March 2021  Dear , Sometimes a crisis leaves us with scars that do not heal; sometimes a crisis teaches us lessons we can use when it has passed. So what have we learned from the stock market, how we live and spend money? How the experience of 2020 will affect our lives after the virus has retreated? I have the honor of engaging in conversations with clients who have been reevaluating their definition of success in life. Many are making sure that their deepest-held values overlay their most important goals and that their long-term needs and wants balance their short-term ones? They ask themselves how much is “enough” and want to know whether they are on track to achieve financial peace of mind rather than reach a predetermined portfolio size? Let's turn the lens on you. Read on for different angles from which to view how money may work in your life. Dream. Plan. Prosper.

HOW TO BE UNHAPPY BUT SUCCESSFUL Gap thinking means measuring ourselves by the distance between where we are and where we want to be or by what others have achieved. Gain thinking means looking back and measuring ourselves against the progress we have made. What’s your yardstick, the gap or the gain? Learn why the answer matters in the way we approach money and life – but especially money. Read the full article.

WHICH IS BETTER: ETFs OR REGULAR MUTUAL FUNDS ETFs and mutual funds come with separate structures and don’t trade the same way, but they also stack up fairly equally along lines of diversification and tax efficiency. Catch our Ask Buckingham video podcast series for a breakdown of similarities and differences between the two, as well as some factors to consider when determining which is right for your portfolio. Watch the video.

LIFE ISN'T A STRAIGHT LINE: CASH FLOW PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT Accumulating assets is like building a ship in a bottle; spending those assets in retirement is like getting the ship out without breaking it. That’s why a plan for how and when to tap various income sources as tax efficiently as possible over your lifetime – all while leaving the legacy you want – can help clear the financial and mental hurdle of going from saver to spender. Read the full article.

VICTORY BELONGS TO THE PATIENT While having a well-thought-out investment plan is a necessary ingredient for successful outcomes (one can get lucky, but odds are against it), the sufficient ingredient is developing the patience and discipline to adhere to that plan. How? Knowing some common behavioral mistakes to avoid, as well as your financial history, is a prudent place to start. Read the full article.

7 QUESTIONS TO ANSWER ABOUT YOUR LIFE INSURANCE PLAN Life insurance is a financial product and requires periodic care, just like any other asset. Income, family structure, and health can all change over time. Naturally, your life insurance needs evolve with these life changes, so it’s important to review your life insurance plan regularly. Learn seven questions to ask yourself to ensure you maintain effective and efficient protection. Read the full article.

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