ClearVista Advisors

Where there's a will there's a way. Don't leave your estate unattended—update your documents.

Will AI eventually make your financial decisions for you? Nearly every day, I talk or read something about AI’s expanded role in one industry or another. As a financial professional, I often think about the impact and implications AI could have on the entire financial services industry. While AI can help automate certain back-office tasks, can it replace the irreplaceable—the human factor? My perspective ➡️ No. Creating a financial strategy is deeply personal. It’s more than mere number crunching. It’s about understanding individual circumstances, fears, hopes, and dreams. AI refines services by quickly analyzing data, yet it cannot empathize and navigate emotional decision-making. My perspective: AI is a tool, not the ultimate solution. A financial strategy requires a level of human connection and understanding. As we leverage AI, we will remember to uphold the human touch that tech can’t replicate. What are your thoughts on the role of AI’s expanding role in various industries? I would love to hear your insights. #AI #FinancialStrategy #DigitalTransformation #PersonalTouch

September is World Alzheimer’s Month. Alzheimer’s affects many of us, whether through a family member, friend, or loved one. The impacts are not only emotional and physical but also financial. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that the total lifetime cost of care for someone with Alzheimer’s is nearly $350,000. Also, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia account for 70% of the time people spend in assisted living or extended-care facilities. These numbers may be daunting, but they emphasize the urgency and necessity of financial preparation. I want to help ensure that families prepare for these possible challenges. My general guidance: 1️⃣ Start Early: Begin considering extended-care insurance when you’re younger, as premiums may be more manageable. 2️⃣ Strategize: Balance your retirement savings plan to consider not only a comfortable life post-retirement but also potential healthcare costs. 3️⃣ Consult: Engage a financial professional to better understand the implications and develop a strategy that prioritizes care and security. Please feel free to contact me for a conversation about how to begin preparing for your loved ones. #WorldAlzheimersMonth

If you’re flying over Thanksgiving, it’s time to book your flights! I recently read that the sweet spot for optimal pricing is typically about three months in advance for Thanksgiving, and that’s now! According to the Transportation Security Administration, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day for U.S. airports, and the day before Thanksgiving isn’t far behind. It’s also one of the most expensive times to fly, so I thought I would share some tips that might help with your holiday travel: 1) Purchase your tickets on a Tuesday or Wednesday. These can be the best days for deals. 2) Mid-morning and late afternoons are usually the busiest times to fly and, therefore, typically the most expensive. Opt for a very early morning or redeye flight for a better price. 3) I’ve grown to love using Google Flights to compare airlines, flight times, and ticket prices all in one place. 4) Consider using a credit card with travel benefits when booking your trip, which can result in savings or additional perks. 5) And if possible, travel on non-peak days. Hard to believe it will be Thanksgiving before we know it! I hope these tips prove helpful! I’m always looking for ways to help my clients make better decisions that positively impact their financial health. Whether it is long-term savings, a big trip or purchase, or day-to-day expenses, they all contribute to your financial well-being. #ThanksgivingTravel #TravelTips

Do you think Social Security is straightforward?⚠️ Social Security presents us with many decisions and can impact our retirement strategy more than you may think. Consider this: Claiming benefits at 62 can shrink your monthly amount, but waiting until full retirement age (66–67) might allow 100% benefits. Moreover, delaying even further can boost your benefits by 8% yearly till age 70. And did you know that up to 85% of your benefits could be taxed based on your income? My perspective ➡️ Social Security isn’t a retirement golden ticket but a strategic tool. So, making informed decisions regarding when to start taking it, how to manage potential taxes, understanding spousal benefits, and its relationship with Medicare is crucial. Our team is passionate about helping clients understand their Social Security choices and helping individuals make informed decisions that can positively impact their financial future. Are you up on all there is to know about Social Security? What questions do you have? #SocialSecurity #RetirementIncome #TaxStrategy #FinancialGuidance

Today, I pause to reflect on the lives lost 22 years ago. They are a stark reminder of our nation’s resilience and unity in the face of an unimaginable tragedy. The empathy we showed each other, then and now, humbles me. Let’s continue to carry these values forward in our own ways—big or small. For those personally affected, your endurance is a testament to the human spirit and inspires us all. Today, my thoughts are with you. Remembering, always. 🕊️ #NeverForget

Did you know that 32% of working-age Americans have no retirement savings? This statistic came from a recent analysis of government data by The Penny Hoarder and was reported in BenefitsPRO. According to the analysis, only 12% of the youngest respondents said they believe they are on track for retirement, and only 57% of those aged 70 and older said the same. National 401(k) Day, observed every September, draws attention to the importance of retirement preparations and financial literacy. Here is some guidance we share with all our clients: Consider Starting Now: If it is offered by your employer, do not delay setting up your 401(k). Even small, regular contributions can add up over time. Know the Details: Understand your 401(k) investment choice and monitor your progress. Remember: once you reach age 73, you must begin taking the required minimum distributions. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a tax penalty. If you’re concerned about not being on track for retirement, you’re not alone. Our team frequently meets with people to provide a complimentary review of their retirement plans and share our insights. If you’re interested, feel free to contact me anytime. #National401kDay #RetirementStrategy

Shocking but true: About 41% of adults—insured and uninsured—believe they do not have sufficient coverage. Only 52% of American adults own life insurance. Lack of knowledge is a major obstacle: 40% of Gen Z and 29% of millennial parents do not know how much coverage they need or what type to buy. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and the stats reveal some hard truths. If you are part of these statistics, it may be time to learn more. Several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Policies have expenses—mortality and other charges. Surrendering early may cause you to incur surrender charges and have tax implications. You might want to consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Guarantees depend on the insurer’s claim payment ability. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more about how life insurance can play a role in your financial strategy. #LifeInsuranceAwareness

Which month has historically been the most volatile for the stock market? Most people will probably say October, but it’s incorrect. Despite October’s reputation for events such as the crash of ‘29, Black Monday’s 22% single-day drop in ‘87, and the federal bank bailout in ’08, over the last 25 years, September has been worse. This phenomenon has become known as the “September Effect.” And this isn’t just a U.S. market anomaly but a global trend that has been affecting stock markets worldwide. What causes it? Well, there are several theories (and they are just theories): Election Season—September usually begins the U.S. election cycle, which can cause investors to reposition their portfolios if they anticipate a power shift in Washington, D.C. Seasonal Rebalancing—With the end of summer, children return to school, vacations end, and investors start to position themselves for the final quarter. Market Psychology—Stocks may fall in September because investors expect them to. Don’t allow short-term market movements to distract you from your financial strategy. Question: Have you ever been tempted to buy or sell based on seasonal trends, such as the "September Effect?" #SeptemberEffect #MarketPsychology #FinancialGuidance

This #LaborDay, let’s celebrate every kind of work that adds value to our lives, strengthens our families, and drives our economy forward. Whether it’s starting a business, advancing in our careers, or caring for our loved ones, each “job” deserves a round of applause. 👏 And as we enjoy our well-deserved day off, it’s also an excellent time to reflect on the importance of our financial well-being. After all, it’s the hard-earned results of our labor that we’re all striving to protect and grow. We should reflect not only on the effort we put into our work but also on managing what we earn to pursue the financial goals we’ve set for ourselves and our families. So, let’s celebrate our hard work—in all its forms! What are you doing on your day off??? ⬇️ #WorkSmarterNotHarder #LaborDay #FinancialWellBeing