Wealthramp

Here's something I've come to believe after more than 30 years in this industry: most people have never gotten truly great financial advice.

I don't say that to be harsh. I say it because I've spent decades watching this industry operate more like a sales business than a genuine advice profession — and the people paying the price are everyday families who deserve better.

Here's something I hear constantly: "My advisor manages our investments, but we barely hear from him." Sound familiar?

Here's what I want you to know: you don't have to settle for that.

✅ Great advisors help you avoid expensive mistakes before they happen.
✅ They think through tradeoffs with you — retirement income, taxes, insurance, estate plans.
✅ They create clarity. You walk away knowing what to do and why.

That's the bar. And it exists — you just have to know what to look for.

My new piece breaks down exactly what good financial advice looks like, and the warning signs that tell you you're not getting it. Share this with someone you know who's been wondering if their advisor is really working for them.

🔗 to the full piece in the comments below!

I’m just calling this ‘retirement inflation’… and it’s a plan-killer.

Retirement inflation isn’t only about the high price of gas and eggs… It’s about whether your entire financial plan can bend without breaking when life gets more expensive. That’s a very different conversation than chasing the latest “inflation protection” investment. Kiplinger

🔗 to my full piece in the comments below!

Appreciate being included in this USA TODAY article about budgeting apps. The best app in this category isn’t the fanciest one — it’s the one you’ll actually keep using. When your app starts feeling like a punishment instead of progress, it’s time to upgrade.

🔗 to the full piece in the comments!

Saving for retirement? Most of us figured that part out.

Actually spending it — without the fear of running out — that's a completely different skill. And nobody teaches it.

In my latest article, I talk about what retirement math really looks like in 2026, why so many people underspend or overspend out of anxiety, and why I think retirement should look more like a dimmer switch than an on/off switch.

What are you hoping retirement actually feels like?

🔗 Full piece in the comments!

What I especially appreciate about this piece is the reminder that “retirement” and “financial independence” are not always the same thing.

I consider myself pretty up to speed on retirement planning — but there’s still no way I’d do it alone. Even people deep in this world benefit from a fee-only fiduciary advisor and peer-to-peer deep dives, so we’re not drinking our own Kool-Aid.

The tax strategy, healthcare planning, withdrawal sequencing, Roth conversions, longevity risk, and emotional side of all this are simply too important to wing solo — especially when you may have 40 years ahead of you. MarketWatch

🔗 to the full story below in the comments!

Fiduciary financial advice is still one of the most misunderstood concepts in personal finance — which is why I thought this answer from Liz Weston, CFP® was so important.

People assume anyone calling themselves a financial advisor is legally required to put the client’s interests first. That’s simply not the case.

Liz does an excellent job explaining the difference between the fiduciary standard and the lower “suitability” standard, along with why how advisors get paid matters so much. The clearest path to finding a fiduciary advisor is working with a fee-only fiduciary — someone who does not accept commissions or outside influence.

This is why I created Wealthramp — to help people find fee-only fiduciary advisors whom I’ve personally vetted. Los Angeles Times

🔗 in the comments for the full piece!

Glad to contribute to this Barron's discussion about how to protect your portfolio from inflation right now. There’s no magic bullet for retirees to solve for inflation by itself.

The advisors in my Wealthramp network say the strongest, most ‘bulletproof’ plans are built around flexibility. Meaning it’s a combination of smart withdrawal strategies, tax planning, and enough in cash reserves. It’s not a ‘product’ or one investment — it’s thoughtful diversification and knowing how all the pieces work together.

🔗 in the comments for the full story.

Raise your hand if you've heard this advice: "Just buy an index fund and forget about it."

For a long time, that worked. But 2025 gave us a reality check — especially if you're in your 50s or 60s and getting close to retirement.

A truly diversified portfolio returned 18.3% last year, beating both the S&P 500 (~17%) and a classic 60/40 portfolio (13.3%).

The assets that drove it?

✅ Gold
✅ Commodities
✅ Emerging markets
✅ REITs
✅ International stocks

Things that a lot of people had pushed to the sidelines for years.

The bigger lesson: if your "diversified" portfolio is really just a heavy bet on a few big tech names, you may be taking on more risk than you realize.

In my latest Count Up piece, I walk through exactly what happened in 2025, what a genuinely diversified portfolio looks like, and what it means for people planning for retirement.

🔗 to the full piece in the comments.

Sometimes even the dream house can turn into an albatross.

When your “assets” start stressing you out, that’s not financial freedom; it’s probably a sign it’s time to revisit cash flow and get fresh eyes and a sharp pencil from a fee-only fiduciary advisor. Kiplinger

Read the full piece in the comments below!

So happy I could contribute to Alisa's great article.

Breaking up with a financial advisor is a little like breaking up with any other relationship that comes with expectations. The longer you drag it out, the worse it gets.

Sometimes “We’re going in a different direction” is the most respectful way to say bye-bye. MarketWatch

🔗 to the full piece in the comments.