Hopeful Ever After #024

August/September 2026

Dear Followers,

As the summer moves forward without any help of our own, I hope each of you are taking time to smell the flowers, watch the birds and the bees, and breathe. As we absorb the death of our person in our bones, be kind and gentle to yourself. “ Don’t hurry and Don’t worry” – it is a process where there is no right or wrong way to grief. We don’t embrace grief, it embraces us. I say let it, absorb it, and you will make it to a new place that can be lovely.

Sending love and hugs,

Carolyn

When your person dies, the air leaves the room and the silence is deafening.”

Carolyn Howard

This Month’s Financial Tip

Financial Tip: The big question to understand: “Can my assets reliably support the lifestyle I want?

Retirement Planning: It is the process of making a plan today so that you have enough money and financial security to live comfortably after you are no longer employed.

Please reach out if you have questions about how when and to best plan for your retirement.

Carolyn can be reached at [email protected] or 877-328-4037 ×700. 

Kate Hudson Writing GIF by The Drew Barrymore Show

Gif by thedrewbarrymoreshow on Giphy

Retirement Planning Checklist

This was a client that came to me (name is changed for privacy) – Lucy thought that she was ready for retirement. Lucy is 65.

Her question was what do I need to provide you so you can help me know if this is the right time for
me to retire.

Here is the list I provided her:

  1. Income from all sources: current salary or business income, SS estimate
    and planned claiming age, pension income (if any), other income such as
    rental property, dividends, and interest.

  2. Retirement accounts and investments: IRA balances and types
    (traditional/Roth IRAs), 401k, 403b, 457, and profit sharing accounts, taxable
    brokerage accounts, cash, CDs, money market accounts, and statements
    for these accounts. Some of these may not be applicable – she wanted the
    options.

  3. Spending: Housing, food, clothing, healthcare/insurance, travel and
    transportation, gifts/charitable giving, taxes, and any other expenses that
    she could think of.

  4. Taxes: most recent tax returns, current marginal tax bracket, estimated
    taxable income, any large upcoming taxable events, and required minimum
    distributions (if applicable).

  5. Healthcare: Medicare premiums, Medicare supplements or Medicare
    advantage premiums, prescription costs, long term care insurance, if any,
    and unexpected healthcare spending such as dental work.

  6. Debt and major obligations: mortgage, credit cards, loans, financial support
    for children/family, and any major upcoming purchases.

  7. Social Security: Current statement showing claiming now, claiming at 70,
    and different retirement dates.

  8. Goals: Lucy wanted to travel for 10 years, leave some money for her
    children, minimize taxes, not run out of money, and preserve the principal of
    her assets.

We can be a resource to answer any concerns you may have as you think about retiring.

Please call 941-841-6564 or email [email protected]

Interesting Story on Dealing with Loneliness

Things to think about as you think about retiring and aging and being alone more.

Solitude into a Movement WSJ 8-5-26.pdf931.87 KB • PDF File

Books Worth Reading

A book for money management for each stage of a woman’s life

 Our Money Ourselves by Ginita Wall. CFP®, CPA

This Month’s Recipe

Peach Blueberry Galette

5 small ripe peaches, peeled and sliced

1 cup blueberries

¼ cup sugar (or monk fruit)

1 Tblsp cornstarch or arrowroot

1 ready-made rollout piecrust - easy (you can always make your own)

Egg wash (optional)

Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Roll out pie crust on a baking sheet lined with
    Parchment paper – I recommend a rimmed baking sheet.

  2. Place peach slices in a mixing bowl. Wash and strain blueberries; add to
    peaches.

  3. In a small bowl, combine sugar (monkfruit) and cornstarch or arrowroot.

  4. Pour over peaches and blueberries.

  5. Spoon mixture onto the crust, leaving a 2 inch border to create the galette.
    Pour remaining juices (if any) over the fruit. Brush the crust with the
    egg wash.

  6. Bake 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

  7. Remove from the oven and cool 15 minutes or longer.

  8. Add whipped topping or ice cream if desired. Serves 6.

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE DISCLOSURE

The client scenario presented above is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only. It does not represent an actual client, and any resemblance to a real person or situation is coincidental. The assumptions used (contribution amounts, employer match, and product selection) are simplified for educational purposes and do not reflect all variables that may apply to your individual situation. Hypothetical illustrations have inherent limitations. They do not account for taxes, fees, market fluctuations, product-specific restrictions, or other factors that could materially affect outcomes. Past results are not indicative of future performance. This example should not be construed as a recommendation or guarantee of any specific financial result. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

 

TESTIMONIALS & ENDORSEMENTS DISCLOSURE

Any testimonials or endorsements featured in Accurate Advisory Group's marketing materials are provided by current clients of Accurate Advisory Group, Inc. and/or Accurate Wealth Management LLC. Clients were not compensated, directly or indirectly, for providing their testimonial or endorsement. Testimonials reflect the individual experiences of those clients and may not be representative of the experience of all clients. Testimonials are not a guarantee of future performance or success. Accurate Advisory Group and its affiliates have a material conflict of interest in presenting client testimonials, as positive testimonials may encourage prospective clients to engage the firm's services. Clients providing testimonials may have a pre-existing personal or professional relationship with firm personnel.

 

ANNUITY RISK DISCLOSURE

Any reference to lifetime income, guaranteed payments, or other financial benefits associated with annuity products is subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Annuities are insurance products and are not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency. Annuity products vary significantly by issuer and contract terms. Surrender charges, fees, and withdrawal restrictions may apply. Tax-deferred growth does not imply tax-free withdrawal; distributions are generally subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% IRS early withdrawal penalty. Fixed annuities carry inflation risk, as fixed payments may lose purchasing power over time. The discussion of annuities in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to purchase any specific product. Individual suitability depends on your financial situation, goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Please consult with a qualified financial and tax professional before making any annuity-related decisions.

Important Disclosures

This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended as tax or legal advice. Accurate Advisory Group, LLC does not provide tax preparation or legal services. Individuals should consult with a qualified tax professional regarding their specific situation before making any tax-related decisions.

Examples provided are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. They do not reflect actual client experiences or guarantee future outcomes. Tax rules and IRS penalty rates are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances.

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