Insights & Education

At First Step Wealth, we believe that financial planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you're just starting out or are looking to refine your financial strategy, taking small steps can lead to significant progress. Start by setting clear financial goals, tracking your spending, and creating a realistic budget. Make sure to review your investments regularly and adjust as your circumstances change. Building an emergency fund is crucial, as it provides a safety net in uncertain times. Remember, financial planning is an ongoing process—don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice when needed. With the right approach, you can take control of your financial future and work towards achieving your goals, one step at a time.

July 29, 2025

A Hidden Window: How Early Retirement Creates a Smart Tax Opportunity

Many retirees experience a sharp drop in taxable income during the early years of retirement, especially if they delay Social Security and draw from savings instead. This creates a unique opportunity for tax-efficient withdrawals, such as realizing long-term capital gains at the 0% tax rate and converting IRA funds at lower brackets. In this article, I break down how to take advantage of this window, reduce your lifetime tax bill, and build a smarter income strategy for retirement.

July 24, 2025

How to Receive Income Once Retired: What You Need to Know Now, Not Later

Learn how to create reliable income in retirement using Social Security, IRAs, and investment accounts—plus three key strategies to protect your money from market downturns in the early years.

July 3, 2025

The Most Dangerous Retirement Myth Isn’t What You Think

The myth that retirement is a stress-free graduation from working life creates feelings of disappointment for many retirees. Retirement is a journey, and not all aspects will be clear right away. Having grace to adapt and change is a key to a successful transition.

June 30, 2025

Why Traditional Retirement Planning Falls Short—and What to Do Instead

Traditional retirement advice is outdated and can leave you overly cautious, with a life half-lived. Guided Planning invites you to think differently: to plan for joy, not just survival.

June 29, 2025

The Self We Think We Are — And What AI Might Change

We live in the age of the individual, within a culture of personality. The sense of self has been uniquely human, but AI is challenging what it means to be an individual. In this piece, I explore how culture influences our self-perception and our valuation of money.

June 8, 2024

What Is Values Based Retirement Planning?

Values-based retirement planning is a process that seeks to align your money with your values. It starts with exploring your values so that you may gain greater recognition and understanding of what is most important to you and why.