Author: Zachary Morris, CFP®

Having traveled to over 35 countries, Zach is a believer in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s statement that Life is about the journey, not the destination. Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ provides Zach the opportunity to help clients define and realize their journey, and co-founding Paces Ferry Wealth Advisors, an independent firm, allows the freedom to define the client experience along the way.

6 Mistakes Your Financial Advisor is Making

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on August 31, 2025.

Ever wonder if your financial advisor is missing something important? Most people assume their financial adviser has everything under control. Sometimes, that’s true. But even the most well-meaning advisers can overlook important details. Not because they’re bad at their job, but because philosophies and best practices change. Not every adviser adapts to them.

These blind spots can snowball into setbacks like higher taxes in retirement, unnecessary risk, or missed opportunities you didn’t even know existed. Here’s a look at the most common mistakes financial advisors make and how to spot them before they derail your financial future.

The Money Saving Secret of Donor Advised Funds Explained

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on August 13, 2025.

Have you ever wondered what a donor-advised fund is and how you could use it to maximize your charitable giving and tax benefits? There are a few different ways to give to charity. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) or charitable gift funds are one of the most flexible and efficient tools for philanthropy and financial planning. In this post, we’ll break down exactly how DAFs work, how they compare to private foundations, what assets are best to contribute, and the smart strategies you can use to make the most of your giving.

The 5 Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Retirement Plans

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on July 15, 2025.

Retirement planning tips to avoid costly financial mistakes before retirement.

If you’re starting to plan for retirement, you’ve got the right idea. But keep in mind retirement isn’t about reaching a magic number in your bank account. Before you spend another dollar, it’s worth taking a step back. Because the truth is, retirement isn’t just about how much money you’ve saved, it’s about the smart choices you make today. One wrong move could mean pushing retirement further away, or worse, never being able to retire at all.

Charitable Gifting 3 Ways

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on June 12, 2025.

Discover strategic charitable giving strategies that can help you support meaningful causes while aligning with your long-term financial plan.

If you’re charitably minded, you may want to consider how you give, not just how much. Some charitable giving strategies can be more tax-efficient and align better with your financial goals, especially during retirement. In this article, we’ll discuss three ways to approach charitable gifting that you may not have heard of, and which may offer more benefits than simply giving cash. They are gifting stock to charity, gifting your required minimum distribution to charity, and utilizing a charitable gift fund. Keep reading to learn more.

What’s the BEST Trust for Your Estate Planning Needs?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on May 29, 2025.

Learn about the different types of trusts for estate planning, including revocable, irrevocable, testamentary, and special needs trusts.

When it comes to estate planning, trusts are powerful tools that can help individuals maintain control, protect assets, and provide for loved ones. However, understanding the different types of trusts for estate planning can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. In this article, we’ll explore four widely used trusts—testamentary, revocable living, irrevocable, and special needs trusts—and clarify how each one functions.

Avoid These Estate Planning Mistakes from the Rich and Famous

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on May 15, 2025.

Explore real-world celebrity estate planning mistakes to learn what not to do when creating your own legacy or estate plan for your assets.

When it comes to wealth and legacy, even the rich and famous can get estate planning wrong—and sometimes in very public and expensive ways. From overlooked documents to poor communication and failed funding of trusts, these missteps often lead to years of legal battles and unintended consequences for heirs.

At Paces Ferry Wealth Advisors, we believe that clear, coordinated planning is essential, regardless of how much money you have. Here’s a look at several high-profile estate planning mistakes and what we can all learn from them.

Streamline Your Estate Planning with Simple Account Titling Strategies

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on April 24, 2025.

Learn why choosing the right titling strategy—such as joint tenancy or TOD accounts—can simplify estate planning and help your assets avoid probate.

When it comes to estate planning, how your accounts are titled can have a significant impact on what happens to your assets after you pass away. Certain titling strategies can help you avoid probate, simplify asset distribution, and ensure your wishes are carried out. Others—if not handled properly—can lead to unintended consequences.

In this article, we’ll walk through three common account titling strategies and how each one works:

Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS)
Tenancy in Common
Transfer on Death (TOD) or Designated Beneficiary Accounts

Keep reading to learn more.

$1.8mm Today. Retire at 66? These Changes Made It Possible

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on April 10, 2025.

When it comes to retirement planning, numbers only tell part of the story. Just as important are your goals—what you want your money to do for you. In this real-life retirement plan case study, we walk through how one couple used personalized financial planning to make key adjustments that greatly improved their probability of retiring on time and living the lifestyle they envisioned.

Can Small Business Owners REALLY Achieve Financial Freedom?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on March 31, 2025.

Wondering how to sell your business for retirement? Learn how to determine your business’s value, close the wealth gap, and more.

Are you a business owner? Check out our video on this topic, too!

For many small business owners, their company is more than just a source of income—it’s their financial foundation. But when it comes time to sell the business and retire, a critical question arises: How to sell your business for retirement in a way that leads to long-term financial stability. Understanding the right sale price, aligning financial goals, and closing any wealth gaps are key steps in transitioning from business ownership to retirement.