Getting There

FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
FOR YOUR LIFE JOURNEY

Starting Over

Divorce is not only a legal transition – it is a financial identity transition.
Suddenly, decisions that were once made as a couple belong solely to you.

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When We Becomes Me

There are few life transitions more profound than losing a spouse.
In an instant, life changes in ways that extend far beyond grief. This was my journey!

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The Common Thread in Every New Beginning

Every Transition Has a Story:
Over the coming weeks, we will offer a 5-part series titled “Women in Transition: Rebuilding Financial Confidence After Change.”  Over the course of this series, we will explore some of life’s most significant transitions.

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AI, Uncertainty, and the Importance of Financial Planning

When Technology Changes Faster Than We Can Measure

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the economy in ways both visible and difficult to measure. Over the past several years, and most recently in our April Economic and Market Review video, we have been discussing the impact of AI with clients. These conversations often include the growing concentration within the S&P 500 among companies investing heavily in AI infrastructure, the unknown implications of future productivity gains, and the uncertainty surrounding long-term employment and career longevity.

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Designing Your Retirement

Designing Your Retirement

PART THREE:
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to volunteer on behalf of our professional association, The Financial Planning Association, at my local library.
Free financial planning sessions were offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We met for 30-minute sessions to answer whatever questions people had about their personal finances. All volunteers were kept busy.

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What Surprises People Most in the First Year of Retirement

What Surprises People Most in the First Year of Retirement

PART TWO:
Many people expect retirement to feel like crossing the finish line after a long and demanding marathon, a well-earned exhale filled with rest, freedom, and rejuvenation.

But in our experience working with clients at Gates Pass Advisors, the emotional and personal phases of retirement can be more complex than expected.

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Moving From Recognized Achievement to Retirement

Transitions with Intention

PART ONE:
Rethinking Success: The Transition into Retirement.

A recent article in the WSJ, “Career and Leadership Newsletter”, written by Carol Hymowitz, caught my attention. It shared the story of a highly successful, driven woman who described her transition into retirement, not as a gradual slowing down, but as a shift prompted by unexpected health challenges, including fractures and a minor heart attack linked to anxiety.

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When Life Changes, Your Plan Should Too

Life seldom moves in a straight line. It is a sequence of transitions, each with its own financial implications. Careers evolve, families grow, retirements begin, homes need to be sold and reset, and sometimes unexpected events change the path entirely. Each of these moments can bring financial decisions that feel complex or overwhelming.

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When Headlines Are Unsettling, A Plan Matters Most

The recent escalation of conflict involving Iran has increased geopolitical uncertainty and contributed to short-term volatility in global financial markets. When events like these unfold, markets must quickly absorb new information and attempt to assess potential economic consequences.

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Avoiding Potential RSU Tax Issues

Tax Awareness Without The Stress

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) can be a valuable part of compensation for many California professionals. But without planning, they can also create unexpected tax consequences.

The goal isn’t to create stress; it’s to create awareness.

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