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July 2025
captrust.com • 703.535.5300 • 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314
FINANCIAL FREEDOM IS THE NEW AMERICAN DREAM ARE YOU READY?
Independence Day is this month, and we celebrate our independence — our freedom from Great Britain — and the birth of the United States of America on July 4, 1776, all announced through the Declaration of Independence. Independence is about freedom, and freedom means different things to different people. For teenagers, it might be graduating from high school and heading off to college, or finally moving out of their parents’ home and living on their own. For others, it could mean escaping an oppressive situation, and that could take many different forms. But this month, I want to focus on the independence we help orchestrate for our clients. It’s the financial independence we call retirement. Think about it: We work 90,000 hours or more just to get to retirement. That’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. There’s so much planning, saving, and dreaming involved in what that ultimate retirement will look like for you. Now, when I say “planning,” I use that term loosely. Most people spend more time and effort planning a one-week vacation than they do planning their retirement. And isn’t retirement the ultimate vacation? Unfortunately, this is also true for many financial advisors. Very few people go through a full financial planning process — one that truly gives their clients the confidence to retire well. And retirement should be about enjoyment, about fulfilling your hopes and dreams.
I often ask people in my retirement classes, “If you’re about to retire but are afraid you’re going to run out of money, should you really retire?” The answer is probably not, at least not until you’ve mathematically proven you have enough money to last. That’s why, long ago, I decided every one of our clients would have a financial plan. We start that plan as soon as someone becomes a client, and then the client and their dedicated certified financial planner review it every single year.
This is one of our key differentiators. And because we do this, I believe our clients have much more confidence in their retirement.
This is how our clients at CWM / CAPTRUST Alexandria get to experience their own Independence Day — their own Declaration of Freedom and their reward for working so hard for so many years.
So, this Fourth of July, as you celebrate America’s birth, also take a moment to celebrate your own retirement freedom.
If you have a family member or friend age 55 or over who doesn’t have total financial confidence, let us know. We’d be happy to meet with them to see if we can help.
Please keep in mind: We have a $500,000 account minimum and specifically work with individuals 55 and older.
Kelly Campbell
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Planning to Stay Put? Here’s How to Age in Place the Smart Way
Summer vacation is the golden opportunity to make precious memories with your grandkids without breaking the bank! While life’s hustle and bustle can sometimes throw a wrench in your plans, creativity can go a long way. Here are six ways to have a blast with the kiddos on a budget. COST-CONSCIOUS CONNECTIONS Fun and Frugal Ideas for Grandkids Explore Nature Together Nothing beats getting outside! Many local nature preserves offer free or low-cost access, and they’re great places to hike, learn about local plants and wildlife, or even participate in volunteer activities. The fresh air, the sounds of birds, and the chance to explore are perfect for curious young minds (and those young at heart!). Share Your Hobbies Do you have a knack for knitting or a passion for golf? Chances are that your grandkids would love to learn! Sharing your hobbies can be a fun, practically free way to spend time together. Whether it’s a morning fishing trip to a nearby lake or an afternoon crafting, these moments can become cherished memories. Discover Local Gems Smaller, lesser-known museums or factory tours can be fascinating and won’t hurt your wallet. They’re often just the right scale for shorter attention spans and are usually less crowded. Plus, they sometimes offer discounts or free days — don’t forget to ask! Utilize Community Resources Your local library or community center likely hosts a variety of free or inexpensive activities. From story hours to craft days, these events are for family fun and learning. Also, be sure to check out any local festivals. Build and Create Look out for free classes at local hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, where kids can engage in projects like building a birdhouse. These workshops promise a good time and give the kids something to take home and be proud of. Have Fun Simply Lastly, don’t underestimate the joy of simple activities. A picnic in the park, flying a kite, or a day
For many people approaching retirement or already in it, the idea of staying in the comfort of their own home as they age, also known as aging in place, is a top priority. It’s not hard to see why: You know the neighborhood, your memories live in the walls, and let’s be honest, the thought of moving is exhausting. But if aging in place is the goal, having a solid plan is key to making it not only possible but safe and enjoyable, too. Start with a home safety check. The first step is evaluating your current living space. Look at things with fresh eyes: Are there stairs that may become difficult later, slippery rugs, or hard-to-reach cabinets? Small changes like installing grab bars in the bathroom, improving lighting, and swapping out door knobs for lever handles can make a significant difference. For larger issues like stairs, you may want to consider options like a stair lift or reconfiguring living spaces to stay on one floor. Make mobility a priority. As we age, mobility can change. Wide doorways, walk-in showers, and minimal-step entrances are smart upgrades. Even if you don’t need them now, planning ahead saves stress (and money) later. It’s easier to make changes gradually than during a crisis. Get your support network in place. Aging in place doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Consider who will be part of your care circle — family, friends, neighbors, or even hired help. Having someone check in regularly or assist with errands can keep you safe and supported. Plan for health and emergencies. Make sure your medical information is easy to access and consider tech solutions like medical alert systems or smart home devices that allow for remote check-ins. Talk to your doctor about ongoing health needs and how to manage them at home. Review your finances. Renovations, in-home care, and technology upgrades all cost money. A financial planner can help you figure out how to make aging in place part of your retirement strategy. Aging in place is entirely possible, and even preferable, for many retirees. With a bit of planning, your home can remain your safe haven for many years to come. And that’s something worth planning for.
playing board games can be just as exciting and meaningful as any expensive outing.
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KINDNESS THAT LASTS BEING THERE FOR SOMEONE WHO’S STRUGGLING
Focus on small gestures. Along with providing company, you can support your loved one with simple gestures — a phone call, handwritten note, or warm meal. These acts remind them that someone cares and that they are not alone. Continuing to show up for your friend even after the rest of the world has moved on can have an even greater impact. There’s no specific script to follow, but small efforts all add up and may matter more than you’ll ever know. If you have a friend or family member going through a hard time, validating their experience and being present for them can be all they need. While they may not remember what you said, they won’t forget you showed up and stayed when they needed you most.
We’ve all experienced bouts of bad mood and even occasional depression. While difficult to go through, it can be equally challenging to see someone we care about hurting and not know how to help. The main thing to remember is that providing support isn’t about fixing things; it’s about showing up in meaningful ways. Skip the pep talks and listen. For many of us, our initial instinct is to rush to lift our loved one’s spirits and help them break out of a bad mood. However, offering them space and a calm ear is often the best thing we can do. Friendly company can be comforting even if they’re not ready to talk. Just be sure they don’t feel pressure to do or say anything. This might mean bingeing a favorite TV show together or just being with one another in the same room.
Hacks for Outwitting Hackers and Scammers
Last August, 78-year-old retiree Laura Kirkland received a call from someone claiming to be a fraud specialist named Alan Davis. He said her checking account had been compromised and urged her to grant him remote access to her computer to halt an unauthorized transaction. Despite initial skepticism, Davis’s convincing demeanor and knowledge about her bank and accounts led Kirkland to comply. The end result? A $15,000 wire transfer from her account to an unknown individual in the United Arab Emirates. This incident underscores the escalating threat of cybercrime, which has burgeoned into a $10.5 trillion global industry. In fact, it now surpasses the combined value of all illegal drug sales in the U.S. A 2023 Gallup poll revealed that 15% of U.S. households experienced a scam in the past year. Karen Denise, head of wealth client service at CAPTRUST, notes a rise in clients reporting interactions with
fraudsters who pose as legitimate financial institutions. Recovering lost funds can be a protracted and stressful process. Modern scammers employ sophisticated tactics, often operating from abroad, making prosecution difficult. One prevalent scam involves calls claiming “your account has been hacked,” prompting victims to act hastily. Criminals are adept at social engineering, using personal information to gain trust. What can you do to protect yourself? • Verify Communications: Always confirm the identity of callers or email senders, especially when they request sensitive information or immediate action. • Limit Information Sharing: Avoid disclosing personal details over the phone or online unless you’re certain of the recipient’s legitimacy. • Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and tactics, which are rapidly evolving.
• Use Security Software: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti- malware programs on your devices. • Consult Professionals: Seek advice from financial advisors or cybersecurity experts if you suspect any fraudulent activity. By remaining vigilant and informed, individuals can better safeguard themselves against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
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captrust.com | 703.535.5300 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400 Alexandria, Virginia 22314
INSIDE
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Celebrate Your Own Independence This July
Inexpensive and Memorable Grandparent- Grandchild Activities
Here’s How to Age in Place the Smart Way
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The Art of Quiet Kindness
Hacks for Outwitting Hackers and Scammers
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The Parks You’ve Never Heard Of (But Need to Visit)
Investment advisory services offered by CapFinancial Partners, LLC (“CAPTRUST” or “CAPTRUST Financial Advisors”), an investment advisor registered with the SEC under The Investment Advisers Act of 1940. @2025 - CAPTRUST | All Rights Reserved.
DITCH THE TOURIST TRAPS 3 National Parks That Are Worth the Detour
Channel Islands National Park, California Often referred to as the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands are a unique area of the coast of Southern California. While visiting, you can expect to see seals, island foxes, and over 2,000 other plant and animal species, with 145 found nowhere else on Earth. You can reach the mainland visitor center in Ventura by car, but the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private boats. Make reservations in advance. Cuyahoga National Park, Ohio If you want a unique experience, visit Cuyahoga National Park. Like many other national parks, you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and photography while exploring
Whenever you hear a friend or family member say they’re going to take a road trip to visit some of America’s most beautiful national parks, they usually plan to visit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Yosemite. These national parks consistently attract millions of visitors every year, but they’re far from the only must-see national parks in the country. There are 429 protected national sites within the U.S., and 63 of those have obtained the official “national park” designation in their names. (The other labels are battlefields, historic sites, monuments, recreation areas, etc.) If you want to experience the beauty of America without the crowds, consider visiting these destinations during your next vacation!
the park’s 33,000 acres. You can admire many of the 1,000 species of plants and animals throughout your exploration, but if you want to get the full experience, hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota Exploring a cave might not be your first thought when considering national parks, but Wind Cave is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s one of the longest and most complex caves in the world and has many unique features, such as frostwork, cave popcorn, and boxwork, creating unique sights with every step. Once you head back outside, a beautiful mixed-grass prairie, home to bison, prairie dogs, and more, will greet you.
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