Financial confidence in retirement is built through habits, not luck or portfolio size. Learn how thoughtful retirement planning, disciplined investing, and sustainable spending can help you enjoy retirement with greater peace of mind.
Accumulation Planning
Coordination of Comprehensive Financial Planning
True comprehensive financial planning is more than managing investments. It coordinates every aspect of your financial life, from cash flow and tax planning to retirement and estate strategies, helping you build and preserve long-term wealth with confidence.
The Hidden Cost of Waiting: Financial Decisions That Get More Expensive Over Time
Waiting to make important financial decisions can quietly erode your wealth over time. Discover how taking action today on investing, retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning can strengthen your long-term financial security and financial independence.
The Financial Decisions That Matter More Than Investment Returns
Many investors focus on investment returns, but the most impactful financial decisions are often the ones they can directly control. Learn how cash flow, tax planning, retirement strategies, and disciplined behavior can create lasting wealth and financial confidence.
Giving With Purpose: How Charitable Giving Fits Into a Smart Financial Plan
Discover how intentional charitable giving strategies like donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, and legacy planning can improve tax efficiency while aligning your wealth with your family’s values and long-term financial goals.
Tax Planning vs. Tax Filing: Why It Matters
Tax filing reports past financial activity, while tax planning proactively shapes future outcomes to improve tax efficiency and long-term wealth. High-net-worth investors who integrate tax strategies into financial planning can reduce lifetime tax burdens and enhance financial security.
Decisions You Make During the Year That Shape Your Taxes
Tax outcomes are shaped by financial decisions made throughout the year, not just at filing time. Strategic tax planning around investments, income timing, and retirement contributions can significantly enhance long-term wealth and financial security.
The Financial Advice People Wish They Had Followed 10 Years Earlier
High-net-worth investors often say their biggest financial regret is not acting sooner. The most valuable financial advice centers on starting serious saving early to capture compound growth, controlling lifestyle creep as income rises, developing a clear retirement planning strategy, staying disciplined during market volatility, and seeking professional financial guidance before complexity increases. Aligning an investment strategy with long-term goals and building foundational financial security can significantly improve wealth accumulation, financial confidence, and the likelihood of achieving lasting financial independence.
The 2026 Money Reset – Actions to Win the Year
The 2026 Money Reset outlines practical financial planning moves for affluent households in the Hampton Roads area. Wealthway Financial Planning explains how automation, disciplined saving, and diversified investing drive long-term wealth. The focus is on clarity, consistency, and strategies high-net-worth families can actually sustain.
Discover Your Path to Financial Clarity
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Financial Planning Moves to Make Before Year end – Part 2
As year-end approaches, high-income families in Hampton Roads have a final opportunity to reduce taxes and position themselves for long-term financial success. This article covers advanced planning strategies including Medicare IRMAA surcharges, tax-efficient charitable giving, Health Savings Accounts, retirement plan contributions, and Virginia 529 education planning. Thoughtful action before December 31 can help protect income, reduce hidden taxes, and strengthen your financial plan for 2026 and beyond.
Financial Planning Moves to Make Before Year end – Part I
As year-end approaches, strategic financial planning decisions may reduce tax implications and improve long-term outcomes in your goal to increased wealth. In Part 1 of this series, Kevin Zywna, a CFP from Wealthway Financial Advisors, outlines key investment, tax, and required minimum distribution strategies to consider before December 31. These timely planning moves could help high-income professionals and retirees position themselves for greater financial efficiency in the year ahead.
Smart Gifting Strategies for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is an ideal time to support the people and causes that matter most. With the right strategy, your gifting can be both meaningful and tax efficient. From annual exclusion gifts for family members to advanced charitable tools like Donor-Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and appreciated securities, there are powerful ways to maximize the impact of your generosity and leverage your tax efficiencies. Thoughtful planning not only enhances your giving experience, it can also unlock significant long-term tax advantages. As a local CFP® serving Hampton Roads families, we help clients align their holiday giving goals with their financial goals and values.
Financial Freedom And Guilt Free Spending
True financial freedom isn’t just about accumulating wealth—it’s about using it intentionally to create joy, meaning, and connection. With a solid financial foundation, you can spend guilt-free on the people and experiences that enrich your life. By planning your spending as carefully as your investments, you ensure that every dollar supports your values and enhances your well-being. Money, when managed wisely, becomes more than a measure of success—it becomes a tool for living fully.
Keeping Up With The Jones – The High Cost of Lifestyle Inflation
Lifestyle inflation, the tendency to spend more as you earn more, is one of the biggest threats to financial independence. Even high earners can struggle to build wealth if they let spending rise with income. In this article, Certified Financial Planner™ Kevin Zywna shares how to recognize, prevent, and overcome lifestyle creep to secure your financial future.
Financial Misinformation on the Internet
Financial misinformation is more widespread than ever, from “guaranteed” investments and tax loophole myths to overhyped real estate and crypto schemes. These misleading claims often mix a kernel of truth with dangerous advice that can derail wealth and retirement planning. As a Certified Financial Planner™ in Hampton Roads, I help families cut through the noise and protect their wealth with strategies that are legal, sustainable, and tailored to their goals.
The Components of Professional Financial Planning
Comprehensive financial planning goes far beyond investments. A true professional plan integrates goal setting, cash flow analysis, emergency reserves, debt management, investment strategy, retirement readiness, insurance coverage, and estate planning—continuously adapted to your life and market conditions. For Hampton Roads professionals and families, this dynamic approach provides clarity, confidence, and the freedom to live life on your terms.
The Psychology of Money: Mastering Your Mindset to Build Wealth
Your financial success isn’t just about numbers—it starts with mindset. Emotions like fear, greed, and social pressure often drive money decisions more than logic. By understanding the psychology behind your financial habits, you can make smarter choices, build lasting wealth, and create a plan that aligns with your long-term goals.
Marriage and Money: How to Build Financial Harmony in Your Relationship
Money may not be romantic, but it’s undeniably powerful—it can either strengthen your marriage or quietly erode it over time. At Wealthway Financial Advisors, we’ve seen how honest conversations and thoughtful planning can transform financial tension into teamwork. Whether you’re planning your wedding or planning your retirement, aligning on money matters isn’t just smart—it’s essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through ten practical strategies to build financial harmony in your relationship, from choosing the right bank account setup to managing debt as a team. Because when couples share not just love, but a financial vision, they build a life that’s both secure and fulfilling.
Markets & Investing in Turbulent Times
Discover the causes behind one of the fastest and sharpest declines in the US stock market, explore its historical context, and learn the key investment strategies you should adopt in response to market volatility.
Common Financial Planning Goals
Financial planning can feel like a vague, overwhelming concept—many of us earn money, save, and invest without a clearly defined purpose. But having thoughtful financial planning goals is key to designing a life that brings you happiness and security.
Most people don’t come to a financial advisor with a specific list of objectives. Instead, they have general ideas about what they want to accomplish. That’s completely normal. The goal of financial planning isn’t just to amass wealth—it’s about using money as a tool to achieve the life you want. Whether it’s planning for retirement, funding your child’s education, reducing debt, or securing long-term care for a loved one, setting intentional financial goals helps create a roadmap for your future.
Financial Advice For Marital Harmony
We’re talking about marriage and money, one of the biggest political minefields in a relationship – the family finances. But trying to reduce those mines out in that field and trying to make sure you navigate them appropriately to maintain harmony in your relationship.
Top Financial Regrets and How to Avoid Them
Financial regrets can be costly, but with the right strategies, you can avoid common financial pitfalls and build a secure financial future. Whether it’s accumulating credit card debt, delaying investments, or overspending on a home, many financial mistakes stem from a lack of planning and awareness. By budgeting wisely, prioritizing savings, and making informed decisions, you can steer clear of these regrets. Smart financial choices today can save you years of stress and missed opportunities. Take control of your finances now to enjoy long-term stability and success.
Key Financial Planning Considerations to Start 2025 Part 2
Starting 2025 with a solid financial plan is essential for long-term success. This second installment of the guide covers key age-based financial milestones, smart investment strategies, debt management, and tax planning insights. Learn how to optimize your portfolio, stay on top of credit and loans, and make informed decisions about retirement, health insurance, and Roth IRA conversions. By staying proactive and organized, you can set yourself up for financial stability and growth throughout the year and beyond.
Key Financial Planning Considerations to Start 2025
As we step into 2025, it’s time to take a strategic approach to financial planning and wealth management. A new year presents a valuable opportunity to assess past progress, establish new financial goals, and implement strategies that enhance long-term financial security. In this guide, we cover part one of the critical areas of financial planning, including cash flow management, tax planning, asset allocation, and key life milestones. Let’s ensure 2025 is a year of financial growth and security for you and your family.
Smart Financial Planning Moves to Make Before Year End
In this blog we review smart giving tactics this holiday season. We outline the different types of gifting to make, including charitable donations, giving methods, and some techniques that you probably haven’t thought of before. We’re going to talk about the tax implications of charitable giving, and then some planned giving strategies that might be applicable to you.
Maximize Giving During the Holiday Season
In this blog we review smart giving tactics this holiday season. We outline the different types of gifting to make, including charitable donations, giving methods, and some techniques that you probably haven’t thought of before. We’re going to talk about the tax implications of charitable giving, and then some planned giving strategies that might be applicable to you.
The Proper Use Of Credit In Financial Planning
Understanding and managing credit is essential to long-term financial health. In our latest blog, “The Proper Use of Credit in Financial Planning,” we explore the different types of credit, including revolving, installment, and open credit – unpacking how each serves a unique purpose. We also dive into the key elements that impact credit scores, such as payment history, credit utilization, and account mix, as well as often-overlooked uses of credit scores in areas like renting, insurance, and even job applications. By learning to use credit responsibly—through timely payments, budgeting, and smart borrowing—you can unlock benefits like better loan rates and increased financial flexibility while avoiding common debt traps. Read on for a complete guide to making credit work for you, not against you.
How to Efficiently Create Income in Retirement #2
This blog is a continuation of our comprehensive overview of how to efficiently plan for retirement income – vital for financial security. Key strategies include understanding expenses, optimizing Social Security, choosing pension payouts wisely, and building a diversified investment portfolio. Proper planning ensures a steady income stream to maintain your lifestyle while managing risks and long-term financial goals in retirement.
How to Efficiently Create Income in Retirement #1
This blog provides a comprehensive guide to managing finances during retirement, focusing on the shift from the accumulation to the distribution phase. It explains how retirees must adjust from building wealth to strategically withdrawing from their financial resources while minimizing taxes and fees. The blog emphasizes the importance of estimating retirement expenses, especially accounting for healthcare costs and inflation, to ensure a stable income stream. It also highlights setting clear financial goals for retirement, whether for essential living expenses or enjoying life’s luxuries, such as travel or family experiences.
In addition to discussing expenses, the blog explores various income sources, including Social Security, pensions, and investments. It outlines the benefits of delaying Social Security for higher monthly payouts and the impact of working while receiving benefits. The blog encourages retirees to balance financial security with lifestyle choices, ensuring they can maximize their quality of life. By carefully managing income, accounting for inflation, and seeking personalized financial advice, retirees can create a sustainable income plan that supports both their needs and their dreams during this exciting life chapter.
Understanding And Preventing Identity Theft
Identity theft is a serious concern that involves the unauthorized use of someone else’s personal information for financial gain, including stealing names, Social Security numbers, and credit card details. In 2021, nearly 24 million people in the U.S. fell victim to this crime, which not only incurs significant financial losses—estimated at $23 billion annually—but also leads to emotional distress for victims. Understanding the various types of identity theft, from credit card fraud to child identity theft, and recognizing common methods like phishing and skimming, is essential for prevention. By implementing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring financial statements, individuals can protect themselves and reduce the risk of identity theft.
Reverse Mortgage: What are they, how do they work, what is the benefit?
Reverse mortgages have become a popular financial tool for homeowners aged 62 and older, allowing them to convert home equity into cash without selling their property or making monthly payments. While early reverse mortgages had a poor reputation, recent regulations have made them safer and more reliable. They can be particularly beneficial for retirees looking to enhance their cash flow, cover unexpected expenses, or eliminate existing mortgage payments, all while retaining homeownership. However, it’s important to consider the costs and long-term impact on home equity before deciding if a reverse mortgage aligns with your financial goals.
25 Financial Truths About Money
We discuss 25 truths about money on “Dollars and Common Sense.” Key points include: money eases stress but doesn’t buy happiness; earning and saving are vital; discipline is key to financial success; investing and planning for the future are essential; and true wealth is about time, freedom, and health—and much more!
Prioritize Savings to Grow Wealth Fast
One of the most common questions we get is, how can I prioritize long term savings in order to grow my net worth fastest? If you have some excess cash flow, where do you put it? Where do you start? Where do you get the biggest bang for your buck? In this blog we discuss the steps you can take to grow your wealth the fastest.
How To Live A Tax-Efficient Life
In this blog we talk about taxes and tax reduction strategies, specifically how to live a tax efficient life. I think if there’s one area of commonality that binds us all is that we all would like to pay lower taxes. It probably is one of the largest household expenses of people when they are in their regular earning years, when they’re employed in the workforce, especially when they’re in their peak earning years, when you’re paying in peak amount of taxes. So tonight, we’re going to talk about things you can do to live a tax efficient life.
Listener Financial Questions Answered
We answer our listeners’ top financial questions in this blog. Listeners want to know what steps to take if you have a financial windfall, whether or not you can pursuit your retirement dreams, how and when you can retire, and understanding how Social Security will impact your finances in retirement.
2024 Retirement Trends in the United States
Retirement in the United States has shifted from a luxury to an integral phase of life, spurred by increasing life expectancies. Statistics indicate longer lifespans. Social connections, financial stability, and a sense of purpose are pivotal in navigating this evolving landscape, highlighting the need for proactive retirement planning strategies.
What It Means to Be Rich in America
One of the biggest questions new clients ask is, “How do I financially measure against the typical person in the United States?” In this blog we outline household income averages compared to incomes across the country. We also discuss the differences between household income and net worth as we unpack what it means to be rich in America.
Top 8 Financial Regrets Of 2023 Countdown And How To Avoid Them
We countdown the 8 biggest financial regrets Americans claimed to have had in 2023 based on a recent Forbes survey. More importantly, we unpack strategies you can execute today to prevent you from having these same financial regrets in the fugture.
Financial Planning Steps To Start 2024 Right Part 2
We explore 10 Financial Planning steps to start your 2024 off right part 2. In the first show, we talked about some personal issues that you should consider and assess progress you made towards goals last year. In this show we build off of that list rounding out the last 10 financial planning steps to start this year off on your best financial footing.
Financial Planning Considerations to Get 2024 Started Right – Part 1
Delve into financial planning considerations for the upcoming year of 2024. Assess your progress towards financial goals, identify new financial objectives, and contemplate of how upcoming life events and age milestones may affect financial plans.
How To Make Your Money Last Your Lifetime
Do you worry about having enough retirement savings to last your lifetime? Learn tips to ensure that your money lasts your lifetime.
10 Tax-Smart Charitable Giving Options
Giving to charities is good, but donating and doing good for yourself, even better. Learn how with these 10 tax efficient ways to give to charities.
Episode: 07-25-2023 | Investing Philosophy and Mechanics
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Investing: Philosophy and Mechanics Investing Unpacked Most of our show is dedicated to financial planning and financial planning topics because that is where we feel we can add the most value for our clients...
Episode: 06-13-2023 | Three Steps To Attain Financial Wellness
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Financial Wellness What Is Financial Wellness? Kevin Zywna, Wealthway Financial Advisors: Tonight, we're going to talk about financial wellness. Financial wellness - what is it, how do you get it and how to...
Episode: 04-11-2023 | Credit 101
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: Tonight we're going to talk about one of the building blocks of personal finance. We're going to give you Credit 101 if you need a little refresher on what...
Episode: 03-28-2023 | Where Should You Park Your Cash?
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: Tonight we're going to talk about something we haven't talked about in probably a decade. Eight years or so we haven't. There's been no point in even paying...
Episode: 03-14-2023 | The Bank Crisis & Investing Myths
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Unpacking The Silicon Valley Banking Crisis Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: We like to keep this show focused on financial planning topics, and strategies for you to maximize your financial...
Episode: 02-28-2023 | Prioritize Your Long-Term Savings To Grow Your Net Worth As Fast As Possible
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Kevin Zywna, Wealthway Financial Advisors: Tonight, we're going to talk about prioritizing long term savings to efficiently and maximize your long term savings, the fastest way to grow your net worth. It's...
Marriage & Money
Money issues are the second leading cause of divorce in America, and are a top strain on relationships in general. Listen to our thoughts on how to avoid money conflicts in your marriage.
Episode: 01-24-2023 | Secure Act 2.0 Impacts To You
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: We wanted to start to address some of the Secure Act 2.0 changes that came our way at the very end of last year some take...
Episode: 01-10-2023 | Getting Your Finances in Shape for 2023
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Debt Detox Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: New Year New You, right? Getting your body in shape, probably. Maybe getting your mind in shape. Let's get your...
Episode: 12-13-2022 | Understanding Gifting And Charitable Giving
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Gifting & Charitable Giving Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: We did want to talk about gifting tonight, not so much in the aspect of buying on Amazon. But if...
Episode: 11-08-2022 | Year-End Planning
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense ·
Episode: 09-27-2022 | Weathering The Bear Market
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Weathering the Bear Market Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: Tonight, we want to talk about weathering the bear markets. For those of you that watch any media...
Episode: 08-09-2022 | College Funding
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · College Funding Kevin Zywna, Wealthway Financial Advisors: Good evening. Not that I want to rush summer or anything, but I thought we would talk about a topic that is...
Episode: 07-26-2022 | Recession Facts & Investing Truths
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Recession Facts & Investing Truths Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: Good evening. I'm glad to have you back because I was saying, after I did...
Episode: 07-12-2022 | Social Security Do-Overs
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Social Security Do-Overs Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: Tonight, I want to talk about one of my favorite topics. If you listen to this show over a long period of...
401K Mistakes To Avoid
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · 401K Mistakes Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: Tonight, I wanted to talk about something that affects a lot of people and probably more and more these days as...
Episode: 04-12-2022 | Inflation And What To Do About It
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Inflation & What to DO About it Inflation - Current & Historic Perspective That reading just came out today. In February, Consumer Price Index was up 7.9% And then...
Episode: 03-22-2022 | Last Minute Tax Moves & IRA Mechanics
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Last Minute Tax Moves IRA Mechanics Last Minute Tax Moves Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial: Tis the season for taxes so we thought it would be apropos to talk about some tax...
Episode: 1-25-2022 | The Psychology of Investing
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · The Psychology of Investing 5 Psychological Factors Behind Bad Investment Decisions Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial: Good evening. I was thinking today we usually focus a...
Episode: 01-11-2022 | Get Your Finances in Shape
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Get Your Finances in Shape Get Your Finances In Shape Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial: While people are usually particularly motivated this time of year to get their life...
Episode: 12-14-2021 | RMDs, Gifting & Charitable Giving
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · RMDs, Gifting & Charitable Giving Year-End Financial Planning Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial Advisors: So speaking of holidays, year-end, I thought it'd be fitting to...
Episode: 10-26-2021 | Inflation Unpacked
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · Inflation! Should You Fear Inflation? Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial: We want to talk about a hot topic that we have been hearing about pretty often from our clients. That...
Episode: 09-28-2021 | The Role of Taxes in Retirement
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Dollars & Common Sense · The Role of Taxes in Retirement Unpacking The Impact of Taxes on Retirement Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial: Good evening, I thought we would tackle taxes. Everyone...
Episode: 08-24-2021 | College Funding Strategies Part II
Hosted by Kevin J. Zywna, CFP® and Allison K. Dubreuil, CFP® Airs on WNIS 790AM every 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 6 P.M. Dollars & Common Sense · College Funding Part II College Funding Strategies Allison Dubreuil, Wealthway Financial: We always try to keep...



