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Hayden Bankes - Financial Planner

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United States
Camp Hill, PA
Hayden Bankes - Financial Planner

I partner with my clients to bring clarity to their finances and help them build a plan they feel good about—both now and for the future. Hi there!

I'm Hayden Bankes, and I have the pleasure of serving as a financial advisor at Conte Wealth Advisors. I joined this fantastic team in January 2022, and let me tell you, it's been an incredible journey so far! As a proud Central Pennsylvania native, I can't help but feel a deep connection to this region. After graduating from Penn State University (We Are!), I earned my bachelor's degree in financ

e. My studies have given me an understanding of the markets and portfolio construction. But it's not just about the degree – I'm truly passionate about financial planning. That's why I went the extra mile to obtain both my Series 7 and 66 licenses. These credentials demonstrate my comprehensive understanding of securities regulations and investment practices, allowing me to provide you with expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. During my time at Conte Wealth Advisors, I have worn multiple hats. I started out in the operational world as a financial services specialist, providing operational support to our clients and advisors. With my keen eye for detail and organizational prowess, I helped ensure our firm ran like a well-oiled machine. I take great pride in analyzing investment opportunities, which is why I was honored to spearhead the development of CWA's Investment Committee in 2024, providing our team of advisors with concise research to help make informed decisions for their clients. When I'm not immersed in the world of finance, you'll likely find me out on the beautiful Susquehanna River or at a refreshing lake in PA, casting a line and enjoying some peaceful moments of fishing. Or perhaps I'll be spending quality time with my friends and family – the people who keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters in life. So, whether you're looking for financial guidance, a friendly chat, or a fishing buddy, I'm here for you. Let's embark on this journey together and create a brighter financial future! Registered Representative Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Conte Wealth Advisors are not affiliated. Content provided via links to third party sites should not be considered an endorsement of content, which we cannot verify completeness or accuracy of. Reviews on this site may or may not be by clients of the firm. No compensation is being provided for sharing of opinions and experiences on this site. The reviewer's comments may not be representative of any other person's experience and is no guarantee of future performance or success. Important disclosures can be found here: https://www.contewealth.com/disclosures/

04/30/2026

🔴One of the biggest retirement mistakes I see?🔴

Cashing out old 401(k)s when changing jobs.

You leave an employer and see $5,000, $8,000, maybe $12,000 sitting in that old retirement account. It can feel like found money, and the temptation to cash it out is real.

But that small decision can have a huge long term impact.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median employee tenure in 2024 was just 3.9 years. That means over a 30+ year career, many people will work 7 to 12 different jobs.

Now imagine cashing out a $10,000 to $15,000 401(k) each time you switch jobs.

Across several job changes, that could mean walking away from $60,000 to $100,000+ in retirement savings.

And that first $100,000 is often the hardest milestone to reach.

Early on, most of your growth comes from your own contributions, not investment returns. Once you cross that $100,000 mark, compound interest starts doing much more of the heavy lifting.

Your money starts working harder for you.

By cashing out those smaller accounts, you are giving up the dollars that matter most, the foundational dollars that create decades of future growth.

Better options when leaving a job:

🔴 Roll it into your new employer’s 401(k)

🔴 Move it into an IRA through a rollover

🔴 Or leave it where it is if the plan allows and the fees make sense

Small decisions today can create massive differences later.

04/21/2026

Most people know credit cards charge high interest rates. What many don’t realize is that the interest is often compounded daily.

Here’s a clear example at a 20% annual interest rate (common on many cards):

Start with a $5,000 balance and make no payments:

-After just 1 year: Your balance grows to $6,107 — over $1,107 in interest.
-After 5 years: The balance balloons to $13,588 — nearly $8,588 in interest.
-After 10 years: It explodes to $36,925 — over $31,925 eaten up by interest.

That’s the silent danger of carrying credit card debt. The longer you let it sit, the faster it grows against you.

The good news? Paying off high-interest credit card debt is often one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

If you’re carrying balances and want a clear, practical plan to eliminate them, reach out. Let’s talk about strategies that can help you get ahead.

04/16/2026

Tax Day is officially behind us!

If you filed your return and received a refund, congratulations! Now is the perfect time to put that money to work for your future instead of letting it disappear.

Here are some of the wisest ways to use your tax refund to build real financial momentum:

- Pay off high interest debt (credit cards, personal loans, etc.)
- Build or boost your 3 to 6 month emergency fund
- Jump start your retirement savings (Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, or 401k contribution)
- Save toward a big goal like a house down payment, dream vacation, or new car
- And plenty more (investing, education, home improvements, etc.)

A tax refund isn’t just extra money. It’s a perfect opportunity to accelerate your financial goals.

Use it wisely and you’ll thank yourself later.

Want help figuring out the best move for your specific situation? Drop me a message. Happy to walk through it with you!

04/14/2026

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." – Benjamin Franklin

I absolutely love this quote.

Too many financial advisors overlook this truth. In my opinion, one of if not the most important part of my job is education.

The more you understand your investments, the more confident and empowered you become. I never want my clients to simply do what I say. I want you to know why we are doing it. That way, you can make informed decisions with clarity and peace of mind.

If your current advisor simply places you in funds without explaining what they are, why they were chosen, or how they fit your goals, you deserve better.

Reach out. Let’s have a real conversation about your money and your future.

Knowledge is power.

04/09/2026

One of my favorite personal finance strategies that I’ve used since I first started working is called “Paying Yourself First.”

Here’s how it works:

✅ Create a realistic budget so you clearly see how much money you have left each month. If needed, look for areas to cut back or focus on paying down debt to increase your cash flow.

✅ Work with a financial planner to build a solid Financial Plan. This helps you figure out exactly how much you need to save each month to reach your retirement goals — plus any other big goals like buying a home or taking a dream trip.

✅ Once you know those target amounts, set up automatic transfers from every paycheck: move the money for your retirement and other savings goals first.

✅ Then, with what’s left, pay your bills and handle your regular expenses.
The big difference?

Most people get paid, spend their money first, and try to save whatever is left at the end of the month. For many of us, there’s often little (or nothing) left to save. Because it’s not intentional or systematic, goals frequently get missed.

“Paying Yourself First” flips that script. It makes saving automatic and purposeful. This simple shift has made a huge difference for me personally and for many of my clients over the years.

What about you?

Do you use “Pay Yourself First,” or what savings strategy has worked best for you and your family?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments 👇

If you’d like help creating a budget and a personalized Financial Plan, feel free to send me a message.

04/07/2026

Volatility is a normal part of investing in the stock market.

This J.P. Morgan chart shows S&P 500 annual returns since 1980, with the maximum intra-year decline each year marked by the red dots. 🔴

The chart makes it clear: it's very common for the market to make large intra-year swings.

Take 2025 as a recent example: The S&P 500 dropped roughly 19% at one point amid tariff announcements and market uncertainty, yet finished the year up approximately 16%. That’s a significant swing within a single year.

We’ve seen other unique events before — such as the impact of COVID-19 in 2020. Volatility often comes with investing.

If you’re investing for the long term, it helps to expect periods like this. A disciplined approach, such as making regular contributions through dollar-cost averaging (for example into your 401(k) or IRA), can help you navigate those fluctuations over time. 🔄

Consistency and a long-term perspective have historically been important factors for investors.

What stands out to you from this chart? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’d like to review how your portfolio is positioned for market volatility while supporting your long-term goals, send me a message.

04/02/2026

What is the true cost of buying a brand new car?

Buying a new car can be exciting, but are you aware of the full costs?

Here are a few key factors to consider:

🔴 Depreciation
New cars typically lose value the fastest in the first few years. While it varies by make and model, here is a general pattern:

🚗 Driving off the lot
Many new cars lose around 10 percent of their value immediately once they are considered “used.”

📊 End of Year 1
Around 20 to 25 percent of value may be gone.

📊 End of Year 2
Roughly 30 to 35 percent total depreciation.

📊 End of Year 3
About 40 to 50 percent depreciation.

📊 End of Year 5
Many vehicles have lost 50 to 60 percent of their original value.

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🔴 Financing example
A $40,000 car financed over 6 years at 7 percent interest:

📅 Monthly payment
About $665 per month

💵 Total paid over the life of the loan
Roughly $47,800

💸 Total interest paid
About $7,800 in interest

This total does not include the additional costs below.
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🔴 Additional costs (Pennsylvania example)

🚗 Sales tax
6 percent in most areas (7 percent in Allegheny County, 8 percent in Philadelphia)

🚗 Title and registration fees
Required to legally own and register the vehicle

🚗 Dealer and documentation fees
Additional processing fees that vary by dealership
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🔴 Insurance
Insurance premiums for new vehicles are often higher, especially for models that are more expensive to repair or replace.
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🔴 Opportunity cost
Every dollar going toward a car payment is a dollar that is not being saved or invested elsewhere.

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03/31/2026

What is a SIMPLE IRA plan?

A SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) is a retirement plan designed for small businesses that want an easy and cost-effective way to help employees save for retirement.

Here’s how it works:

Employees can contribute a portion of their salary directly into their own IRA through payroll deductions.

Employers are required to contribute as well, either by:
🔴 Matching employee contributions (typically up to 3 percent), or
🔴 Making a fixed 2 percent contribution for all eligible employees

Why do business owners like SIMPLE IRAs?

🔴 They are easy to set up and administer
🔴 No annual filing requirements like more complex plans
🔴 Lower costs compared to 401(k) plans
🔴 Provides a valuable benefit to attract and retain employees

A few things to keep in mind:

🔴 Contribution limits are lower than a 401(k), but higher than a Traditional IRA
🔴 Employees are always 100 percent vested
🔴 Early withdrawals may be subject to penalties

For many small businesses, a SIMPLE IRA can be a great starting point for offering a retirement plan without the complexity.

If you are a business owner and want to explore whether a SIMPLE IRA makes sense for you, feel free to reach out. Happy to walk through it with you.

03/26/2026

The potential of saving just $100 a month for your child

Here’s a simple hypothetical example:

If you invested $100 per month starting at birth and earned an average 8 percent annual return:

By age 18
Total value: $46,565
Interest earned: $24,965

By age 28
Total value: $118,543
Interest earned: $84,943

By age 65
Total value: $2,296,847
Total contributions: $78,000
Interest earned: $2,218,847

That’s the power of starting early and letting compounding do the heavy lifting.

Of course, this is a hypothetical example for illustrative purposes only. Actual investment results will vary, and returns are not guaranteed.

If you’ve been thinking about setting something up for your child and want to talk through your options, feel free to reach out!

02/17/2026

Stocks and bonds — do you know the difference?

♦️Bonds:

A bond is essentially a loan you make to a corporation or government. In return, the issuer agrees to pay you back over time with a set amount of interest at regular intervals.

If a company were to go bankrupt, bondholders are paid before stockholders. Because of this, bonds are generally considered lower risk than stocks.

♦️Stocks:

A stock represents ownership in a company. When you own a share of stock (for example, Apple), you are a part owner of that business.

The value of a stock rises and falls based on supply and demand, company performance, economic conditions, and investor expectations.

In a bankruptcy, stockholders are paid last. This means there is often little to no remaining value for shareholders, making stocks a riskier investment than bonds.

♦️So what does this mean for investors?♦️

When you’re younger, you can often tolerate more market volatility, which is why portfolios typically hold a higher percentage of stocks for long-term growth potential.

As you get older, many investors begin adding bonds (while still keeping some stock exposure) to help reduce volatility and preserve capital.

This isn’t one-size-fits-all advice — portfolio decisions should always be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

If you’d like to learn more about how stocks and bonds fit into your personal plan, feel free to reach out.

Address

2009 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA
17011

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4pm

Website

https://www.contewealth.com/team/hayden-j-bankes/

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