Blog
Hello! I'm Tracy and welcome to my blog which is designed to talk about financial planning through stories. We can relate to stories in a way that we might find it hard to do with a spreadsheet. Many of us, particularly women, seem to have this love/hate relationship with our finances and I hope this blog helps break down some of those barriers!
So, grab a cup of coffee (or a delicious glass of wine!), pull up a chair and let's work through some important topics together.
And if you have ideas for future topics, please let me know - you can email me at tracy.shackelford@bleakley.com
Technology Guide for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read MoreThe Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
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Top 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreEveryone Needs an Estate Strategy
You may have seen the latest regarding Aretha Franklin's estate. The Queen of Soul passed in 2018, and years later, her loved ones are still caught in legal trials thanks to the existence of multiple wills. As heart-wrenching as this...
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How our kids' earliest savings lessons started with a pig
In preparing this blog for Teach Your Kid to Save Day, I decided the best way to approach it was to let my sons share their memories and perspective on the lessons they’ve learned about setting aside money.
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Rethinking Retirement: Simple Answers to your Most Complex Questions
During this season of volatility and unknowns, retirement has been top of mind for many of us. Check out our answers to the most-asked questions regarding retirement.
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Lessons from my Father-in-Law
My father-in-law taught me many lessons; most recently, he has shown me what a blessing being prepared can be, whether that’s mentally, physically, or emotionally.
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How to Raise Financially Responsible Children
Harold and I have a long list of creative, yet practical, ideas for parents to help set kids up for financial success. Here are a few ideas for every stage.
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4 Immediate Steps When Divorce is Inevitable
Navigating a divorce consists of many painful and challenging decisions. Don’t know where to begin? These four steps can help you organize your thoughts in preparation to protect yourself, your children and your financial future.
Read MoreFrom Soul Shaking to Soul Soaring
Confronting the kind of life event I spent my career counseling clients to prepare for.
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