July 2026

Clients and Friends of The Center,


As we settle back into our routines following the holiday weekend, we hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July filled with time spent with family and friends! Summer often provides an opportunity to slow down, reflect on what matters most, and revisit the financial goals that support your future.

In this month's newsletter, we're pleased to feature the latest episode of Cents & Sensibility with Tim Wyman and Rod Meloni. In "Legal, Healthcare, and Financial Safeguards Every Caregiver Needs," Tim and Rod explore the critical planning considerations caregivers should address, offering practical guidance and real-world strategies to help families prepare for the challenges and responsibilities that often accompany caring for a loved one.

You'll also find valuable planning resources through blogs covering Social Security claiming strategies, employee stock options, retirement tax planning, caregiver considerations, and college savings opportunities—including recent FAFSA changes that may benefit grandparents and families looking to fund future education expenses. Check out our recent webinar on The Hidden Benefits of College Savings Plans to learn even more!

We're also proud to highlight several exciting happenings at The Center, including Lauren Adams' completion of her presidency of the CFA Society of Detroit, our team's recent win at the CFA Annual Meeting & Golf Outing, and our volunteer efforts at Earthworks Urban Farm.

Finally, we're pleased to share that our continued growth has led us to plan a move to a larger office in Farmington Hills in Q4 2026! We look forward to sharing more details in the coming months.

Wishing you a wonderful moth ahead!

Your Center Team

Back By Popular Demand - And for a Limited Time!

After the overwhelmingly positive response to Cents & Sensibility with Tim Wyman, CFP®, JD and Rod Meloni in 2025, we’re excited to announce something special. Rod Meloni has generously partnered with us to bring you a limited 12‑episode podcast series created specifically for Gen Xers — the most financially stretched generation.

If you’re juggling competing priorities, feeling behind, or simply ready to get your finances back on track, this podcast is for you. Practical insights, relatable conversations, and real‑world strategies you can actually use.

Only 7 episodes left! Tune in while you can and take the first step toward building stronger financial habits.

Click here or the image above to watch the next episode:

"Legal, Healthcare, and Financial Safeguards Every Caregiver Needs"

Webinar Replays

The Hidden Benefits of College Savings Plans

Recent FAFSA changes have created a powerful opportunity for grandparents: you can now fund a grandchild’s college savings plan without negatively impacting their eligibility for need-based financial aid.

Join CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Bob Ingram, and TIAA CREF Education Savings Consultant, Jon Scott, for an exclusive session uncovering the sophisticated strategies behind college savings plans.

During this webinar, you'll learn how to:

• Compare education savings approaches and choose what’s right for your goals
• Maximize tax-advantages and protect those benefits 
• Navigate financial aid considerations of college savings
• Apply “superfunding” strategies effectively 
• Leverage education savings for estate and legacy planning
• Avoid missteps that could trigger unintended consequences

The Social Security Sweet Spot - Claiming Too Early Could Cost You Thousands

By Josh Bitel, CFP®

When to claim Social Security is one of the most impactful retirement decisions you'll make—yet claiming too early could cost you thousands over time. Understanding your options, longevity, and spousal impact can help turn this choice into a powerful strategy for maximizing your retirement income.

READ MORE

Preparing for Longer Lives - Key Takeaways From Our 2026 Longevity Conference

By Sandy Adams, CFP®

From stress-testing financial plans and documenting key wishes to prioritizing one's own well-being, the discussion from our 2026 Longevity Virtual Conference was centered on helping caregivers make thoughtful, informed decisions for the road ahead.

READ MORE

529 Plans - Saving for Your Child's Education

By Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®

Summer is a great time to make memories, and a great time to revisit your family's long-term financial goals. Learn how a 529 plan can help you save for education expenses tax-efficiently and why it's never too early, or too late, to start planning.

READ MORE

Employee Stock Options - What Really Matters From Grant to Sale

By Bob Ingram, CFP®

Stock options can be a powerful wealth-building tool—but it's important to understand when to vest, exercise, and sell. Learn how Non-Qualified Stock Options (NQSOs) work, the tax implications at each stage, and key planning considerations to help you maximize their value.

READ MORE

Tax Planning in Retirement - Social Security, Roth Conversions and More. Oh My!

By Logan Dimitrie, CFP®

Retirement isn't just about generating income. It's about keeping more of what you've earned. Smart tax planning can help you manage Social Security taxation, maximize Roth conversion opportunities, and create a more tax-efficient withdrawal strategy that supports your long-term financial goals.

READ MORE

Continuing a Tradition
 of Leadership

Lauren Adams recently completed her Presidency of the CFA Society of Detroit, continuing The Center’s longstanding practice of community leadership.

Champions On and 
Off The Course



The Center Team recently attended – and WON! – the CFA Annual Meeting and Golf Outing.

Cultivating Community

Members of The Center team recently spent the day volunteering at Earthworks Urban Farm on Detroit’s east side. Through hands-on service, they helped support an organization that combines sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and access to fresh, healthy food.

July Center-Versaries

Check out our July Center-Versaries!

Lauren Adams - 10 years on the 6th

Nick Defenthaler - 13 years on the 15th

Matt Trujillo - 13 years on the 15th

Gerri Harmer - 19 years on the 16th

Kali Hassinger - 13 years on the 29th

Andrew O'Laughlin - 9 years on the 31st

Staff Spotlight: Bob Ingram, CFP®

Fun Facts:

Favorite Hobby: Playing guitar

Go-to Drink Order: Café mocha

Comfort Food: All things tex-mex

The Inside Scoop: He may have had an early start to his career as a child model – but that career was short lived.

Years at The Center: 8

About Bob:

Bob Ingram, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with more than 20 years of experience helping clients make thoughtful financial decisions. He joined The Center for Financial Planning in 2017 and works closely with individuals and families to help them achieve and maintain their financial independence.

In addition to his work with clients, Bob is a frequent speaker for The Center and contributor to the firm’s Money Centered blog. He has been recognized as a trusted voice for personal finance insights, appearing on local news outlets including WXYZ Channel 7, Fox 2 Detroit, and WDIV, and serves on the board of directors for the Financial Planning Association of Michigan.

Outside of The Center, Bob enjoys playing guitar, fishing, and getting out on the golf course when he can. Bob and his partner ,Jennifer, live in Royal Oak, and they value spending quality time with family and friends.

Values in Action

At The Center, we take pride in our core values that guide us in serving clients. We believe that our values are imperative to the work we do, and we want to recognize and celebrate team members who have exemplified them.

This month, Josh Bitel was nominated for Commitment to the Financial Planning Process, Nice & Kind, and Teamwork & Collaboration. Josh took the initiative to dedicate time to helping a teammate gain a deeper understanding of the Associate Financial Planner role and its responsibilities, contributing valuable insights for future process improvements. Thank you for embodying the collaborative spirit that makes our team stronger, Josh!

Bigger and Better!

We’re excited to share that The Center has outgrown our Southfield, MI office and will be relocating to Farmington Hills, MI in the fourth quarter of 2026!

This move is a wonderful reflection of our continued growth and the strength of our team, and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead. Rest assured, you’ll continue to receive the same high level of service you know and expect. We’re currently planning the move and will keep you updated with more details in the coming months!

July Charitable Giving Tip:

Celebrate Freedom Through Generosity

Giving with Purpose

As we celebrate Fourth of July, take a moment to reflect on the freedom to support the causes and organizations that matter most to you. Charitable giving is a meaningful way to make a positive impact in your community and beyond.

Talk with your financial planner about how your giving aligns with your values and long-term goals.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.