Check out our February newsletter!
February 2026
captrust.com • 703.535.5300 • 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cold Days, New Beginnings When Winter Drags On, Do Something You’ve Never Done Before
Well, it’s February. It’s still cold, and all the hoopla of the holidays is long gone. For many, February brings a feeling of blah . It sits awkwardly between the excitement of the holidays and the promise of warm weather. It’s cold enough that you’re probably staying indoors most of the time, and often the days are cloudy and gray. All of that can take a toll on your mood.
Here’s a small list to get you thinking. You might even want to jot these down and see which one speaks to you. • Take up pickleball or sign up for a pickleball lesson. • Begin training for a race: running, swimming, or even a triathlon. • Read a book you wouldn’t normally choose, perhaps from a different genre or a self-help book. • Take singing lessons or learn to play a musical instrument. • Go on a trip to a state you’ve never visited. • Start a remodeling project or paint a room in your house. • Commit to reading the Bible cover to cover, or visit a new church or synagogue. • Add five new things to your bucket list and complete one of them this month. • Take an AI course and explore how artificial intelligence can help you become more efficient. • Get a group together to go hiking or skiing, or even try climbing an indoor rock wall. Everyone is different, and the more you push yourself outside your comfort zone, the greater the impact these experiences can have. I’ve heard so many people say, “Oh, I’m too old for that.” Yet time and again, we hear stories about 80-year-olds running marathons barefoot. The only thing truly holding you back is what’s happening between your ears. So, this month, pick something challenging and do it. You never know … you may discover something truly life-changing, or uncover a completely new passion for life.
So, what can you do to feel better about February?
Do something different!
Better yet, challenge yourself by doing something that takes you completely out of your comfort zone. Stepping into unfamiliar territory can be energizing and surprisingly uplifting.
Kelly Campbell
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It’s Your Most Powerful New Beginning Retirement is often portrayed as the final chapter: a time to slow down, step back, and settle into routine. But for many people, it can be a fresh start. With fewer obligations and more freedom than ever before, retirement offers the ideal opportunity to rediscover who you are and who you still want to become. Freedom From the Clock For decades, your days may have been shaped by alarm clocks, commutes, meetings, and deadlines. Retirement removes that structure almost overnight. While that can feel disorienting at first, it’s also incredibly liberating. Time becomes yours again. You can wake up when your body wants to, spend hours on a single interest, or explore new passions without squeezing them into evenings or weekends. This freedom creates the mental space needed for creativity, reflection, and change. A Chance to Rediscover Your Passions Many people set aside personal interests while juggling careers, families, and responsibilities. Retirement gives you permission to return to those forgotten passions or discover entirely new ones. Whether it’s painting, gardening, writing, learning a language, or traveling, this stage of life allows you to pursue interests for the joy of it, not for productivity or profit. These pursuits often bring a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. Identity Beyond a Job Title Work often becomes a major part of how we define ourselves. When that role ends, it can leave a gap, but also an opportunity. Retirement allows you to redefine your identity on your own terms. You’re no longer limited to being “the manager,” “the teacher,” or “the accountant.” You can be a mentor, volunteer, entrepreneur, artist, or lifelong learner. Letting go of a job title makes room for a richer, more flexible sense of self. A Way to Keep Life Interesting Retirement doesn’t mean the end of growth. In fact, learning something new can be one of the most rewarding parts of this phase. Taking classes, joining workshops, or simply teaching yourself a new skill keeps your mind sharp and your confidence high. Each new challenge reinforces the idea that you’re still capable of evolving. Retirement Isn’t the End
THE GOLDEN GAME PLAN
As you prepare for retirement, it's never a bad idea to critically examine your current expenses and determine which costs you should keep or discard as your income changes. Here are three thoughts on streamlining your budget for greater security in your senior years. A Redundant Risk Evaluation When raising families, we implement ways to ensure financial security if unexpected circumstances affect a breadwinner’s income. Expenses like disability and life insurance may have been critical costs in years past, but perhaps you’re at a point where these policies could be reconsidered. If you’re approaching retirement and your children are grown and out of the house, you may no longer need to cover yourself in the event of a disability. Additionally, a life insurance payout for your family may not be as critical now as it would have been if you had passed away when your kids were younger. Simple Suppers That Save Cents A food budget should be based on what you throw out, not what you eat. It may surprise you that the average American family tosses $1,600 in produce annually! Although you’ll likely have fewer mouths to feed as you age, the likelihood of at least some of your groceries ending up in the garbage can is still high. Planning your meals in advance and purchasing only the necessary items to prepare them is one way to reduce unnecessary food spending, especially if you want to reduce sticker shock at the supermarket in the new year. Midweek Moments of Meaning One of the beautiful things about reaching an age when you’re done raising young children is that you’re no longer beholden to schedules that accommodate their needs first. Gone are the days of waiting for summer or holidays, which are among the priciest times of the year to travel, to take a vacation. With more flexibility in your daily schedule, you can now plan trips in a more budget-conscious way. Flights and accommodations often cost less during weekdays or in the spring and fall, and you can save even more by taking advantage of AARP discounts where available. A STRONGER FOCUS ON FRUGAL FINANCES
A Moment for Intentionality Perhaps the greatest gift of retirement is choice. You get to design a life that reflects your values, energy, and curiosity. Reinvention doesn’t have to be dramatic; it can be as simple as trying something new and seeing where it leads!
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STOP THE SWIPE Tips for a Money Mindset Makeover
If you’re still feeling the financial sting of the recent holiday shopping season or struggle to pay off your credit card throughout the year, it may be time to rethink your spending routine. Most of us are guilty of impulsive shopping from time to time, but an occasional indulgence can become a dangerous habit if we’re not careful, especially with technology making it easier than ever to overspend. Here are three ways to curb the urge to splurge. Wipe your card info clean. There’s a reason why many apps and websites enable you to save your credit card information; it makes it easier for you to spend money! If you’re looking
to reduce how often you experience the rush of an instant purchase, enter your payment manually every time you go to check out. The extra time it takes to do so may be enough to help you realize whatever you wanted a moment ago isn’t as necessary as you thought. Choose paper over plastic. In addition to detaching your credit card information from your phone or computer, consider separating your card from yourself when you leave to go shopping. Carrying cash instead of card is a helpful way to slow spending. For one thing, it helps you maintain a set amount to shell out, which you’re reminded of as the dollars disappear. Second, cash doesn’t carry an interest rate. When you spend $4
on that cup of coffee you can’t resist, you’ll be out $4, not $4.80 when using a card that charges an additional 20%. Delay, don’t dive. There will always be purchases, such as tickets for a concert that sell out within minutes or a future flight that becomes pricier as your departure date approaches, that will require you to reach for your credit card as soon as possible. That said, there are infinitely more things that you simply don’t need … at least not right away. When you encounter something online or in a store that you must have now despite it not being a scarce item, give it at least a day (or, even better, a week) before making your final decision.
Selling a Family Business MORE THAN JUST A PRICE TAG
Selling a family business is about more than money; it’s about values, identity, and legacy. Many owners delay planning their exit because selling involves legal and financial complexity, and they’re focused on daily operations. For some, stepping away feels unimaginable. “People who have their own business, oftentimes it is their personal identity,” says Denise Rothermel, a financial planner and business valuation specialist at CAPTRUST. Among owners ages 55 and older, only 17 percent plan to sell or transfer ownership within the next five years, according to Gallup. [1] Without a plan, a business risks losing value or closing if the owner becomes incapacitated or the market shifts. “Selling a family business isn’t just a financial transaction,” says Rothermel. “It can be a deeply emotional one.” She recalls advising a couple who built a yacht restoration company. When a sizable offer came unexpectedly, they wondered: Could they get more? Were they ready for retirement? What about their employees? Before pursuing a sale, Rothermel urges owners to clarify priorities and legacy goals. “My job is to quarterback them through all of that,” she says. “Most people just think about the market valuation
of their business, but it’s not that simple.” Intangibles, such as keeping the business in the family or supporting a cause, shape timing, price, and structure. “It’s a balance of tangibles and intangibles.”
After reviewing the offer, Rothermel told the couple, “Yes, your company is likely worth more than that. But [the offer] gives you more money than you will need to live off of in retirement.” Optimizing for a higher price could take years with no guarantee. “Meanwhile, what if the economy changes?” A successful exit isn’t always about getting the highest price. Planning one to three years ahead allows owners to align goals with tax strategies and deal structures. Options include installment sales to family, trusts to minimize taxes, or employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). “You might do a stock redemption and let your management team acquire it,” says Rothermel. Ultimately, the couple accepted the offer. “It gave them two to five more years of doing what they want,” shares Rothermel.
1. https://news.gallup.com/poll/657362/small-business-owners-lack-succession-plan.aspx
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Making February Work for You
Reduce Risks, Reap Rewards
Redefining Life After Retirement
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Break the Buy Cycle
Navigating the Complexities of Selling a Family Business
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Island Hop on a Hassle-Free Adventure to These Travel Destinations
“Investment advisory services offered by CapFinancial Partners, LLC (“CAPTRUST” or “CAPTRUST Financial Advisors”), an investment advisor registered under The Investment Advisors Act of 1940. @2026 - CAPTRUST | All Rights Reserved. CAPTRUST does not endorse, nor is it affiliated with any third-party entity (company names or brands) mentioned in this newsletter. 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.”
SET SAIL ON A GETAWAY THAT KEEPS THINGS SIMPLE A Cruise Where Your Passport Can Stay Home
Sun, Sand, and Caribbean Vibes If turquoise waters and golden beaches are more your style, the Caribbean is calling, and you don’t need a passport if you start from U.S. ports like Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. Regent Seven Seas invites travelers aboard the Wonders in the Caribbean cruise, stopping in the Cayman Islands, Belize, Mexico, and more. For a tropical twist, Royal Caribbean’s Southern Caribbean Holiday cruise begins in San Juan and visits Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, and St. Maarten. Bahamian Bliss Florida’s sunny ports are your gateway to The Bahamas. From Miami, Port Everglades, or Port Canaveral, you can hop on a Carnival or Disney cruise for a few nights of fun. Disney Cruise Line’s three-night Bahamian adventure aboard the Disney Wish includes
Have you been dreaming of a getaway, but the thought of renewing your passport is too much? Don’t worry, you can set sail without leaving the country. Passport-free cruises make it easy to explore charming towns, sunny beaches, and vibrant ports, all while keeping the logistics simple. Canada and New England Adventures Who says you need a passport to explore charming cobblestone streets, colorful harbors, and breathtaking fall foliage? Cruises from Boston, New York City, and Cape Liberty (New Jersey) make it easy to experience the magic of Canada and New England. Stroll through Halifax, Nova Scotia, savor lobster in Portland, Maine, or take in the quaint charm of Bar Harbor. With Norwegian Cruise Line, you can enjoy a journey hitting all these spots before returning to the Big Apple.
Nassau and the legendary Disney Castaway Cay. Sand, sun, and smiles await without ever leaving U.S. waters. Bermuda Bound Just 570 miles off North Carolina, Bermuda is a perfect East Coast escape. Departing from New York City, Boston, Norfolk, or Miami, you can enjoy sandy pink beaches, historic Hamilton, and the charm of St. George. Carnival and Oceania offer cruises with relaxing days at sea and island adventures, perfect for a tropical getaway close to home. From the historic streets of New England to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, these passport-free cruises make it easy to see the world while keeping things simple.
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Built on Trust, Grown Through Referrals
Our Ambassador Program
February is often called the month of love, and while hearts and chocolates usually steal the show, we think it’s also the perfect time to celebrate something just as meaningful: relationships built on trust. We love our clients, and one of the greatest compliments we receive is when they value us enough to refer their friends and family to us. Ambassador Program Success Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how one thoughtful introduction can grow into something far more meaningful. Some of our favorite stories begin with a single client and naturally expand as conversations unfold among family members and close friends, people who trust one another and want the same level of care for those they love. In one situation, helping an aging parent navigate retirement planning opened the door to supporting their entire family. As adult children became more involved, they saw the care, clarity, and consistency their parent was receiving. Those conversations continued among siblings, and soon, multiple generations chose to work with us, not because they were asked, but because trust was built and shared.
In another example, a retired professional spoke openly with former colleagues and close friends about her experience. Those referrals led to more introductions and created a small network of clients connected by shared values and mutual respect. What began as one relationship grew into many, just because people felt confident recommending a team they believed in.
What stands out in these stories isn’t just growth … it’s why it happened! Clients tell us they appreciate feeling heard and understood. They value having a comprehensive plan, ongoing guidance, and a trusted partner who is there to support them through life’s ups and downs. They know there’s a real person on the other end of the phone, someone accountable, accessible, and genuinely invested in their well-being. This spirit is at the center of our Ambassador Program! When you refer someone who meets with us, you receive an exclusive invitation to one of our special Ambassador events. This year, we’re refreshing the program by hosting multiple experiences so that our ambassadors have more dates available to celebrate with us. So, if you have a friend, family member, or colleague who could benefit from the same thoughtful guidance you receive, we’d be honored to help. Because when you admire who you work with, it’s only natural to share the love. An Exclusive Preview of Our 2026 Ambassador Experiences March 20 — 2941 Restaurant: An elevated fine-dining experience featuring a curated tasting menu and Sommelier-guided wine pairing event in an elegant setting. May 7–10 — LIV Golf Virginia: Experience a day with suite access at this epic showdown as elite professional golfers compete in a high-energy tournament. August/September — An enchanting experience enjoying the beauty of our area from the water. More details to come!
Connect with your wealth manager today to make your referral introduction!
captrust.com | 703.535.5300 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400 Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Representative clients were selected to illustrate the broad diversity of the firm's client base and their experiences. Representative clients and members of the Ambassador Program are invited to join CAPTRUST at exclusive events and are not compensated directly for their inclusion in the program or in this presentation.
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