Benchmark Financial Design

Presents Mi Smart Moment

 
bbowhuis@ mibenchmark.com
cbowhuis@ mibenchmark.com
 
2358 S. Garden Ct,
Jenison, MI 49428
 
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Greetings!,


If money could talk, what would it say?


This was a question printed in one of the Daily Stoic readings that get emailed to me each day.


The question caused me to stop and reflect a little. Many of us have heard that "money is the root of all evil." However, that is incorrect. The proper text from the Bible, 1 Timothy 6:10 is this: “The LOVE of money is the root of all evil.”


As a financial planner and investment advisor, you may find it strange that I would be speaking disparagingly about money. But, we do see money as a tool, something to be used to help you accomplish your goals.


This can also bring frustration or concern when those we work with reach retirement age. The idea of no longer having gainful employment and counting on a paycheck each week can be daunting. It requires a mindset shift to think about what you really need to live the way you want to live.


Proper planning and communication can relieve that stress. To know you have elements in place to weather market downturns or predictable sources of income may help you sleep better at night.


Many of us will face these same struggles as we reach the time of no-longer going to work. Our goal is to help you rest easy and look to retirement with excitement, not dread. The retirement phase could last 30 years or more. Let's not just pursue money, but pursue a plan instead.


As I mention, here is the link to the question "if money could talk what would it say".

If Money Could Talk


As always, thanks for reading.


Bernie & Chad


Smart Moments: 8/14/26

CANNON BALL - A TSA agent discovered a set of stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger’s suitcase during a routine security screening at an Alabama airport earlier this month, law enforcement officials said. The cannonballs — the largest about the size of grapefruits and weighing about as much as a shot put ball — were inactive and didn’t contain any explosive material or active components, the TSA said. Still, cannonballs are artillery munitions and considered prohibited items on planes. - AP News July 30, 2026

SOUR NOTE - More than 200 gold statuettes of Austria’s most famous composer disappeared from his hometown of Salzburg, officials said Wednesday, leaving a tribute to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on his 270th birthday considerably less crowded. The Mozarteum Foundation on July 15 unveiled 320 statuettes, barely 50 centimeters (less than 20 inches) high, showing Mozart with his dog. They were designed by German conceptual artist Ottmar Hörl. Within two weeks, more than 80 of the polymer figures had disappeared. By Wednesday, a total of 210 were missing. - AP News August 12, 2026


"Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like."

  • Will Smith
Investment Advisor Representative of and Securities offered through Founders Financial Securities, LLC. Member FINRA, SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor.