It’s Not Just What You Make, It’s What You Keep

It’s Not Just What You Make, It’s What You Keep

As we step into 2026, I have been reflecting on the energy and momentum that January has already brought to our team. The start of a new year always carries a sense of possibility, but this year feels especially meaningful as we focus on growing together. Growth for us is not just about numbers or milestones. It is about deepening relationships, strengthening our knowledge, and showing up for our clients and one another with intention every single day. I have already seen our team lean into collaboration in new ways, sharing ideas, supporting each other, and setting the tone for a year rooted in purpose.

Winter naturally invites a slower pace and time for reflection. Between early mornings, warm coffee, and time at home with family, I am reminded that strong routines create a steady foundation. That same mindset guides how we serve you. Thoughtful planning, consistent communication, and a long term perspective matter in every season. As we move through the first quarter, I am grateful for the trust you place in us and excited for what we will build together in the months ahead.

• Megan Clark, CEO and Financial Advisor

What We Were Up to in January!

We’re continuing our education focus with our Long-Term Care webinar, which looks at how potential care needs, retirement income, and taxes all intersect.

The goal for this one is straightforward: Give you a clearer framework for thinking about “what if” scenarios before you’re in the middle of one.

https://event.webinarjam.com/pylzm/register/gwqorf59’

This month, we’re excited to share that Megan was recently featured in Kiplinger in an article titled “Could a Cash Balance Plan Be Your Key to a Wealthy Retirement?” Clark Financial Solutions+1

In the article, she talks about how cash balance plans can be a powerful tool for certain small-business owners who want to save more for retirement and reduce their current tax bill in a strategic, compliant way. These plans sit somewhere between a traditional pension and a 401(k), and when they’re designed thoughtfully, they can help:

• Supercharge retirement contributions in high-earning years
• Create more predictable, pension-like income in the future
• Coordinate with existing retirement accounts as part of a bigger plan, not a one-off product

Megan also walks through who cash balance plans may (and may not) be right for, how they’re funded, and why it’s important to look at them in the context of your overall retirement, tax, and business strategy—not as a standalone “quick fix.” Kiplinger

If you’re a business owner or self-employed professional who’s already maxing out traditional retirement accounts and wondering, “What else can I do?” this is a timely read.

Read Megan’s Kiplinger article here:
https://www.kiplinger.com/business/small-business/could-a-cash-balance-plan-be-your-key-to-a-wealthy-retirement

(If you’d like to talk through whether a strategy like this could fit into your Brighter Financial Blueprint™, you’re always welcome to schedule a conversation with our team.)

Getting Organized for Tax Season

A few practical reminders as you gather your documents:

• Watch for year-end statements from retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, and your custodian.
• Keep track of any major changes from last year (retirement date, new income sources, large withdrawals, etc.).
• Note any charitable gifts or special items you want your tax professional to be aware of.

If you’d like help seeing how your income picture and tax picture fit together for 2026 and beyond, we’re here for that conversation.

Your Next Step – 2026 Tax and Income Review

If you’ve had changes in your income, accounts, or retirement timing, this could be a good year for a 2026 tax and income review.

In that conversation, we can:

• Review where your income is coming from
• Look at how it interacts with your current tax picture
• Identify any opportunities to be more intentional going forward

As always, thank you for the trust you place in our team. We’re grateful to be growing into our 40th year alongside you.

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Brighter Financial Capital Management, LLC, a SEC Investment Advisor. Insurance products and services are offered through Clark & Associates, Inc. Financial Solutions, an affiliated company. Brighter Financial Capital Management, LLC and MAS are separate entities, independently owned.