Check out our December newsletter!
December 2025
captrust.com • 703.535.5300 • 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314
FROM ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO AMBITIONS How to End the Year Strong and Start 2026 Even Stronger
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set your goals for what’s next. The end of the year always brings that moment to finish strong and prepare for the opportunities ahead. Wow, it’s already December, marking the end of 2025, which has been a great year. There have been numerous accomplishments, strong market returns, and, most importantly, many happy clients who have achieved their retirement goals. Congratulations to you!
We’ll also continue to provide our live market updates three times a year. Second, we’ll be introducing the CAPTRUST magazine, VESTED . This is a beautifully produced, hardbound publication that comes out twice a year, in spring and fall. Since we’ve already passed fall, you can expect the next edition in spring. New Things on the Horizon Next, I’d like to introduce CAPTRUST's partnership with Chapter, a Medicare advising platform, to assist clients with their Medicare- related questions. This will be a free service available to all of our clients via CAPTRUST. As you know, Medicare evolves over time, as not only do the plans change, but you may decide you would like to shift how you are using Medicare in the future. Chapter can assist you in making those decisions. We’ve received many inquiries about Medicare over the years, and we’re thrilled to offer this much-needed resource finally. As we continue to integrate fully with CAPTRUST’s systems, we believe you’ll see even more benefits in the months ahead. I’ll also be sending out occasional messages from CAPTRUST Alexandria to keep you informed about what’s happening here and to share other relevant updates. Your Guide to Success in Retirement Please allow this newsletter to help guide you to success in retirement with health, fitness, achieving goals, and other important retirement topics. Remember, we are here to help you in all areas of your life, not just financially! Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season With that, I want to wish you a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays! May it be filled with joy and peace. Here’s to your continued success in 2026. We look forward to serving you throughout the year ahead!
Now, you’re likely in one of two camps.
Camp 1: You’ve hit all or nearly all of your 2025 goals, with just a little bit left to finish by Dec. 31.
Camp 2: You’re still pretty far behind on some of them.
Personally, I have one foot in each of those camps. I’ve achieved many of my goals, but a small handful still remain out of reach.
Here’s what I’ll say: Don’t focus on the negative.
First, celebrate the goals you did achieve. Take a moment to recognize your progress and give yourself credit for the work you’ve done. Then, look at the remaining goals and decide whether they’re still truly important to you. If not, let them go. But if they are, and they still matter, then push them to 2026. Commit to getting them done early so you can start the year strong and move on to new objectives. If you haven’t already put together your list of 2026 goals, now is definitely the time to start. That way, you’ll hit the ground running on Jan. 1 with clear direction and purpose. A Great Year for Our Clients and CAPTRUST Alexandria Just as 2025 has been a great year for our clients, it has also been an exciting one for CAPTRUST Alexandria. We’ve been transitioning over to CAPTRUST’s systems and processes, and we’re thrilled to begin rolling out some of their programs to you as well. First and foremost, for 2026, we are going to continue all of our programs and events:
• Toys for Tots Pie Exchange • Life Beyond Numbers event • Recycle Day
• Ambassador Celebration for clients who refer friends to us
Kelly Campbell
Call Us Today 703.535.5300 • 1
20251201-5011993-15850423
CALM IS JUST A CHIRP AWAY
The Big Retirement Question
LET BIRD SONGS LEAD YOUR MEDITATION
Keep Your Mortgage or Say Goodbye to It?
Imagine starting your day not with emails or phone screens but with the beautiful song of a cardinal, the flutter of wings, or the excitement of spotting a rare finch. Birdwatching is quickly becoming not just a hobby for people in their 50s and 60s; it’s a new, easy way to meditate. Grabbing a pair of binoculars and a birding guide has many benefits, like helping you reconnect with nature, create social connections, and improve your mental health. Get ready to find your calm out in nature! Birding Benefits Meditation is about being present and letting your mind shift into a state of peace. Being outside is good for all of us. It can restore focus and decrease stress. Birdwatching gives you an easy meditation tool, bringing you into a relaxing outdoor environment where you can use birds as a focal point. It’s especially helpful for people who have trouble quieting their thoughts or focusing. Bird songs can also put you in a better mood. One study in 2022 found that participants’ well-being was significantly better when they listened to bird songs. Finding Calm in the Chirp You don’t need any prior experience with birdwatching or meditation to make this a regular practice in your life. Start close to home, observing the winged visitors that come to your yard or local parks. As you get more comfortable, start exploring national parks, nature reserves, and known birding hotspots in your area. Birdwatching requires no fancy equipment, but a good pair of binoculars can make the whole experience more enjoyable. They will help you get a better look at the beautiful colors of bird wings and make identifying different species easier. Keep a journal or birding log to track all the varieties you find. Take a mindful moment to jot down your observations and what each sighting means to you. Birding can be a solitary practice for stress relief, or you can join a local birding group.
It’s one of the biggest questions people face as they approach retirement: Should you enter your golden years mortgage-free, or is it okay to keep that monthly payment around? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but understanding the pros, cons, and nuances can help you make a smart, confident decision. The Peace of Mind Factor Paying off your mortgage before retiring can bring an enormous sense of relief. Imagine knowing your home is entirely yours, no bank, no bills, no strings attached. That kind of financial freedom can make your retirement years feel lighter and less stressful. With no monthly mortgage payment, you’ll also need less income to maintain your lifestyle. That means your savings, pensions, or Social Security can stretch further. Emotionally, there’s peace of mind in owning your home outright, especially during times of market volatility or unexpected expenses. The Trade-Offs Before rushing to pay off your mortgage, it’s important to consider what you might be giving up. If most of your money is tied up in your home, you could find yourself “house rich and cash poor.” Liquidity matters in retirement. You’ll need accessible funds for medical costs, travel, and emergencies. Depending on your mortgage rate, keeping your loan might actually make financial sense. For example, if your mortgage is at 3% and your investments are earning 6% or more, your money could work harder elsewhere. Tax and Inflation Considerations While the mortgage interest deduction isn’t as impactful for everyone after recent tax law changes, it can still offer some benefit to those who itemize. Plus, inflation plays a helpful role. Over time, it reduces the real cost of fixed monthly payments, making your mortgage relatively more affordable as the years pass. A Balanced Approach A hybrid approach may be the best option for some retirees. Some choose to make extra payments over time, thereby shortening their loan term without depleting their savings all at once. Others downsize by selling a larger home, buying a smaller one outright, and pocketing the difference to use as retirement income. An Important Decision Ultimately, the choice comes down to balance. If being debt-free brings you peace and aligns with your financial plan, paying off your mortgage can be a powerful move. But if it means sacrificing liquidity or higher investment returns, it might be wiser to keep that low-interest loan and let your assets grow. The best choice is the one that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and, most importantly, how you want to live your retirement years.
So, look to the trees and let your worries take flight. Let every bird’s song and flash of colorful wings be a reminder that inner peace is just a few bright feathers away.
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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INVESTING IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?
AI (artificial intelligence) stocks are garnering a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. In late 2022, the technology sector saw a breakthrough in large language models, allowing AI to learn and respond in conversational language. And in 2023, when Nvidia, which makes processors that power AI technology, delivered second-quarter sales drastically higher than expected, it unleashed a fervor of excitement*. In the days that followed, mega-cap technology stocks rose sharply, propelling the entire S&P 500 Index upward. Since then, AI-related company stocks have seen huge gains and some huge dips as well. Although mass adoption is distant, AI has the potential to unlock productivity in a host of different industries, and companies across
sectors are now investing heavily in related infrastructure. This means AI also has enormous potential to generate wealth. Despite this potential, it is important to remember that AI is still a nascent technology, and investing will be risky. AI stocks are likely to be volatile. It will be difficult to predict winners and losers, and investors could lose everything. That’s why it’s critical to do your due diligence. Make sure you or someone with AI-specific knowledge is vetting the opportunity set on your behalf and never invest more than you can afford to lose. If you do decide to invest in AI, consider a diversified approach: either a portfolio of AI stocks, a mutual fund, or an exchange-traded fund (ETF). These can offer better diversification than individual stocks alone. As with any investment, risks abound, and AI strategies will not be right for everyone. A financial advisor can help you understand how AI investments may fit into the larger context of your investment portfolio and how much risk might be appropriate.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INVESTING IN AI? SCAN THE QR CODE ON THIS PAGE!
*Source: nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-announces-financial- results-for-second-quarter-fiscal-2024
The Cost of Clutter How Minimalism Can Save You Thousands
We’ve all been there: staring at a closet full of clothes and thinking, “I have nothing to wear.” Or paying rent for a bigger apartment just to store things we barely use. Clutter isn’t just a space problem; it’s a money problem. Every unused subscription silently chips away at your finances. The good news is that minimalism offers a way out. Far from being about deprivation, it’s about reclaiming control of your space, spending, and savings. The Hidden Price of ‘Stuff’ Every purchase comes with two price tags: the sticker price and the hidden costs. That $50 gadget isn’t just $50; it might also mean higher credit card interest if you’re carrying debt, or another box in the attic eating up storage space. The more we accumulate, the more we pay to maintain, store, clean, and eventually replace those
items. That’s where minimalism comes in. It forces us to ask: “Do I really need this, or is it just clutter in disguise?” Quality Over Quantity Minimalism doesn’t mean buying nothing. Instead, it’s about buying better. One high-quality pair of shoes can last for years, while three cheap pairs wear out quickly and cost more in the long run. Choosing durability and timeless designs over impulse buys protects your wallet and reduces waste. Simplifying Finances Clutter can even creep into your bank account. Old subscriptions, overlapping accounts, and unused memberships all nibble away at your budget. By canceling what you don’t use and streamlining your finances, you save money and reduce the mental load of tracking your bills.
Downsizing Expenses One of the biggest financial wins of minimalism comes from downsizing. A smaller home or apartment doesn’t just mean lower rent or mortgage; it also slashes utilities, maintenance, insurance, and even property taxes. More Space for What Matters A clutter-free environment frees up mental bandwidth. With fewer distractions, you can focus on what truly matters: building a side hustle, nurturing relationships, or enjoying a calmer, more intentional life.
Call Us Today 703.535.5300 • 3
20251201-5011993-15850423
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
captrust.com | 703.535.5300 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400 Alexandria, Virginia 22314
INSIDE
1
Milestones, Momentum, and What’s Next for CAPTRUST Clients
2
Why Birdwatching Is the New Stress-Buster
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retiring?
3
Why AI Could Be the Next Great Wealth Generator … If You Invest Smartly
The Hidden Price Tag on Clutter
4
3 Train Trips to Take Today
Investment advisory services offered by CapFinancial Partners, LLC (“CAPTRUST” or “CAPTRUST Financial Advisors”), an investment advisor registered under The Investment Advisors Act of 1940. @2025 - CAPTRUST | All Rights Reserved. CAPTRUST does not endorse, nor is it affiliated with any third-party entity 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.
Tracks and Treasures Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding
A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you're a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s- era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations.
explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper- level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
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