Accumulation is about growth. It assumes you have time, income from work, and the ability to ride out market ups and downs. Distribution is different. Once you retire, your portfolio is no longer just growing. It is paying you. Every withdrawal matters. Market downturns matter more. Taxes matter more. Timing matters more. If you use an accumulation strategy to fund distribution, you are taking income from money that is still exposed to volatility, taxes, and Required Minim

We’ve officially entered that magical week between Christmas and New Year’s where time doesn’t quite behave the same way. You know the one I’m talking about. You’re not totally sure what day it is…Calories don’t count…Leftovers become their own food group… And Christmas pajamas are a completely acceptable daytime outfit. It’s like the world slows down a little — almost as if nothing really “counts” for a few days. But when it comes to your finances, there are a few simple

Over the next two decades, an estimated $84 trillion will move from Baby Boomers and Gen X to their heirs and charities. Millennials are set to become the wealthiest generation on record.

You’ve probably heard the saying: “If I only knew then, what I know now…” At Compass Financial, that’s exactly the gift we get to give our clients — the wisdom of experience. When most people ask, “Where should I put my money?” they’re thinking stocks, real estate, maybe even cryptocurrency. But that’s not the right question. It’s not what you buy, it’s where you position it.

You’ve heard the phrase: “The best time to start was yesterday, the next best time is today.” That’s especially true when it comes to planning for retirement. The longer you wait, the fewer choices you have. And you didn’t become successful by letting someone else control your choices, right? Our goal is to put you back in control of your wealth and your retirement timeline.

One of the best pieces of advice we give entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: Pay yourself first. Not a business owner? The same advice still applies.   It’s tempting to pour everything back into your business, or assume selling it one day will fund your retirement. But that’s putting all your eggs in one very fragile basket.   Here’s the reality: businesses get bought, sold, or disrupted. Your retirement shouldn’t hang on a “maybe.”

At Compass Financial, we often talk about legacy, what you leave behind for your loved ones, your community, and future generations. This last week, we were honored to live out that value as the Gold Sponsor of the Tunnel to Towers Charleston Golf & Dinner Classic.

Most people worry that a Roth conversion will raise their taxes today. But here’s the truth: the bigger danger is waiting and letting the government decide your future through Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). We see it all the time: families delay tax planning, then get hit with higher taxes, less control, and fewer choices once RMDs kick in at age 73. The good news? These mistakes are completely avoidable with the right strategy. 👉 Want to know the 3 mistakes we s

Everyone Is Talking About Roth IRAs, But Is There a Better Way? At Compass Financial, we often refer to Cash Value Life Insurance (CVLI) as a "Roth IRA on steroids" because it offers the same core benefits - but with more flexibility, protection, and long-term potential.

A client testimonial - They just sold their business and had $3.5 million in traditional retirement accounts. When we ran their numbers through our Tax Burden Analysis, it was clear: if they did nothing, 40% of their hard-earned wealth would go to the IRS. Not because of a mistake, but because no one had shown them how to do it differently. We put their assets through our Power of Three model, and saved them seven figures in future taxes.

We just returned from the Stawicki Family Reunion — something we’ve done every summer for as long as we can remember. At Compass Financial, we talk a lot about purpose-driven retirement planning. That’s because we believe wealth should work for you, not just sit on a spreadsheet. The goal isn’t just to retire. It’s to have the freedom, clarity, and confidence to say “yes” to what matters most. Are your current financial strategies designed around your purpose?

There’s been a lot of chatter lately about a “new law” that supposedly makes Social Security completely tax-free. We’ve been getting questions every week… so let’s clear up the confusion: The truth is: There is no blanket exemption that makes Social Security benefits tax-free.

It's possible to live abroad on a reasonable budget - let us help you find a way to make this experience work for your family

Here is a helpful guide for fathers on creating and maintaining a solid financial plan to secure your family’s future.

The 529 plan gives you a tax-advantaged way to save for educational expenses from kindergarten all the way to graduate school.

'Put Your Mask On First' applies to saving for retirement too! Set yourself up for success before planning for children's higher education.

Let's recap the most common retirement regrets we hear - we want to make sure you don't make them too!

Getting out of debt is possible! Come along with us as we share simple tips on how to get started.

Wills vs. Living Trusts - do you know difference between the two?

Fixed Index Annuities offer many benefits - have you considered incorporating this financial tool?