Blog
What to Do With Your 401(k) When You Get Laid Off
The news that Goodyear's Fayetteville plant will close by the end of 2027 affects 1,700 workers and their families. If you're among those impacted, one of your most pressing questions is what happens to your 401(k). You'll need to move...
Read MoreABLE Accounts for Military Families
Planning for a child or family member with special needs brings unique financial challenges for military families. Between deployments, PCS moves, and the transition to civilian life, keeping benefits intact while building financial...
Read MoreI Believe I Can Fly… Even If It Starts at a Truck Stop
Finding Easter magic in melted candy, a stuffed bunny named Fluffy, and a little girl who believed she could take flight. I found myself knee-deep in plastic grass and chocolate eggs once again this year. I was assembling Easter...
Read MoreStarting a Business After Military Service
The skills you learned in the military, discipline, leadership, and problem-solving, translate naturally to business ownership. That's why veterans have historically started businesses at higher rates than their civilian peers, but...
Read MoreDetours, Donkeys, and God’s Perspective
I often find myself saying, “This is my favorite!” or “This is the best ever!” When it comes to the Bible, I read a story and think, This is my favorite story in the Bible… at least until I read the story of Esther, or about John...
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Understanding Your TSP Options When You Leave the Military
You spent years building up your Thrift Savings Plan during your military service. Now that you're transitioning to civilian life, you're faced with an important question: What do you do with that money?For service members separating...
Read MoreThe 7 Money Questions Couples Avoid (But Shouldn't)
What if you had the money talk? We dive into the 7 money conversations that couples should have before making big financial decisions together.
Read MoreMoving to Southern Pines in Retirement: What You Need to Know
If you've been dreaming about retiring somewhere with mild winters, world-class golf, and a real sense of community, Southern Pines might be calling your name. This town in North Carolina's Sandhills region has become one of the...
Read MoreOutlook 2026: The Policy Engine
LPL Research is pleased to present Outlook 2026: The Policy Engine. Their annual update offers a thorough analysis of the economy and markets, highlighting potential implications for you. I’m pleased to bring you a few of the key...
Read MoreFrom Empty Chairs to Full Hearts
As we are planning our Thanksgiving dinner this year, I can’t help but think about who will be sitting around the table. My sister, Sarah, hosts Thanksgiving at her house, and I host Christmas at mine. While figuring out seating for a...
Read MoreUnderstanding Charitable Giving: What North Carolina Donors Should Know
Charitable giving is deeply personal, and the right approach depends on your financial situation, tax circumstances, and philanthropic goals. Whether you're in Fayetteville, Southern Pines, or anywhere in North Carolina, understanding...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Fayetteville and Southern Pines Small Businesses
While you're supporting small businesses as a customer, are you taking care of your own business's financial health? Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, year-end is the perfect time to review your business...
Read MoreA Sweet Lesson in Trust
Many of you are new clients to Michael and me. With the Fidelis acquisition in Southern Pines, you do not know us yet, and you are trusting us with your life savings, retirement, and financial future. We do not take that lightly. Trust is a
Read MoreSay Good-Bye to Summer and Hello to Historically Weak September
As summer winds down, the financial world remains focused primarily on the Federal Reserve (Fed). At last month’s Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled the Fed seems ready to cut interest rates later this...
Read MoreGood Life Financial Advisors of NC Expands to Southern Pines
Good Life Financial Advisors of NC, a leading wealth management firm with over 40 years of experience, announces the acquisition of a local financial advisory practice, Fidelis Financial, and the opening of a new office location in...
Read MoreI Need Help
There. I said it. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me. I’ve always been what you might call fiercely independent. Like, lift-the-washer-by-myself-in-flip-flops kind of independent. I was DIY-ing before YouTube existed and way...
Read MoreResilient Markets Amid Economic Crosscurrent
The last few days of July and the beginning of August have brought a flurry of key economic data, central bank activity, company earnings results, and tariff news. Here are some takeaways from the week of July 28: Slowing U.S. economy...
Read MoreDaddy’s Hands (or Hand)
When my father was a teenager, he had an accident with a piece of farm machinery. Let’s just say that after that tragic event, the highest number he could count to on his right hand, including his thumb, was… well, one. And yes...
Read MoreHow to Talk to Your Kids About Wealth and Inheritance This Summer
Summer often brings families together—longer visits, vacations, and family gatherings that create opportunities for meaningful conversations. For high-net-worth families, it’s also the perfect season to begin (or continue) an essential, oft
Read MoreVolatility Likely to Bring Opportunities As Trade Uncertainty Continues
As June begins, markets continue to navigate a complex landscape shaped by trade policy shifts, an uncertain economic and earnings outlook, and bond market headwinds. Several key developments in recent weeks may have implications for...
Read MoreFear Screams, Faith Whispers
We don’t have to let fear call the shots. In fact, maybe we can redefine it. FEAR: Face Everything And Rise...
Read MoreA Mother’s Heart
I attended a wedding this past weekend where my youngest son Nolan was the best man. The groom’s mother, Joann and I are also very close friends—we met when their family moved to a farm near ours in Upstate New York and bonded quickly....
Read MoreNavigating Uncertainty: Reflections This Easter Season
This time of year is often filled with reflection on renewal, on hope, and on the moments that challenge our belief in both. Think of a time in history when expectations were high, momentum was building, and people were inspired to...
Read MoreA Gut Check Moment for Markets – and Investors
Markets are volatile, but your plan is built for this. Headlines, not fundamentals, are driving the dip. Avoid emotional decisions—staying invested is key. We're here to help you stay focused and explore potential opportunities amid the noi
Read More6 Questions to Ask During a Market Downturn
As current markets demonstrate, market volatility is an unavoidable part of investing. While it can feel unsettling, it also provides an opportunity to reassess your financial strategy and ensure you're on track toward your long-term...
Read MoreClient Letter | Tariff Transition | March 5, 2025
Explore how a moderating U.S. economy, declining inflation pressures, and strong corporate earnings create a positive investment landscape for 2025, despite tariff uncertainties and shifting market leadership.
Read MoreCasting with Katie: Baby Valentine and Her Bucket of Hearts
When I was born my parents had not settled on a name and, as I was born on February 14th, the nurses wrote on the hospital bassinet card “Baby Valentine” where my name should be written.
Read MoreClient Letter | AI Advances and Tariff Tactics
The new month brings two major market-moving stories to digest. First is the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) by Chinese startup DeepSeek. It has caused some investors to question America’s lead in the AI race and American...
Read MoreCasting With Katie: 5 Ways To Find the Sunshine
This may come as a surprise to you, but even I can get a little down in the winter. I am a sunny and 80s kinda girl so these long, cold, dark winter days can tend to get me a little blah. One of the biggest causes of the Winter Blues...
Read More7 Tax Planning Tips to Start the New Year Right
The New Year is here, bringing fresh goals, new opportunities—and, yes, tax season. As your financial advisor, I’m here to help you create a financial plan that works toward your goals while keeping tax efficiency in mind.As you...
Read MoreJanuary Client Letter | Another Strong Year for Stocks | January 8, 2025
Discover key takeaways from the stock market's 2024 success, including lessons on market trends, earnings growth, and long-term investing. Prepare for 2025 with insights on economic growth, corporate profits, and investment strategies.
Read MoreLPL Research’s Outlook 2025 | Pragmatic Optimism | December 10, 2024
Outlook 2025 | Pragmatic Optimism | December 10, 2024 Outlook 2025 provides in-depth analyses and insights from LPL Research’s leadership team to help you prepare for the upcoming year. READ MORE Tracking #658532 (Exp. 12/25)
Read More5 Year-End Financial Planning Tips to Prepare for the New Year
With Christmas upon us and the New Year’s around the corner, it’s the perfect time to review your finances to maximize the efficiency of your resources. These tips are not one-size-fits-all; what works best depends on your situation....
Read MorePost-Election Insights and the Start of the Holiday Season
Stop me if you've heard this one before: “You may care more about the outcome of the presidential election than your portfolio.” Now that the election season is behind us, it’s a good time to reflect on what the results might mean for...
Read MoreThe Reality of Long-Term Care: A Personal and Financial Perspective
When I became a caregiver for my mom last year, the experience opened my eyes to the realities of long-term care. Even with a sister to share the responsibilities, I found myself struggling to balance caregiving duties with my personal...
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