From Overwhelmed to Organized

Holiday Office Closure - S.E.E.D.’s Office Closure for July 4th

Admin Roundtable - Money Movements Made Simple This Summer

From Overwhelmed to Organized: Simplifying Retirement Finances - Brad Eaton, Sr. VP, Investment Services

The Power of Presence - Mae Tichenor, Sr. Client Support Specialist

Team News - CJ Gettelfinger Earns Accredited Investment Fiduciary Designation

Team News - Cassidy McKnight, Jacob Martin, and Amanda Dann Join the Investment Team

Money Movements Made Simple This Summer

In this episode, Matt Goliber and Tonya Laughing break down the process for requesting money movements.

Brad Eaton, Senior Vice President, Investment Services

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to meet with a couple who had recently entered retirement. Like many, they were excited about this new chapter—but they were also struggling to get their arms around their finances. 

During our first meeting, we talked about what their ideal retirement lifestyle might look like. We also explored the concerns that were keeping them from fully enjoying their time now that they were no longer working. 

The biggest shift they were facing was moving from a predictable stream of salary income to drawing down the savings they had carefully built over decades. And with that change came uncertainty: they weren’t sure what they had, where it was, or how to start accessing it in a way that felt sustainable and smart. 

Over the years, both had worked for multiple employers, consistently saving into IRAs and 401(k) plans. They had managed their investments independently up to that point, but now that those investments had to support their lifestyle, they were losing confidence in their ability to navigate it alone. 

They brought a thick folder of account statements to the meeting. When we laid everything out, we counted five IRAs, four 401(k)s, and two joint accounts between them. The sheer number of accounts—spread across different institutions—was clearly adding to their stress. 

We discussed the potential to consolidate wherever possible. Doing so would give them a clearer picture of their assets, enable a unified investment strategy, and make managing withdrawals much simpler. 

In the end, we were able to reduce the number of accounts from eleven to just three: one IRA Rollover for each of them, and a single joint account. We also put a thoughtful investment plan in place—one that matched their goals and risk tolerance. 

A few months later, we met again to review their portfolio. This time, they walked in with noticeably lighter energy. They talked excitedly about an upcoming trip to visit their kids and shared updates on new hobbies they were exploring. It was clear the stress they’d once felt had eased. 

Helping clients like this couple find peace of mind in retirement is one of the most rewarding parts of the work we do. Retirement should be a time to enjoy the life you've built—not be burdened by uncertainty. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help lift that weight and see people start living the chapter they’ve earned. 

Mae Tichenor, Senior Client Support Specialist

I’ve wrestled with performance for as long as I can remember—wanting to show up polished, capable, and impressive. Not out of ego, but out of a deep desire to prove I was enough. 

Over time, I’ve realized that performance doesn’t always build connection. Presence does. 

I’ve come to understand that the more I lean into being present instead of aiming for perfect, the more I experience real moments of impact. Quiet pauses. Honest check-ins. A willingness to not have all the answers. These are the things that build trust. 

A while back, I was on a call with a client going through a heavy season of transitions and uncertainty. Caught in my own busyness, I felt myself slip into default mode—check the boxes, say the right thing, keep it smooth. But something in me paused. I softened. I let go of trying to “do it right” and just focused on being present. 

I asked a simple question: “How are you really doing with all of this?” 

The tone of the call shifted instantly. The client opened up. The conversation slowed down. We didn’t get through the whole checklist of what I thought needed to be accomplished—but what we built was trust. Not because I performed well, but because I showed up honestly and attentively. 

The work we do—and our Just Cause—is about helping people move toward personal fulfillment. And fulfillment doesn’t come from polished delivery. It comes from presence. From showing up with humility, compassion, and a willingness to hold space for someone else. 

I don’t have to prove my worth to make a difference. I just have to be fully here. 

That truth is sometimes uncomfortable, but it’s deeply freeing. It’s a lesson I keep relearning—and one that’s changing the way I work, lead, and live. 

So, from my heart to yours: let presence be the gift you offer. You don’t need to prove anything. Just keep showing up with intention, humility, and heart. 

And maybe, just maybe, the freedom you find in being fully yourself invites others to believe they’re enough, too. 

We are proud to share that CJ Gettelfinger, an Investment Associate in our Knoxville office, has been awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation by the Center for Fiduciary Studies®, the standards-setting body for Fi360. The AIF® designation signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care.

The designation is the culmination of a rigorous training program, which includes a comprehensive, closed-book final examination administered under a proctor's supervision, as well as an agreement to abide by the Center’s Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. To maintain the AIF® designation, individuals must complete ongoing continuing education and continue to adhere to the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards.  

We’re excited to share that three new team members have joined our Investment Team, expanding the support we provide to clients across the country.

Cassidy McKnight and Jacob Martin have joined as Investment Associates, bringing fresh perspectives, strong analytical skills, and a shared passion for helping clients achieve their goals. In their roles, they’ll support the ongoing management of client portfolios and contribute to the research and strategy work that powers our investment process.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Amanda Dann as our new Investment Operations Associate. Amanda brings operational expertise and a keen eye for detail, ensuring the day-to-day movement of investment data and processes run smoothly behind the scenes.

Each of these individuals reflects the core values that guide our work—integrity, curiosity, empathy, and a deep commitment to meaningful client relationships. We’re grateful to have them on board and look forward to the impact they’ll have as part of our S.E.E.D. family.

Please join us in giving Cassidy, Jacob, and Amanda a warm welcome!