Insights
Explore valuable perspectives from our team, featuring articles by Dianne Nolin CFP®, CDFA® Cecile Hult CFP®, CDFA® Eric Ashburn CFP®, CEPA®, CDFA®, CeFT® Joe Gallemore CIMA® CExP™ Jamie S. Blum CPA, CDFA® Alyce Phinney CDFA® Emily Pelletier CGSP® Rasha Bitar CFF®, CGSP® Sierra Lawrence CGSP® Brett Colbert Maggie Shipley Kayla Hufker
Recent Insights
[Money Moves with Maggie] How to Talk About Legacy Without the Awkwardness
This month on Money Moves with Maggie, we’re talking about legacy planning and how to start the conversation with your parents without making it awkward or uncomfortable. These conversations matter, but knowing how to open the door can make all the difference.
The Hidden Value Inside Your Tax Return
A strong financial plan requires more than investment advice. It requires a complete understanding of a client’s financial life, including one of the most underused
Building Legacy Through Purposeful Giving
In conversations around family financial planning, attention often centers on investments, estate structures, and long-term assets. Yet one of the most meaningful components of generational
[Cup of Joe] Questions for 2026
January’s Cup of Joe focuses on the questions that matter most as investors look ahead to a new year. Joe walks through how portfolios are
[Cup of Joe] Questions for 2026
January’s Cup of Joe focuses on the questions that matter most as investors look ahead to a new year. Joe walks through how portfolios are being positioned for 2026, what recent market leadership may signal going forward, and why revisiting diversification, downside planning, and retirement account allocations can be more
A Post-Divorce Playlist
Divorce isn’t the end of the story, it’s a plot twist. The credits haven’t rolled; you’re just entering a new act. Post-divorce financial planning is about moving forward and preparing for your next chapter.
Below, each chapter of your financial reset starts with a familiar pop-culture cue because sometimes
Year-End Reflections
As the year draws to a close, we’ve been taking time to reflect on the moments of growth, change, and connection that shaped the year.
It was a year defined by new chapters, new places, new faces, and deepening relationships. We wanted to share a few highlights that made
[Money Moves with Maggie] When Refinancing Your Home Makes Sense
As mortgage rates begin to ease, many homeowners are wondering whether refinancing could make sense for them. Taking time to review your options now can help ensure any decision supports your long term financial plan.
[Cup of Joe] Market Forecasts and Better Questions to Ask
December’s Cup of Joe looks at why annual market forecasts are often unreliable and what investors should focus on instead. Joe breaks down historical market returns, the wide gap between predictions and reality, and how shifting the conversation toward portfolio structure, risk management, and controllable decisions leads to better long
Planning for a Divorce in the Year Ahead? Smart Moves to Make Before January
Are you considering a divorce next year? Many people face irreconcilable issues in their marriage that lead them to divorce. It is important to plan for the potential long-term financial and tax consequences when planning for divorce.
Beyond Budgeting: How an Abundant Mindset Transforms Financial Planning
Most people approach financial planning through the lens of scarcity, cutting costs, bracing for risk, and asking, “Will it be enough?” But what if the most powerful financial strategies don’t start with fear? What if they start with possibility?
Welcome to financial planning through the lens of abundance. This
[Money Moves with Maggie] End of Year Money Moves to Check Off Now
As the year winds down, it is a great time to check in on a few key items that can keep your finances on track. A quick review now can help you step into 2026 with confidence.
End of Year Financial Checklist
As the year comes to a close, it is the perfect moment to review your financial world, make thoughtful updates, and ensure everything aligns with your goals. A strong finish sets the tone for a confident start to the year ahead.
[Cup of Joe] Passive vs Active Investment Strategies
November’s Cup of Joe looks at passive and active investing, how each works, and when one may have an edge. Joe breaks down the strengths and tradeoffs of index funds, the value of selective management, and why using both can create stronger balance through changing markets.
Gray Divorce: Rebuilding with Clarity & Confidence
Divorce later in life, often called “gray divorce”, can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. It can bring grief, uncertainty, and even fear. You may be questioning your identity, your choices, or even what your life will look like from here on out. These emotions are normal. They are part
Running a Business? Don’t Miss These 5 Signs Your Finances Need Attention
When you’re running a business, your own financial health can easily fall to the bottom of the list. Between managing your team, serving clients, and making big decisions every day, it’s no surprise that personal planning gets pushed aside.
Argent Bridge Advisors’ Eric Ashburn Recognized as a 2025 Five Star Wealth Manager
October 2025 – Vienna, VA – Argent Bridge Advisors is proud to announce that Eric Ashburn, CFP®, CEPA®, CDFA®, has been named a 2025 Five Star Wealth Manager. This recognition honors professionals in the wealth management industry who demonstrate exceptional client satisfaction, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
The 5 Players and Money Moves That Can Make or Break Your Business Exit
I recently saw the new F1 movie with Brad Pitt, and it was a reminder that even the fastest driver cannot win without the right team in the pit. Exiting a business is no different. Roughly half of business sales collapse before closing. Not because the numbers do not add
Year-End & Beyond: Tax Planning Strategies for High-Net-Worth Families
As we approach year-end, many families are asking how to make the most of 2025 under current tax rules while also preparing for the changes ahead in 2026. The weeks between now and December 31 represent a particularly important window for proactive planning. Actions taken before year-end can reduce this
[Money Moves with Maggie] 3 Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Finances Online
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a good reminder to take a closer look at how you’re protecting your finances online. With so much of our financial life happening digitally, it’s more important than ever to keep your accounts secure.
📌 Topics covered:
Why strong, unique passwords matter
How to spot and
When Love & Legacy Collide
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s separation after 19 years underscores that even long, seemingly perfect marriages face challenges. Their story reflects what many experience in divorce: dividing assets, protecting children, managing emotions, and maintaining privacy. With preparation and trusted guidance, couples can navigate separation with clarity and stability for the
[Cup of Joe] Government Shutdown & “Is the Market Going to Crash?”
Watch October’s Cup of Joe to learn how a government shutdown and rising market anxiety could affect investors. Joe explains why shutdowns are typically short-lived, how the size of the U.S. economy helps limit lasting effects, and why current valuations may lead to short-term profit-taking. He also discusses how the
A Premarital Playlist
You’ve picked the venue, finalized the guest list, chosen a cake flavor, and built the perfect wedding playlist. But have you tackled one of the most important pre wedding steps? An honest financial conversation with your partner.
It’s not the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it may
[Money Moves with Maggie] Planning Finances as a Couple
This month, Maggie is joined by her fiancé, Enzo, to share the most important money conversations couples should have when planning a future together. They cover topics like merging finances, setting shared goals, and how open dialogue can create a stronger financial foundation before or just after marriage.
The OBBBA Deduction Explained: What Retirees Should Know
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is making big changes to how Social Security benefits are taxed. While many retirees will see reduced or even eliminated taxes thanks to a new deduction, the details matter. Income limits, phase-outs, and an expiration date in 2028 mean this benefit isn’t as
Takeaways from Stop, Spot, Secure
Missed Our “Spot, Stop, Secure” Webinar?
We’ve compiled a recap of the key fraud and scam prevention strategies discussed during the session. Learn how scammers are using AI, phishing, and impersonation schemes and what you can do to stay protected.
A Newlywed Guide
A Newlywed Guide Building Your Future Together Marriage is an exciting new chapter, and it is the perfect time to align your financial lives. Our Newlywed Guide walks you through key topics such as managing accounts, setting shared goals, protecting what matters with insurance and estate planning, and preparing for
[Cup of Joe] Lessons To Remember from this Unique Year
Watch August’s Cup of Joe to learn why staying invested matters more than trying to time the market. Joe highlights the risks of missing the best market days, explains why bull markets last longer than downturns, and shares how patience and consistency can strengthen long-term returns.
Untangling Life Insurance in Divorce
Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, and it often brings a host of financial considerations that extend beyond property division and custody agreements. One area that is sometimes overlooked, but critically important, is life insurance. Whether you are the policyholder, the insured, or the beneficiary, divorce can dramatically
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