Money & Finance

Financial wellness goes beyond bank balances and investment portfolios—it’s your roadmap to a fulfilling life journey and the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Achieving the ideal equilibrium of earnings, expenditures, and savings ensures a comfortable present and paves the way for a promising future.

Working for one of the largest financial institutions in the country, James excelled in helping others reach their financial goals. However, he knew independence was the key to truly going above and beyond for the people he served. He wanted to work for his clients’ best interests, not the company’s. With a firm commitment to the principles of his fiduciary duty, James founded Victory Wealth Services in Prescott

James leads an experienced team with the singular focus of helping clients achieve victory. He understands that building and implementing a successful financial plan requires a collaborative effort. To that end, he assembled a team of professionals who share his unwavering commitment to their clients.

Many people dream about being able to see the world and experience its many wonders. Sipping wine in Paris. Watching the waves in the Bahamas. Connecting with the history of Rome. But travel isn’t just a luxury for the young. Many retirees also enjoy the freedom of travel without the dread of returning to the office after a relaxing getaway. With careful planning, your retirement years can be an adventure.

Cryptocurrency (also called digital currency) is an alternative form of payment that uses an encryption algorithm. A digital wallet on your computer or hand-held device holds encryption keys that confirm your identity, allowing you to gain access to your digital currency. Losing those could mean also losing your cryptocurrency forever.

Director of Community and Public Relations with Findlay Auto Group, Liberty Casarez, offers some important information about the car industry, as well as her car-buying tips for 2023.  Casarez, who has been employed with Findlay for eight years says, “In recent years, we’ve had to encounter changes like many businesses, and 2023 will still come with its own set of challenges. The good news, however, is that we will see an increase in new car production along with the introduction of more EV models for sale.  At Findlay, we have always focused on our community and our guests, and the coming years will bring exceptionally exciting times for watching our industry evolve.” 

Getting married? When planning a legal union, it pays for couples to consider the financial aspects of marriage just as deeply as they do romance.

If you have spent more time shopping for a dress or tux than talking about shared finances, make time now for this discussion. Otherwise, the twists and turns in the financial road ahead may come as a surprise.

A cyber-attack can appear in a variety of different ways. It is hard to stay ahead of the “bad guys,” who seem to be able to work around any security measure put in place. It is a good idea to pause for a few seconds, gather your thoughts, and be cautious about anyone that requests personal information from you, no matter what communication method they choose.

Below are several methods being used to try and gain access to your private information.

Nothing causes the heart rate to spike like finding out you’ve overdrawn your bank account.  Or having your car quit working when you know you have nothing left in your savings account with which to repair or replace it.

Events like these can cause anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact physical and mental health.

When you die, will your family be in turmoil? Will there be arguments, resentment, and doubt, or will there be a sad-but-smooth transition, with your values known and your wishes honored? Will family members support each other, or will your passing break the family apart? The emotional impact for those left behind when you die goes way beyond the estate planning, legal issues, and tax implications your death may create.

Estate planning documents generally include a will, a trust (revocable or irrevocable), powers of attorney for property (durable power of attorney) and personal care (advance health care directive).  You name a person or people to make decisions for you when you are unable to and given direction on how to settle your affairs after you die.

Are you saving for retirement? For education? If so, you’ll want to know how inflation can impact your savings. Inflation rates have fluctuated over the years; short-term changes aren’t often noticed. The real issue is the effect of long-term inflation.

I really don’t like change! My parents used to tell me, “Nothing is as constant as change.” I didn’t understand exactly what that meant as a child, but now I experience a change in one form or another almost daily. My clients often discuss changes in such things as their current job, a promotion or new work benefit, a new business opportunity, adjusting their savings plan, their income needs, retirement goals, estate planning, buying a new home, upgrading a vehicle, etc. As we go through life and adapt to the many different situations we encounter, we must adjust our plans accordingly.