I wanted to share this photo of my family lighting the "Hope" candle during an Advent service at our church last month. Shine memorized several scriptures and sounded like a pro in front of nearly a thousand people. Notice I'm the only one holding my script! 

So many of us start the holiday season full of hope. But to be honest, that hope sometimes gets buried in hustle and bustle, grief, family drama, work stress, finances, retirement. Sound familiar, or am I the only one? 

Holidays can be more hurtful than hopeful, and for many, January 2nd brings a huge sigh of relief...and hope for better days ahead.

Yet so far in 2023, we've been bombarded with headlines about a recession, interest rate hikes, 40-year high inflation, and perhaps the worst news of all, the stock market had its worst year since 2008.

Is the media going overboard? Too negative? Will the market boom or bust? 

Who knows?! Do any "experts" really know? I certainly do not!

That's the reason our retirement strategy is so simple: Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst.

Showing some clients they'd earned 20-26% interest on their annuity was so much fun back in 2021. But honestly, I've enjoyed the past few months even more, and for the record, I'm not saying you should expect 26% interest!

Doom and gloom headlines have made clients a little panicky recently, dreading their statements when they come in for our Annual Strategy Session. Then I get to show show them their "safe bucket" IRA didn't lose a dime over the past year. We've never had so many tears of joy and hugs in our conference room!

Google has more than a BILLION (with a B!) links to 2023 financial predictions. I'm not exaggerating--Google it!

I have nothing to add to those billion with a B links about if or when the market could or should rise or fall so let's not waste our time with a call if you want to know what I think about your brother-in-law's cousin's crypto secrets. Can't help ya there.

But, if you want to make sure you're ready for whatever comes, then I'd love to visit with you. Helping people like you retire confidently--and STAY retired-- is what gets me to the office every morning and sometimes keeps me here 'til midnight!

Let's make sure you're hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.

Give us a call, email or click here to schedule directly on my calendar.

Wishing you your best year yet!

Emilee