Chanc Ravish - Northwestern Mutual

Most money “problems” lead back to a simple solution—starting a financial plan now. I'm here to help you get it done. Let’s chat.

Same polo for a second . This Saturday, my good friend Keeton and I traveled to Fort Wayne to attend INVSTRCON. A big thank you to Jimmy Larowe for the invite. What Dakota is doing in that community is incredible, and Evan Macklin put on a powerful talk. It was a great Saturday of iron sharpening iron.

**Client Experience Spotlight: Shifting From Transactional Investing to Proactive Retirement Planning**

I recently had the privilege to join forces with a new advisor on a client meeting with Bill, a long-time investor and union member approaching retirement. Bill agreed to the meeting out of respect for our partnership, confident that he already had a good advisor managing his accounts.

What unfolded was a powerful reminder of the difference true financial planning can make.

During our conversation, Bill shared a frustration that truly stood out: years ago, during a market downturn, he moved money into a fixed annuity in reaction to market losses—an investment decision driven by emotion and immediate fear rather than a proactive strategy. He later regretted this move as the market rebounded soon after, realizing he’d locked himself into a product that underperformed and limited his upside.

This experience exemplified the transactional nature of his previous relationship:
He met with his investment manager when the market was down, received a quick solution, and acted—without a cohesive plan guiding his decisions.

I emphasized that our approach is different: we don’t react; we plan proactively. Our goal is to anticipate and manage risks before they arise, aligning every move with a thoughtful, integrated retirement roadmap.

By the end of the meeting, Bill expressed a striking realization:

“I didn’t realize I didn’t actually have a plan or planner — but more of a transactional relationship with an investment manager.”

We didn’t just talk about rates of return or market performance. Instead, we focused on what matters:
-Tax-smart Income planning for the retirement years
-Social Security & survivor benefit strategies
-Distribution order across IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities, and Roth accounts
-Down market strategy
-Tax consequences throughout retirement
-Healthcare transition and cost planning
-And, ultimately, building a custom roadmap for spending down without regret

Bill left with new questions about his "planning" —and a clear sense that genuine retirement planning requires a collaborative, proactive partnership, not just reactive fixes.

This kind of awakening is exactly our aim for our client relationships.

If you feel like your investing might be more transactional than strategic, or more reactive than proactive, let’s talk about building a real plan together.

1st in the NM Mishawaka office. Andrew and I showed up and got to work for a few hours. Oh… and most importantly, had fun doing it.

Losers show up worried about winning,
winners show up to enjoy the process.

How do your tax refund grades stack up? Reach out to me if you want to prepare for your best scores ever.

Happy Easter from me and mine to you and yours!