Planning with Purpose

Office Closure - Upcoming Holiday Office Closure

Raising Kids, Raising Wealth - Nick Ippolito, Financial Planner

Bringing Clarity to the Rollover Process - Matt Goliber, Manager Financial Planning Operations

Important Update: New Scheduling Platform Now Live – Tonya Laughing, Client Services Associate  

Upcoming Office Closure

Raising Kids, Raising Wealth

Nick Ippolito, Financial Planner

Having children changes nearly everything about how you think about money: what it’s for, how it should be used, and what legacy you want it to create. 

In the early years, most of us start with practical questions. Are we saving enough for college? Should we use a 529 plan? What if our child chooses a path that doesn’t involve a traditional degree? Those are valid questions, and for many families a 529 still serves as a sensible way to set aside funds for education. 

But as families grow more financially secure, the focus often shifts. Planning isn’t just about accumulating a balance anymore. It becomes about how money supports your family’s values and goals. 

Thinking beyond tuition 

For some families, a dedicated college fund remains a priority. For others, education costs are something they feel prepared to cover through income or other assets. 

When that’s the case, the conversation changes. It becomes about more than just paying bills. It becomes about the kind of adulthood you want your children to build. 

You might find yourself asking: 

• How do we help our children become financially confident adults? 

• How do we support them without removing their motivation or accountability? 

• How do we give them opportunities that align with our family values? 

These are the sorts of questions that turn financial planning into something more meaningful than checking a savings box. They reflect both who you are and what you hope your children will become. 

Start early, stay intentional 

For most families, education planning still begins with familiar tools like a 529 plan, and for good reason. A well-chosen account can make saving more efficient and flexible, which helps reduce uncertainty later.

At the same time, what matters most is less about the perfect account and more about consistency and clarity of purpose. Families who start early and stay intentional tend to feel more confident and less stressed as milestones approach. 

Even if you choose to cover education costs from general resources rather than a specific account, having a plan instead of winging it creates freedom and choice. 

Money as a reflection of values 

Some of the most impactful family financial decisions don’t show up on a spreadsheet at all. They’re about the lessons you share: 

• Should our children work while in school and contribute toward their costs? 

• How do we teach them to budget, save, and invest wisely? 

• What role do we want money to play in their lives? 

There isn’t a single “correct” answer, but families who talk about these things ahead of time usually feel more aligned, less reactive, and more confident in their decisions. 

Aligning this with your broader plan 

Saving for your children, whether that’s for education, early adulthood support, or something else, works best when it’s part of your larger financial picture, including: 

• Your retirement goals 

• Your investment strategy 

• Your tax planning 

• Your estate plan 

• Your lifestyle today 

When these elements work together thoughtfully, you’re not just preparing for school costs. You’re building a plan that supports your family’s well-being now and for years to come. 

We help families think about their children within the context of their whole financial life, connecting decisions about education, gifting, and support to your investments, taxes, and long-term goals so everything fits together.

Bringing Clarity to the Rollover Process

Matt Goliber, Manager Financial Planning Operations

Moving financial accounts can feel intimidating, especially when it comes to 401(k)s and other employer-sponsored plans. The terminology, tax considerations, and paperwork can make the process seem more complicated than it needs to be. It is not uncommon for clients to feel unsure where to begin. 

That is where our team steps in. 

Many clients who begin working with us choose to consolidate past accounts under one coordinated plan. For most people, the first hurdle is not the paperwork. It is simply knowing what to expect. When I first entered the financial services industry, I felt the same apprehension many of our clients describe today. 

At S.E.E.D., I had the opportunity to learn not only the mechanics of these transactions, but also how to confidently navigate conversations with plan providers and custodians. Our planners have taken the time to teach both our clients and our team how to move through these processes efficiently and thoughtfully. 

Today, I help coordinate rollover calls and walk clients through each step. These conversations are often one of my favorite parts of the job. Clients may begin the call feeling uncertain. More often than not, it ends with a sense of relief and a simple comment such as, “That wasn’t as complicated as I expected.” 

While every plan is different, our goal remains the same. We aim to simplify the experience wherever possible. Whether that means preparing paperwork in advance, clarifying next steps, or staying on the line until questions are resolved, we want the process to feel manageable and transparent. 

If you have recently met with one of our planners and discussed a rollover, know that we will be with you each step of the way. You can expect to hear from me soon to guide you through the next phase. 

Team News

Important Update: New Scheduling Platform Now Live

Tonya Laughing, Client Services Associate

We are excited to share that our team has officially transitioned to a new scheduling and client‑management platform called Wealthbox. This upgrade allows us to streamline communication, improve appointment reminders, and make your meeting experience more convenient.    

Reminder Messages Are Changing 
You will no longer receive RedTail Speak text reminders for appointments. 
Instead, one week prior to your meeting, a member of our Client Experience (CX) Team will send you a reminder email that includes: 

• Your upcoming appointment details 

• A Microsoft Teams link (for virtual meetings) 

Need to Reschedule? We are Here to Help. 
If you need to change your appointment at any time, simply call us at: 

607‑217‑5091 

 We are Always Here to Assist You 
As always, if there is any way we can assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your patience and partnership as we continue improving your experience with us.