Team Newsletter

Macro Themes & Momentum

My wife is a Jimmy Buffet fan.  A certified “Parrothead” having seen him in concert 12 or 13 times before his passing.  I like some of his songs and song writing, but she is on board for all of it.  One of my personal favorites of his is a song titled, “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move on.”  It was written after Hurricane Katrina as an anthem of encouragement to folks living out the aftermath in New Orleans.  I think it fits well with where we find ourselves today.

My two favorite stanzas of the song are:

I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man
Floating down Canal
It doesn't use numbers or moving hands
It always just says, "Now"

 Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And if I have trouble, the warranty said
"Breathe in, breathe out, move on"

Being human, our default is to keep moving forward, keep looking ahead, keep planning a path, keep dissecting and deciphering what tomorrow may bring.  Unfortunately, this is often accompanied by fret and possibly fear.  Sometimes I pause.  Most often for reasons that are outside my control, and if I’m honest with myself, most things in life are outside my control.  There is power in pause.  In slowing down for a moment of reflection.  To be found present. 

One of my favorite aspects of slowing down is that my focus tends to swing towards gratitude.  When I take a momentary break from “striving” and “fixing” I notice how blessed I am.  It is in this current moment of “Now” that our entire team wants to express our gratitude for you.  For the trust that you have placed in us and for our relationship.  We can’t think of a more important Macro Theme at this time then to say thank you!

Wishing you a slow and present season ahead,

Helping Adult Children Without Hurting Your Own Plan

In many of our recent conversations, parents have shared how much they want to support their adult children, whether that means helping with rent for a while, easing student loans, or contributing to a first home. With higher living and housing costs, it is completely understandable to feel pulled to do more. At the same time, we often see that ongoing help can quietly put pressure on the parents’ own retirement plan.

Our goal is to help you be generous without putting your future at risk. That starts with making sure your own foundation is solid. When families are thinking about providing financial support, we slow the conversation down and focus on a few essential questions: 

How will this affect my own retirement plan and long‑term security? 

How much can I comfortably give, for how long, and for what purpose? 

Does this help move my child toward greater independence, or does it create a need for ongoing support?

Often, that conversation reveals whether support fits comfortably within the plan, or whether it makes more sense to narrow the amount, define the timeframe, or focus on a specific milestone so generosity remains sustainable.

Clear expectations are often just as important as the dollars themselves. Instead of responding to each new request as it arises, we encourage families to talk through what kind of help feels comfortable, for how long, and with what purpose. In some situations, that might be a family loan with flexible terms. In others, it may be a straightforward gift tied to a specific goal. Having these conversations upfront can ease tension for everyone involved, helping children feel supported while parents maintain clarity and independence.

If you are helping an adult child now, or thinking about it, this is a good time to talk through your plan together. We can explore different ways to provide support, show how these choices affect your retirement, and help you set & communicate healthy boundaries with confidence. The aim is simple: to support the next generation from a position of strength, so both you and your children can move forward with greater peace of mind.