National Financial Network- Brian Sykes CFP, Financial Advisor

08/27/2026

The lonely stair climbers at my gym.
I dread it, do not enjoy being on it. Since they are always open, I think everyone else feels the same way. I do know that there is no better cardio workout in the shortest time than the stair-climber.
One day after catching my breathe after using it, I got to thinking about the stair-climber and business...

1. I have to be willing to do the uncomfortable things to achieve extra-ordinary results.
2. I may never like the most productive things I should be doing to be successful so I better get used to it.
3. I will come up with every reason not to do those things, but the choice really isn't the stair-climber, it's the results - do I really want them and am I willing to do what is necessary to achieve them? Really?
4. Best to do these things first thing in a day.
5. Short-term high-intensity activity is better than long low-intensity. I don't need to prolong the pain. Just get it done.
6 - It may never get easier so don't expect it to - you won't be disappointed then.
7 - Others may laugh (I doubt I look cool running on the stair-climber), but who cares.
8 - When I am done, the best feeling is knowing I am doing what I need to do to achieve what I want to achieve.

I realize now I will always hate the stair-climber but will love the results it produces. That is what to focus on.

06/15/2026

Sooo I was wondering...what happens if something happens to you Brian?

I get this question a lot. It is a question not just about death, but life changes, business exit and retirement as well.

In my business planning and succession part of my practice, I ask this question to owners all the time. And have the strategies that help them answer it. But I have a business as well and I better be answering that question for myself and my clients.

Owners are concerned about a continuity of operations and business value. Me too - but specifically a continuity of a planning process and philosophy that works, financial solutions that stand the test of time that do not need to be replaced with the latest shiny objects, and strategies that focus on efficiency and outcomes.

Having 2 sons who wanted to enter this profession provided this for me - now I am working to not only continue to grow my business and practice, but to transfer the same culture, philosophy and planning focus to them for their future and my clients. Grounded in integrity and proven strategies.

And yes - thinking about a blue shirt only dress code! Like the old IBM days.

I am not going anywhere anytime soon - I hope! Not something I would have predicted but grateful now for the opportunity to have a legacy of impact and long-term stability for my clients, same as the owners I help everyday.

08/15/2024

This August marks the 21st year since I changed my career.

It wasn’t because...
I did not love what I did before,
Or the past companies I worked with,
Or my past colleagues.
I worked for some of the best companies and with some of the very best people, many I still call my friends today.
Nothing external - it was me seeking...
greater Independence
control of my Income
to make an Impact on my community
Is it easy – No. Worth it – Yes. I learned it is really about mindset and confidence in yourself and your vision.
If you ever have thoughts of changing your professional course, here are some questions that maybe worth asking yourself...
1 - In the future, will you regret not trying?
2 – Does your current path create the future you want? Greater than your present?
3 – Are outside opinions rooted in your best interest, or other’s insecurities?
4 – Why Not You?
What else would you add to this list?

08/09/2023

The sooner you begin investing, the longer your money can work for you.

Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.

08/07/2023

What do Americans spend more on? 1) taxes or 2) food, clothing, and shelter? Answer = 1.

Here's a breakdown of how the federal government spends your tax money.

08/04/2023

Bi-weekly mortgage payment can potentially accelerate your mortgage payoff. Sound interesting?

This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.

08/02/2023

Why save your bucket list for later? Find fulfillment and adventure by experiencing your bucket list items today.

Bucket lists don’t have to be for tomorrow.

07/31/2023

For a small business, the loss of a key person could cause financial hardship.

Business owners may be able to protect themselves from the financial consequences of losing a key employee.

07/28/2023

Can group and private disability policies work together?

Loss of income from disability has the potential to cause financial hardship. Disability insurance can help.

07/26/2023

When considering a record keeping system for your business, you need to ask yourself some very important questions

Maintaining good records for your business not only helps to meet your tax and legal obligations, but it can save you money.