PACIFIC CAPITAL

Sundays are a chance to set yourself up for a GREAT WEEK! See this tip:

Making a personal vision board can help you clarify your goals and bring focus to your life.

You can boost your motivation and stay on track by taking the time to visually represent what you want to achieve.

Take the time to reflect on what you truly want out of life as you work on your vision board.

What are your top priorities?

What steps must you take to achieve them?

Once you've decided what you want, use your vision board as a daily reminder of your goals and dreams.

Let’s begin our week with clarity and purpose, and take concrete steps toward the life you truly desire.

Happy Sunday!

Control what you can control and let go of all that you can’t control:

Accepting difficult emotions, situations, and circumstances without attempting to change or oppose them.

To begin practicing radical acceptance, acknowledge the reality of the situation without judgment or criticism.

Then, try to accept the situation as it is, without attempting to change or alter it.

This can be challenging, especially if you believe the situation is unfair or unjust, but this is how you reduce stress, increase happiness, and find peace.

On top of all that, it allows you to release the emotional energy that you would otherwise use to resist them.

Be kind to yourself!

Happy Saturday!

Invest Smarter, not harder. See how ⬇️

In a flat market, investing in dividend-paying stocks can be a smart strategy to generate some yield.

One significant benefit of investing in dividend-paying stocks is the possibility of a consistent income stream.

Dividend payments can provide a consistent source of income, which is especially valuable in a flat market with limited stock price appreciation.

Another advantage of dividend-paying stocks? Long-term growth potential.

Companies that pay dividends on a regular basis are often well-established, financially stable, and have a track record of consistent earnings growth.

However, investing in dividend-paying stocks still carries risk, so diversify your portfolio and carefully consider your investment options.

By following these guidelines, you can potentially benefit from a consistent income stream as well as potentially higher long-term returns.

What your thoughts are on this?

Did you just sell a business? Do you need help lowering your taxes?

One of our clients came to us a few weeks ago and said:

“I’ve sold my business, what can I do to reduce the taxes?”

He sold his business for $25m, and his tax burden going to be very high.

Based on his numbers and situation, by selling some investments with losses, he was able to lower his tax bill. We also are helping him take advantage of depreciation on his real estate assets to offset those capital gains taxes.

We also helped him started a fund solely dedicated to philanthropy and his charitable giving that he was already doing. By prefunding his future charitable deductions, he’s able to take advantage of tax breaks in the year he really needs it.

Keep more money, just for you!

Does tax time make you feel blue?

While keeping money in a bank account may appear to be a safe option, it typically...
.. yields low returns and can even lose value due to inflation in some cases.

Investing in assets such as stocks, real estate, or businesses has the potential to generate much higher long-term returns.

Putting money in a bank account makes you a lender, putting money into assets makes you an OWNER. Keep that in mind!

The latter allows you to build wealth, whereas the former simply preserves it.

Of course, investing requires taking some risks, but it increases your chances of growing your wealth and securing your financial future by investing in assets that align with your goals and values.

Don't be a loaner, be an owner, and start investing in assets TODAY!

Are you ready to start talking about your investments? If so, we would love to speak with you! Click here www.goalsconversation.com

Easter is a time to celebrate and reflect on the value of family and faith.

Easter is a time to honor the values of hope and renewal.

Strengthen your family bonds and have a positive impact on those around you.

Happy Easter!

As an investor, belief and positivity is required for success.

Why?

You only invest money with the hope and expectation of growth in the future!

You CAN’T believe the future is doomed while investing.

There are many opportunities ahead.

Will there be bumps in the road (inflation, tax increases, rising interest rates, recessions)?

YES.

But thinking positively helps you view obstacles as chances for improvement instead of barriers.

It will lead to greater success in all aspects of life.

Positive thinking will help you in setting and achieving goals, maintaining a growth mindset, and approaching challenges with confidence and determination.

If you always focus on the positive and envision a positive future, more positivity will come about.

Happy Saturday!

Have you heard the term “nest egg”?

A nest egg is a sum of money that has been saved over time to provide financial security in the future (Retirement savings, emergency funds, and other long-term investments are examples of this)

Having a substantial nest egg can provide financial security and peace of mind… we get that!

It enables you to deal with unexpected expenses, plan for retirement, and pursue long-term financial objectives, right?

However, at the end of the day, you’ve got to get your money to work for you or you’ll work for money FOREVER.

Money left sitting in a 0% rate savings account will continue to lose value to inflation.

REMEMBER: Your bank account interest is TINY.

INVESTING FIXES THAT!!!

: It has nothing to do with investments, the stock market, or wealth management.

If your current financial advisor has problems with his/her communication skills (listening, observing, empathizing, and after all that, speaking), you should rethink where you are getting your financial advice from.

Your financial advisor shouldn’t be using technical jargon and financial terms in everyday conversations.

You may not have the same level of knowledge or experience and may struggle to understand what he/she is trying to tell you. Or you might have it, but it sounds like a boring conversation, don’t you think?

You also have your own way of communication, and your financial advisor should be aware of it.

➡️ Do you prefer phone calls or emails?
➡️ When is the best time to reach you?
➡️ Who else in your family should be aware of your financial situation?
➡️ What are your primary concerns regarding your children's future?

Does your financial advisor know the answers to all these questions?

If not, this might be a sign of a communication breakdown, which can result in missed opportunities, financial blunders, or a lack of progress toward YOUR objectives.

Remember: Work with a fiduciary who puts your best interests first and whose only priorities are helping you succeed.

You need to be working with someone who is a great fit and is aligned with you.

Have you experienced a communication disconnect with your financial advisor?

➡️ Avoid making impulsive purchases: When you come into a large sum of money, it's important to resist the temptation to spend it all at once.

➡️ Avoid neglecting taxes: Understanding your tax liabilities is crucial and working with a professional can help minimize your tax burden.

➡️ Avoid all eggs in one basket: Diversifying your investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographic locations is a smart way to reduce risk.

➡️ Avoid falling for scams: It can be financially devastating, so it's important to be cautious and do your research before investing in anything (Ps.: Have an independent fiduciary working on this).

➡️ Avoid lifestyle inflation: Don’t drastically increase spending habits to match newfound wealth, as it can lead to long-term financial instability.

As a growth-focused investor you may already know these, but in case you have a friend that needs a quick reminder… send this post to him/her 😉

Spring is a time to celebrate new beginnings and growth opportunities… it applies to your financial life too!

Here are 4 tips to get you started:

1) Look at your finances and set some new goals that align with your long-term vision. See where you can improve your investment strategy and seize new opportunities.

2) Broaden your horizons by attending conferences, seminars, or workshops that are relevant to your interests and goals.

3) Spend some quality time with your family and create new memories with fun, outdoor activities and get-togethers. Remember to stay grounded in your family values and find balance in your life.

4) Consider giving back to your community by donating to charity, volunteering your time, or engaging in other acts of service that are meaningful to you. Bring your spouse and kids with you

“Hey there! I heard you achieved something great!

That's fantastic! You know what's really important too? Taking the time to celebrate your accomplishments.
Take a moment to reflect on all the big and small achievements you've made (Ps.: This will help you see how far you've come and appreciate all the effort you've put in. Trust me!)

Don't forget to show some love to the people who supported you along the way. Say thank you to your family, friends, colleagues, and mentors.

Please, reward yourself for all your hard work. What about that: treat yourself to a vacation!!! It will motivate you to keep pushing for excellence in the future.

Share with the world! Connect to your community and inspire others too!!!

Celebrating your victories is just as important as the learning process itself.

Congrats on your accomplishments! Keep crushing it but don’t forget to celebrate it!

Love & proud,
Your future self”

The following 4 ideas can help you develop a feeling of peace in your life:

🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness: Even in stressful situations, meditation and/or deep breathing can help you stay present and focused.

❤️ Gratitude: Focus on the good things in your life and express gratitude for the people and things you have.

🌳 Nature: Being outside in nature can help you feel more grounded and connected to your surroundings.

🤝 Show you care: Make time for meaningful connections with those you care about. Spending quality time with family and friends, volunteering in your community, or simply having a heartfelt conversation with someone you care about.

Finding inner peace and balance is crucial when living a busy and demanding lifestyle like yours

Which one of these four are you already doing?

Happy Saturday!

Check out these tips for helping you to focus this Friday:


1. Narrow your priorities and focus on what is important.

2. Take regular breaks throughout the day & move your body.

3. Make time to connect with your loved ones, whether it's through a quick phone call, a family dinner, or a fun activity.

4. Drink a lot of water. Stay hydrated.

5. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables & reduce consumption of processed foods and sugars.

6. Write your goals down and revise it throughout the day.

Trust us, even during a hectic week, this can help you feel more grounded and connected.

BE DISCIPLINED!

At the end of the day, discipline leads to habits. Habits lead to consistency. Consistency leads to growth!

Growth is all about focus.

Growth is exponential if you’re consistent!

Happy Friday!

What would your financial advisor’s answer be if you asked him/her one of these 5 questions below?


1. What is your investment strategy?

2. How are you compensated?

3. What kind of experience do you have working with people like me?

4. What is your preferred mode of communication?

5. Can you supply references?

That’s a quick reminder to you that your financial advisor is critical to achieving your financial objectives.

Understanding your advisor's investment approach can help you align your own objectives and risk tolerance with their recommendations.

Make sure your advisor is the right fit for you and take control of your wealth management TODAY!

Start by doing things differently than everyone else. Here are 4 suggested goals for you to consider:

1. Set a goal of increasing your net worth by at least 20% by making strategic investments in diverse and stable assets. Identify new investment opportunities and diversify your portfolio.

2. Become a lifelong learner and commit yourself to growing your business & professional skills. Set a goal of identifying at least 1 new business opportunity that is consistent with your core values and has significant growth potential.

3. Start delegating TODAY: Anything you are not good at or don’t enjoy doing, can be handled by someone who can do it for you.

4. Make quality time with your family: Set a goal to go on a family vacation to a new location and make lasting memories with your loved ones.

Remember that setting goals is only the first step toward achievement.

You can achieve great things if you have a clear vision, commitment, and persistence.

Set specific goals that reflect your values and watch the magic happen!

Happy Monday!

Accepting feedback with an open mind can result in positive changes and an overall improvement in performance. How?

When confronted with criticism, it is critical to maintain objectivity and avoid becoming defensive.

In order to determine the validity of the criticism, ask clarifying questions and reflect on it.

Being open to constructive criticism is an important aspect of personal & professional development.

Constructive criticism must be viewed as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack.

Happy Sunday!

While financial security can provide a sense of security, true happiness necessitates more than money.

It’s time to start focusing on the things that truly matter in your life in order to find your true happiness.

When you concentrate on what matters the most to you, you discover that the pursuit of wealth becomes less important, and that true happiness is within your grasp.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination. It must be actively pursued and nurtured over time.

Find fulfillment and happiness that goes beyond your financial success!!!

Happy Saturday!

Successful investing is more dependent on investor behavior than investment performance. Have you ever heard of Behavioral Finance?

Among all the common behavioral biases that can influence investment decisions, here are 4 of them:

➡️ Confirmation bias: when an investor seeks information that confirms previously held beliefs and opinions.

➡️ Overconfidence bias: that belief that one's own abilities are greater than they are, which leads to riskier investment decisions.

➡️ Herding bias: when the investors follow the herd and make decisions based on what others are doing rather than on individual analysis and research.

➡️ Loss aversion bias: the tendency to avoid losses rather than seek gains.

What about you? Are you letting any of these behavioral finances hold you back?

It’s natural to want to protect your assets, we get that… but are you being too cautious?

You are missing out on potentially higher returns that could help you achieve your financial goals if you don’t take on enough risk.

We’ve seen many stories of people taking on far too much risk and gambling on their family’s future, as well as people sitting on the sidelines with idle and dusty money watching the value of it slowly erode.

To find the right balance of risk and reward, a thorough risk analysis and a well-diversified portfolio are A MUST so you can help mitigate the risks associated with individual investments.

The right way to approach risk – and it will take the most stress off your plate – is to find a middle path that suits your goals.

If you'd like to talk about your financial goals and concerns, please go to www.goalsconversation.com to schedule a time to talk to our Team

Here is why:

It's worth considering whether keeping large sums of money in a bank account is the best use of your money.

While having your $$$ readily available may feel secure, leaving money in a bank account WILL LIMIT your potential for growth and financial security.

If you go to the bank right now, you are probably making less than
0.5%, maybe 0. 1% a year. Cash is not productive right now!!!

Instead of just leaving your cash in the bank, why not check out some other investment options that match up with your goals and priorities? Spreading out your investments can help you take on less risk while still giving you a better chance at making a solid return.

Don’t leave a bunch of money uninvested losing value to inflation. Get that money to work for you.

As an investor, where is most of your net worth today?

1) Real Estate
2) Stocks, ETFs, Funds
3) Private Business Ownership
4) Crypto
5) None of them… all in the bank

Did you know that your investment decisions can easily be swayed by financial news and emotions?

When it comes to investing, emotions can be a powerful force.

Fear and greed are two common emotions that can lead to decisions that are not in the best interests of investors.

Don’t let the latest financial news or your emotions mess with your financial success by making you take bad investment decisions.

If you want to grow your investments in the long run, it's crucial to keep a clear and logical mindset when dealing with your money.

Trust us, you WON'T REGRET IT!

Remember that the stock market is cyclical and that downturns are a normal part of market behavior.

Ride out these fluctuations and avoid making decisions based on short-term emotions by keeping a long-term perspective and sticking to your investment plan.

Set yourself up for success and ignore any type of “financial fast food”… after all, the real cost of eating fast food never appears on the menu (You get the idea, right?)

Almost the end of the 1st quarter of 2023: these next few days are going to happen whether we are ready or not, so why not make some big personal upgrades in your life?

💪 Personal health & fitness

❤️ Key relationships

💡 Career-related skills

💰 Financial discipline

📚 Education & learning

Where do you want to be in these 5 areas of your life in the next quarter?

It’s proven that when you physically write down specific goals, you are much more likely to achieve them.

Write down a specific goal for each category that will inspire you to improve over the next days and months.

Push away distractions and negativity and make some positive changes in your life.

Happy Sunday!!!!

1. Recognize each other's priorities: Find out what is most important to your spouse and children. Understanding their wants and needs will assist you in developing a solution that benefits everyone. Remember: that listening is crucial in any negotiation.

2. Concentrate on the Big Picture: When negotiating, keep your attention on the main issue at hand. Don't bring up irrelevant or past events. You can find a solution faster if you keep the conversation focused.

3. Seek Common Ground: Look for points on which everyone can agree and build on those. It will assist you in developing a solution that benefits everyone. Even if you don't agree on everything, finding some common ground can serve as a starting point for reaching an agreement.

4. Collective Thought: Brainstorming with others is an effective way to generate creative solutions. Encourage everyone to contribute ideas, even if they seem unrealistic or out of the realm of possibility.

5. Be ready to give and take: Compromise necessitates everyone's willingness to give and take. Nobody should ever expect to get everything they desire. Instead, everyone must be willing to make some compromises. Be open to new ideas and willing to make sacrifices that benefit everyone.

6. Clear and respectful communication: When expressing your needs and opinions, be clear and concise. Listen carefully, wait your turn to speak instead, and try to understand everyone’s point of view.

7. Don't Allow Emotions to Take Control: Negotiations can be emotionally charged, especially when family members' priorities differ. Stay focused!

Compromising is critical in any family.

Negotiating with your spouse and children can be difficult when everyone has different priorities, but it is possible.

Is your entire family aligned with your financial strategies and goals?

1. Different clubs work better for different shots depending on where your ball is and how far away from the hole you are. Have a variety of investment to choose from!

2. People think they’re way better at golf than they actually are, just like investing!

3. Weather and circumstances change and require you to adjust what shots you’re hitting, just like the economy (interest rates, inflation, etc).

4. The most important shot is always the next one. You can’t go back and change the last shot you hit, so don’t dwell on it. You’ve got to move on and focus on the shot in front of you!

A great professional golf caddie makes a major difference, just like a great professional Financial Team.

Taking risks with strong swings straight toward the green may result in a good score, but there are risks involved!

Sometimes taking a more measured approach could be a better strategy to avoid – or minimize – penalties from various threats along the way.

Instead, we all know serious golfers pay attention: of those fourteen clubs in your bag each have a purpose.

In both cases, golfers and investors will find themselves in a variety of different situations and they need to be prepared for that.

What else would you add to this list?

Wealthy individuals like you frequently have access to a variety of alternative investment options that the general public DOESN'T 💡 USE IT WISELY 💡 See below:


While alternative investments can provide attractive returns, they also carry greater risk and may necessitate more specialized knowledge and expertise to navigate successfully.

This is why, as an investor, you must carefully evaluate and assess each potential alternative investment opportunity, balancing the risks and rewards.

When evaluating alternative investments, consider the investment manager's experience and track record, the underlying assets or securities being invested in, and the fees and costs associated with the investment.

It's also critical to understand the liquidity and exit options available for each alternative investment, as some may have longer lock-up periods or limited opportunities for selling or transferring shares.

Finally…

Incorporating alternative investments into a diversified investment portfolio can assist high-net-worth individuals in achieving their long-term investment objectives; however, it is critical to approach these opportunities with a critical and informed mindset.

Are your investment opportunities aligned with your investment strategy and risk tolerance?

Check out these 3 options that can help you reduce tax liabilities:

#1 401(k) plans: If you own a business, you can set up a 401(k) plan for you and your employees. You'll get a tax deduction for your contributions, and the money grows tax-free until you retire. In 2023, you can contribute up to $20,500 as an employee, and up to $38,500 as an employer.

#2 Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): You can contribute up to $6,000 (or $7,000 if you're over 50) to a traditional or Roth IRA in 2023. With a traditional IRA, you can deduct your contributions from your taxes and the money grows tax-free. With a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars, but the money grows and can be withdrawn tax-free.

#3 Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans: If you're self-employed or run a small business, you can set up a SEP plan. You'll get a tax deduction for your contributions, and the money grows tax-free until you retire. In 2023, you can contribute up to $61,000 or 25% of your compensation, whichever is less.

By contributing to these retirement accounts, you can lower your taxable income and save for the future at the same time.

And the sooner you start, the more time your money has to grow.

It's a smart move to talk to an expert who can help you decide which strategies are best for you and your goals.

Find an expert that can assist you with your specific needs and objectives.

You see a lot of people talking about increasing your wealth, but no one is getting the results you are looking for? Click here and talk to our team www.goalsconversation.com

It's easy to become obsessed with wealth and financial success. However, it is critical to remember that money should never take precedence over life and purpose.

While money is valuable, it is our experiences that truly enrich our lives.

Prioritize experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether they are travel, hobbies, or time spent with loved ones.

Take some time to think about what truly matters to you and what you want to accomplish in life.

You can achieve true fulfillment and happiness in life by prioritizing life and purpose over money.

Money is important, but it should never come at the expense of your health, relationships, or values.

What are your thoughts on this?