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Fiduciary Financial Advice

Is Your Financial Advisor a Fiduciary?

It’s not hard to find a financial advisor. Google will spit out results in your area that can make your head spin. The challenge is finding the right financial advisor, someone you can trust to provide honest advice and help you achieve your goals. Unfortunately, whether someone calls themselves a financial advisor, financial planner, wealth […]

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Financial Planning

Financial Pitfalls Federal Employees Should Avoid

By Jon Powell, CFP® We all face financial pitfalls. Not having a financial plan, starting to save for retirement too late, not being aware of your expenses, and being underinsured are just a few. If you’re a federal employee, however, there are specific financial pitfalls you need to avoid to ensure your financial future stays […]

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Retirement Solutions

How Will Inflation Affect Your Government Pension?

By Jon Powell, CFP® Inflation is all over the news these days along with constant talk of how your purchasing power is being washed down the drain. If you’re like many of our clients, you’re probably wondering what this means for your government pension and if there’s any way to protect your savings. At Ferguson […]

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Retirement Solutions

401(k)s and Pension Plans: What’s the Difference?

By Jon Powell, CFP® With many kinds of retirement plans out there, it can be hard to tell the differences among them at first glance. Two of the most popular types of retirement plans offered by employers are the 401(k) plan and the pension plan. An employer typically provides one or the other, but not […]

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Managing Investment Risks

All-Time Highs & The Lows That Sometimes Follow

“Every past decline looks like an opportunity; every future decline looks like a risk.” -Morgan Housel As we close the book on 2021, another year of generally excellent investment returns, we revisit the recurring anxiety of “what if this is the peak?” It’s certainly not an uncommon feeling. Many investors may think a market high […]

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Financial Planning

We’re Never Too Busy to Help Someone You Care About

By Jon Powell, CFP® What’s your top priority right now? I bet it feels impossible to pick just one, right? We’re all juggling countless priorities, but only a select few make it to the top of the list. Is it family? Or maybe health or a sense of purpose? Money might not top your list, […]

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Financial Planning

Why I Became a Financial Advisor

By Jon Powell, CFP® For many people, finances are a major cause of stress. And sometimes that stress, coupled with financial insecurity, can negatively impact relationships and decisions. As I saw this play out in those around me, I became determined to pave a different path for my life and relationships, pursuing financial literacy so […]

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Financial Planning

Annual Enrollment for Federal Employees

By Jon Powell, CFP® It’s that time of year again when you start getting notices about open season and all the changes coming to your employee benefits. Even though you’d probably rather turn a blind eye and keep going on with your life, too many people set their benefits and forget them and miss out […]

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Financial Planning

Why I Became a Financial Advisor (Derek Johnson)

By Derek Johnson, CRPC® When I was a college student dabbling in the investment world, I had no idea my interest in the markets would turn into a lifelong career. This personal experience of researching investments and watching my money grow inspired me to do the same for others. So I switched my major to […]

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Financial Planning

What We Do and How We Help

By Derek Johnson, CRPC® and Jon Powell, CFP® Retirement is arguably one of life’s most significant milestones. But, with so many questions about health, life circumstances, and even the economy, how do you plan for retirement in a way that leaves you feeling confident? In other words, how can you dream big and plan accordingly […]