RFG Wealth Advisory Newsletter October '23
Join the RFG Wealth Advisory team for recent adventures in life.
RFG Wealth Advisory - Team News Chris Robinson - Fall, Flies & Football What a brutally hot summer, but we made it Ben is a sophomore at Argyle High My oldest son Henry stayed in Lubbock at Texas Tech this summer to take summer through.Fall is my favorite time of the School this year. He has become my October 2023 school. He is studying computer science, year.There is a smile on my face when I walk workout partner as we try and go to the which is a very rigorous study program. He outside. My favorite things about the Fall are gym 5 times a week. Having a partner is in his junior year and is ready to get out cooler weather, changing of the leaves, keeps me motivated. I keep wondering and start his career. Thanksgiving, and football! when he will become stronger than me like my other sons! My second son Jacob, decided to continue It was a good summer for the Robinson Clan, his football career at Tyler Jr. College. We and it is turning out to be a good Fall as well. have gone to 4 games so far and really enjoy watching him play. I think he really We spent some time in Sun Valley, Idaho, to get enjoys living on his own. I went from being out of the heat. We had a really good trip, and an Argyle Eagle to a TJC Apache! the weather was fabulous. There are not many things I would rather do than go fly fishing. I love standing in a stream and trying to trick a trout with a floating fly! Molly is in 7th grade at Argyle Middle School. She has taken up tennis and is very serious about her schoolwork! She plays the trombone in the band. We had a good summer, and we are really enjoying the Fall so far. The year will pass quickly as usual, but we have made a lot of great memories so far! My wife Joyce continue to teach her exercise classes and keeps all the kids motivated and organized in their schoolwork, which is a full-time job! Read More, page 2
As a client of RFG Wealth Seizing the Opportunity: Harnessing It’s currently “Rothtober” at RFG. Advisory, you’ve been asked to We’re working with many of our RFG University Roth Conversion Amidst Potential supply your CPA’s name and clients who are a good fit for a Roth Tax Increases contact information. IRA Conversion to maximize the tax-free income created by this When we collaborate and share opportunity. Check out our RFG With the national debt exceeding $31 trillion and concerns about potential future tax increases, retirees and those information back and forth with University here to read the full nearing retirement face a critical decision regarding their retirement savings. Here we explore the benefits of Roth your CPA, estate attorney, and article about Roth conversions if conversion, with the possibility of dramatic tax rate hikes. By taking advantage of historically low tax rates, you could other professionals, we create you are concerned about future tax position yourself to mitigate future tax liabilities and secure your financial well-being during retirement. your dream team, all making increases. Roth IRAs are also progress in the same direction, to unique in that Required Minimum As retirees evaluate their financial strategies, Roth conversion emerges as a compelling option in the face of potential achieve everything that’s Distributions are not required, so tax increases. Converting traditional retirement accounts to Roth IRAs allows individuals to pay taxes on their savings important to you. you have the potential to gain now, at historically low rates, rather than in the future when tax rates could be higher. This can unlock the potential for greater control over your tax-free growth and withdrawals, shielding their retirement savings from potential increases in tax liabilities and Thank you for being one of the distributions, minimize taxable providing greater financial flexibility during their retirement. outstanding individuals we have income, and potentially reduce the opportunity to serve and work Roth conversion also offers a strategic advantage by eliminating Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and your overall tax liability. with. We enjoy every minute. potentially mitigating future tax burdens. As tax rates potentially rise, retirees can leverage Roth IRAs to escape Win/Win/Win. mandatory withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts. By converting to a Roth IRA, retirees can gain greater Chris control over their distributions, minimize taxable income, and potentially reduce their overall tax liability. This allows retirees to proactively manage their retirement income and preserve their savings for a longer duration, while potentially benefiting from a more favorable tax environment in the present. Against the backdrop of potential tax increases, Roth conversion presents a unique opportunity for efficient estate planning. By converting to a Roth IRA, retirees can secure tax-free wealth transfer to beneficiaries, shielding their assets from potential future tax implications. Roth accounts are not subject to income tax upon inheritance, making them an attractive vehicle for passing wealth to future generations. This strategic approach enhances retirees' ability to protect and optimize their assets, even in the face of uncertain tax scenarios. Given the potential for dramatic tax increases in the future, careful evaluation and consultation with a financial advisor becomes paramount when considering Roth conversion. Anyone considering Roth conversion must assess their current and projected income, analyze potential tax implications, and align their retirement goals with the prevailing economic landscape. By working with a qualified professionals and RFG Wealth Advisory you can gain insights and develop comprehensive retirement plans that harness the benefits of Roth conversion while navigating the complexities associated with potential future tax changes. To explore how Roth conversion can optimize your retirement savings and navigate potential future tax increases, contact Chris Robinson at RFG Wealth Advisory in Argyle, TX. Schedule a consultation today and take a step towards securing a prosperous retirement journey. Call Chris Robinson today (940) 464-4104. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.
Lindsay Freeman Summer Fun in Texas! This summer’s adventure took us to Galveston for our Annual Freeman Beach Trip in July, coinciding with my husband's 41st birthday bash. Charley, our youngest, had a blast because this was her first time at the beach when she was old enough to dive into the waves, build sandcastles, and embark on an unforgettable dolphin adventure. She couldn't stop talking about it for weeks afterward. Now, onto our explorers – the boys had an absolute Back on the home front, it's back-to-school season, and blast crab hunting during the day while swimming at two out of three kiddos are now proud students. Corben night on the beach. You could say they were on a is rocking first grade, and Bosten is diving headfirst into crab-catching mission! the world of kindergarten. Ask them what they love most about school, and they'll tell you it's all about that daily And speaking of missions, we're pretty serious about playground action. Kids, right? our vacation eats. Salsas, a Mexican Restaurant we tried for the first time, totally blew us away. If you We've also kicked off Fall Soccer Season, though you ever find yourself in Galveston with a hankering for wouldn't guess it from the Texas heat! Sports season Mexican cuisine, Salsas is a must-visit. Seriously, it's always means we're on the move, and I've fully embraced a flavor explosion! my role as a Soccer Mom, complete with loud cheers and all. Now, we're gearing up for cooler weather and getting excited about all the Fall Festivals! As you may know from previous newsletters, we're festival aficionados. First up on our list is the Jazz Festival. I'd love to hear about your favorite festivals too – just shoot me an email! Cheers to sunny days, ocean adventures, and the joys of family!
Answers to Your Questions Q) Should I pay down my mortgage faster? A) Paying down your mortgage faster can be a good financial move if you have extra funds and want to retire debt-free. I personally do not want to have a mortgage payment in retirement, I would rather have that money to spend on the things I love to do. But you may have a very low mortgage interest rate and not want to pay off your mortgage so quickly. I believe part of a good retirement plan is to have your fixed expenses as low as possible in retirement. So let’s create a plan you are comfortable with to have that mortgage paid off, perhaps by retirement age. Q) What are the benefits of waiting to start Social Security? A) Here are a few reasons why you may consider waiting to start your Social Security benefits: 1. Higher Monthly Payments: Your monthly benefit increases if you delay claiming Social Security beyond your full retirement age, up to a maximum at age 70. This can provide a more substantial and stable income in retirement. Employee Spotlight 2. Increased Survivor Benefits: If you're married, a higher benefit can benefit your surviving spouse as they may be eligible for a higher survivor benefit based on your delayed retirement credits. Lindsay Freeman 3. Tax Efficiency: Depending on your overall financial situation, delaying Social Security can reduce the taxable portion of your benefits or lower your tax liability. It can also allow for an ideal time for Roth Conversion. The years between retirement and required minimum distributions are a great time to consider Roth Conversions. Keep in mind that the decision to delay Social Security should consider your individual circumstances, health, life expectancy, financial needs, and other sources of retirement income. It's a complex decision, and consulting with an advisor at RFG Wealth Advisory can help you make an informed choice. Intern Corner Hi everyone! My name is Elizabeth, and I’ve been an intern here at RFG since June! I’m currently finishing out my CFP-required coursework at UNT and will be done in December. I’m learning what it takes to become a great CFP through my Financial Planning Capstone this semester, as well as working here at RFG. I’ve learned so much working here. The advisors and team have helped train me in exceptional planning for and serving clients in a way no classroom can. Thank you, RFG, for expanding my knowledge in the financial advisory world. Emilio & Susan at the I also just got engaged a few weeks ago! Lots of exciting and happy things are going on right now! Robson Ranch HOA Expo. Elizabeth Bedunah
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Summer has been an explosion of fun, work, and travel. Par for the Our Celebrity Cruise ship Apex is course, we took another cruise this year to someplace I never thought Susan Dawson an incredible vessel. Built in 2020, about traveling: Norway. I’ve heard about the beauty of the land and this floating city includes a magic fjords but never would have planned a trip there without the help of a side deck that can move from floor senior adult group from my hometown church in Amarillo, TX. to floor, transforming into additional space for the pool deck, Our adventure began with a flight to Amsterdam for 2 days. We loved a specialty restaurant. Plus, our touring this amazing city, which included the Ann Frank House and stateroom had a new feature Museum, a private chef dinner for 10, and a canal cruise and dinner called the infinite balcony, which for all 32 of our group. The weather was wonderful, and the break is both indoor and outdoor space. from the Texas heat and drought was a blessing. In Norway, we visited 5 different fjords/ports. All were spectacular, each with its own Fascinating, what will they think of personality. next? We’ve celebrated launch parties, To give you a little perspective, the entire population of the country new babies, Swim Sundays, flag (6 million) is less than the population of the DFW metroplex. The football, and back-to-school. Life people are lovely, many are tall and blonde and a treat to interact is very full and almost always fun. with. We explored snowmelt rivers and hiked to the Briksdal glacier outside of Olden for some spectacular views. I’ve begun learning a new craft called fabric collage. My cousin introduced this to me, and I find it relaxing and challenging. I’m happy with the results of my first project. I don’t typically search for new hobbies. Between work, family, gardening, Bible study, reading, and jigsaw puzzles, my “new hobby” time is limited, but I see another project or two in my future. Emilio, Mike, and I also enjoyed our time at the Robson Ranch HOA Expo recently. We met lots of new friends and shared how our RFG Blueprint Process helps people nearing retirement. I’m so blessed to work and do life with a team of professionals who understand “Why” we do what we do at RFG Wealth Advisory. Thanks for being part of our RFG culture, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
In August, Chris orchestrated my first real Emilio Gonzalez adventure since the accident and took Mike and me, to Idaho, where we visited our favorite, sacred place on the river. We took some time to reflect and relax and make more memories…plus, we actually caught some fish! I guess that casting practice paid off. Chris is definitely my AAP (Adventure Accountability Partner). Speaking of time flying by, I still cannot believe Sharon and I are going to be grandparents soon. Olivia is due in November; she is going to be a Mateo Football Stats great mom. She still does not “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re want to know the gender, so the pilot.” —Michael Altshuler we are on pins and needles waiting. We are so excited to have the baby in the mix; we That’s right! Time tends to move faster the older we get. It can be wasted, or It is fall (my favorite time of the year), and free time is definitely will allot a large it can be used wisely; the choice is ours. We can spend our time floating a little scarce, Friday nights, especially. Mateo is one portion of our time with this through life, or we can spend it doing the things we love with those we love. of four sophomores on varsity. He plays both ways; munchkin! We hoped to have For most of us, we are in control of our time…most of the time. After our linebacker on defense and running back on offense. the house rebuilt by then, but recent experience with the house fire and hospital, I renewed my focus on He had his first rushing TD and first receiving TD we will have to remain patient. how precious “Time” is. I made a commitment to utilize the extra days recently and is leading the district in tackles so far. I guess we can only pilot our offered to me in a more meaningful way. However, like every other human, More importantly, he is having a great time! own plane. We will start after a few months, I fell back into the normal routine of just being “busy”. building soon! Luckily, I have friends and family who are accountability partners and I love writing these newsletters because it reminds me encourage me to take time to enjoy life! If you really think about it, there are to pilot my craft and steer toward fun, exciting, and so many things to be grateful for and so many things to find joy in, no adventurous experiences. I mean, if I am going to be matter how big or small. the pilot, I might as well be Maverick from the Top Gun movie. After all, I do look like Tom Cruise…right??? This summer, Sharon, encouraged the family to take a trip to Cedar Creek Lake. I spent a great deal of time practicing my casting (that is code for not catching any fish). It was a relaxing trip, and we were able to spend some quality time with each other.
Nick Noll We recently celebrated our middle daughter Addison's birthday with a trip to Myrtle Beach. The beach was a blast, and we spent our days building sandcastles and enjoying the waves. We, of course found ways to get messy with some 4- I hope you're doing well and finding time to enjoy life's wheeler excursions and go-carting brought our competitive side! Addison had a great time, and that's what mattered simple pleasures. It's been a few busy months for our family, most to us. and I wanted to share some of the highlights with you. We might not be the best at putting pen to paper, but we have We're in the middle of the sports season frenzy. And our daughters are heavily involved in soccer and volleyball, it's a plenty of stories to tell. never-ending cycle of practices and games. Kylie & Addison have joined new soccer teams this year and are thriving. Emily has been working with a new trainer and team for volleyball and is having a blast! Mom & Dad are soaking it in as First and foremost, we've got a new addition to our family – we know these days are coming closer and closer to the end. We love watching them compete! a spirited puppy named Koda. She's been keeping us on our toes with her boundless energy, and despite the occasional Amidst the hustle and chewed-up shoe or a spilled snack, she has been the perfect bustle, we've managed to addition and friend to keep Archer, our Christmas puppy squeeze in some quality company! They are quite the tag team! family time. Whether it's gathering around the dinner table, going to watch the horses, playing board games, or taking the pups for a walk, these moments are what keep us grounded and connected. As we head into the autumn season, we're looking forward to cooler days, cozy evenings, and more adventures with our growing family. Thanks for being a part of our lives, and we'll be sure to keep you updated on our escapades. Take care and talk to you soon!
Mike Lemich Happy Fall! Isn’t it nice now that the heat has Sarah and the kids took a quick trip up Back to school started with a bang. While we been turned down about 30 degrees? What a to St. Louis for a week to enjoy a “fall homeschool year-round, all summer! We wrapped up the summer by break” and cooler weather. They the extracurriculars having a family reunion with my side of the toured a farm, learned how to milk a seemed to start back up in family at a few beaches in North and South cow, fed goats, explored a pumpkin full force, and Sarah found Carolina. I am one of five kids, so I had a patch, and went hiking in the bluffs. herself to be the family great time catching up with my siblings and Sarah just started her 10th year chauffeur once again, each of their families (25 people total). While teaching at TWU as a part-time taking kids to and from we have never been to the Carolinas, we adjunct faculty in the dental hygiene soccer, gymnastics, golf, really enjoyed our time there and can’t wait department, teaching mostly online piano, art class, football, to go back in the future. One highlight from courses. and the list goes on and on. the trip was taking the kids sailing on a catamaran, where we got to see dolphins and watch the sunset (see picture for proof!). Anastasia and I went on a date to attend ‘Frozen the Musical’ in August. I felt like I was amongst an army of Mini Elsa’s, but the talent of the actors blew me away. I helped Carson, our 2-year-old, learn to ride his bike without training wheels, and he picked it up like a pro! I am always amazed at what these determined little kids can learn. Finally, I am also coaching Anastasia’s soccer team this year for the first time. I chose the team’s name ‘Fireballs’, which, if you watched the team play/practice, you would quickly understand why! We hope you find time to enjoy the season and experience gratitude for the little things in life.
We are thankful for every one of our amazing, relationships. From clients and colleagues to family and friends, every one of you is valued. Thank you for being part of the experience that is RFG Wealth Advisory. Chris & Team RFG “The more you practice the art of thankfulness, Connect with Us! the more you have to be thankful for.” — Norman Vincent Peale [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 940-464-4104
