We’ve Moved! 6121 Excelsior Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Courtney Saaf

With Time, Things Grow

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Over 30 years ago, while in the Marine Corps, I was stationed in Beaufort, SC. Having spent four years there, I know that area like the back of my hand. Or so I thought!

When I visited Beaufort with my family this spring, I was surprised to find it looked totally unfamiliar to me.

Places where I’d once spent a great deal of time were completely wiped from the map; replaced with drive-thrus of regional restaurant chains. Some had been left to rot in the humid Carolina heat. New thoroughfares were built and downtown seemed like a different world than the one I remember. 

It had all happened slowly over the decades and, yet, to me, it had happened all at once. I was shocked that I no longer recognized this town I had known so well. 

It turns out, Beaufort County is one of the fastest growing in South Carolina. Between 2010 and 2020, the population increased by more than 20%.

Apparently, they’re about to get a fancy new shopping center. The Lowcountry town is really growing up!

While I looked back over the changes with a little sadness, I’m happy to see this place economically develop. The warm, salt-of-the-earth people were just the same, and I’m glad to see them prosper.

Now that I’m home and reflecting on my recent visit, I can’t help but draw a parallel to retirement planning. It’s just what I do!

Here’s my thinking: In the same way that Beaufort has transformed over the last 30 years, our retirement circumstances change too. They grow, they develop. Retirement planning is made up of incremental changes that accumulate to make a world of difference.

With time, things change. With time, things grow! With the right team, we can embrace the progress and opportunities that come with change. Our shared goals and values always guide us. 

Ultimately, the lesson I’m drawing from this experience is that while change is inevitable, it brings new possibilities. By being adaptable and embracing change, we can enjoy the beauty of the past and the joy of the future.

How does that sound? Let me know your thoughts: 952-460-3290.

What’s On Your Retirement Wishlist?

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My son’s a big golfer. He loves the game, and as soon as the snow’s out of the way, he’s ready to get back on those greens. 

This year, it seems promising that the Minnesota courses will open (and stay open) soon, but spring break usually allows us to escape a little winter and dust off the clubs. So last week, the Luceys were lucky enough to be teeing it off on Hilton Head Island, SC.

Despite a little rain, we managed to pack in four rounds in seven days. It’s no secret, and anyone who’s golfed with me knows this already, I’m a mediocre golfer at best. But it’s a great way to spend some time outside with my son. 

When I think of my own retirement – still far off on the horizon, no cause for alarm – I imagine that’s something I’ll look to do more of. Be outside, golfing, with my son.

I hear very similar things from my clients every day. Many dream of a retirement full of leisure time to travel, to spend with grandkids, to be outside on the fairways.

Retirement offers us the opportunity to enjoy a new, more purposeful lifestyle. At Secured Retirement, it is an honor for us to help you realize your retirement dreams.

We really encourage our clients to dream out loud, to set goals, and to share them with us. Let’s talk about them so that we can start making things happen! It’s the first step in our process. As we work with you, we want to develop a shared vision that we’re all working towards.

Retirement planning is not only about the numbers on your balance sheet; it’s about creating a fulfilling and meaningful future for yourself and your family. With an understanding of your ideal retirement, we work diligently to set strategies in motion to achieve just that. 

So, what are you dreaming of? What’s on your retirement wishlist? Together, let’s make it happen!

Cup of Joe

CUP OF JOE

From Joe Lucey, Founder of Secured Retirement

There’s something about sitting down with a steaming cup of coffee that always kicks my day into high gear. And it’s not just because of the caffeine it sends coursing through my veins.

Throughout my career, some of my biggest revelations have come to me in conversation with my mentor over a cup of joe. Good conversation and personal connection can pick you up in a special way. It’s that feeling that I’m hoping to bring to you with my new series, your Cup of Joe.

5 Considerations To Help You Land the Right Financial Advisor

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With more and more financial products hitting the market and a growing number of so-called gurus shilling financial advice from every nook and cranny of the internet, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted financial advisor in your corner. But with so many opinions floating around, how can you determine who to actually trust? Navigating through the maze of investment options, retirement plans, and financial strategies demands tried-and-true expertise and insight. We’ve put together a list of five things to consider as you sift through the noise and find a professional who’s worthy of your trust.

  1. Communication Style: Clear and effective communication is crucial to the advisor-client relationship. In this industry, things can get complex and confusing quickly. You want an advisor who can spell it all out for you in a way you understand. Beyond that, you’ll want to work with someone who responds promptly and is willing to provide you with regular updates. Transparent and open communication fosters trust and ensures that you remain in the know and empowered throughout your financial journey.
  2. Credentials and Beyond: Formal credentials can be a valuable indicator of expertise, but they don’t provide a complete picture of competency. In the world of financial consulting and retirement planning, there is a whole spectrum of designations ranging from rigorous to just plain formalities. Take into account a prospective financial advisor’s track record, integrity, and compatibility with your financial goals, rather than simply relying on the acronyms trailing their name.
  3. Specialization: Just like you’d consult a cardiologist for heart-related concerns rather than your family doctor, you should seek out a financial advisor whose expertise aligns with your specific financial needs. At Secured Retirement, our specialization revolves around income and tax planning for retirement. Having a specialty indicates the presence of proven strategies. Whether you’re interested in retirement planning, estate management, or investment strategies, and depending on where you are in your financial journey, working with a specialist ensures guidance and comprehensive insights tailored to your goals.
  4. Life-Long Learning: Even the most decorated financial professionals should seek out ongoing education and training. This is a field that is constantly changing. You want to work with advisors who keep up with this change. What’s more, you want to know that the training they’re doing isn’t on sales techniques, but in areas of financial substance. Ensure your financial partner values honing their knowledge and skills in their area of expertise so that they consistently stay on top of their game.
  5. A Range of Approaches: Every family’s financial situation has its strengths and weaknesses. Within their specialty, your financial advisor should be able to tailor their approach to your unique situation in order to achieve your personal financial goals. You need a partner who takes the time to listen to your vision and can craft a strategy around it. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in this industry, and if anyone claims there is. . . Beware!

In the complex world of financial planning, working with competent financial professionals you can trust makes all the difference. At Secured Retirement, we’ve built our business with these very considerations in mind. We’re a partner you can rely on and thrive with. 

Connect with us today: 952-460-3290

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Danielle Christensen

Paraplanner

Danielle is dedicated to serving clients to achieve their retirement goals. As a Paraplanner, Danielle helps the advisors with the administrative side of preparing and documenting meetings. She is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict, with a degree in Business Administration and began working with Secured Retirement in May of 2023.

Danielle is a lifelong Minnesotan and currently resides in Farmington with her boyfriend and their senior rescue pittie/American Bulldog mix, Tukka.  In her free time, Danielle enjoys attending concerts and traveling. She is also an avid fan of the Minnesota Wild and loves to be at as many games as possible during the season!