Category: General

Necessary Steps in Your Financial Planning

When it comes to financial planning, start the conversation early. For example, don’t overlook topics like emergency savings, life and disability insurance, or estate planning. They all require your attention as key components of a robust plan that aim to protect and improve your financial future and the financial futures of those most important to you.

Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is money set aside specifically to be used in case of a financial rainy day. Although it can be difficult in fair weather to remember the value or intention behind emergency savings, you’ll be grateful for those funds if you ever need to replace your water heater and fix your bumper in the same weekend, for instance.

Life and Disability Insurance

For those with fiscal responsibilities or obligations that will persist for years to come, life insurance is an important piece of planning for financial well-being. Having appropriate coverage can give you confidence that remaining debts can be paid off, minor or disabled children are cared for, or that your spouse has enough to live on for their retirement should something happen to you. In the event you suffer a significant health issue that leaves you unable to work, disability insurance could be key for helping you weather those periods

Estate Planning

Whether it’s relatively straightforward like ensuring the correct beneficiaries are listed on your accounts and policies, more involved such as ensuring your desires are carried out through specific directives in your will, or includes conversations with family members in naming guardians for minors – consider your loved ones and your legacy as you review your assets and financial future.

Even if certain topics aren’t your favorite talking points – pouring rain, gloomy days, life insurance – they’re still important. Your foresight in preparing for these types of events will benefit you when the storm begins, and you can start now with support from our team of Wealth Management Advisors. You and your loved ones will be grateful that you did.

Prepare for the unexpected.

Contact Visions Wealth Management today at visionswealthmanagement.com or 800.242.2120, ext. 10469.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a deep clean. Much like how you invest time to declutter your living space, it is also a great time to organize your finances. Whether that means going through important documents, such as old statements and tax returns, or consolidating investment accounts, you will feel better for having done so.

Consolidating investment accounts becomes a consideration when you have multiple accounts in the same registration or even some old employer retirement plans (401(k)s, 403(b)s, or 457s) that can be rolled over into an IRA. This makes it easier for you to manage your investments and beneficiaries through a single account.

One key to keeping documents is to make sure you hold on to them as long as you need to, the timeframe of which varies depending on the document. Tax returns should be kept for 7 years from the date you filed them. Legal documents, mortgage records, and annual statement for your investment accounts should be kept indefinitely. Even receipts for home improvement should be kept until you sell your property. On the other hand, documents you don’t need to keep for even a month are utility, cable, and cell phone bills, as well as credit card receipts. Items like pay stubs, monthly/quarterly investment statements, and medical receipts should be retained for at least a year.

Once you have collected the documents you want to keep on file, there are a few different ways you can organize them.

Physical Storage

Some people have binders that they keep their most recent statements in with tabs sectioned off by account. Others may find file folders work best for them. One key consideration for keeping paper documents is to keep the most important of them in a fireproof safe as they would be the hardest to recreate if lost (think deeds, titles, birth certificates, and passports).

Saving Them Online

For those looking to embrace a more technological solution, consider the option to save important documents on a thumb drive, external hard drive, or cloud backup. Regardless of which digital method you use, you will want to make sure that your documents are secure. Something to keep in mind – you will still want to keep the physical copy of the most vital of your documents, even if you have a digital backup.

In addition to having your documents organized and filed away, it never hurts to have a summary list of accounts and contact information for any financial, insurance, or legal professionals you work with. You never know when someone may need to take over management of your finances or eventually, an executor will need to know what assets you own and how to find out about them.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding women who contribute to Visions Wealth Management. These exceptional wealth management advisors not only provide experienced guidance but also make meaningful connections with clients and help them pursue their financial goals. Their diverse backgrounds, commitment to learning, and community involvement highlight their dedication to empowering others. Let’s take a closer look at the incredible work they do.

Marcy Depew
Marcy’s passion for finance began early, influenced by her mother, a retail banker who instilled in her the importance of saving. Marcy’s mother’s mantra, “Marcene, remember to pay yourself first,” became a cornerstone of her financial philosophy. Today, Marcy works closely with individuals, helping them develop investment strategies to pursue their long-term financial goals. With years of experience in wealth management and retail and business banking, Marcy has helped countless clients build their financial futures. Marcy holds a New York State Life, Health, and Accident Insurance license, along with Series 6, Series 7, and Series 63 Securities licenses held through LPL Financial. Additionally, she has earned her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation, CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning, enhancing her expertise in retirement planning.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marcy is deeply committed to her community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club and on the Foundation Board, having supported the club’s youth activities for many years. As a lifelong resident of Broome County, Marcy enjoys spending time with her husband, David, and their three grown children.

Caity Kuhnen
Caity has been part of the financial services industry for over seven years. Starting her career right out of college, she joined Visions Wealth Management in 2020. Caity’s passion lies in building relationships with her clients and helping them navigate their financial journeys. She finds joy in watching individuals who may have initially been unfamiliar with financial planning or investing gain confidence and understanding over time. Her ability to empower clients is one of her greatest strengths. Outside of her professional life, Caity embraces a balanced lifestyle. She enjoys working out at Taylor Lee Fitness, exploring local hiking trails with her dog, and engaging in creative activities like painting and learning watercolor techniques with her mother. Caity also enjoys playing tennis, practicing yoga, and taking every opportunity to volunteer with local organizations. Her zest for life and community shines through in both her personal and professional endeavors.

Candace Chapman
Candace’s diverse background includes journalism, marketing, and financial advising, which makes her approach to financial management unique. She earned her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation, CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning, and holds Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses held through LPL Financial.. Candace is passionate about financial education, especially for women. She co-created Visions Wealth Management’s Women & Wealth program, which empowers women to take control of their financial futures. Before transitioning to wealth management, Candace had an extensive career in broadcasting. She worked as a news anchor, reporter, and producer, where she reported on economic issues and personal finance, further fueling her desire to help others understand complex financial concepts.
In addition to her professional work, Candace is an active volunteer, serving on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton and its Bids for Kids fundraising committee. She also helps with Mercy House’s Gala of Taste and emcees the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways Women of Distinction program. When she’s not working or volunteering, Candace loves spending time outdoors, traveling, and enjoying activities like hiking, running, and golfing.

Alyssa Clark

Alyssa’s journey in financial services began in 2017 as an intern at Visions Wealth Management, and she’s grown exponentially since. After graduating from SUNY Broome with honors, Alyssa joined the team full-time as an administrative assistant before transitioning into a junior advisor role in 2019. Alyssa has earned her Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses, held through LPL Financial, as well as her Life and Health Insurance license. Alyssa works closely with her colleagues, Guy Adames and Caity Kuhnen, to create personalized financial strategies for each client. She finds fulfillment in learning more about her clients’ unique financial situations and incorporating those insights into tailored plans. Outside of her work, Alyssa enjoys spending quality time with her parents and her two beloved dogs. She’s also passionate about home improvement and loves working on projects around her house.

Rachael Kettle
Rachael’s journey in financial services began in 2016 when she joined Visions Federal Credit Union as a Member Service Representative. She built strong relationships with members, advising them on a wide range of financial services. Her passion for helping people pursue financial success led her to join Visions Wealth Management in 2022 as a Wealth Management Advisor.

Rachael is licensed with Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 registrations, held through LPL Financial, along with a New York State Life, Accident, and Health Insurance license. Her goal is to help clients build their financial confidence and create customized strategies to pursue their goals. Outside of work, Rachael enjoys traveling and exploring new places, but she also finds peace at her family cottage on Lake Ontario, where she enjoys time with loved ones and her dog, Apollo.

Christa Perry
With over 25 years of experience, Christa brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her financial advising practice. Growing up with a father who was an insurance agent, Christa learned the value of personalized service from an early age. Her approach to financial planning focuses on understanding each client’s unique needs and developing a tailored strategy to help them pursue their goals.
Christa’s educational background includes an associate degree in Business Administration and Independent Studies from SUNY Broome, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Excelsior University. She maintains various securities registrations through LPL Financial and has several insurance licenses.
A lifelong resident of Broome County, Christa enjoys spending time with her husband and dog. Her commitment to her community is reflected in her personalized, caring approach to financial advising.

Melissa Titus
This year is Melissa’s 20th year in the financial services industry, which makes her an experienced professional in wealth management. With a background in both banking and financial advising, Melissa holds Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 securities licenses through LPL Financial and a New York State Life, Accident, and Health Insurance license. Melissa joined Visions in 2020 and has built strong relationships with her clients, offering experienced advice on investments, insurance, and financial planning. She is known for her product knowledge, attention to detail, and unwavering integrity. A lifelong resident of Broome County, Melissa values her personal relationships with clients and is dedicated to helping them navigate their financial futures. Starting a 529 for someone’s first grandchild, making a down payment on a vacation home of their dreams, or saving for a big event, Melissa is here to help guide and answer questions for her clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, concerts, puzzles, reading, and walking with her dog.

Christine Gumaer
Christine has been in the financial services industry since 2000 and licensed as a Financial Consultant since 2001. She joined the Visions Wealth Management team in 2017 as Wealth Management Advisor, a role well-suited for Christine as she came from a lifetime of customer, member, and financial service experience.

Christine takes pride in being able to use so many years of knowledge and experience to assist members and clients with their financial service needs, regardless of their stage in life. She enjoys working with clients and members over the phone, and it’s apparent in her voice during every interaction.

These extraordinary women exemplify the dedication, expertise, and passion that define Visions Wealth Management. Their commitment to helping clients build brighter financial futures, while also enriching their communities, makes them true leaders in the field. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor their achievements and the powerful impact they make every day.

February is here, and with it comes the season of love — but love doesn’t have to mean overspending. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or just starting something new, there’s no need to break the bank to enjoy quality time together. At Visions Wealth Management, we believe that financial wellness is an essential key to stress-free living. This Valentine’s Day, you can celebrate both love and smart money habits with these budget-friendly date ideas and savings tips.

A classic yet simple way to spend time with your partner is a picnic. In colder months, you can recreate a picnic inside! For an extra touch, look for local parks that host free events, like yoga classes, outdoor movie screenings, or concerts, that can complement your day.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more interactive, a game night is an excellent way to bond while keeping costs low. Whether you pull out board games, cards, or even video games, you can enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. If you don’t want to spend money on new games, why not consider swapping with friends or family? It’s a fun, budget-friendly way to keep things fresh without having to buy anything new.

For a more romantic and laid-back evening, consider stargazing. It’s a free activity that allows you to connect with your partner in a peaceful and serene environment. To make it a little more engaging, download a stargazing app to identify constellations together. It adds an educational twist to the date, while still being cost-free.

If you’re looking for something a bit more energetic and fun, head to a bowling alley! Bowling alleys offer discounts during off-peak hours or have special rates for couples, so it can be a great way to enjoy a night out without spending much. Plus, it’s an easy way to bond and have fun. Check local alleys for any special deals or group rates, which can make your date even more affordable.

For a date that keeps you active, ice skating is another budget-friendly option. Whether you’re gliding effortlessly across the rink or holding onto the edge for dear life, ice skating provides a lot of opportunities for laughter and bonding. Many ice rinks offer deals during weekdays or specific hours, which makes it more affordable.

Cooking dinner together can be a fun and intimate experience. Instead of dining out, choose a simple recipe you both enjoy and cook it together at home. Not only does it save you money, but it also allows you to bond over a shared activity. Plus, the best part is that you get to enjoy the meal together once it’s done — and leftovers can stretch the experience even further. If cooking isn’t your thing, a DIY food night like making pizza or building your own ice cream sundaes can also be a fun way to spend time together without spending a lot.

Another simple yet engaging date idea is doing a puzzle together. It’s a low-cost activity that can be surprisingly fun and rewarding, plus it’s a great way to disconnect from screens and have more meaningful interactions. You can pick a puzzle that reflects something you both love, such as a favorite vacation spot or movie.

This February, take a moment to appreciate the love in your life. By choosing budget-friendly date ideas, you can focus on meaningful connections without the worry of overspending. If you’re looking for ways to plan for the future, both in your relationship and in your finances, Visions Wealth Management is here to help. A well-rounded financial plan can help you feel confident and prepared.

Ready to plan for your future? Contact Visions Wealth Management today for a consultation. Let’s make 2025 your most financially successful year yet!

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only.

With the arrival of 2025, January offers a fresh start—a chance to reflect on the year past and set intentions for the year ahead. Many of us take time to make personal resolutions; we focus on our health, pursuing a career change, or committing to self-improvement. However, it’s just as important to consider how your financial goals fit into your vision. Creating a financial plan that aligns with your goals for personal growth supports your immediate needs and fosters long-term success and having a strategy in place can provide the clarity and direction you need. In this post, we’ll explore how to create a financial plan that supports both your financial aspirations and personal goals.

To begin, it’s important to reflect on the past year. What financial and personal milestones did you achieve? Where did you face challenges? Reflecting on these areas provides insight into where you need to improve and what you want to focus on going forward. Consider how your financial goals can directly support your personal growth objectives. For example, are you planning to go back to school or earn a certification to advance your career? Do you want to prioritize health and wellness this year? By connecting your financial goals to your personal aspirations, you lay the foundation for a plan that feels meaningful and achievable.

Once you have a sense of what you want to accomplish, it’s time to set SMART financial goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Setting clear, actionable goals will give you a roadmap for success and help you stay motivated throughout the year. For example, you might set a goal to save $10,000 for a down payment on a home by the end of the year, or you might aim to increase your retirement contributions by 5% over the next 12 months. The key is to break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps. When you define SMART goals for yourself it makes your plan of action much easier to determine than when your goals are vague like ‘I want to save for a house’ where you are left with questions like ‘how much do you want to save? When do you need this by?’, both key questions that need answers that SMART goals help address from the start.

So you have set your SMART goals that align with your personal priorities and values. Now it is time to create a financial plan that helps you to work towards those goals. Personal growth often involves investing in yourself — through education, wellness, career development and many other avenues. Consider how your finances can help fund these initiatives. If advancing your career is a goal, setting aside funds for education or skill-building courses or certifications could be essential. If health and wellness are a priority, allocating money for a gym membership, wellness retreats, or mental health resources may support your personal growth in meaningful ways.

A central piece of a financial plan is  developing an actionable savings and investment plan. Maybe you decide you need a new savings account to save up for an exercise bike or a 529 college savings account to help you pay for college in a few years for you or a family member. This could also involve reviewing and rebalancing your current investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial objectives. If retirement is a priority, consider increasing your contributions to your 401(k), IRA, or other retirement accounts. Automating savings is one of the best and easiest things you can do to help you stay on track without the temptation to skip contributions. Setting up automatic transfers into your savings or investment accounts ensures that you are consistently working toward your goals, month after month. While you can always save what is left over at the end of the month, often life and temptation eat away at your money, leaving you with nothing to save too often. Automatically saving before you get a chance to spend it is vital and the key idea of ‘paying yourself first’. If you need help with any of this one of our Wealth Management Advisors are happy to help you come up with these action steps.

Investing and saving are great for helping you get on track but you also must include contingencies in your plan if things don’t go according to plan. When you think back upon your progress last year, were your previous money goals derailed due to unforeseen expenses? This is where including an emergency fund in your plan that helps you deal with those unpleasant surprises is absolutely crucial. Additionally, that is why thinking about insurances like disability, long-term care, and life insurance, as well as making sure you have estate documents in place like a will, power of attorney, and health care directive can’t be overlooked. You may have a plan for your child, but you may also want life insurance to cover the cost of their college if you passed away unexpectedly or to make sure your will states who will take care of your child if you were to pass away while they are still a minor. These aren’t pleasant issues to consider but are vital to keeping things on track.

Tracking your progress is essential to staying on course, and regular reviews can help you assess whether your financial plan is on track. If you experience any significant life changes, such as a new job or a major move, adjusting your financial strategy to reflect these changes can help you stay aligned with your goals. Regular check-ins ensure that you’re not only progressing but also that you’re adaptable enough to handle shifts in your financial or personal life.

Investing doesn’t give you the benefit of hindsight even if you can look at past progress. In an example situation, you may decide to invest for retirement with a mix of 80% stocks / 20% bonds. If the market has a downturn, you may lose 20% of the value of your account. It is important to try to remove emotions from the equation – another place having a Wealth Management Advisor acting as an impartial outsider can help. If you are investing on your own, you may be tempted to move your money into something more conservative out of fear of experiencing further losses. A Wealth Management Advisor will help you step back and remember your time horizon, that you have time to recuperate the losses. Historically the stock market has risen back from losses and gone on to new heights. If you move your investments to cash when the market is down, you are likely to miss the gains that follow the losses. This is, of course, easier said than done, but it is key that we work to ‘buy low, sell high’ on average overall in our investment accounts.

Finally, remember to celebrate your milestones along the way. Whether you’ve met a savings target, paid off debt, or successfully invested in a new opportunity for personal growth, recognizing these achievements will keep you motivated and on track. Personal growth and financial success are both journeys, and every step forward deserves to be celebrated.

At Visions Wealth Management, we’re here to help you create a financial plan that aligns with your vision for 2025 and beyond. If you’re ready to take charge of your financial future, reach out to schedule a consultation with our team today.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Investing involves risks, including the loss of principal.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.​

This time of year, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol inevitably comes to mind. In the story, Ebenezer Scrooge gets the unique opportunity to experience, in a single night, his life’s journey through Christmases in his past, present, and future. While you may not have the ability to time travel as Scrooge did, you can reflect on your past, present, and future self to be mindful of your financial decisions and determine whether changes are necessary.

To start, consider how “Past You” has set up finances for “Present You.” Did you strategically take on debt, save for emergencies, and invest for the future? If you had to give “Past You” a grade, what would it be? While plenty of things can unexpectedly impact your finances, plenty of financial habits are within your control. For example, an unexpected hospital stay may dip into your emergency savings, but dining out too often could prevent you from stashing away an extra $1,000.

While you can’t go back in time and change your decisions, “Present You” can make small adjustments to help improve the financial well-being of “Future You.” That could mean paying an extra $50 per month on an outstanding loan, increasing your monthly retirement contributions by $25, or setting up automatic weekly transfers to build savings for emergencies. Decisions such as these can make meaningful differences in your future finances.

While all this preparation for “Future You” is helpful, remember to observe what Scrooge may have learned in the end: to find joy in the present, create new memories, and consider the happiness of those less fortunate – especially in this special time of year.

To review your financial plan or explore ways to support “Future You”, connect with our team of licensed professionals. Give us a call at 800.242.2120, ext. 10469.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

The holiday season has arrived! Meaning — festivities, gatherings, and, of course, shopping. It’s easy to get carried away with gift-giving, elaborate meals, and various celebrations, so it can sometimes feel like the joy of the season comes with a hefty price tag. But with a bit of planning, you can enjoy the holidays without compromising your financial health. Here are some tips on managing holiday expenses, setting a budget, and finding ways to celebrate (financially) responsibly from Visions Wealth Management.

The first step to managing holiday spending is to set a realistic budget. Begin by evaluating your finances and determining how much you can comfortably spend without impacting your savings or other financial goals. This budget should cover all holiday-related expenses, including gifts, decorations, food, and travel.

Gift-giving is often the largest expense during the holidays. To avoid overspending, make a list of everyone you plan to give gifts to and set a maximum amount for each person. For large families or friend groups, consider drawing names or setting up a Secret Santa exchange to limit the number of gifts you need to buy. Handmade gifts can be both personal and cost-effective. Consider baking treats, creating custom crafts, or writing heartfelt letters. Gift experiences like tickets to an event, a cooking class, or a day trip can often be more meaningful and memorable than material items.

While holiday sales and promotions can be tempting, they can also lead to impulse purchases. Plan your shopping around sales that offer real value on the items you need, rather than buying things just because they are discounted. These sales can be a great deal for your shopping list! Browsing can be fun but try to stick to the items you truly need and the wants that are in budget.

Hosting holiday meals and gatherings can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce costs without sacrificing the festive spirit. Inviting guests to contribute a dish can reduce the burden on the host and add variety to the meal.

Choosing recipes that are cost-effective and use seasonal ingredients can be easy and delicious! Planning ahead helps in managing grocery costs and reducing food waste.

If travel is part of your holiday plans, consider ways to minimize costs. Book travel in advance, waiting till the last minute can be costly. Being flexible with your arrival and departure dates and looking for discounts can help keep expenses in check. Consider using rewards points or travel apps to find deals on flights and accommodations. Visiting our loved ones is important, but making it cost effective can relieve some additional costs.

The allure of the holiday season can lead to overspending on credit cards, which might result in high-interest debt. Avoid using credit for holiday expenses unless you can pay off the balance immediately. When staying disciplined, a tip is to use cash or debit cards to make purchases and avoid accumulating debt. If you must use credit, ensure you have a plan to pay off the balance quickly.

The holidays are about spending time with loved ones, and there are many ways to celebrate without spending a lot of money. Enjoy free or low-cost activities like going for a walk through a holiday-lit park, participating in community events, or having a cozy movie night at home. Organizing a game night or holiday-themed craft session with family and friends can be great! These activities can be fun and affordable.

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration. By setting and sticking to a budget, planning your spending, and finding creative ways to celebrate, you can enjoy the festivities while minimizing financial stress. Remember, the true essence of the holidays lies in the time spent with loved ones and the shared experiences, not in the price tag of the gifts or the grandeur of the celebrations.

Happy holidays to you and your loved ones from the team here at Visions Wealth Management!

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Health care costs can be unpredictable, yet significant. These expenses can make or break a family’s budget. In particular, the out-of-pocket costs beyond health insurance premiums can impact your financial wellbeing greatly. Being prepared to cover those expenses may mean the difference between your budget going off the rails or going by the book. As a way to prepare for unanticipated bills, think about starting to set money aside. Emergency funds are beneficial, as they can be used to cover any type of unexpected cost life throws at us. For health care expenses, there are various account types that can be used to help cover these needs. One of the most common health care expense accounts is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

If you have a health plan through a job, you can use an FSA to pay for health care costs, such as deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and medications. FSAs can potentially reduce your tax bill as well. During your employer’s open enrollment period, you can opt into using one of these accounts. When opting in, you specify how much you want to contribute for the next year, up to an annual contribution limit per year per employer ($3,200 limit in 2024). Throughout the next year, you have a fraction of your total contribution come out each paycheck.  One perk is that you can spend up to your full year’s contribution amount any time throughout the year regardless of how much of the total you have contributed thus far. Contributions to your FSA come from your paycheck pretax. When you file a claim, you must submit the proof of the medical expense promptly. Failure to do so will add the amount of your expenses back to your taxable income.

One aspect about FSA that can make people hesitant to use one is that generally the money you contribute must be used by the end of the year or you lose it. Your employer may, but is not required to, offer one of two options (not both) for you to be able to use the money beyond the plan year.

• The first option provides a ‘grace period’ of up to 2 1/2 extra months to use the money in your FSA. This means if you had a balance on Jan 1st left over from the previous year you have up until March 15th to use the rest of those funds.
• The second option allows you to carry over for use next year up to $640 (2024 limit).

So how much should you contribute to an FSA? For the most part, that is highly dependent on your health, your family’s health, and how much you go to the doctor or dentist during a typical year.  While you may not be able to know in advance if you will have an injury or illness, you may have scheduled routine visits to the doctor and dentist for regular checkups already planned. The total of those deductibles/copays is typically the least amount you’d want to consider contributing per year. If your employer has opted to allow a carryover into the next year, another way to approach it is to contribute at least that amount. This way even if you have no out-of-pocket medical or dental expenses during the year you aren’t contributing an amount you’d lose come next January 1st.

Creating room in your budget can allow you to continue saving and investing in the face of life’s unexpected costs. For medical and dental bills, a Flexible Spending Account can b a useful tool to add to your financial toolbelt.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

We are so excited to share our new website with you and join us on this journey towards financial prosperity! Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting to explore the world of wealth management, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

This year, we have had many accomplishments and milestones, including our rebranding! Visions Investment Services has transformed into Visions Wealth Management, and it has been such a success. We also celebrated 20 years of helping clients pursue their financial goals! Additionally, we were recognized and ranked by Forbes as a Top 250 Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in the country! We appreciate everyone at Visions Wealth Management and our clients for helping us achieve these accomplishments. We look forward to working with new and existing clients and continuing to make a positive impact in our community.

We understand each individuals financial journey is unique. That’s why we offer personalized solutions tailored to your specific goals, aspirations, and risk tolerance. From investment planning to retirement strategies, our team of experienced advisors is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the financial world.

In this blog, you’ll find a wealth of resources, insights, and advice to help you make informed decisions about your finances. Whether you’re looking for market updates, investment tips, or retirement planning, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to not only educate but to also inspire you for your financial future.

Visions Wealth Management is more than just a financial firm – we’re a community committed to your success. We believe in the power of collaboration and shared knowledge, which is why we encourage you to engage with us and with each other. Stay tuned for regular updates, insights, and inspirations to fuel your financial journey. We look forward to working with you!

The Forbes ranking of America’s Top RIA Firms, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. The algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings. For larger RIA firms, SHOOK focuses on individuals or teams.  Visions Investment Services is a financial services team comprised of multiple financial professionals that provide advisory services through LPL Financial, an SEC registered investment advisor.