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January 2024
RESOLUTIONS AND GOALS 4 Rules to Set You Up for Success
CampbellWealth.com • (703) 535-5300 • 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
SUCCESS IS DEEPER THAN THE GOAL. Setting goals can be motivating, but the achievement lies in the activities that you perform to achieve those aspirations. Create a measurement of those activities and monitor your progress along the way. For example, if you are trying to lose weight through diet and exercise, it will be important to weigh yourself every morning and plan out your gym sessions. You’ll likely write down what you will accomplish during each workout and will follow a meal plan. ACCOUNTABILITY IS KEY. Accountability encompasses getting others involved in your process. It’s about telling someone that you value and respect what you are going to do while keeping them apprised of your progress. With others invested in your goals, you’ll find that your resolutions feel much more attainable. If you can follow these rules, they will help turn your resolutions into outcomes. I know from experience. Some of you may have already heard this story, but it’s worth repeating! About 15 years ago, I set a stretch goal. I wanted to increase the level of assets in our firm by 20% in 90 days. I not only put a bonus in place for achieving this goal but outlined the consequence of not achieving it. If I was able to increase my business by that much that quickly, I was going to buy a boat that I had my eye on for some time. But, if I didn’t achieve my goals, I was going to shave my head bald. From an accountability standpoint, I then emailed 80 people — friends, family, and business
contacts. These were individuals that I looked up to and wouldn’t want to disappoint. I checked in with them once a week, updating them on my progress. Unfortunately, I had some obstacles get in the way, and while I didn’t hit my new goal completely, we brought in more assets in roughly 120 days than we’ve ever brought in as a company. I knew I missed my goal and had to face the consequences — yes, one afternoon I went to the barbershop and asked them to shave my head bald. My biggest concern was that it wouldn’t grow back, but it did! Interestingly enough, that was one of the best life lessons I’ve ever had because it taught me the importance of goal-setting and identifying which activities I needed to do that would allow me to achieve those aspirations. It showed me how to bring accountability in to make sure I did what it took to achieve that ultimate outcome. So, what are your stretch goals for 2024, and what will you do to achieve them? Who will you tell that will hold you accountable? How will you measure not only the ultimate success but periodic success? And, will you have both rewards for achieving those things and consequences for not? Goal setting can work when you do it the right way! Good luck, and hopefully, 2024 will be your best ever! Happy New Year! Kelly Campbell
It’s that time again — a new year with a fresh start. Unfortunately, New Year’s resolutions are not always the best way to plan because, based on some of my initial research, I have found that they are unreliable. Check out these statistics: • Only 9% of Americans who set resolutions complete them. • 23% of people give up and quit by the end of the first week of January after setting a resolution. • 43% of people quit by the end of January. However, resolutions for the new year can be effective if you set some ground rules. Here are my four rules for finding more success with your 2024 goals. ‘BECAUSE IT’S THE THING TO DO’ ISN’T ENOUGH. Don’t put a resolution into place because it’s tradition on the first of the year. Set up a goal because you’re motivated to change. If you want to alter something significant in your life, whether it’s your job, relationships, or physical well-being, motivation will help you to cross the finish line. Think about the things that could get in the way — timing, procrastination, pushback from others, and unsuccessful approaches. All of these things can derail your resolutions for 2024. So, think through what your challenges along the way could be and come up with a plan to address them when and if they arise. IT WON’T BE EASY — EXPECT OBSTACLES.
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AGE IS JUST A NUMBER– How Consistent Exercise Keeps You Young
one of the most important is consistent exercise. If you’re over 50, there are steps you can take to age gracefully — literally! First, remember to warm up. While you may want to start your exercise immediately, take a few moments to stretch your muscles properly. Another thing you can do is to ensure that your exercise methods are low-impact whenever you can. While you may want to go out and run several miles, approach high-impact exercising with caution. You may feel younger, but your bones and joints continue to age, and the parts of your body that serve as “shock absorbers” for the rest of the skeletal system wear out faster than the rest of your body. The main thing to do to give yourself the best chance of feeling as good as you can in your 50s and 60s is to find a consistent source of activity that you enjoy and keep doing it!
It’s been said that you’re only as old as you feel. If that’s true, then there are plenty of Americans in their 50s and 60s who feel like they’re in their 30s or 40s. As a result, they are enjoying the “prime” of their lives for much longer than generations past.
The general life expectancy for Americans has historically trended upward, though COVID-19 introduced the first downward trend in decades. Today, the average life expectancy for men is 73 and for women 79. Correlated to this increase in life expectancy is an overall improvement in a person’s quality of life. People who are 50-plus are enjoying a quality of life that, in many cases, is seamless for them compared to earlier decades. There are several contributing factors, including diet, advances in health care, and other technological improvements, but
INFLATION-PROOF YOUR RETIREMENT Tactical Approaches for Financial Security
to help cover out-of-pocket health care costs not covered by traditional Medicare. STAY INFORMED AND ADJUST Keep a close eye on economic indicators, inflation rates, and market trends. Stay informed about potential changes that may impact your retirement portfolio. Regularly review and adjust your financial plan as needed to align with evolving circumstances. WORK WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR Seeking guidance from a financial advisor can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of inflation in retirement. A professional can provide personalized advice, help optimize your investment strategy, and make informed adjustments based on your unique financial situation. Inflation is an inevitable part of the economic landscape, but with thoughtful planning and strategic decision-making, it’s possible to mitigate its impact. By staying proactive, retirees can enjoy a more secure and comfortable retirement.
Inflation is an economic reality that impacts individuals across all stages of life, but for retirees, the effects can be particularly concerning. Managing the rising cost of living during retirement requires careful planning and strategic financial decisions. Here are seven effective strategies to help retirees navigate inflation and maintain financial stability. UNDERSTAND YOUR EXPENSES To effectively navigate inflation, start by understanding your current and anticipated expenses. Categorize your spending into essential and discretionary items. This awareness provides a foundation for creating a budget and making informed financial decisions. BUILD A DIVERSE PORTFOLIO Diversification is a key strategy for managing inflation risk. Put together a well-balanced investment portfolio that includes a mix of assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. Diversification helps mitigate the impact of inflation on your overall investment portfolio.
INVEST IN INFLATION- ADJUSTED ASSETS
Explore investments that are specifically designed to combat inflation. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) and inflation-adjusted annuities are examples of financial instruments that can provide a hedge against inflation by adjusting returns based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). REVIEW AND ADJUST RETIREMENT INCOME STREAMS Regularly review your retirement income streams and ensure they are flexible enough to adapt to changing economic conditions. Consider the potential benefits of annuities with cost-of-living adjustments or other financial products designed to provide consistent income throughout retirement. MONITOR HEALTH CARE COSTS Health Care expenses often rise with age, making it crucial to plan for potential increases. Consider exploring Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies
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Kupata’s Road to Fame
The Stray Dog Who Captured the World’s Heart
We often think dogs live the good life, as they seem to do nothing but play, eat, and sleep. Yet, some dogs are busy at work, some without being asked to do so! Take Kupata, the stray dog in Georgia, for example. This street-roaming pup takes it upon himself to guard a crosswalk all day, every day. In the town of Batumi, this stray stays by a single crosswalk and forces traffic to stop to allow pedestrians to cross the street. He’s especially protective of children! If Kupata sees a car isn’t slowing down, he’ll bark at the driver as they drive away and run to protect the person crossing the street. One local even shared that Kupata will cross the road with children and stay at the park to protect the youngsters. Kupata, which in English means “sausage,” has become a staple in the community due to his hard work, and locals All you have to do is refer a friend. Do you know someone who: • Wants to be better prepared for retirement? • Is looking for a second opinion regarding their portfolio? • Has gone through a major life event (death of a spouse, retirement, etc.)? Call us at ( 703) 535-5300 to set up an introduction! If they are important to you, they are important to us. Management Ambassador? Would you like access to exclusive events? Would you like to be a Campbell Wealth
all pitch in to care for and feed the stray dog. His consistently round belly shows just how loved he is. You’ll even see a massive painting of the beloved animal on a nearby building.
Now, after tireless days of guarding his street, Kupata has his own doghouse provided by the city with an accompanying star on the road with his name on it. Kupata’s dedication made him go viral on social media, and now travelers from all over the world come to see Kupata. Don’t distract him, though. He’s busy at work! Sadly, even though Kupata remains
cherished by his community, thousands of stray dogs in the country need shelter, food, and companionship. According to activists, around 500,000 stray dogs and cats roam the streets of Georgia. While stray animals may get a bad reputation for being dangerous or unfriendly, Kupata proves that even these furry friends deserve love and recognition. UPCOMING EVENTS Q4 Market Webinar
Feb 8: Educational Client Webinar
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CampbellWealth.com (703) 535-5300 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400 Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Inside
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Follow These Rules for Successful New Year’s Resolutions
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The Key to Thriving in Your 50s and Beyond
Navigating Inflation in Retirement
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Meet Kupata, Georgia’s Street-Roaming Pup Hero
Upcoming Events
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Innovative Ideas to Cut Your Vacation Costs
Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Campbell Wealth Management, LLC (CWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. MAS and CWM are not affiliated entities. Our firm does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your situation.
5 Proven Strategies for Cost-Effective Travel
LOOK FOR DISCOUNTS AND OFFERS. Keep an eye out for discounts, offers, and coupons that can help you save money on activities, dining, and shopping. Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer various deals that could be useful during your trip. These websites often provide discounted tickets to attractions, cheaper dining options, and even discounted rates for experiences like spa treatments or outdoor activities.
Traveling can be an enriching and fulfilling experience, but it can also be costly. Many people dream of exploring new destinations, but financial constraints can be limiting. Fortunately, we’re here to share five practical tips to help you save money while enjoying your trip. PLAN AND BUDGET AHEAD. One of the most effective ways to save money is by planning and budgeting your trip in advance. Create a comprehensive budget that includes airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Having a budget lets you track your
TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK SEASONS. Traveling during off-peak seasons will save you money on flights, hotels, and activities. You also benefit from less crowded destinations and shorter queues for popular tourist attractions. This is a win-win for travelers seeking a budget-friendly and less-crowded travel experience. USE LOCAL GROCERY STORES AND PACK SNACKS.
Another way to save money while you travel is by shopping at local grocery stores for snacks and meals rather than eating out for every meal. This gives you a taste of local businesses and culture. Packing snacks can also help you avoid buying overpriced food at airports or touristy areas. By implementing these tips into your travel planning and experience, you can stretch your dollar further without compromising the quality of your trip. Happy traveling!
expenses and helps you avoid overspending. You can also take advantage of early bird rates for flights and hotels. CANCEL UNNECESSARY SUBSCRIPTIONS. Before you travel, review your monthly subscriptions like gym memberships, streaming services, or magazines you won’t use while you’re away. Temporarily canceling these subscriptions can free up extra cash for your travel fund.
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