CKM Wealth

10/27/2026

At a wedding recently, there was a sketch artist creating caricatures of the guests. The finished drawing was entertaining, but it also got me thinking.

Sometimes our financial lives can feel a lot like a caricature.

From a distance, everything looks great. A successful career. Growing income. A busy family schedule. Vacations. College plans. Maybe even a thriving business.

But when you look closer, the picture is often missing details that matter.

Many high earners spend years focused on increasing income without taking time to build a deliberate plan around taxes, retirement, concentrated investments, estate planning, or protecting the people who depend on them.

I've found that as income grows, complexity tends to grow right alongside it.

The goal isn't simply to earn more. The goal is to make sure your financial picture is as complete as the life you're working so hard to build.

Because a clear financial plan should reflect the full story, not just the highlights.

10/15/2026

Selling an investment at a gain may not always be something to avoid — in some cases, it can be a strategic tax move.

Tax-gain harvesting is a lesser-known approach that may help certain investors manage future taxes and support long-term planning goals.

Before putting it into practice, it’s important to consider how the decision fits with your portfolio, income and broader financial plan.

Let’s discuss how tax-smart investment strategies may fit into your broader financial plan.

Potentially save on taxes when selling appreciated assets with this lesser-known tax strategy.

10/08/2026

Many people in the sandwich generation face unique financial and emotional pressures as they balance caring for aging parents while still supporting younger children. Let us help you find ways to preserve your long‑term financial future while confidently supporting the people who matter most.

10/06/2026

Home improvement has become a family project around here. My father-in-law, Caleb, joined in recently and brought plenty of experience to the job.

It was a good reminder that family roles have a way of changing over time.

Many successful professionals eventually find themselves in the middle: raising children who are approaching college and adulthood while also thinking about how they may support aging parents.

It's sometimes called the "sandwich generation," but the financial considerations are very real. How do you help the people you love without losing sight of the future you've worked hard to build for yourself?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. That's why planning ahead matters.

When your financial life has a lot of moving pieces, having a deliberate plan can help you focus less on juggling everything and more on being present for moments like this.

09/28/2026

It's almost that time of year again! Save the date for November 17th!

This will be my 4th year hosting the Richard MacKelfresh All Star Jam to End Homelessness. This special event benefits CaringWorks, an incredible organization dedicated to helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Serving on the CaringWorks Board of Directors has made this cause especially meaningful to me.

All proceeds from the event support CaringWorks and its vital mission.

Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4xNkxe0

I hope you'll join us for an unforgettable evening of great music, food, community, and impact. I look forward to rocking out with you!

09/24/2026

College planning often starts with one key step: setting clear expectations.

Early clarity around costs, timelines, and priorities can help turn uncertainty into a more focused strategy.

This article highlights where to begin.

Together, we can create a plan that aligns with your goals—and supports what matters most to your family.

5 considerations as you set your child’s education goal

09/22/2026

A few days in Florida visiting college campuses with my middle child reminded me why so many of us work as hard as we do.

Most high achievers didn't put in the long hours, take the risks, or build successful businesses just to accumulate a bigger account balance.

We did it to create opportunities.

Opportunities for our families. Opportunities for experiences. Opportunities for the next generation.

The college tour season can feel overwhelming for parents. There are a lot of decisions, a lot of unknowns, and plenty of emotions tied to the process.

But moments like these are exactly why thoughtful financial planning matters.

It's not about reaching a number.

It's about having the confidence to be present for life's biggest milestones when they arrive.

09/17/2026

Retirement isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all.

Some people want travel and activity. Others want simplicity and routine. Defining what “ideal” looks like helps ensure financial decisions support the life you actually want to live.

Refine your retirement dreams by asking yourself these 7 questions.

09/15/2026

We recently took a family trip to Cedar Point while we were in Ohio for a wedding, and one observation stuck with me.

The park was packed.

Long lines. Full restaurants. Families everywhere making memories together.

Now, I'm certainly not claiming a day at an amusement park is an economic indicator, but it was a good reminder that people continue to prioritize experiences. They're investing in time with family, creating memories, and enjoying the rewards of their hard work.

That's something I encourage clients to think about as well.

There's always a balance between saving for the future and living in the present. The goal isn't to postpone life indefinitely. It's to build a financial strategy that allows you to prepare responsibly while still enjoying meaningful experiences today.

Because twenty years from now, your kids probably won't remember what the market did this summer.

They'll remember the trip.

09/10/2026

The kids are getting to a fun age where you can actually do projects together.

Recently, Sanders and I spent some time working on home improvements. Nothing glamorous. Just some tools, some sawdust, and a project that needed to get done.

One thing I've noticed about many successful professionals is that our days are increasingly spent in meetings, on screens, and solving problems that exist almost entirely in the digital world. There's something satisfying about stepping back at the end of the day and seeing a tangible result from your effort.

It also reminded me that some of life's most meaningful lessons happen while you're working alongside your kids, not necessarily sitting across from them.

As much as we focus on building wealth, we're also building memories, values, and experiences that last a lot longer than any home improvement project.

That's a legacy worth investing in.