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MARCH/APRIL 2025
Financial Horizons Your Connection for Wealth, Lifestyle & Legacy
McBeathFinancialGroup.com
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Cheering for Your Financial Victories! A DEDICATED TEAM BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS
Every junior high basketball game night at Cornerstone Christian Academy is an exciting experience for us. We watch Jillian, our daughter, cheer her heart out on the sidelines, rallying her team and the crowd with enthusiasm.
to meet your unique needs. This preparation ensures that you’re confident and ready when it’s time to make a big decision or face a challenge.
Success isn’t just about the big moments. It’s about the journey, too. It’s the steady growth of your investments, the satisfaction of a well- structured plan, and the peace of mind of knowing you’re prepared for the future. Every small win along the way is worth celebrating, and we’re proud to share those moments with you. At the end of every game, as the players walk off the court, the cheerleaders line up and chant, “We are proud of you! We are proud of you!” It’s a small but powerful way to recognize their hard work and dedication. And in many ways, that’s how we feel about our clients: proud to support you, celebrate your wins, and be part of your journey.
We never miss a game, and it’s amazing to see Jillian and her teammates bring the home-court energy to life. She may not be the one sinking the winning shot, but her role is still crucial to their success: pumping up the crowd, lifting team spirits, and creating that electric game-night atmosphere that brings out the best in the players. What stands out most is the preparation behind her performances. She and her teammates dedicate hours of practice to ensure every move is polished and every routine shines. This behind-the- scenes effort — the dedication, teamwork, and focus — allows them to deliver when it matters
most. Seeing her in action, whether she’s cheering on the sidelines or encouraging her teammates, is a great reminder of how much preparation and support matter in sports and life. In many ways, that’s what our team does for our clients. When you’re a McBeath Financial Group client, our role is similar to Jillian’s — cheering you on and providing the support you need to succeed. While you’re out navigating life’s financial decisions, we’re here to guide you, celebrate your milestones, and help you work toward long- term security and fulfillment.
As the basketball season wraps up and the cheerleaders take their final bows this spring, we’re
reminded of the power of teamwork and the joy of shared victories. Whether it’s on the sidelines or in the financial world, success comes from preparation, dedication, and support — and we’re here to provide that for you. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. Here’s to continued teamwork and to cheering you on toward your goals! –Krista McBeath
Behind the scenes, we’re hard at work, just like a dedicated cheer squad, analyzing strategies, refining plans, and tailoring our approach
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What Does a Trump Presidency Mean for Your Retirement Plan?
When it comes to retirement planning, policies — not politics — are what truly matter. Every administration brings change, and while some may feel uncertain about what’s ahead, our focus remains the same as always: tracking change and adapting our strategy accordingly. Whether it’s adjusting for tax changes, managing market volatility, or optimizing a Social Security strategy, a proactive and flexible approach helps keep retirement plans on track. Rather than speculate or worry about what might happen, it’s best to focus on facts and adjustments as policies take shape. While it’s impossible to predict everything, here are four areas that could see changes under a Trump presidency — and what they could mean for retirement planning.
will closely monitor portfolio allocations and make adjustments as needed to keep them aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. UPDATES TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNT RULES Legislation in recent years, like the SECURE Act, has already changed retirement account rules, and new adjustments could be introduced.
SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE ADJUSTMENTS
While Social Security and Medicare are hot topics during election campaigns, major changes require legislative approval and often face significant public and political resistance. Historically, reforms have been incremental rather than sweeping, making drastic shifts unlikely without broad bipartisan support.
However unlikely, funding adjustments could impact benefits or eligibility requirements.
What this could mean: • The required minimum distribution
What this could mean: • Possible changes to benefit calculations or taxation on Social Security income. • Adjusted Medicare costs could affect healthcare planning in retirement. Our approach: We regularly review benefits and build flexibility into retirement plans to help adapt to changes in healthcare benefits. Our technology includes healthcare expense forecasting, allowing us to apply potential adjustments and provide updated projections, ensuring financial strategies remain aligned with evolving policies. MARKET VOLATILITY AND ECONOMIC POLICIES Economic policies, such as trade agreements, regulations, and corporate tax adjustments, can have ripple effects on the stock market. What this could mean: • Some industries may see growth, while others could slow down. • Changes in inflation and interest rates could impact investments and borrowing costs. Our approach: A diversified portfolio and a long-term investment strategy help manage risks and keep you on track toward your retirement goals — regardless of short-term market swings. We
(RMD) age may change again, affecting when withdrawals must begin.
• New policies could impact 401(k) contributions and catch-up
contributions, potentially altering tax- deferred growth periods.
Our approach: Staying up to date with regulatory changes ensures that we adjust your strategies to maximize opportunities while staying compliant. A MEASURED APPROACH TO CHANGE Successful retirement planning isn’t about reacting to every political shift — it’s about maintaining a well-structured plan that can adapt to new circumstances. By prioritizing facts over speculation, we strive to keep retirement strategies aligned with long- term goals while maintaining flexibility for necessary adjustments. Regular review of your financial plan in a changing market and legislative landscape allows for strategic adjustments to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks. A flexible approach helps keep your financial plan adaptable to external changes so it continues to align with your objectives. Rest assured, McBeath Financial Group will be by your side, providing guidance and support regardless of any changes that may arise.
POTENTIAL TAX CODE CHANGES Taxes are always a major topic in any
administration, and there could be beneficial shifts in income tax brackets, capital gains taxes, or estate tax rules. One key area to watch is the sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, which is set to expire at the end of 2025. Depending on legislative priorities, some provisions may be extended or revised. What this could mean: • Changes in tax rates or deductions could impact retirement withdrawals, Roth conversions, and estate planning strategies. • Tax laws influence how and when to withdraw income from retirement accounts, impacting tax efficiency and long-term wealth management strategies. Our approach: We’ll monitor any tax changes and adjust your strategy as needed to ensure you maximize opportunities while minimizing tax burdens.
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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. Scout’s Meaningful Mission A Black Lab’s Role in Transforming a Veteran’s Life 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.
SUDOKU
SOLUTION ON PG. 4
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INSIDE
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Your Financial Success Is Our Mission!
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How This Presidency May Impact Your Retirement Strategy
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K9s For Warriors Is Saving Veterans, One Rescue Dog at a Time
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How Much Do You Know About Diet Soda?
SOLUTION
Are Sugar Substitutes Worth the Tradeoff? Advisory services are offered through Landmark Wealth Management Inc, dba McBeath Financial Group, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor firm. Insurance products and services are offered through McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC. McBeath Financial Group and McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC are affiliated. All content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of McBeath Financial Group and our editorial staff. 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 in detail with your individual financial professional prior to implementation. © 2025 McBeath Financial Group.
Know the Facts About Artificial Sweeteners
The U.S. market for soda is worth over $200 billion, fueled by the average American’s annual consumption of nearly 40 gallons of soft drinks — including diet soda. While staying hydrated is good, sending lots of chemical sweeteners into our digestive tracts may not be.
but they are experimenting. The Coca-Cola Company uses stevia along with erythritol (another new sugar substitute) in its Vitamin Water Zero.
Artificial sweeteners do provide some benefits, including fewer cavities, lower blood sugar, and less weight gain. However, some people still suffer side effects from drinking diet soda. The sugar alcohols in diet sodas are linked to intestinal distress, and one scientist points to a potential link between laboratory- created sweeteners and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The importance of our stomach’s microbiome is new to science, and all impacts are under intense scrutiny.
Concern for serious health issues started in the early 1970s when scientists linked cyclamate and saccharine, popular synthetic sweeteners, to cancer. Congress banned cyclamate but wouldn’t ban saccharine. More recent studies determined that obesity is related to many types of cancer, and obese people are more likely to consume lots of diet soda. Similarly, high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes are more likely due to underlying health issues like excessive weight than consuming artificial sweeteners.
Sugar-free beverages may be a better choice than sugar-infused drinks because they don’t cause insulin spikes, but the Mayo Clinic warns that frequent consumption of any type of sweetened drink can become habit-forming, making it hard to return to drinking plain water, which is the optimal choice for health. As with most food trends, we should be informed, listen to our bodies, and make wise choices about what we drink and eat.
In the last decade, more natural sugar alternatives have become available, like stevia, agave, monk fruit, and allulose. Diet soda manufacturers have yet to incorporate these into their soft drinks,
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