1. Your Income—and Savings Rate—Are Growing

Starting out, many people aim to save around 10% of their income. But as your career advances and your earnings grow, you might start putting away 15%, 20%, or even more. And with higher contributions come more complex decisions.

Take Roth IRAs, for example. Do you know the income limit for making direct contributions? Or when a traditional IRA stops being tax-deductible? These rules can be easy to overlook—and the IRS isn’t forgiving. Contribution mistakes can trigger a 6% penalty per year until corrected.

A financial advisor can help you navigate these rules, optimize your contributions, and align your saving strategy with your evolving goals.

2. You Don’t Have the Time Anymore

Life gets busy. Between a demanding job, family obligations, and everything else on your plate, managing your own investments might not be the best use of your limited time and energy.

That’s where an advisor comes in—not to take control, but to partner with you. You still make the final calls, but now with expert guidance to help you make well-informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

3. Your Emotions Are Getting in the Way

Even the savviest DIY investor can get rattled by market swings. Maybe you’ve felt the urge to pull your money out during a downturn—or jump on a hot stock tip from a podcast.

It’s natural to get emotional about your money. But investing on emotion can lead to poor outcomes. A fiduciary advisor can offer objective, data-driven guidance that keeps you grounded and focused on your long-term strategy, not short-term noise.

4. You’re Unsure About What You Don’t Know

It’s one thing to pick a few good stocks. It’s another to build a diversified, tax-efficient portfolio that supports your retirement goals over decades.

We often meet investors who’ve hit it big with a few high-performing stocks. But now, they’re hesitant to sell because they fear a massive tax bill. The reality? Capital gains tax isn’t always 20%. Depending on your income, a portion of your gains might be taxed at 0% or 15%. And yes, there’s that sneaky 3.8% net investment income tax, too.

A knowledgeable advisor can help you create a smart diversification strategy—spreading gains over time, minimizing taxes, and even using losses to offset gains when possible.

5. Retirement Is No Longer a Distant Goal

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now retirement is finally within reach. But this is also when the questions get more complex.

Should you make catch-up contributions? Which accounts should you draw from first? When do required minimum distributions (RMDs) kick in? How do you stay tax-efficient as you begin spending your savings?

Transitioning from saving to spending can be emotionally and financially challenging. A retirement-focused advisor can guide you through that shift with confidence and clarity.

Even the Best Quarterbacks Have Coaches

Retirement isn’t just about reaching a number—it’s about making your money last in a way that supports the lifestyle you’ve envisioned. Everyone’s financial journey is different, and there’s no wrong time to get help.

Whether you’re years away from retirement or on the cusp of it, working with a fiduciary advisor can help you feel confident in your plan—and in your future.

When you’re ready to take that next step, we are here to support you. Let’s turn your years of saving into a secure, fulfilling retirement.

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Philip Lockwood | Founder + Managing Partner

Address: 1501 Ingersoll Ave. Suite 201  Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515-274-8006

Email: Plockwood@parklandrep.com Website: Lockwood Financial Strategies   Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC, member FINRA (FINRA.org) and SIPC (SIPC.org). Investment Advisory services offered through SPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Lockwood Financial Strategies, LLC is independent of Parkland Securities, LLC and SPC

Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss; they are methods used to help manage risk.

This is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific tax situation.