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.

Managing Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Strategies for Long-Term Health Planning

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on March 25, 2024.

Ready to tackle long-term care planning for your retirement? Learn some strategies to better manage healthcare costs.

Five Strategies to Help Round Out Your Retirement Planning

As retirement approaches, one of the most significant concerns for many is managing healthcare costs, especially as healthcare costs continue to rise. While this can seem like a daunting task, having an effective plan in place for these expenses can help boost your retirement strategy and make you feel more prepared. If you’re worried about your long-term care planning, below are five strategies that you may want to consider to help you manage healthcare costs.

Planning for the Future Together: Retirement Savings Tips for Couples

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on February 20, 2024.

Elevate your retirement journey together! Explore ten retirement savings tips for couples for a more worry-free financial future.

Ten Tips for Navigating Retirement Planning as a Team

Retirement is a big deal, isn’t it? It’s a time we all look forward to, but getting there, especially with your partner by your side, requires some thoughtful planning and a good bit of teamwork. When you’re managing money together, you’re bound to run into both opportunities and challenges unique to being a duo. It’s really about keeping an eye on what you both want out of your finances and lifestyle as you navigate this planning journey side by side. Whether you’re just starting to talk about retirement or you’re further down the road, here are ten retirement savings tips for couples to consider.

Exploring Trusts for Wealth Preservation after Retirement

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on February 15, 2024.

Learn how trusts might be utilized for wealth preservation and consider their role in estate planning.

Understanding Trusts as a Potentially Strategic Component of Retirement Planning

Retirement planning is more than just a task; it’s a strategic approach that may help to achieve a stable future. It’s not merely about accumulating savings but about making informed decisions that position you well for the years beyond active employment. In the financial planning landscape, the concept of trusts has emerged as a potent tool for estate planning and wealth preservation. This article sheds light on how integrating trusts into your financial strategy could enhance your retirement planning, offering the potential for a blend of security and foresight for your golden years.

Life Transition Planning: Do You Need a Financial Advisor in the New Year?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on December 4, 2023.

A professional financial advisor can assist with life transition planning to help you settle your finances.

Navigating Your Wealth Through Times of Change

If there’s one thing that serves as a constant throughout our lives, it’s change. Leaving home, beginning a career, getting married, building a family, navigating career transitions, divorce, and loss of loved ones are just a few examples of events that mark periods of great adjustment. These life transitions impact us emotionally, but also financially, and it’s smart to have a trusted financial advisor by your side to help you navigate the practical financial aspects of these different phases of life. If you think the New Year will bring a time of change and evolution in your life, it might be the perfect time to begin working with a professional you trust. In this article, we’ll discuss life transition planning for five specific, common scenarios and share how a financial advisor can offer guidance.

Recognizing Solomon Dodson – Fall 2023 Alumni Panel

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on November 21, 2023.

Recognizing Solomon Dodson for his recent participation in a Fall 2023 Alumni Panel discussion. 🌟 During this insightful session, Solomon shared his impressive industry journey since graduating from KSU SMIF.

His insights and valuable knowledge continue to be a significant asset to our organization, and we commend his unwavering commitment to sharing essential industry information.

Small Business Tips: Exit Planning vs. Succession Planning

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on October 30, 2023.

Exit planning and succession planning may seem like similar processes, but the intentions and steps of both are different.

How Does a Small Business Owner Prepare for Life Beyond Work?

Succession planning and exit planning are two terms that many people use interchangeably. This is understandable, since both phrases are associated with business owners planning for retirement. However, the two concepts have slight differences, and the crux of those differences is what those planning strategies target. Succession planning centers on the continued financial health of a business after its owner or chief officer retires or dies. Alternatively, exit planning focuses on the wealth of a business owner who’s retiring and wants to transfer ownership or close a business down.

With all the complexities, finances, and emotions connected with retiring from a small business, it’s important for small business owners to understand how succession and exit planning differ. While some elements of the two concepts may be similar, the endgames are not. In this article, we take a closer look.

Planning for Retirement as a Couple: Tips for Success

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on September 18, 2023.

Discover essential tips and strategies to guide you and your partner as you begin planning for retirement as a couple.

How to Build a Harmonious Future Together

It’s exciting to consider all the possibilities retirement presents, isn’t it? You can go on new adventures, enjoy leisure time, and spend cherished moments with loved ones, too. For couples, it offers a chance to strengthen their bond, pursue shared interests, and embark on a fulfilling journey together. Like any new phase of life, however, meticulous planning will help you create more joy and meaning. In this article, we discuss considerations for planning for retirement as a couple and share strategies you can use to build a harmonious and more financially secure retirement lifestyle.

Navigating Parent PLUS Loans: Strategies for Repayment and Retirement Planning

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on August 23, 2023.

Parent PLUS loans allow parents to assist their children in affording college but keep these considerations in mind.

Tips to Balance Multiple Priorities and Help Maintain Your Future Financial Security

As college students head back to campus, college financing options are an important topic of conversation for many families, and that includes Parent PLUS loans. These loans are designed to allow parents to support their children in their pursuit of higher education, and they have become a significant financial consideration for many families. As the cost of education continues to rise, parents often shoulder a substantial portion of the financial burden. In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of Parent PLUS loans, discuss the challenges they pose, and share strategies for repayment and long-term financial planning, including retirement considerations.

5 Ways Charitable Giving Could Be Good for You

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on July 10, 2023.

Explore the possible transformative benefits of charitable giving for personal growth, well-being, and meaningful connections.

Discover the Power of Philanthropy

In a world that often seems consumed by self-interest, charitable giving is a beacon of hope that shines bright. While it may appear that the primary beneficiaries of charitable acts are those in need, the truth is that the act of giving itself can bring profound benefits to the giver – and we’re not just talking about tax advantages. Engaging in acts of charity goes beyond the simple act of writing a check or making a donation; it has the power to transform our lives. Here are five ways charitable giving could be good for you, reminding us that compassion has the ability to enrich our own well-being.