Naomi Hickman, Financial Advisor - Priority Wealth Partners

12/29/2025

A new year invites fresh goals, but real growth often starts by looking back.

Which financial habits served you last year, and which ones are ready to be left behind?

The next chapter isn't just about moving forward; it's about moving forward and choosing what comes after. 😊

12/18/2025

Myth: My estate plan is complete; I never have to think about it again.

Fact: While the initial creation of a will, a trust, powers of attorney, and other documents is a monumental achievement, it marks the beginning, not the end, of your estate planning journey. Your estate plan is a dynamic, living set of legal tools that must evolve with your life. Think of your estate plan like you would your financial portfolio or your physical health: you would not address the condition of your finances or health just once and expect it to stay aligned with your goals forever. Life brings constant change: new family members arrive, relationships shift, accounts and property grow or diminish in value, and external factors such as tax laws are continually updated. An estate plan that perfectly aligned with your needs and goals five or 10 years ago may now be legally outdated or financially inefficient, or, most critically, it may no longer reflect your deepest wishes and priorities for your loved ones and your legacy. Failing to periodically review your estate plan is like relying on an old map to navigate a growing city; you will likely get lost and end up somewhere you never intended.

12/18/2025

Check out this handy reference of updated ranges from the IRS in case your designated bracket has changed.

12/17/2025

This time of year is always a little quiet for me. Not many people want to discuss their personal finances in the weeks leading up to Christmas. 😅

And honestly, that makes sense.

The weeks leading up to the holidays can feel loud in many ways. Everyone is scrambling, buying gifts, planning meals, trying to make everything perfect.

But here's a gentle reminder: Christmas isn't about presents, it's about presence.

Sometimes the greatest gift doesn't come wrapped. It's your time. A listening ear. A warm hug. Simply being there.

Don't let the noise distract you from what truly matters. The simplest gifts often bring the most joy. 🤍

12/12/2025

Happy Friday!

Before the weekend spending begins, remember one of the smartest financial habits you can build: Pay your future self first.

That means setting aside a portion of every paycheck before anything else. Even modest, consistent contributions to savings or retirement accounts can compound into real long-term security.

Ask yourself:
Do I have a clear savings strategy?
Am I contributing regularly toward retirement?
Do I understand what my future financial goals actually require?

Your future self isn't just a concept; it's the person who will rely on the choices you make today.

So with this paycheck, what are you setting aside for tomorrow before spending on today? 🤔

12/12/2025

Super important!

Myth 2: My will is the only estate planning document that matters.

Fact: While a last will and testament (also called a will) is a cornerstone of some estate plans, it is far from the only planning tool available—and in some cases, it may not control what happens to all of your accounts and property. Even if you have a will, many significant accounts or property pass at your death outside of it, governed instead by separate contractual agreements such as beneficiary designations. For example, accounts such as life insurance policies, 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and even some bank accounts will transfer directly to the named beneficiaries regardless of what your will states. Failing to update these beneficiary designations after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children is a common and sometimes devastating oversight, leading to unintended beneficiaries receiving substantial portions of your estate, with no legal recourse for your preferred beneficiaries.

In addition, while a will is a great estate planning tool for some people, others may be better served by a revocable living trust. Administering a will requires going through probate—a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming, overwhelming, public, and costly. On the other hand, a revocable living trust allows you to name beneficiaries and determine how and when they receive their inheritance, similar to a will but with the added benefits of bypassing probate and allowing for greater privacy, efficiency, and continuity in the administration of your estate.

Last, a will takes effect only upon your death and does not address what will happen or who will step in for you if you become incapacitated (unable to manage your own affairs during your lifetime). That situation is where financial and medical powers of attorney come into play. These documents are crucial for ensuring that your wishes are honored and your affairs are properly managed. An effective estate plan goes beyond a will; it is a symphony of interconnected tools, each playing a vital role. Focusing solely on the will leaves significant gaps that can upset your wishes for your care, your accounts and property, and your loved ones.

12/10/2025

Many families worry about Medicaid Estate Recovery; it's a valid concern. What many don't realize is that there are ways to plan ahead so you're not relying on Medicaid in times of LTC needs.

Tools like long-term care insurance, hybrid life/LTC policies, and certain annuity strategies are often used to help families protect what they have built. No one solution fits everyone, but the key is this:

You have options, and early planning gives you more control!

If this topic has ever stressed you out, I would like to remind you to explore your choices now rather than later.

11/24/2025

This Thanksgiving, I'm taking a moment to be grateful for the things we often overlook.

The quiet moments. The people who make us laugh. A warm home. A calm morning. The little things that don't cost us anything but somehow mean everything.

Money matters - we live in a world where it helps us access the things we need. But it's not the source of joy. It's just a tool. Don't let the chase for more pull you away from the simple moments that actually fill you up.

Here's to slowing down, noticing what's already good, and remembering that the real wealth in life isn't material at all.

11/11/2025

We got our first snow this week! With it comes a natural slowdown we all feel this time of year. Winter has a way of making us pause, reflect, and get things in order before the new season begins.

Here's my little nudge to you: take this time to think about where you stand financially. Are your savings where you want them to be? Do you have a plan for the year ahead?

The quiet months are the perfect time to organize, plan, and prepare before life speeds up again. You don't have to do it all at once, and you don't have to do it alone.

Use this season to build clarity and confidence for the year ahead. Spring will thank you for it. 🌱

11/05/2025

Today's why is about how far technology has come and what that means for you.

Investing isn't just about picking a few stocks anymore. Thanks to technology, the hard work behind diversification has already been built into many investment options available today.

What used to take hours of research and spreadsheets can now be done in a few taps, but that doesn't mean it's simple to know which option is right for your goals. This is why guidance matters!

If you're able to save even a little each week, that's enough to start building toward your future. Small, consistent steps matched with the right tools and advice can go a long way!

Technology has opened the doors for everyone to take part in investing. The question is, when will you decide to walk through it?

10/29/2025

Today's why is about rewriting the story of what financial guidance should look like.

Too many people have had bad experiences, being sold to, controlled, or talked over. That's not what I'm about.

I'm not here to tell you what to do. I'm here to teach, listen, and guide. Financial Planning should be a partnership built on trust and understanding, not pressure and sales.

Let's change that perception one honest conversation at a time.

10/27/2025

Why work with a Financial Advisor?

In today's world, there is no shortage of apps or websites that make investing easier. This is a good thing because accessibility matters! Though "easy to start" does not always mean "easy to maintain".

Investing isn't just buying something and hoping it goes up; it's research. It's choosing what fits your goals, adjusting for life changes, staying level-headed during market ups and downs, and being confident in the plan in place. That's a lot! And honestly, it can be a lot to juggle along with family, work, and everything you value in life.

That's part of my why!
I want to give people the confidence and clarity to move forward financially without having to carry the stress alone. So you can focus on the things you love while I handle the planning and monitoring behind the scenes. All it takes is one conversation!