles of stewardship, adaptability, and long-term thinking that drive both business and investing success.

Scott Groves Bio

Scott Groves is the Chief Executive Officer of CUI Distribution, a leading heating products supplier headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. With more than four decades of experience in the industry, Scott has guided CUI through significant growth and transformation since taking over the family business founded by his father in 1978.

Under his leadership, CUI has expanded from its origins in kerosene heaters and cans to become a trusted distributor serving residential, commercial, and industrial heating markets across the nation. Known for his practical leadership style and deep commitment to customer service, Scott emphasizes innovation, reliability, and family values as the foundation of CUI’s success.

 

“Trump Accounts” May Not Be What They Seem (Before You Open One, Read This)

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Every time a new financial account or piece of legislation hits the news, the headlines are designed to create a sense of urgency, excitement, and opportunity. This is exactly what is happening with the new Qualified Savings Accounts (QSAs), often referred to as “Trump Accounts“.

As an investor, you might be asking: Is this the next big thing? Should I open one? Should I stop funding my existing college savings plans?

At Intelligent Investing, we believe a significant part of our value is helping you ignore the “noise and siren songs that are always blaring” in the media. The difference between successful long-term investing and unsuccessful market-oriented investing is simple: successful investing is goal-oriented and planning-driven.

This new account is a classic example of why having a financial accountability partner is vital. We believe our ability to coach and hold you accountable is one of the most under-appreciated, yet most valuable things an advisor can provide clients.

The Temptation of the New Financial Fad & Its Caveats

The new QSA is certainly a headline-grabber. It is structured somewhat like a custodial Traditional IRA, but with unique rules.

Key details and caveats to consider before you rush to open one:

  • Contributions & Government Seed: Families can contribute up to $5,000 annually per child. Crucially, there are no income limits to contribute. The government provides a $1,000 seed deposit for certain children.
  • The Big Lockup: Generally, no withdrawals are allowed from the account until the beneficiary turns 18. The money is locked up during the child’s most formative years.
  • Tax Caveat: QSA contributions are after-tax (non-deductible). The funds grow tax-deferred. Once the account converts to an IRA at age 18, withdrawals of the earnings are taxed as ordinary income, not at the lower capital gains rate.
  • Limited Investments: During the child’s minor years, the account must be invested in one or more low-cost diversified U.S. stock index funds.

QSA vs. 529 Plan

When considering a savings vehicle for a child’s education, the battle-tested 529 plan still offers clear and powerful tax advantages. The choice between them depends entirely on your specific goals.

Feature 529 Plan (Education-Focused) Qualified Savings Account (QSA)
Tax Treatment on Withdrawals Tax-Free growth and Tax-Free withdrawals for qualified education expenses. Withdrawals of earnings are taxed as Ordinary Income.
Contribution Limits Ultra-high federal limits, with state limits often $300k – $500k+ per beneficiary. Limited to $5,000 per year in private contributions.
Access/Liquidity Controlled by the parent/owner; withdrawals permitted anytime for qualified expenses. Funds are generally inaccessible until the beneficiary turns 18.
Investment Flexibility Wide range of mutual funds and portfolios are offered by the state plan. Limited to U.S. Stock Index Funds during the minor years.

Intelligently Integrating Your Financial Life

A new account is simply another entry in your “financial junk drawer”. If you have a separate plan for your 529s, one for your current employer’s 401(k), and another for your new QSA, how do you know if they are all working efficiently together?

As our clients’ advisors, we act as the quarterback for their entire financial picture. We use our proprietary financial technology, Intelligrations®, to organize their financial “junk drawer” and focus on the important financial measurements that matter.

This includes:

  • Managing Held-Away Assets: We proactively monitor, manage, and trade our clients’ held-away assets, such as their 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, to ensure they align with their overall strategy. We believe an annual static review is not enough.
  • Aligning Risk: We ensure our clients’ entire portfolio is aligned with their personalized risk number. This prevents them from panicking and helps them control their emotions during volatile market cycles.
  • Minimizing Fees (Including Taxes): We help with proper tax location to ensure their money is working as efficiently as possible, minimizing the biggest fee—taxes.

We cannot control the markets or how long you may live. However, by investing prudently, managing risks, and coaching you to control your emotions, we may provide a smoother path on this journey called life.

Ready to Minimize Your Financial Stress?

Don’t let market noise and new financial fads distract you from your long-term goals. If you’re ready to get organized and minimize your financial stress so you can maximize your life, the next step is simple:

We’d love to help minimize your financial stress in your life by organizing your “financial junk drawers.” Click here to schedule a complimentary call or coffee to get started.

Join Our Newsletter!

 

Disclosure: This blog may reflect the perspectives and research of Intelligent Investing and, where applicable, incorporates insights from guest interviews or expert opinions. Any external views or opinions shared do not necessarily reflect the stance of Intelligent Investing. We may also utilize tools such as ChatGPT to enhance readability, grammar, and flow, while all core ideas remain proprietary to our firm.
Please note that Intelligent Investing does not provide specific tax or legal advice. All investments carry risks, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any specific securities, sectors, or investment strategies mentioned are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation. We encourage readers to consult with Intelligent Investing for advice tailored to their unique financial situation. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited without proper credit to Intelligent Investing.

Top Tips to Keep Your Financial New Year’s Resolutions

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Top Tips to Keep Your Financial New Year’s Resolutions

If you are like me, it is easy to set a bunch of new year’s resolutions for the new year, only to struggle to keep them until the end of January. Did you know that making New Year’s resolutions possibly started 4,000 years ago by the ancient Babylonians? And I bet they didn’t do a good job of keeping their resolutions either. In fact, I saw a t-shirt that said, “My new year’s resolution is to do last year’s resolution, which was also the previous year’s resolution. Today, I’d like to share with you a resource that should help you as you consider making your New Year’s resolutions. Though the following video was created last year, the truths mentioned are still true.

New Year’s Resolution Facts

This is the time of year where most people make New Year’s Resolutions. According to the University of Scranton, only 8% of those who make New Year’s resolutions actually keep them. In fact, research conducted by Strava using over 800 million user-logged activities in 2019 predicts the day most people are likely to give up on their New Year’s Resolution is January 19. Well that’s depressing. Wouldn’t it be better to just not have resolutions, that way there isn’t the associated guilt of not keeping them? 

As Zig Ziglar says, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” 

I’ve found that one of the best ways to meet your financial goals is to break them down into smaller chunks. 

I tend to start with writing down annual goals (including some stretch goals) that are a little beyond my reach. 

Let’s say you want to pay off a $50,000 loan next year, you can break that down into quarters, months, and even paychecks. Remember, there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.

Financial Freedom Calendar

Intelligent Investing believes in minimizing financial stress to maximize your lives. We created this financial freedom plan that includes monthly tasks as well as things to consider buying and things to avoid buying each month. 

For example, the Financial Freedom calendar suggests that in January you should consider automation. Recently, I decided to automate all my bills to be paid and I can already tell you that the stress has been reduced instead of wondering, did I already pay that bill? When is that one due? 

We love organizing our clients’ “financial junk drawers” and would love to organize yours as well. Feel free to share this Financial Freedom Plan with others.

A Resolution You Can Keep

One last resolution to consider…becoming more financially educated. You can start by simply subscribing to our Intelligent Insights Newsletter. You can also subscribe to our Intelligent Money Minute podcasts.

If you are ready to get some accountability partner and are looking for a new financial advisor, we’d love to have a complimentary call or coffee with you. Click here to get started.

 

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