Check out our March newsletter!
March 2025
Captrust.com • (703) 535-5300 • 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314
UNPLUGGING FOR A DAY Harder Than It Sounds, More Rewarding Than You Think
Can you believe it? It’s already March — time is flying this year. Every time I think about March, I think about the 17th and Saint Patrick’s Day. I guess that’s probably logical with a first name like Kelly. When I think of Saint Patrick’s Day, I think of four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, the luck of the Irish, and, of course, green beer. But March also celebrates another important day. March 7 is the National Day of Unplugging, which brings back a great memory from when my kids were young. Several years ago, we took a family trip to the Shenandoah Mountains for a weekend getaway. Coincidentally, one of those days happened to be March 7. When my wife discovered it was the National Day of Unplugging, she made an executive decision:
no screens, no exceptions. For the entire day, we were completely disconnected, with strict orders not to even glance at our phones. After the initial shock and mild panic about how we’d possibly survive without our phones, something unexpected happened — we had an amazing day. Breakfast turned into a real conversation, uninterrupted by notifications. We went for a hike, enjoyed the fresh air, and later, we sat down to play cards. We even taught the kids how to play chess. It was the kind of quality family time we didn’t realize we needed, and looking back, it was one of our most memorable and meaningful days together. It’s amazing how many of us have become totally reliant on our technology and phones. However, it’s just as important to unplug — whether to escape the endless blue light, break free from the dopamine rush (and inevitable crash) of constant notifications, step away from the overwhelming news cycle, or just reconnect with the world beyond our screens. It’s essential to unplug from technology and truly reconnect — with yourself, your family, and the world around you. So, this March 7, put your devices down for a while. You might be surprised at how much closer you feel to the people who matter most.
IMPORTANT NEWS: We Are Partnering With CAPTRUST!
We are excited about our new partnership with CAPTRUST and all the benefits our clients will see over time. Stay tuned and don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions.
Kelly Campbell
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Retirement should be a time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work, but unfortunately, scammers often see retirees as great targets for fraud. As technology advances, scams get a bit more tricky; thus, it’s essential to be informed and keep an eye out for them. Common Scams Targeting Retirees Medicare Scams: Fraudsters call pretending to be from Medicare, asking for your Social Security number or bank information to “update” your account. Remember, Medicare will not call and ask for this information. Grandparent Scams: A caller pretends to be a distressed grandchild, asking for urgent financial help. Always verify with family members before sending any money. Tech Support Scams: You receive a call or pop-up message stating your computer has a virus. Scammers then request remote access or payment to “fix” the issue. Never grant remote access to someone you don’t trust. DON’T FALL FOR IT! Top Scams Targeting Retirees and How to Avoid Them
When we were children, our parents served us many dishes that filled our bellies and hearts with warm, positive feelings. Many of us hold on to these nostalgic recipes, cooking them whenever we need a pick-me-up, but many have realized those classic comfort foods aren’t as healthy as they could be. If you’re trying to eat healthier, you may think you have to cut way back on comfort foods, but that’s not the case. You simply have to find ways to make them more nutritious. Here are three ideas to get you started. Swap out ingredients. One of the best ways to make your favorite comfort food healthier is to swap out less nutritious ingredients for healthier options. Do you love eating pasta but don’t want to overindulge on carbs? Then, swap out your standard spaghetti noodles for spaghetti squash. Mashed cauliflower can replace mashed potatoes, Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream, and whole wheat crust and low-fat cheese can replace traditional crust and full- fat cheese on pizza. The options are endless! Indulge Without the Guilt SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FAVORITES MORE NUTRITIOUS
Investment and Lottery Scams:
If something sounds too good to be true — like a huge lottery win you never entered — it probably is. Be cautious of any unsolicited investment opportunities.
How to Protect Yourself Stay Skeptical: If you receive a call, email, or letter that seems suspicious, take a step back. Scammers rely on urgent matters to pressure their victims. If you’re unsure, talk to a trusted friend or family member before taking any action.
Add more vegetables and whole grains to the recipe.
Never Share Personal Information: Your Social Security number, bank details, and Medicare information should never be given out over the phone or online unless you initiate the contact and trust the recipient. Verify Requests: If someone claims to be a family member in trouble, ask a question only they would know or call them directly. Scammers often use emotional manipulation, so take a moment to confirm the details. Monitor Your Accounts: Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unusual transactions. Consider setting up alerts to notify you of any suspicious activity. Staying aware and cautious can help ensure your retirement remains stress-free and financially secure. Remember, it’s always better to double-check before taking action.
Our favorite comfort foods can be full of simple carbs and fat (which is why they taste so good!), but adding healthier ingredients can balance the carb-fest. Whole grains are a way to get more fiber, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium into your diet, and adding vegetables also increases fiber and vitamins. For example, sauté onions, mushrooms, and zucchini and add those to your spaghetti sauce — or even to your favorite mac and cheese! Finding the right additions might take some creative thinking, but once you do, you’ll never look back! Cut back on the salt. Salt is a staple ingredient in many comfort foods, but it can contribute to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Limit how much salt you include in your dish, and use low-sodium or salt-free ingredients when possible. If it feels like you’re taking the flavor out of your dish, use spices and herbs to replace the salt.
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Scout’s Meaningful Mission A Black Lab’s Role in Transforming a Veteran’s Life
For former U.S. Army Cavalry Scout Ryan Finch, life after his tour of duty was a battlefield of its own. Haunted by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the weight of his experiences, Ryan struggled to navigate even the simplest moments of daily life. But then Scout came into his life and became a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a steadfast partner in his journey toward healing. Scout, a vibrant black Lab, has done more than help Ryan manage his anxiety; he’s transformed his world. Crowds and loud noises, once overwhelming triggers, are now manageable with Scout by his side. Soccer games, family gatherings, and the everyday joys of life that once seemed impossible are now part of Ryan’s new normal. Scout’s presence allows Ryan to enter spaces he never thought he’d enter
again, not as a man weighed down by his past, but as a father, a husband, and a human being rediscovering connection. The story of how Scout came into Ryan’s life feels almost destined. Before his deployment, Ryan and his wife had adopted a black Lab, coincidentally named Scout, who died before Ryan went overseas and whose loss Ryan never truly reconciled as he was away from home. So, when Ryan arrived at K9s For Warriors, and the trainers introduced him to his new service dog — a black Lab named Scout — it was a moment of profound healing and renewal. It was as if life had come full circle, offering Ryan a second chance at hope. K9s For Warriors is a testament to the life-changing power of service animals. Determined to combat the devastating reality that 20 veterans die by suicide every
day, this program rescues and trains dogs to become service animals for veterans grappling with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. The result is transformative. Veterans find independence, confidence, and purpose, while rescue dogs gain a life of devotion and meaning. The impact is undeniable. Graduates of the program report mended family relationships, reduced medication reliance, and renewed joy in life. Ryan’s wife has seen the change firsthand, describing her husband as more engaged, animated, and hopeful for the future. Scout symbolizes resilience and proves that an incredible bond can heal even the deepest wounds.
For culinary creators worldwide, earning a Michelin star is like winning an Olympic gold medal. Chefs with excellent kitchen skills and outstanding customer service receive the honor. Late French chef Joël Robuchon holds the world record with 31, while TV star Gordon Ramsay rose to international fame and marked his hot- tempered journey to TV stardom by achieving 17 stars for his many restaurants. But how did this legendary distinction in the cooking world begin? If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at a Michelin-honored establishment, you have the automotive industry to thank. As its name implies, the star system was the brainchild of the Michelin tire company. To help inspire consumers to drive more — and increase the demand for tire purchases — it began publishing “The Michelin Guide” in France in 1900. The publication included maps, tips on tire care, and recommendations for hotels and restaurants along popular French travel routes. As the guide grew in popularity, the company expanded its content to include anonymous restaurant reviews. In 1926, it introduced “the Michelin star” to recognize the eateries it considered the best in the country. Today, the bestselling publication reviews more than 40,000 restaurants across three continents. Only 146 restaurants worldwide — or less than 1% of those rated by the guide — have received three Michelin stars. In Ramsay’s mind, receiving that rare level remains the ultimate benchmark in his profession. As he stated in a 2024 article in Parade, “As a soccer player, I wanted an FA Cup winner’s medal. As an actor, you want an Oscar. As a chef, it’s three Michelin stars; there’s no greater than that.” MICHELIN MAGIC THE MARK OF CULINARY MASTERY
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Captrust.com | (703) 535-5300 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400 Alexandria, Virginia 22314
INSIDE
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Are You Ready to Unplug and Reconnect?
Enjoy Your Favorite Comfort Foods While Eating Healthier
Fraud-Proof Your Future
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K9s For Warriors Is Saving Veterans, One Rescue Dog at a Time
A Chef’s Truest Triumph
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Pit Stops Along the Alaska Railroad You Can’t Miss
Investment Advisory Services offered by individuals duly registered with Campbell Wealth Management and CapFinancial Partners, LLC (“CAPTRUST”, CAPTRUST Financial Advisors”), through CAPTRUST, a SEC registered Investment Adviser. Campbell Wealth Management is an affiliate of CAPTRUST. Nothing contained herein constitutes financial, legal, tax, or other advice. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CAPTRUST. The information published herein is provided for informational purposes only, and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to sell or an offer to buy securities, investment products, or investment advisory services.
ALL ABOARD THE ALASKA RAILROAD! Why Traveling Alaska by Train Beats the Cruise Ship
While Alaskan cruises get all the buzz, traveling the Last Frontier by train offers an equally breathtaking — and perhaps more intimate — experience. With panoramic views, unforgettable pit stops, and access to remote regions, the Alaska Railroad delivers a journey unlike any other. Imagine gliding through the rugged wilderness in a GoldStar Dome car, where glass ceilings offer a 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers. For the adventurous, the outdoor viewing platform lets you immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while breathing in the clean, crisp Alaskan air. Whether you choose the premium GoldStar class or the more budget-friendly Adventure Class, you’ll be awed by Alaska’s natural beauty. The Alaska Railroad operates year-round with five seasonal routes, each brimming with wonder. The Coastal Classic is any
traveler’s dream, winding from Anchorage to Seward along the Turnagain Arm waterway. Highlights include spotting bald eagles and hopping on a boat at Resurrection Bay to explore Kenai Fjords National Park, famous for its orca whale sightings. For those drawn to Denali’s majesty, the Denali Star is your ticket. This flagship route connects Anchorage to Denali National Park, offering stops like Talkeetna, a charming artsy town and basecamp for climbers scaling Denali. It’s a 12-hour journey of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich history. The Glacier Discovery route takes you south from Anchorage to Girdwood, Whittier, and the Spencer Glacier. Whittier is a standout destination with its sleepy charm and world- class Alaskan fish. This train provides remote access to places you can’t reach by car, making the trip a unique experience.
And if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure, the Hurricane Turn and Aurora Winter trains cater to locals and intrepid travelers alike, offering stops by request and transporting you into the heart of Alaska’s untamed backcountry. With the Alaska Railroad, the journey is as memorable as the destination. Whether you’re marveling at wildlife, enjoying a sit-down meal, or booking excursions to explore iconic landmarks, every mile of track is packed with adventure.
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