Turning Unnecessary Insurance Costs into Long-Term Wealth

Turning Unnecessary Insurance Costs into Long-Term Wealth - Jeff Chase, Sr. VP Financial Planning

Above and Beyond - Mae Tichenor, Sr. Administrative Coordinator

Team News - Dan Kain Promoted

Team News - Tiffany Dodd and Alex Ierardi Join the Team

Jeff Chase, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning

At S.E.E.D., we pride ourselves on helping our clients not just plan for the future but optimize every aspect of their financial lives. This month, we want to share a powerful success story that shows how thoughtful planning can turn everyday decisions into significant long-term wealth. 

A couple recently signed up for our Ignite financial planning program and became new clients. Like many families, they were doing their best to plan wisely, but didn’t realize how much of their money was being locked into unnecessary expenses. 

The couple had previously worked with another financial firm, but over time, they began to question whether their advisor was truly acting in their best interest. Despite paying for guidance, they weren’t receiving the proactive, personalized advice they needed, and they didn’t feel confident that the recommendations they were given were based on their actual goals or financial situation. 

When they came to us, it became clear just how much value had been left on the table. 

During our risk management meeting, which is part of our initial series of planning meetings with new clients, we discovered that they were overpaying by about $11,000 each year in life insurance premiums. Even more concerning, the policies they held were not even providing enough coverage to protect their families. They were paying too much for too little, which is an all-too-common scenario when insurance isn’t properly aligned with a client’s actual needs. 

We took a closer look at their true insurance needs and found a way to right-size their life insurance coverage, giving them the peace of mind they needed for the next 20 years, without the financial drain. With the savings, we helped them implement a new strategy: 

• Secure the proper amount and ideal types of life insurance coverage. 

• Redirect the $11,000 per year in cost savings into backdoor Roth IRAs, allowing this money to grow tax-free in the years to come. 

So, what does this mean in the long run? 

By redirecting $11,000 per year into strategic investments and staying on track for the next 20 years, they are now positioned to potentially grow that money into over $500,000, assuming an average annual return of 8%. That’s a half-million-dollar opportunity they likely would have missed had they remained on their previous financial path. 

This is just one piece of a much larger financial plan we’re building for them, but it’s a powerful example of the difference that thoughtful, strategic advice can make. This is what real financial planning looks like: not just trimming expenses, but aligning every dollar with a purpose, and helping your money work harder for your goals, your family, and your future. 

_{S.E.E.D. Planning Group LLC (S.E.E.D.) is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) with the Securities Exchange Commission. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.}

_{The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.}

_{Market data, articles and other content in this material are based on generally available information and are believed to be reliable. The content provided here is not intended to provide any tax or legal advice or provide the basis for any financial decisions.}

_{S.E.E.D.’s team provides investment fiduciary and financial planning services to clients. Our fees are disclosed, easy to understand, and not predicated on product sales. S.E.E.D. will provide all prospective clients with a copy of our current Form ADV, Part 2A (Disclosure Brochure) prior to commencing an advisory relationship. However, at any time, you can view our current Form ADV, Part 2A at adviserinfo.sec.gov. In addition, you can contact us to request a hardcopy.}

_{The investment scenario described is hypothetical, based on certain assumptions, and is for illustrative purposes only. It does not reflect actual investment results and is not a guarantee of future outcomes. Investment returns will vary, and there is always the potential for loss.}

Mae Tichenor, Senior Administrative Coordinator 

Most clients send their documents digitally at the start of tax season, while some stop by the office. One client we work with didn’t have either option this year. 

Unsure of what to do, she reached out—and as a team, we were determined not to let this situation prevent her from getting the support she needed. 

We arranged a special visit to her home, turning what could have been a stressful experience into a smooth and uplifting one. 

Her relief and gratitude as we finalized her paperwork reminded us why we do this work: to bring peace of mind and meaningful support to those who need it most. 

For our team, it was a deeply fulfilling moment—proof that going the extra mile truly makes a difference. 

We proudly announce that Dan Kain, a Senior Wealth Manager, has been named Manager of Financial Planning Education.

In this role, Dan oversees the development and delivery of internal financial planning curricula and training programs. He leads the firm’s monthly education meetings and works closely with subject matter experts to ensure content is accurate, relevant, and accessible.

Jeff Chase, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning, commented, “Dan has earned this opportunity through his exceptional work across multiple teams and his talent for making complex ideas easy to understand. We’re confident he’ll thrive in this new role and look forward to all he will achieve.”

Tiffany Dodd and Alex Ierardi Join the Team

We’re proud to welcome Tiffany Dodd as a Financial Planning Operations Specialist in our Binghamton office and Alex Ierardi as a Financial Planner in our Syracuse office. 

Tiffany holds an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies and brings 21 years of experience as a paralegal – including time as a Judicial Assistant in the Arizona Superior Court for Yavapai County. She now resides in Chenango Bridge, NY with her husband and two stepchildren.  

As a 2023 graduate of SUNY Geneseo, Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and brings a strong academic background, a passion for personal finance, and a genuine commitment to helping others build financial confidence through education.