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AI vs. Human Financial Advisor: Why the Relationship Still Matters
While AI can optimize a portfolio, it can’t build trust or understand the emotional weight of your financial decisions. Here’s why the human-advisor relationship is STILL the ultimate advantage in an automated world.
Trump Accounts
Learn how Trump Accounts work, who qualifies, and how a $1,000 government investment for children born 2025–2028 can grow through long-term financial planning.
Downstream Decisions: Why RMDs Matter Long Before They Start
Required Minimum Distributions are often treated as a retirement deadline. In reality, they are the downstream result of planning decisions made years earlier. Understanding how RMDs connect to taxes, income, and legacy can help investors make more intentional choices long before they begin.
Built for the Storm
Most investors hope their plan can weather the next market storm.
We build plans that are engineered to. Resilience isn’t a buzzword. It’s a disciplined, data-driven process that protects your long-term goals when markets get rough. Here’s how we engineer financial resilience into your portfolio using data driven signals, disciplined downside defense, and true diversification so your plan can withstand volatility and protect long term wealth.
3 Questions Every Family Should Be Asking About Their Financial Plan
Is your financial plan truly working for your family? Learn the three strategic questions that reveal whether your advisor is leading with strategy, whether your plan is fully coordinated across investments, tax, and estate planning, and whether your long-term goals are protected from market noise and emotional decision-making.
We Don’t Time the Market
The temptation is universal. When markets surge, investors feel the need to chase the rally. When volatility hits and the news reports “chaos,” the instinctive urge is to panic-sell. This emotional cycle of buying high and selling low is the defining feature of market timing, and it is the primary way investors derail their own long-term success.
Welcome Erica Lyall
At Strategic Advisory Partners, we believe what you build is more valuable than what you bill. Today, we are proud to announce that Erica Lyall, CFP®, CDFA®, has joined our team.
Based primarily in Winston-Salem, Erica extends our collaborative, client-first philosophy to women seeking financial stability and confidence across all life stages. Erica recognizes women as an under-represented demographic and has built her practice around helping them achieve financial leadership. Her work embodies the care and integrity our fiduciary firm was built on.
Understanding IRMAA
If you’re approaching Medicare age and have a higher income, IRMAA—short for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount—could significantly impact what you pay for Medicare. This surcharge applies to those whose income exceeds certain thresholds, adding extra costs to Part B and Part D premiums. The good news? With proactive tax and income planning, you can often reduce or manage these surcharges effectively. In this article, we break down how IRMAA works, what triggers it, and smart strategies to keep your Medicare costs in check during retirement.
You’re Not Just a Portfolio
We believe you deserve a financial plan that is just as multifaceted as your life. That’s why we reject the “portfolio-first” mindset and instead operate with a team-based, strategy-first approach. Your financial life isn’t a single point of data—it’s a complex, integrated system. And it should be handled that way.
Your Clients Don’t Need You to Be a Hero.
There’s a certain kind of advisor who always answers the phone. Who double-checks every plan before it goes out the door. Who runs the numbers, writes the emails, coordinates with the CPA, and schedules the review meetings. Who quietly carries the emotional load of worried clients, aging parents, market volatility, and staff turnover — all while showing up with a steady voice and a solution. It’s not uncommon. In fact, in this industry, it’s admired. Expected, even.
But here’s the truth: Your clients don’t need a hero. They need you to have help.
The Price of Economic Nationalism
In an increasingly interconnected global economy, the term “tariffs” frequently enters public discourse, often accompanied by strong opinions. While the concept of a tariff—a tax on imported goods—may seem straightforward, their practical application and economic consequences are remarkably complex.
Strategy First, Product Second
What We Mean When We Say: Strategy First, Product SecondYou’ve probably heard this phrase before — maybe from us: “We lead with strategy, not product.” It’s a simple idea. But in the financial world, it’s not as common as it should be. So let’s break down what it...
Route to Retirement
If you’ve spent years planning routes, managing cargo, and keeping fleets on schedule, you already have the mindset to navigate your retirement journey. Think of your money plan like a well‑organized shipment: set clear waypoints, inspect progress regularly, and adjust your course when you hit traffic. Let’s map out the five key stages on your road to retirement.
Beyond the Payout: Why Ownership Mentality Drives Everything at SAP
Most firms in our industry lead with numbers — payout grids, bonus tiers, production goals. But those numbers don’t tell the whole story. They don’t reflect the late-night calls from clients, the strategic thinking behind every plan, or the years it took to build trust one conversation at a time. At Strategic Advisory Partners, we believe what you build is more valuable than what you bill.
Today’s Market Doesn’t Define Your Tomorrow
Recent market headlines have been designed to evoke strong emotional responses – fear, anxiety, and the urge to take immediate action. But in the vast majority of cases, these daily pronouncements have little bearing on your long-term financial success. Getting swept up in this daily drama can be detrimental to achieving your goals.
Tariff Turmoil
Tariff TurmoilIs Your Portfolio a Casualty of the Current Climate?By Blaise Stevens, Managing Member, Strategic Advisory PartnersThe financial markets have certainly been making headlines lately. The impact of evolving trade policies, like the recent tariff...
The Million-Dollar iPhone
Every year, millions of consumers eagerly line up to purchase the latest iPhone, spending hundreds of dollars on Apple’s flagship product. But this fascinating counterfactual scenario reveals striking insights about opportunity cost, the time value of money, and the power of dividend reinvestment that we at Strategic Advisory Partners believe everyone should understand.
Real Talk About Technology Freedom in Wealth Management
Let me be candid: I’ve been in this industry long enough to see the real difference between what broker-dealers promise and what independent RIAs can actually deliver.
New 2025 Retirement Limits
As markets continue to evolve and new retirement contribution limits take effect in 2025, investors face both opportunities and challenges in optimizing their retirement strategies. The increased 401(k) contribution limit of $23,500 isn’t just a number—it’s an opportunity to enhance portfolio construction and implement more sophisticated investment approaches.
Retirement Savings Lost and Found
In a significant development for retirement plan participants and administrators alike, the Department of Labor (DOL) has officially launched its Retirement Savings Lost and Found database. This new tool represents a crucial step forward in addressing one of the most persistent challenges in our retirement system: reconnecting participants with their forgotten retirement benefits. Here’s what you need to know.
The Power of In-House Marketing Support for RIA Advisors
As an advisor, marketing is one of the most important components of growing your business and deepening relationships with clients. But the world of financial marketing can be challenging, especially when you’re juggling compliance concerns and trying to stand out in a crowded market. Advisors coming from a wirehouse or broker/dealer environment often find that marketing their practice comes with many restrictions, limiting their ability to develop a personal brand and engage clients effectively.
New ‘Super’ 401(k) Catch-Up Provision
For Americans nearing retirement, saving enough money can feel like a race against time. Now, thanks to recent changes in tax law, some older workers will have an opportunity to accelerate their retirement savings through enhanced “super” catch-up contributions.
What to Expect When Moving to an RIA
Making the leap from a wirehouse to an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) is a bold move that offers advisors more autonomy, flexibility, and the chance to build a client-focused practice. But with independence comes new responsibilities and questions—from managing business operations to ensuring client loyalty. In this guide, we break down what to expect during the transition, address common concerns, and provide practical steps to help you make a successful move to an independent RIA model. Whether you’re seeking more control over your practice or a stronger connection with clients, this blog covers everything you need to know to navigate the shift.
Presidents and Press: What Really Moves the Market
In an election year, market headlines can be overwhelming, with many wondering how the presidential race will impact their investments. This blog explores why market movements are more influenced by stability and clear regulations than by political party shifts. We break down how the Federal Reserve’s actions and Congress’s role in creating laws often have a greater effect on the economy than any one candidate. Stay grounded, focus on the bigger picture, and discover what truly drives market trends amid election-year noise.
How Election Years Impact the Stock Market
Separating Myths from Facts
Many investors brace for market volatility during election years, but historical data suggests that long-term performance is more influenced by economic fundamentals than by election outcomes. While short-term fluctuations are common due to political uncertainty, U.S. equities have generally performed well regardless of the party in power. Learn how the stock market adapts under both unified and divided governments, and why maintaining a diversified portfolio is key to navigating election-year volatility.
Overwhelmed by Donation Requests? Here’s How to Prioritize Your Giving
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many of us are being asked to give to multiple relief funds, charities, and organizations. It can feel overwhelming, and you may wonder where your donation will have the most impact. When faced with so many requests, how do you prioritize your giving to ensure your contributions are meaningful and effective?
How an RIA Model Empowers Financial Advisors
The Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model stands out as a beacon of empowerment, providing financial advisors with the tools and autonomy they need to grow their practice and better serve their clients. Here’s how the RIA model supports advisors in achieving their professional goals and delivering exceptional client experiences.
Why Transitioning to an Independent RIA Can Accelerate Your Career Growth
Moving from a wirehouse or broker/dealer to an independent RIA firm offers financial advisors more autonomy, allowing them to build personalized client experiences, increase earning potential, and enhance career development. In an RIA, advisors gain the freedom to tailor investment strategies without corporate constraints, leading to deeper client relationships and long-term growth. Additionally, RIA firms provide opportunities for business ownership and support through a collaborative community. Transitioning to independence empowers advisors to take control of their future and accelerate their career success.
Today’s Mortgage Rates | A Clear Perspective
When it comes to mortgage rates, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and compare today’s rates with the recent past. Many consumers are feeling concerned about rates being higher than they were in 2022, when they were at record lows. However, a broader look at...
From Market Mayhem to Steady Gains
Yesterday: What you need to know Global stock markets experienced a significant downturn, starting with Japan's Nikkei 225 index, which fell 12%—its steepest decline since 1987. This drop was driven by concerns over weaker-than-expected U.S. employment data and an...
What Comes After Winning
Winning a gold medal represents the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As we see with many athletes, the end of their competitive careers often brings an unexpected challenge—finding purpose and fulfillment after reaching their ultimate goal. This transition can be a significant hurdle, as the sense of identity and purpose that once drove them may suddenly seem elusive.
401(k) vs. IRA
Are you prepared for retirement? Choosing between a 401(k) and an IRA can be pivotal in shaping your financial future. Understanding the nuances of each retirement plan—whether it’s maximizing employer contributions with a 401(k) or enjoying the investment flexibility of an IRA—can significantly impact your retirement savings strategy. Join us as we delve into the essential differences, advantages, and considerations of these retirement vehicles. Let’s empower your journey towards a secure and prosperous retirement.
Family Wealth Education and Governance
Ensuring the longevity and prosperity of family wealth involves more than just financial planning—it requires a strategic approach to educating future generations. Discover effective strategies for imparting essential financial management skills to heirs, establishing robust family governance frameworks, and fostering a culture of financial literacy. Learn how these practices can empower your family to preserve and grow its wealth responsibly, fostering unity and stewardship for generations to come.
The Great Wealth Transfer
Get ready for the monumental impact of the Great Wealth Transfer, with a staggering $84 trillion set to shift from Baby Boomers to younger generations over the next two decades. In this blog, we explore essential wealth management strategies such as estate planning, financial education, and tax-efficient investing. Our goal is to ensure that this historic transfer of wealth not only secures financial stability but also promotes wealth accumulation for Gen X and Millennials.
Striking the Right Balance
Discover the importance of portfolio diversification and learn how to strike the right balance in your investments. This blog explores the fundamentals of diversification, highlighting its role in managing risk and mitigating losses. Understand the signs of under-diversification, such as high concentration in a single asset, and the pitfalls of over-diversification, like excessive holdings and minimal performance deviation. By evaluating your asset classes, industry sectors, geographic regions, company sizes, and investment styles, you can determine if your portfolio is diversified enough to meet your financial goals. Achieving the right level of diversification is crucial for long-term financial security and peace of mind.
Nurturing Financial Literacy: Spotlighting Chris Harris
Discover how Chris Harris, Chair of the Finance Department at Elon University and Financial Advisor at Strategic Advisory Partners, is empowering communities through financial literacy education. Explore his innovative approach to personal finance and learn how his passion for financial wellness extends beyond traditional wealth management.
Fiduciary Bingo — A Simple Guide For Employers
Discover the complexities of fiduciary roles in retirement planning, tailored for business owners. From the oversight responsibilities of 3(16) administrators to the investment guidance provided by 3(21) advisors and the risk management handled by 3(38) managers, we delve into the intricacies of each role. Gain clarity on the fiduciary duties that impact your retirement plan and learn how to navigate these complexities effectively to safeguard your employees’ financial future.
Biden’s Proposed Tax Policy Changes
Explore the potential impact of proposed tax policy changes under the Biden administration. From inheritance taxes to capital gains and corporate taxes, learn how these adjustments could affect your financial future and estate planning strategies. Stay informed and prepare with insights from our comprehensive guide.
Game-Changer for Federal Student Loan Repayment
The SAVE Plan, short for Saving on a Valuable Education, is a game-changer for federal student loan repayment, offering relief to borrowers burdened by student debt. Replacing the REPAYE Plan, the SAVE Plan calculates monthly payments based on a smaller portion of borrowers’ income, resulting in lower payments for most borrowers. With benefits like interest coverage and early forgiveness opportunities, including halved undergraduate loan payments, the SAVE Plan provides a path to financial freedom. Applying is straightforward, and most federal student loans are eligible, making it easier than ever to ease the strain of student debt and secure a brighter financial future.
Corporate Transparency Act of 2024
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), effective from January 1, 2024, introduced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), imposes reporting requirements on business entities regarding their beneficial owners. This comprehensive guide outlines key aspects of the CTA, including its purpose, affected entities, reporting requirements, deadlines, information to be reported, penalties for non-compliance, and filing procedures. It emphasizes the importance of compliance to avoid legal repercussions and maintain trust and credibility among stakeholders. For personalized guidance and support in navigating these regulatory obligations, business owners are encouraged to consult with Strategic Advisory Partners. Stay informed, stay compliant, and safeguard your company’s reputation in today’s regulated business landscape.
Navigating Generational Wealth:
Unlock the secrets to preserving and passing on generational wealth in our latest blog. We explore the top challenges faced by affluent families, from the lack of transparency to family conflicts and financial education gaps. Discover the power of clear communication, involving children in planning, and addressing financial knowledge disparities as we provide insights to help you navigate the intricate path of generational wealth management. Join us on this journey to ensure your legacy endures and thrives for generations to come.
Navigating Market Volatility with a Trend-Following Strategy
By maintaining a keen eye on trends, adapting asset allocations, and emphasizing risk management, we show how to navigate these uncertain waters with a steady hand. Our goal is to ensure your investments are poised to thrive, even in the face of market turbulence, providing you with the confidence and support you need to secure your financial future.
Insurance vs. Fee-Only Advisors
When it comes to managing your finances and securing your future, the guidance of a financial advisor can be invaluable. However, not all financial advisors are created equal. Two common categories of advisors you’ll encounter are those who sell insurance products and fee-only advisors. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between these two types of advisors, helping you make informed decisions about your financial future.
Guide to Purposeful Giving
Charitable giving is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the causes and organizations you care about. At Strategic Advisory Partners, we understand that aligning your financial goals with your philanthropic aspirations can be both fulfilling and strategically advantageous. In this blog, we will explore the strategies for incorporating charitable giving into your financial plan, including the use of donor-advised funds and planned giving techniques.
Why Do We Keep Printing Money?
In our recent “Invested Interest” podcast discussion, we tackled the complex relationship between rising interest rates and inflation. We explored the purpose behind increasing rates, highlighting their role in encouraging savings and dissuading borrowing as a measure to control inflation. We recognized that the recent influx of newly created money and the mechanics of fractional reserve banking have played their part in elevating inflation rates.
Paying For College
College savings can seem daunting, with horror stories of massive student loan debt. But remember, college grads often earn over a million dollars more in their lifetimes than high school grads, especially in high-demand fields. So, investing in a degree can be wise. How do you fund it smartly without excessive debt? Explore these strategies before considering loans.
Navigating Social Security
Our mission at Strategic Advisory Partners is to simplify intricate financial concepts, making them accessible and comprehensible to everyone. Today, let’s dive into the intricacies of Social Security – a critical component of your retirement strategy. In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Mistakes People Make With Social Security, offering insights to ensure you make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals.
Addressing Financial Anxiety
In this episode of Invested Interest, hosts Blaise Stevens and Chris Harris unpack a startling Bankrate survey revealing that over half of respondents feel their finances negatively impact their mental health. Delving into the role of financial advisors and the importance of financial literacy, they explore practical ways to mitigate financial stress and bolster mental wellbeing. Whether grappling with debt, savings struggles, or general financial uncertainty, this episode provides a refreshingly honest perspective and offers actionable advice to regain financial control. Tune in for an essential discourse on the often overlooked intersection of finance and mental health.
Hidden Fees in Retirement Plans
As a plan sponsor, you have a responsibility to provide your employees with a retirement plan that not only helps them save for the future but also safeguards their hard-earned money. However, many retirement plans, especially 401(k) plans, are riddled with fees that can significantly impact your employees’ savings. This blog post will help you understand the various fees, both visible and hidden, that can affect your retirement plan. We will also discuss the importance of partnering with an expert financial advisor and the benefits of benchmarking your plan to protect your employees’ savings.
Why I Only Buy Toyotas
Because people tend to spend so much money on this particular depreciating asset, I decided to approach the car buying process as a financial decision. If I am going to spend a significant amount of money on a depreciating asset, what are the qualities or characteristics that matter the most to me? I came up with the following list:
Soft Dollars and Other Hidden Costs
Soft dollar costs are expenses incurred by mutual funds and broker-dealers for research and other services provided by third-party vendors. These costs are “soft” because they are not paid for directly with cash, but rather through commission payments for executing trades or other services. for example…
The Actual Cost of Hiring a Financial Advisor
When people think about hiring a financial advisor, the cost of that person is often one of the considerations that goes into the decision making process.
There are several ways that advisors can be compensated for their time, and it usually depends on things like how they are registered (which governmental body/bodies have jurisdiction over them) and what incentives they have to sell products.
Understanding the Secure Act 2.0
SECURE ACT 2.0 was rolled out at the end of 2022. This new legislation provides a host of changes designed to substantially improve retirement savings options as well as help strengthen the retirement system overall. While there are dozens of provisions, several elements potentially have a greater impact on our clients, such as automatic 401(k) enrollment, an increase in the age for taking RMDs, along with significant tax benefits for employers. Further key SA2.0 modifications were established with the goal of helping younger people pay off student debt and making it easier to move accounts from employer to employer. In turn, allowing people to save within their retirement accounts for emergencies.
Am I Too Young for a Financial Advisor?
There is a misconception that financial advisors are only for people who have already built all their wealth. This thought process prevents individuals from seeking high-quality financial advice, and instead causes them to rely on friends and co-workers to make sense of financial decision-making.
Finding Your Spaghetti
My first job after my undergraduate degree was with a hedge fund as a risk analyst. When I first started the job I wanted to understand the culture and hopefully find my place to fit in. One of the common things many people were doing was going out to lunch at a local “fast casual” restaurant for about $10-$12 each day. I was newly graduated, I was married, and our budget was tight. I followed the common trend for a couple weeks before I started to really consider the cost of this tradition.
Volatility Goes Both Ways
We regularly encounter a logical fallacy (more specifically, the strawman) offered by those who believe that buy-and-hold is the best way to succeed in the financial markets. When discussing different approaches, such as dynamic allocation strategies, one will typically hear something like, “But, what about the best 10 days rule?”
The Cost of Waiting Five Years
Most people in life are in a perpetual balancing act between their family, work and personal lives. With so many competing needs for time and money, it can be difficult to make the commitment and get started investing. However, each year we wait results in a significant decrease in earnings growth over time. The table below shows what happens for every 5 years an individual waits to start saving.
Crossing Your Fingers is Not a Strategy
There is no doubt that circumstances in life will make it more difficult for some people to stay on track and achieve their goals. The vast majority of people can take proactive steps to influence their financial outcomes – even when they feel like the outcome is very uncertain.
How to Take Advantage of Inflation
It has been several decades since inflation has taken center stage in our lives like it is right now. It’s important to realize that the headwinds we are facing are MORE than just inflation and in totality we have quite a few fronts to work through before we find an equilibrium (fuel shortages, food security, and asset valuation to name a few).
Here’s what you should focus on: What is inflation? Why is inflation important? What can you do to benefit from the current inflationary environment?
Financial Anxiety is Real
The reality is that a financial advisor cannot stop world events from taking place – and cannot anticipate every possible negative event. However, an advisor should be creating a plan with the client that is built around their individual goals.
There’s No Such Thing as a Runner’s High
When the markets are volatile, it is easy to think about quitting, or changing up your plan. It is especially important to stay focused and unwavering as you push through. Nothing in the short term can derail your long term goals as long as you stay true to those goals. Whether it is running or investing, making a commitment to do what it takes to reach your runner’s high will help clarify the steps necessary along the way, even when you encounter tough days.
Should I Still Be Investing?
Amazon became a public stock through what is known as an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 1997 with a share price of $18. As the price has increased over time, the stock has been split on multiple occasions. When a stock splits, the share price is divided and the number of shares of stock is multiplied by the value of the split (for example, Amazon completed a 20 for 1 split in June 2022. This means that the share price was divided by 20 and the number of shares multiplied by 20).
An Advisor Is Not For Everyone
The value that a financial advisor provides that hasn’t changed is the behavioral and psychological support that most investors need to be successful with their long-term investing (most notably, retirement investing). With pensions, mostly a benefit of previous generations, the onus on saving and preparing for retirement now falls squarely on each of us. Beyond that, planning around paying for kids’ college, taxes, estates/death, insurance, long-term care, etc. are all areas that most people do not spend a lot of time learning about or exploring.
Sacrificing Your Own Retirement Security By Prioritizing Your Kids’ College is NOT the Answer!
As a parent, we always want what is best for our children and tend to sacrifice our own wants and needs to ensure theirs are met. When it comes to paying for college, I can’t stress enough that sacrificing your own retirement security by prioritizing your kids’ college is NOT the answer. Although it may seem like your options are limited and the time is quickly coming to pay for school, there are many ways to address college without giving your children mental health issues later in life.
What Makes a Financial Advisor Independent?
The advisor is independent when they are able to give investment advice without considering product quotas, higher commissions on certain sales/products, rewards trips, etc. The focus can be on providing the best advice during every interaction.
Inflation and the Good Ole Days
The “buzz word” here recently has been (and will likely continue to be) inflation. It is one of those things that gets thrown around regularly when any discussion of politics, the economy or your dad’s rant about the “Good Ole Days” comes up. For most people, they...
The Best Investment You’ve Never Heard Of
Would you be interested in an investment vehicle where your contributions go in pre-tax, they grow tax deferred and when you take the money out it’s also tax free? If you’re thinking, this sounds “too good to be true,” then let me share a tax/retirement planning...
Having a Plan
Just like the person who makes a plan for coping with flying, it is paramount to have a plan for investing your money. In my experience, it is just as important to address the emotional and psychological hurdles of investing as it is picking the best stock or mutual fund. Following market trends and having a plan before volatility arises helps to address both of these concerns for your long-term goals.
Why the 2008 Recession Still Matters
As I write this post, we have just celebrated the longest bull run in the history of the stock market. Since March 9, 2009 the S&P 500 has increased a whopping 275% (+/-), helping to alleviate some of the fears that we felt while watching the market descend for 17...
How to Win the Mega Millions Jackpot—and what to do with it when you do!
Congratulations! You can win the Mega Millions Jackpot tonight! Currently, the jackpot sits around $1.6 billion (that number is likely to increase as some estimates have lottery ticket purchases to exceed 1 billion by tonight’s drawing!). That is $1,600,000,000. And I...
