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.

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.

Tips to Maximize the Advantages of Your Health Savings Account

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on May 29, 2023.

Discover helpful tips for maximizing your health savings account and gaining a more secure financial future.

Learn how to make the most of your Health Savings Account (HSA) and gain a more secure financial future with these helpful strategies.

Key Considerations for Your Wealth Transfer Plan

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on April 24, 2023.

A wealth transfer plan requires thoughtful planning and consideration and can help you prepare your heirs for the future.

A wealth transfer plan can be a helpful tool in leaving assets to your loved ones and preparing your heirs for the practical and emotional aspects involved.

Zach Morris on the 51st Episode of The COO Roundtable

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on April 13, 2023.

Paces Ferry’s Zach Morris joins The COO Roundtable

The COO Roundtable podcast features COOs and operations leaders from large RIAs around the country. Each episode is a discussion about operational and technology best practices, as well as general business strategy for the RIA industry.

Vince Crane, COO, CCO, and Partner of Flower City Capital, and Zach Morris, Managing Partner and Founder of Paces Ferry Wealth Advisors joined Matt Sonnen, Founder and CEO of PFI Advisors for an exciting 51st episode of The COO Roundtable.

Matt, Vince, and Zach chat about how, from Day 1, our guests have set in place systems and processes with future scalability in mind and much more including:

Each guest’s career path and how they became operations professionals
The pros and cons of a centralized back office vs a pod structure
Each firm’s ideal client and how that persona drives the services they offer
How each guest approaches their firm’s “next hire”
How each guest shapes their firm’s culture

Listen to the full episode here or read the full transcript:

COO Roundtable - PFI Advisors

The COO Roundtable podcast features Chief Operations Officers and operations leaders from large RIAs around the country.