Snowbird(ing) – It’s a Real Thing…
At Stephens Wealth Management, we are committed to supporting clients in all financial endeavors. As collaborative partners, we listen to growing needs and do our best to provide solutions. For that reason, we are excited to introduce our new offering: Financial and Lifestyle Planning for Snowbirds, including those thinking about second home ownership across states.
We have personal experience with and understand the importance of eliminating the unknown when it comes to purchasing a second home. We know that purchasing a second home can be both exciting and daunting, there are many implications to consider. Utilizing our experience and financial expertise, we are thrilled to offer personalized solutions for Snowbirds.
The Snowbird Lifestyle Plan is a fully personalized plan that addresses key financial and lifestyle implications snowbirds should consider. If you haven’t spoken to us about your hopes to become a Snowbird, please reach out. Likewise, if you have friends or family thinking about Snowbird(ing), we’d love to help.
Leave behind the guesswork AND bad weather. Check out our Snowbird Lifestyle Plan.
Snowbird Lifestyle
Sherri Stephens, President and CEO of Stephens Wealth Management 
Group, discusses the “ins and outs” of becoming a snowbird/sunbird with fellow Financial Planner and Founder of Pearl Planning, Melissa Joy. Thinking about becoming a snowbird? Not sure where to start? Take a listen to hear more about Sherri and Melissa’s journeys to second home ownership and key considerations for anyone thinking about the snowbird lifestyle.
- Buy or Rent
- Set-up home for rental (i.e., VRBO, Airbnb, etc.)
- Property ownership
- Tax considerations
- Exit planning
Aggregating Accounts Helps Us Better Support You
Organization is the key to success in many areas of our lives. It can be especially important in our financial lives. One of the best ways we can help you effectively manage and invest assets is to have a clear understanding of where you stand. Without that proper assessment, it is difficult to set goals, design a comprehensive financial plan and implement the appropriate portfolios for your specific situation. That’s where aggregation comes in.
What is Aggregation?
Aggregating allows us to consider the assets, liabilities, and other holdings of your household so that we can better coordinate the financial planning we do with you. Many of our clients have multiple accounts with Stephens Wealth Management Group, a mortgage with one bank, a car loan with a different bank, checking and savings with another bank, and their 401(k) and other retirement plans elsewhere. Between all these financial institutions, it can be hard to keep track and ensure everything is helping you progress toward your greater financial goals.
Aggregation empowers you with a wide lens view of your financial picture, compiling your financial information in one accessible place. Aggregation should not be confused with “consolidating your accounts.” While there can be benefits to keeping your accounts with one institution, it’s not always possible. Aggregation allows us to have insight where we don’t have oversight.
How Can You Aggregate?
You could certainly aggregate your finances the old-fashioned way with a p
en and paper (and we have a tool for that), but SWMG’s digital tools do the work for you, keep the numbers up to date, and provide a comprehensive, 360-degree view of your finances. If you would like to begin the aggregation process, please reach out to your advisor or client relationship associate and they can get you started.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is March 8th. The theme is #EmbraceEquity.
Life is Sweeter with Plants
I’ve always been envious of those with a “Green Thumb”. Greenery, house plants in particular, liven up any space, especially during the winter months here in Michigan. Plants provide cleaner air, reduce stress, and give you something to talk to on those blustery winter days when you’re snowed in. But I have horrible luck keeping my foliage alive. I know it should be a simple
equation, plants need sun and water…easy, right? But every plant I bring home from the garden section at the store has its own specific care instructions. The FERN needs some light and high moisture. The SNAKE PLANT likes low light and drier conditions. The DIEFFENBACHIA requires moist soil and direct light. Whew, I feel like I need a flowchart just to keep up. Determined not to kill any verdure this winter, I was excited to discover the Vera by Bloomscape app.
There are a bevy of plant care apps out there, some better than others. So, it really depends on what you’re looking for. My specific need was creating a watering schedule. In the app, I searched each species and was able to set up reminders for when to water, what the soil moisture level for each should be, and tricks and tips on how to help keep them alive and thriving longer. Some of the apps are geared more towards community and sharing your
journey as a “plant-parent”. While others have a more practical approach, providing the science behind what it takes to keep your greens greener. And while I won’t claim to be a master horticulturist just yet, I’m happy to report that a few months in, every one of my plants is still very much alive and flourishing.
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