Check out our March newsletter!
March 2026
captrust.com • 703.535.5300 • 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314
From Black Diamonds to Blue Trails WHY HELPING OTHERS MATTERS MORE
March is here, and we are well on our way to completing the first quarter of 2026. Yes, at the end of the month, more than 25 percent of the year will have passed. Time really does fly when you’re having fun. Recently, I went on a family vacation to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It was beautiful. We had such a great time, and it was especially meaningful to create memories with my incredible family. The trip gave me the opportunity to test out new dad jokes and ski with the entire family down some pretty challenging terrain. That trip also got me thinking about my new daughter-in-law, Molly, my son Carter’s wife. They got married in August 2025. It also got me thinking about our grandson, Levi. The point is this: Molly married into a family of skiers, which is not something to be taken lightly. Last year was her first year skiing in Big Sky. While it wasn’t necessarily her first time skiing, she was still very much a novice, but she stuck with it. By the end of the week, she was skiing down a blue trail gracefully. She did incredibly well. Carter, being the great husband that he is, helped her along the way. Now, Carter is an excellent skier, and if Molly had not been on the trip, he likely would have spent most of his time on black diamond trails, much more challenging runs. Instead, he chose to slow down and help his wife and Levi become better skiers. I bring this up because I’m sure we all have incredible skills we could teach others. Over the years, we’ve each become very good at certain things, skills that could genuinely help others grow, including our own family members. I’ve always found that I get a lot of joy from helping someone learn something new, and I get even more joy when I see them not only learn it, but actually get good at it. So, this month, I ask a simple question: What do you know and can teach someone else? Do you have a skill that could benefit another person?
For example, do you know how to: • Build things? • Fix things? • Play an instrument? • Speak another language? • Bake? • Exercise?
Whatever it is, I’m sure someone could benefit from you teaching them how to do it. Many of these skills are things we take for granted, but they can help people in significant ways, not just to get better, but to be better. And to take it one step further, what do you want to learn to do but haven’t tried yet? Whom can you learn from? And could you learn it alongside someone else who also wants to grow in that area? There are so many things we can do in life that bring meaning and benefit, but we have to be intentional. We have to think about it … and then actually do it. So, again this month, see what you can do to help someone else or learn something new yourself. We are on this earth for a very limited time, and everything we do is about the impact we have on the world and on the people closest to us. I often think about how I want to be remembered when I’m gone, and that thought drives many of my decisions.
Good luck, and happy spring!
Kelly Campbell
Call Us Today 703.535.5300 • 1
20260218-5225528-16487715
Break Away From Budget Burnout
REDEFINING SUCCESS AFTER RETIREMENT
‘Money Dates’ for Calmer Days
Whether you’re married, dating, or still single, you’re about to read dating advice that could change your life. No, this isn’t a romantic advice column; this is an inside look at “money dates.” What are those? Well, if you’re constantly stressed about your money to the point where you’re tracking your accounts multiple times a day, the following may give a fresh perspective on your finances … and free you from the cycle of budgetary burnout. DON’T LET YOUR MIND DRAIN YOUR MONEY. If you anxiously follow every penny you spend throughout the day and jump to attention whenever you receive a banking notification on your phone, it may surprise you to learn that these habits can harm your bottom line more than help it. A University of Chicago study revealed that tracking one's spending too frequently can actually overwhelm people emotionally, to the point they’re more likely to make careless financial choices. Similar to how an obsessed dieter may become discouraged and descend into binge eating if they don’t see sufficient weight loss, constantly worrying about bank balances could lead you to burn your bridges to greater wealth before they’re even fully built. USE YOUR CALENDAR TO ORGANIZE YOUR CASH. Instead of putting your mood to the test through compulsive cash check-ins, select a monthly “money date” to review your overall financial standing and plan for your future. By picking a specific date to review your numbers, you can gain a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of your regular spending habits and identify unnecessary expenses that can be adjusted to achieve greater flexibility. For example, seeing that you spend $80 a month on coffee may be jarring at first, but viewing the bigger picture may help you develop a more reasonable budget for caffeine than worrying every time you grab a $4 cup on your way to work. Income,
LIFE BEYOND TITLES AND PAYCHECKS
For most of our adult lives, success is easy to measure. It shows up in a paycheck, a job title, promotions, or the steady rhythm of a workweek. Then retirement arrives, and suddenly those familiar markers disappear. The question many retirees quietly ask themselves is: How do I know if I’m doing retirement “right”?
The truth is that success in retirement looks very different from success in your working years, and that’s not a negative thing.
Letting Go of Old Scorecards When you stop working, it’s natural to feel a sense of loss. Your career may have provided structure, identity, and validation. Without it, you might catch yourself wondering if you’re still productive or valuable. Retirement asks you to retire old scorecards. No one is handing out annual reviews anymore, and that can feel unsettling at first, but it also creates space to define success on your own terms, without external pressure. Redefining What Productivity Means Productivity doesn’t disappear when you retire; it just changes form. Success may now look like maintaining your health, showing up for family, or finally making time for interests you once postponed. Did you help a grandchild learn something new? Were you feeling active and energized this week? Did you spend meaningful time with people you care about? These moments may not come with applause or a bonus, but they often carry far more lasting value. Measuring Well-Being One of the largest shifts in retirement is learning that being busy isn’t the same as being fulfilled. Success might mean having fewer obligations, less stress, and more peace. Pay attention to how you feel day to day. Are you content? Do you feel engaged with life? Are you sleeping better, laughing more, and feeling less rushed? These are powerful indicators that you’re on the right path. Keeping Growth in Mind Retirement doesn’t mean growth stops. In fact, continuing to learn can be one of the most rewarding measures of success. Whether it’s picking up a new skill, volunteering, traveling, or mentoring others, growth keeps life interesting and purposeful. Success in retirement often shows up as curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to try something new, even if you’re not perfect at it.
expenses, debts, and positive/negative purchasing patterns are all things to explore on your “money date.” Just like other kinds of dates, timing is everything. Choose a date and time when you (and your spouse) are typically relaxed and
distraction-free before diving in! You may be surprised by how these “money dates” can help reduce your overall frustration, anxiety, and perceived need to let money overdraw your mental health.
2 • captrust.com
20260218-5225528-16487715
PASSION PURSUITS: Purposeful Philanthropy
STRATEGIC GIVING Bob Long, CEO of StepStone Private Wealth Solutions, grew up in Eden, North Carolina, knowing he was adopted from the Greensboro Children’s Home in 1962. Adoption wasn’t a big topic in his family, but decades later a friend invited him to fundraising events for Children’s Home Society, and Long and his wife, Mary, became deeply involved. Their philanthropic focus is clear: helping North Carolina families overcome the financial barriers to adoption. “We prefer to think of these expenditures as investments, not gifts. Creating a family has a forever impact,” Long says. Long’s approach reflects the principles of strategic giving: choosing a purpose, building relationships with nonprofits, and planning for impact. He serves on Gift of Adoption’s advisory council and previously sat on the board of Children’s Home Society, inspiring others to give through his leadership and advocacy.
4 STEPS TO GOOD GIVING: 1. Find your why. What problems do you want to solve? Whom do you want to help? If you’re stumped, ask yourself questions like, “What breaks your heart?” suggests Pam Devereux of Gift of Adoption. 2. Find your where. Which nonprofits share your vision? For any major gift, go beyond online research and meet with charity staff. If possible, volunteer to see the charity’s work in action.
3. Bring in your team. Consult your financial advisor, tax advisor, and estate planner. And talk to your family, especially if any part of your giving will happen after your death. 4. Track results. After you donate, keep checking in with the charity to assess the impact and determine whether to continue giving. “If an organization has an annual report or impact report, pay attention to that,” says Emily Johnson of the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Experts recommend donors start by identifying causes they care about, researching charities, and maintaining ongoing relationships. Strategic giving also involves planning, whether through direct donations, donor-advised funds, or foundations, and often requires guidance from financial and legal professionals. Long’s message: You don’t need great wealth to make a difference. “A well- placed gift can change a life,” he says, “or, in our case, thousands of them.”
Stop Trying to Hustle Harder PLAN SMARTER INSTEAD
STOP SAYING YES. How often do you say “no” to others? Many of us are people pleasers who often agree to requests, even if they exceed our capacity. Saying “yes” all the time will lead to burnout, regardless of
Do you ever wish you could accomplish more in a day? Whether you’re trying to squeeze out as many tasks as possible at work or take care of all of your chores before Sunday, it can feel like you’re always trying to maximize your productivity. But many of us feel like we fall short each day. You may think you just need to regularly refresh your coffee or eliminate every distraction from your mind to improve your productivity, but this only gets you so far. Instead, focus on incorporating strong, simple strategies into your routine. Here are three ideas to help you be as productive as possible, no matter the situation. PUT A PLAN IN PLACE. When do you start thinking about what you need to accomplish on any given day? Too often, people wait until they face their work computer or stare at a sink full of dishes to strategize their day. Instead, take some time before you wrap up work to establish your priorities for the following day. Before the weekend starts, figure out which chores you need to do and the best time to tackle them. Having a plan will increase your likelihood of sticking to it.
whether it’s your boss asking you to complete a project before noon or your friends wanting to go out for the fourth night in a row. Say no, and keep your main priorities at the forefront of your mind.
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS. You may want to push through all your tasks so you can finally unwind and relax, but this could lengthen the process. Sticking to your responsibilities like glue prevents your body and brain from taking necessary breaks to recalibrate and reset so you can operate at peak performance.
Call Us Today 703.535.5300 • 3
20260218-5225528-16487715
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
captrust.com | 703.535.5300 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400 Alexandria, Virginia 22314
INSIDE
Scan the code to visit our CAPTRUST Alexandria website for more!
1 2
Choosing Growth, Connection, and Purpose
A Formula for Financial Freedom
Letting Go of Old Scorecards and Finding Purpose in Retirement
Strategic Giving Is About Investment, Not Charity
3
The Productivity Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed
4
Pack Like a Pro and Say Goodbye to Suitcase Overload
“Investment advisory services offered by CapFinancial Partners, LLC (“CAPTRUST” or “CAPTRUST Financial Advisors”), an investment advisor registered under The Investment Advisers 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.”
Your Carry-On, Upgraded A Guide to Mastering the Minimalist Travel Mindset
We’ve all been there: juggling bags, hunting for space in overhead compartments, and wishing we had packed lighter. But with these five simple strategies, you can pack less, move faster, and enjoy your adventure instead of dragging it around. CHOOSE A SMALLER BAG TO GUIDE YOUR PACKING. We all have that impulse to pack “just in case,” stuffing extra clothes and gadgets into our luggage because, well, there’s room. But here’s the trick: Pick a smaller bag than usual. A carry-on around 10 liters smaller than what you usually use acts as a gentle nudge, forcing you to rethink what you need. BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR TRAVEL. Clothes are where overpacking really sneaks in. Instead of thinking in terms of outfits, think in terms of items. Build a travel capsule
wardrobe of 10–12 mix-and-match pieces, including shoes and jackets. These can cover a week or more. Don’t stress about underwear; pack what you need outside the capsule. The goal is simplicity, flexibility, and style without the suitcase overload. MAXIMIZE SPACE WITH COMPRESSION CUBES. Packing cubes might not reduce the amount you bring, but they sure make it fit better. Compression cubes help you organize and compact your clothing, allowing even a modest bag to hold everything neatly. KEEP TOILETRIES TINY AND SIMPLE. Skip the half-bottle of shampoo and overstuffed toiletry bag. Travel-size containers for shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and a few first-aid essentials are all you need. Bonus: Running out of toothpaste gives
you a perfect excuse to explore a local grocery store. You might even discover a quirky, new favorite. THINK SHORT, EVEN ON LONG TRIPS. Longer travel doesn’t mean more packing. Essentials, such as your passport, phone, chargers, a water bottle, a comb, and a travel pillow, remain constant. Clothing? Keep it minimal and plan to do laundry. Sink-washing, hotel services, or local laundromats all work. A few spins in water and a quick hang to dry is surprisingly effective. Travel lighter, explore further, and enjoy the freedom that comes from packing smart. Less baggage means more adventure, and a little extra space for souvenirs.
4 • captrust.com
20260218-5225528-16487715
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator