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What is a Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor? (And How to Spot the Chameleons)
Discover what a fee-only fiduciary advisor truly means. Learn how to spot hybrid, fee-based chameleon advisors using our 5-star interview tip.

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
May 174 min read


Shift Your Retirement Savings Into Tax Free Gear
One great strategy right now is a Roth IRA conversion. This means moving your money from a traditional retirement account

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
Apr 153 min read


Is the Market’s Check Engine Light Flickering? (Market Exit Strategy)
When a check engine light flickers on your dashboard, you don't jump out of the car, you check the oil. With a weak GDP report, sticky 3.0% inflation, and a rare technical indicator flashing warning signs under the hood of the stock market, discover why having a rules-based exit strategy is a good idea for today's market.

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
Feb 214 min read


Beneath the AI Headlines: A Quiet Concentration Story
Today, the ten largest stocks make up roughly 40% of the S&P 500, a level even higher than what investors experienced during the dot‑com era.

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
Dec 13, 20253 min read


“Let’s Hope for the Best” Isn’t a Strategy
Most people don’t panic when the market wobbles a little. But when the swings get bigger, the headlines get louder, and your account balance looks like it’s experimenting with skydiving, that’s when the questions start: “Should I be doing something different?”

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
Nov 16, 20253 min read


October’s Trick or Treat Market
October has a spooky reputation on Wall Street, and right on cue, a rare technical warning called the Hindenburg Omen just flashed. From shifting Fed policies to shaky market internals, discover why a disciplined, rules-based strategy is the ultimate shield against seasonal market tricks.

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
Oct 17, 20252 min read


Shutdowns, Tariffs, and What Really Moves Markets
Markets don’t like surprises, but they’re surprisingly good at ignoring Washington now nearly two weeks into the government shutdown, investors are asking the usual questions: How long will it last? Will it hurt the economy? And does it actually matter for the market? 1 | Shutdowns in Perspective The current shutdown began October 1, 2025 - now on Day 12, putting it among the longer ones but still far from record-setting. The 2018-19 shutdown lasted 35 days; 2013’s stretched

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
Oct 12, 20253 min read


How Your Advisor Gets Paid Could Cost You More Than You Think
Not every advisor’s paycheck is aligned with your best interests. In fact, the way an advisor gets paid can shape the guidance you receive. For retirees, that can mean the difference between peace of mind and second-guessing every recommendation.

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
Aug 16, 20253 min read


Mid-Year Retirement Checkup: Smart Moves Before Summer Slips Away
June is halftime for your financial plan, and the scoreboard doesn't lie. From dodging future Medicare IRMAA surcharges to fixing sneaky tax withholding gaps and rebalancing your portfolio, discover the critical mid-year moves retirees should make before summer slips away.

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
Jun 28, 20253 min read


🏠 Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement?
Paying off your home before you retire feels great emotionally, but does it make financial sense? From avoiding liquidity traps to navigating sudden tax bracket spikes and Medicare IRMAA surcharges, discover the critical factors retirees must weigh before sending in that final mortgage payment.

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
May 17, 20253 min read


Tax-Loss Harvesting: Using Losses to Your Advantage
It's always important to reduce taxes, and one way that may help is a process called tax-loss harvesting. This involves selling...

John Piershale, CFP®, AEP®
Nov 5, 20223 min read
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