Financial Integrators

10/26/2026

When evaluating financial advice, measuring performance against benchmark returns only tells half the story. Quantifying services like rebalancing, behavioral management, and tax-smart planning reveals a clearer picture of an advisor's net impact on portfolio growth. Financial Integrators

Here is the core takeaway from Russell Investments' 2024 study examining the exact percentage value advisors add each year 👇

10/23/2026

Money has always had a knack for bringing out the wildest, most scandalous behavior in humanity.

THE CRASSUS FIRE BRIGADE EXTORTION perfectly highlights this:

The Scandal: Marcus Licinius Crassus was one of the wealthiest men in Roman history, and he built a large chunk of that fortune using the world’s first—and most corrupt—fire brigade.

The Tactic: Rome didn't have a public fire department. When a building caught fire, Crassus and his 500-man team of trained firefighters would rush to the scene. But they wouldn't pump a single drop of water until Crassus negotiated a price to buy the burning property on the spot for dirt cheap.

The Choice: If the owner refused to sell, Crassus would simply let the building burn to the ground.

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Carla VanZuuk!

Carla will be joining our Des Moines Financial Integrators Team as a Compliance Associate.

10/20/2026

Extended care is one of the biggest wild cards in retirement.

Costs vary by location, care type, and health needs—but they've all been rising faster than many realize.

These five insights can help you understand what drives costs and why they often catch retirees by surprise.

Financial Integrators



Sources:
CareScout.com, June 2026
AALTCI.org, June 2026
EBRI.org, 2026

10/19/2026

Derek Parker, CEPA®, BFA™ enjoys tackling complex financial situations and breaking them down into clear, understandable steps so clients can feel confident in their decisions. He genuinely cares about getting to know his clients—their stories, their “why,” and what matters most—so he can help them overcome challenges and build a path toward lasting financial success. Financial Integrators

Follow the link below in the comments to learn more about and our team.

10/16/2026

Money has always had a knack for bringing out the wildest, most scandalous behavior in humanity.

THE TEAPOT DOME SCANDAL perfectly highlights this:

The Scandal: Before Watergate, this was the benchmark for American political corruption. Albert Fall, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President Warren G. Harding, secretly leased navy petroleum reserves at Teapot Dome, Wyoming, to private oil companies.

The Price: He didn't do it out of the goodness of his heart—Fall accepted bribes totaling about $400,000 (roughly $6.8 million today) in cash, bonds, and even a herd of cattle. He became the first former U.S. cabinet member to go to prison.

10/15/2026

At Financial Integrators, our core mission is providing clients with a seamless, comprehensive wealth management experience. Every decision is guided by supporting your long-term goals. Financial Integrators Accounting & Tax has established a strategic partnership with LattaHarris, LLP CPAs & Consultants. This brings scale, depth, and expanded advisory resources to our accounting division.

Key client benefits:

◻️Broader Specialist Network: Direct access to an expanded group of credentialed CPAs, tax strategists, and business advisors.
◻️Team Continuity: Associates will join together ensuring familiar faces and trusted relationships.
◻️Unified Wealth Experience: Seamless coordination between your wealth management plan and your day-to-day tax and accounting needs.
◻️Enhanced Scale & Depth: Greater capacity and state-of-the-art technological resources supporting your financial security.

Founded in 1981, LattaHarris, LLP has spent over 40 years building a reputation as a regional powerhouse in tax strategy, audit, and business consulting.

By bringing together Financial Integrators’ wealth management focus with LattaHarris’ deep team of ~80 professionals, we are elevating the way we serve individuals, family trusts, and closely held businesses.

This exciting collaboration deepens our commitment to comprehensive, integrated financial and tax planning.

👉 Discover how this new partnership directly impacts you. Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/46WkBNH

10/14/2026

At Financial Integrators, strong communities start with active involvement.

Our Joplin team recently had the privilege of spending time volunteering at Neighborhood Life House. From serving up warm meals to enjoying some quality playground time with the kids, it was an afternoon full of smiles, connection, and community spirit.

Neighborhood Life House Inc. does incredible work providing after-school programs, meals, and support to local youth and families. We’re so grateful for the chance to partner with them and support their mission!

👉 Learn more about their impactful work and how you can get involved: https://neighborhoodlifehouse.org/aboutus

10/14/2026

A quick guide and timeline to Health Insurance Marketplace® Enrollment from Financial Integrators

Get health coverage now if you qualify for: A Special Enrollment Period due to a life event, like moving, losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby.

Don't qualify for the Special Enrollment Period? Please note these Important Dates of Enrollment:

📅November 1: Open Enrollment starts — first day you can enroll in, renew, or change health plans through the Marketplace for the coming year. Coverage starts January 1.

📅December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1.

📅January 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by December 15 and pay their first premium.

📅January 15: Open Enrollment ends — last day to enroll in or change Marketplace health plans for the year. After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

📅February 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans December 16 through January 15 and pay their first premium.

📅Get coverage between January 16 and October 31 if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event. You can apply for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time.