Well Balanced

The Three Stages Stages of Retirement

For most people, retirement doesn’t stay the same from start to finish. It tends to move through distinct phases, each with different priorities and financial rhythms.

 

Presented by Joe Grochowski, a senior wealth advisor at Vector Wealth Management. 

Connect with Joe and the team: vectorwealth.com/contact

 

In this short video, I walk through what are often called the Go-Go years, the Slow-Go years, and the No-Go years. Early on, retirement may be active and experience-focused.  Later, life often becomes steadier, with more attention on income alignment and simplifying finances. Eventually, planning may center more on health, support, and making things easier for you and your family.

 

Put simply, your income strategy, withdrawal approach, and planning focus may need to evolve as your lifestyle changes. What works well in one phase may need adjusting in the next, and that flexibility is often a key part of thoughtful retirement planning.

Watch the full video to better understand how these phases unfold and what to consider at each stage.

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All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice.

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Vector Wealth Management, our staff, and guests. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed directly and in detail with your financial advisor prior to implementation of a strategy or investment. This podcast and related content are not intended to render personalized investment advice, nor should it be viewed as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities or strategies discussed.

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vectorwealth.com/regulatory

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Is Your Retirement Plan Ready for Reality?

Retirement isn't just leaving your job—it's a life shift. Your time, your days, and your finances all change.

 

Here's what matters:

✅ Replace your paycheck with steady income from savings & investments

✅ Protect against inflation over 10-20 years

✅ Time Social Security & Medicare strategically

✅ Coordinate withdrawals to minimize taxes

 

But it's not just financial. Work gives life structure—retirement requires finding new rhythms.

Ready to make your transition intentional and well-planned? Let's talk.

 

Contact Vector Wealth Management

https://www.vectorwealth.com/start

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All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice.

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Vector Wealth Management, our staff, and guests. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed directly and in detail with your financial advisor prior to implementation of a strategy or investment. This podcast and related content are not intended to render personalized investment advice, nor should it be viewed as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities or strategies discussed. vectorwealth.com/regulatory

Fraud Prevention and Cybercrime Tactics – Part Two Fireside, Q&A

In this informative presentation, Paul Ewing, Schwab’s Senior Technology Consultant, and Boima Freeman, Senior Financial Fraud Investigator at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, share real-world examples and actionable strategies to help you safeguard your financial accounts and personal information.

Vector’s Senior Wealth Advisor Mike Nesheim moderates the fireside chat and Q&A with the audience. Suzy Klapperich, Vector’s Chief Compliance Officer, shares a best practice of having trusted contacts on file with your financial advisor and financial custodians.

Learn about:

• Email Security Best Practices - Why email is the #1 attack vector and how to protect sensitive information
• Password Management - The critical importance of unique, long passwords and password manager tools
• Multi-Factor Authentication - Adding essential layers of security to your accounts
• Phishing & Social Engineering - How to recognize and avoid sophisticated scam attempts
• Romance & Investment Scams - Real cases and warning signs to watch for
• Check Fraud & Mail Security - Protecting yourself from check washing and mail theft
• Credit Freezing - Preventing identity theft with credit bureau freezes
• Minnesota Safe Senior Act - Legal protections available to prevent financial exploitation

Discover practical tips like using VPNs, avoiding public WiFi, cleaning up old emails, and setting up trusted contacts. Whether you're concerned about protecting your retirement savings or simply want to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, this session provides essential knowledge to keep you and your family safe in an increasingly digital world.

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Fraud Prevention and Cybercrime Tactics – Part One with Boima Freeman

Fraud is no longer rare—it's happening everywhere. In 2024 alone, three out of ten people experienced attempted fraud, with one in ten falling victim. For Minnesotans age 60 and older, reported losses reached $52.2 million, with actual losses potentially much higher since many cases go unreported.

In this recording, Boima Freeman, Senior Financial Fraud Investigator at the Minnesota Department of Commerce shares his experience with a presentation focused on: the impact of financial exploitation, trends and tactics, the MN Safe Senior Act, and his advice on what you can do to avoid becoming a victim of financial fraud.

Sharon Calhoun, Managing Director and Suzy Klapperich, Chief Compliance Officer at Vector Wealth Management kick off this recorded live event and introduce Boima.

Check out a second live recording from the event featuring Schwab’s Senior Technology Consultant Paul Ewing and Senior Wealth Advisor Mike Nesheim, along with Boima Freeman for a fireside chat and Q&A with the audience. Visit our blog for more.

Scams have become increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters impersonate trusted companies, government agencies, and even family members. They create urgency and fear, keeping victims on the phone while coaching them on what to say to their banks. Common tactics include tech support pop-ups, romance scams, investment schemes, and government imposter calls.

 

Three Critical Rules to Remember:

Don't answer unknown calls—if it's important, they'll leave a voicemail

Hang up immediately if something feels wrong

Verify by contacting the company directly using a number you trust

 

Red flags include requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers; demands for secrecy; and pressure to act immediately. The IRS will never ask for gift cards. Banks don't call demanding you move money to "secure locations."

Vector Wealth Management recently prevented a major fraud when a long-time client attempted to liquidate his entire portfolio. Through persistence and partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, they discovered he'd fallen victim to a Microsoft tech support scam.

Protect yourself: Establish trusted contacts with your financial institutions, create unique passwords for different accounts, and never rush financial decisions. If someone pressures you to keep secrets or act immediately, it's a scam.

Remember: Only you can prevent fraud. When in doubt, hang up and verify through official channels.

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Market Perspective: 2025 in Review, 2026 in Focus

The S&P 500 closed 2025 with an impressive 17% gain, underscoring the market’s resilience and strength. That strong finish came despite a challenging start to the year. In this update, we revisit what last year’s swings taught us and look ahead to how broader market participation is shaping the landscape for 2026.

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More details on our website: vectorwealth.com

Contact us: vectorwealth.com/contact

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All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice.

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Vector Wealth Management, our staff, and guests. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed directly and in detail with your financial advisor prior to implementation of a strategy or investment. This podcast and related content are not intended to render personalized investment advice, nor should it be viewed as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities or strategies discussed.

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vectorwealth.com/regulatory

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Organizing Your Financial Documents for the New Year with Charlie Gruys

As we kick off the new year, we want to share a simple habit that can make a meaningful difference in your financial life: organizing your financial documents.

 

Think of this as your Marie Kondo or Barbara Costello moment—but for your finances. A small amount of effort now can make the rest of the year feel smoother, more organized, and less stressful.

 

What does financial decluttering involve? It really comes down to three key areas: account statements, tax documents, and important legal paperwork.

 

1. Account Statements & Confirmations

 

Your monthly or quarterly custodian statements are the official records of your accounts. If you’re still receiving paper statements, consider switching to electronic delivery—it’s faster, easier to store, and more secure.

 

In most cases, keeping your most recent statement is all that’s needed. If you’re holding onto statements from 10–15 years ago, it’s worth checking with your advisor before discarding them. Older documents may contain cost basis details that aren’t always tracked by custodians.

 

2. Tax Documents

 

Keep your most recent tax return somewhere easy to access as new tax documents from the prior year begin arriving. Having last year’s return handy helps you know what to expect and simplifies the process for you or your accountant.

 

A simple system works best. Consider creating a folder—digital, physical, or both—for each tax year. Inside, include items such as:

 

W-2s and 1099s

Investment statements

Charitable giving receipts

Medical and childcare expense records

Mortgage interest statements

Estimated tax payments

Any other documents needed for filing

 

3. Important Legal Documents

 

This category includes:

 

• Wills

• Powers of attorney

• Healthcare directives

• Beneficiary designations

• Insurance policies

• Birth and marriage certificates

 

Make sure these documents are up to date, stored securely, and accessible to someone you trust. Having them organized provides peace of mind and makes things much easier for your loved ones if they ever need them.

 

A Simple 30-Minute Challenge

Schedule just 30 minutes this week—Tuesday at noon, for example—to:

• Review last year’s tax return

• Check on your key legal documents

• Create folders for the new tax year

 

You might even consider making this a recurring annual calendar event. Your future self—and your family—will thank you.

 

Staying organized reduces stress, helps prevent mistakes, and keeps your financial life running smoothly. And if you’d like help getting started or want to review your documents together, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support you.

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vectorwealth.com/contact

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vectorwealth.com/regulatory

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All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice.

 

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Vector Wealth Management, our staff, and guests. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed directly and in detail with your financial advisor prior to implementation of a strategy or investment.

Six Tips for Retirees and Savvy Savers with Chris Wagner

Get a head start on your financial goals for 2026! In this episode, Chris Wagner, Wealth Advisor at Vector, shares six financial planning topics for the year ahead.

Financial Planning in the New Year

1. 73+ in 2026? Plan for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from pre-tax accounts
2. Maximize Giving with Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
3. Roth Conversion for tax-free growth once in a Roth IRA
4. Beneficiary Designations – Reminder to review and update
5. Fund a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) with appreciated investments
6. Contribute to a 401(k) or HSA: Updated Limits in 2026

Plus, New Catch-Up Contribution Rule for High Earners

If you’re age 50 or older and earned more than $150,000 with the same employer last year, all of your 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) catch-up contributions must go into a Roth 401(k) account. 2026 is a transition year for this rule, with full enforcement starting in 2027. Check with your employer or retirement account custodian to learn if your plan is eligible.

Whether you’re planning for retirement, looking to optimize your tax strategy, or simply want to stay informed about the latest changes, Vector is here to help.

Happy New Year!

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Connect with Vector at vectorwealth.com

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Regulatory

All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice.

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Vector Wealth Management, our staff, and guests. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed directly and in detail with your financial advisor prior to implementation of a strategy or investment. Vectorwealth.com/regulatory

 

Market Perspective: Changing Interest Rate Environment

The Federal Reserve (Fed) recently lowered interest rates again. We discuss why—and what it could mean for markets and investors. Here’s a clear, plain-English update.

 

What the Fed Did

 

The Fed reduced its benchmark interest rate by another quarter of a percent this December, bringing the federal funds rate to about 3.50%, the lowest level in roughly three years. This marks the third consecutive rate cut following a period of aggressive rate hikes that began in 2022 to combat inflation.

 

The federal funds rate is the interest rate banks charge one another for overnight loans, but its influence extends much further—affecting mortgage rates, business borrowing costs, and consumer credit.

 

Why the Fed Cut Rates

 

The Fed has a dual mandate:

• Price stability, defined as inflation of about 2% annually (measured by the PCE index)

• Maximum sustainable employment, meaning healthy job growth without overheating the economy

 

Recent economic data—some of it delayed by the government shutdown—suggests that hiring is slowing, even as inflation continues to cool. That combination gave the Fed room to ease policy modestly without undoing progress on inflation.

 

Beyond Rate Cuts: A Shift in Policy

 

In addition to lowering rates, the Fed announced an important change to its balance sheet strategy. It ended its policy of allowing bonds to mature without reinvestment (known as quantitative tightening).

 

Instead, the Fed will begin Reserve Management Purchases (RMPs)—buying roughly $40 billion per month in Treasury bills. While framed as a liquidity-stabilization effort, the practical effect is similar to quantitative easing: adding liquidity to the banking system to keep money moving through the economy.

 

How Markets Have Responded

 

Markets initially reacted positively, with stocks moving higher following the announcement. That said, not everyone at the Fed agreed—some policymakers dissented—highlighting ongoing uncertainty about how much further easing may occur.

See our past Market Perspective episode titled “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword,” where we discuss how the Fed affects markets without adjusting interest rates.

 

What This Means for Investors

 

Lower interest rates can support economic growth by reducing borrowing costs and encouraging investment. This environment can be favorable for stocks if inflation remains contained and corporate earnings hold up.

 

That said, we’re closely monitoring:

• Employment trends

• Consumer spending

• Corporate earnings

 

Staying Grounded in Your Plan

 

While Fed decisions and short-term market moves make headlines, our approach remains consistent: bucket-based, goals-focused planning. We align your investment strategy with your personal objectives—whether that’s retirement, a business transition, or legacy planning—rather than reacting to every policy shift.

 

If you have questions about how recent Fed actions may impact your portfolio or financial plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

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vectorwealth.com/contact

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Regulatory

All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice.

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Vector Wealth Management, our staff, and guests. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed directly and in detail with your financial advisor prior to implementation of a strategy or investment. Vectorwealth.com/regulatory

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