Helping Clients Navigate Anxiety

Adopt A Charity – Binghamton Needs You!

Admin Roundtable – Who’s Who at S.E.E.D.

Helping Clients Navigate Anxiety – CJ Gettelfinger, Investment Planner

Podcast Resource - Why the Stock Market is Like an Emotional Teenager 

The Importance of Giving Back Through Volunteering – Steve Campbell, Sr. Marketing Director

Team News – CJ Gettelfinger Promoted

Travis Maus, Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group

In this video, Travis describes how you can be a part of an awesome initiative to support the Roberson Museum, a cornerstone of the community, as it embarks on a critical renovation project. Travis explains how local leadership, especially from Michael Grasso, is making a difference—and how you can be a part of that impact. If you are interested in helping our community and making real change where it matters most, this is a story worth hearing.

In this video, Mae Tichenor, Senior Administrative Coordinator, Tonya Laughing, Operations Specialist, and Matt Goliber, Manager, Financial Planning Operations, walk you through our three office locations and who works in each. You will get a fun and fresh perspective of the people behind S.E.E.D.

CJ Gettelfinger, Investment Planner

Here at S.E.E.D., every day brings new conversations with people from various walks of life, coming from unique backgrounds and working towards deeply cherished goals. No two meetings are ever the same, but universal themes do emerge, especially when it comes to the emotional aspects of investing. Market turbulence often leads to concern, stress, and uncertainty. It’s no surprise; after all, we’re talking about people’s lifetime savings and aspirations. My favorite part of this job is supporting clients as they create a plan, stay disciplined, and ultimately see their efforts pay off.

Like any journey that’s worth the effort, financial growth comes with its share of ups and downs. Recently, I had the opportunity to help a client navigate a bump in the road. These moments can be nerve-wracking and stressful, but that’s exactly why we’re here – to help cultivate the clarity of mind needed to overcome these hurdles.

A few weeks ago, a client called me in distress, watching their retirement savings wobble as the market underwent a long-overdue but still turbulent correction. They were ready to abandon their plan, unable to stomach the daily declines. I completely understood - years of their hard work and committed savings seemed to be slipping away.

But in that moment, I recalled a simple question we had asked when the client first began the process: "What is your long-term goal?" Their answer hadn’t changed since we had first discussed it years ago. I reminded them that market volatility is part of the process and that short-term fluctuations shouldn’t derail a well-constructed plan designed to ultimately withstand such turbulence.

We discussed the market’s recent ups and downs, refocused on the broader picture, and reviewed their projections. This is the moment when I see tensions slow to a simmer, and a sense of self-belief return. By the end of our conversation, the client felt at peace, reassured that they were still on the right track.

I don’t share this to dismiss the emotions that come with investing. These worries are real and valid. However, my job is to ensure that we make informed decisions based on long-term strategies, not short-term fears. This is why clients work with us. We anticipate and prepare for these moments so that when uncertainty arises, we can guide them through it.

The path to success isn’t a straight line. There will be twists, turns, highs, and lows. It’s easy to get discouraged, but that’s why we’re here - to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and remind you to stay the course toward the goals you’ve set.

Podcast Resource - Why the Stock Market is Like an Emotional Teenager 

Would you like your investments to have more good days than bad days? Are you tired of logging in and seeing your account balances dropping? Do you find yourself concerned for your portfolio when you watch the news or talk to your friends? Does it seem like the stock market is an emotional teenager, bouncing from one mood to another?

In this brand-new three-part mini-series from the Ditch the Suits Podcast, Travis and Steve discuss this and what you can do about it. Throughout the series, they demonstrate how the financial marketing and media machines manipulate you into becoming addicted to the vicious cycle of an emotional rollercoaster.

Steve Campbell, Senior Marketing Director

Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways we can help our communities flourish. When we take time to give back, we strengthen the bonds that connect us, support those in need, and become active participants in shaping a better future. A thriving community is not just the result of infrastructure or economic success—it’s built on the collective efforts of individuals who step up and invest their time and energy in making a difference.

Being a part of this larger story is deeply fulfilling. It reminds us that our lives are interconnected and that even small acts of service can create a ripple effect of positive change. Whether it’s teaming up with like-minded organizations, supporting local shelters, coaching youth sports, or showing up where you aren't expected, every contribution plays a role in creating stronger, more connected communities.

At S.E.E.D., we believe so strongly in the value of volunteering that we actively encourage our employees to take part by offering paid time off for community service. We understand that balancing work and personal commitments can be challenging, and we never want our team to feel like they have to choose between making a difference and meeting their professional responsibilities. Through SEEDs of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the communities where we live and work, we are enabling our staff to give back to the community without financial or professional sacrifice, focusing on helping others overcome their challenges.

When individuals are empowered to serve those around them, the benefits extend far beyond the people being helped. Volunteering fosters teamwork, empathy, and a deeper sense of purpose. It reinforces the idea that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves, and that together, we can create meaningful and lasting change.

Giving back is not just a responsibility—it’s an opportunity. And when we make service a priority, we don’t just improve our communities; we enrich our own lives as well.

We are pleased to announce that CJ Gettelfinger, an Investment Associate, has been promoted to Investment Planner. He joined our firm in 2023.

In this role, CJ will assist in overseeing the delivery of investment management services to S.E.E.D.’s diverse client base while partnering with members of the financial planning team to bring customized investment solutions to the firm’s high-net-worth clientele.

Brad Eaton, Senior Vice President of Investment Services, praised CJ’s contributions since joining the firm: “CJ has established himself as a valuable member of our team. He is well-respected by clients and colleagues for his hard work, engaging personality, and desire for constant improvement. He is an emerging leader, and we are excited for his future with the firm.”

CJ, a graduate of Tennessee Technological University, currently resides in Knoxville.