Hayden Bankes - Financial Planner

Hayden Bankes - Financial Planner I partner with my clients to bring clarity to their finances and help them build a plan they feel good about—both now and for the future. Hi there!

I'm Hayden Bankes, and I have the pleasure of serving as a financial advisor at Conte Wealth Advisors. I joined this fantastic team in January 2022, and let me tell you, it's been an incredible journey so far! As a proud Central Pennsylvania native, I can't help but feel a deep connection to this region. After graduating from Penn State University (We Are!), I earned my bachelor's degree in financ

e. My studies have given me an understanding of the markets and portfolio construction. But it's not just about the degree – I'm truly passionate about financial planning. That's why I went the extra mile to obtain both my Series 7 and 66 licenses. These credentials demonstrate my comprehensive understanding of securities regulations and investment practices, allowing me to provide you with expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. During my time at Conte Wealth Advisors, I have worn multiple hats. I started out in the operational world as a financial services specialist, providing operational support to our clients and advisors. With my keen eye for detail and organizational prowess, I helped ensure our firm ran like a well-oiled machine. I take great pride in analyzing investment opportunities, which is why I was honored to spearhead the development of CWA's Investment Committee in 2024, providing our team of advisors with concise research to help make informed decisions for their clients. When I'm not immersed in the world of finance, you'll likely find me out on the beautiful Susquehanna River or at a refreshing lake in PA, casting a line and enjoying some peaceful moments of fishing. Or perhaps I'll be spending quality time with my friends and family – the people who keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters in life. So, whether you're looking for financial guidance, a friendly chat, or a fishing buddy, I'm here for you. Let's embark on this journey together and create a brighter financial future! Registered Representative Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Conte Wealth Advisors are not affiliated. Content provided via links to third party sites should not be considered an endorsement of content, which we cannot verify completeness or accuracy of. Reviews on this site may or may not be by clients of the firm. No compensation is being provided for sharing of opinions and experiences on this site. The reviewer's comments may not be representative of any other person's experience and is no guarantee of future performance or success. Important disclosures can be found here: https://www.contewealth.com/disclosures/

Some of the best financial advice I've ever received is also the least exciting.Be consistent.That's itMost financial su...
07/16/2026

Some of the best financial advice I've ever received is also the least exciting.

Be consistent.

That's it

Most financial success comes from repeatedly doing boring things well for a long time.

This photo was taken the day I bought my first bass boat at 17 years old.Looking back, it probably wasn't the "perfect" ...
07/14/2026

This photo was taken the day I bought my first bass boat at 17 years old.

Looking back, it probably wasn't the "perfect" financial decision. If I had invested every dollar instead, I'd almost certainly have more money today.

But before I bought it, I worked three jobs, built an emergency fund, and saved relentlessly to make it happen. It wasn't an impulse purchase. It was a goal.

And honestly, I'd do it again.

That boat gave me years of early mornings on the water, memories with friends and family, and countless experiences that I still look back on today.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that financial planning isn't about avoiding every purchase that doesn't maximize your net worth.

It's about creating a balance between preparing for the future and enjoying the present.

Save responsibly. Build good habits. Plan ahead.

But remember that money is a tool, not the end goal.

At the end of the day, a well lived life is worth more than a perfectly optimized spreadsheet.

Choosing your pension option is one of those decisions that can have a long lasting impact on your retirement… and it is...
06/30/2026

Choosing your pension option is one of those decisions that can have a long lasting impact on your retirement… and it is not something you want to rush.

Most pension plans give you a few different paths, such as
• A single life payout for the highest monthly income
• Survivorship options to protect a spouse
• A lump sum that you can roll over and invest

Each of these comes with tradeoffs. Higher income today might mean less protection for your spouse. A lump sum might offer flexibility, but also comes with market risk and discipline.

That is why it is so important to actually sit down and plan this out.
Running different scenarios can help you see how each option impacts your income, your overall portfolio, and your family long term. What looks best on

paper is not always what fits your situation once everything is considered.
There is no universal right answer here. The best choice is the one that lines up with your goals, your risk tolerance, and the rest of your financial plan.

If you are getting close to making a pension election and want a second set of eyes on it, I am always happy to help walk through the options with you.

Retiring?? Don’t overlook RMDs! 🤔Many retirees enjoy a low-tax lull in their 60s — but Required Minimum Distributions (R...
06/25/2026

Retiring?? Don’t overlook RMDs! 🤔

Many retirees enjoy a low-tax lull in their 60s — but Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can shake things up later. An RMD is the IRS-mandated amount you must withdraw annually from your pre-tax retirement accounts (like Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s) once you reach a certain age. Today, RMDs kick in at age 73 (for those born 1951–1959) or age 75 (if born 1960 or later). The size of your RMD is basically determined by your account balance on December 31 of last year, divided by a life expectancy factor from IRS tables.

Why does this matter?

If you retire before RMD age and let those pre-tax accounts grow untouched, you could face much larger withdrawals in your 70s – potentially pushing you into a higher tax bracket right when RMDs start. In other words, a tax surprise in the later years of retirement. 😬

How to prepare: It pays to have a strategy long before you hit 73 or 75. For example:

- Roth conversions: Consider shifting some money from your traditional IRA/401k into a Roth IRA in your early retirement years. You’ll pay taxes now (likely at a lower rate) to reduce future RMDs.

- Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you’re charitably inclined, you can donate your RMD directly to a charity (from age 70½ onward). A QCD counts toward your RMD but won’t increase your taxable income.

- Spend from pre-tax accounts earlier: By using more of your Traditional IRA/401k funds in your 60s (when your tax bracket may be lower), you can shrink the balance and thus later RMDs.

Every retiree’s situation is unique. Proactive RMD planning can help keep your taxes in check and your retirement income flowing smoothly. It’s all about spreading out your withdrawals in a tax-efficient way so you’re not hit with a big tax bill down the line.

Bottom line: Don’t wait until RMDs are knocking at your door. Start the conversation now. With a bit of planning (and maybe some professional guidance), you can turn those RMD “surprises” into a well-managed part of your retirement plan. ✅

Have questions about RMDs or how to handle them? Feel free to reach out – I’m here to help you craft a retirement withdrawal strategy that makes sense for you.

A big blind spot I see for people heading into retirement…How their income is actually taxed.Not all income is treated t...
06/23/2026

A big blind spot I see for people heading into retirement…

How their income is actually taxed.

Not all income is treated the same

• Withdrawals from a Traditional IRA are taxed as ordinary income
• Capital gains from brokerage accounts can be taxed at 0% depending on your income level
• Social Security can be completely tax free… or partially taxable depending on your situation

Then you layer in the standard deduction, possible senior deductions, and different income thresholds… and it gets complicated quickly

So why does this matter?

Because how you pull income in retirement is just as important as how you saved it

A well thought out income plan can help you reduce taxes over time and keep more of what you’ve built

That’s not market return

That’s strategy

And with parts of the current tax code set to change in the coming years, this isn’t something to put off

If you haven’t taken a deeper look at your retirement income plan, now is a great time to do it

🔴One of the biggest retirement mistakes I see?🔴Cashing out old 401(k)s when changing jobs.You leave an employer and see ...
04/30/2026

🔴One of the biggest retirement mistakes I see?🔴

Cashing out old 401(k)s when changing jobs.

You leave an employer and see $5,000, $8,000, maybe $12,000 sitting in that old retirement account. It can feel like found money, and the temptation to cash it out is real.

But that small decision can have a huge long term impact.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median employee tenure in 2024 was just 3.9 years. That means over a 30+ year career, many people will work 7 to 12 different jobs.

Now imagine cashing out a $10,000 to $15,000 401(k) each time you switch jobs.

Across several job changes, that could mean walking away from $60,000 to $100,000+ in retirement savings.

And that first $100,000 is often the hardest milestone to reach.

Early on, most of your growth comes from your own contributions, not investment returns. Once you cross that $100,000 mark, compound interest starts doing much more of the heavy lifting.

Your money starts working harder for you.

By cashing out those smaller accounts, you are giving up the dollars that matter most, the foundational dollars that create decades of future growth.

Better options when leaving a job:

🔴 Roll it into your new employer’s 401(k)

🔴 Move it into an IRA through a rollover

🔴 Or leave it where it is if the plan allows and the fees make sense

Small decisions today can create massive differences later.

Most people know credit cards charge high interest rates. What many don’t realize is that the interest is often compound...
04/21/2026

Most people know credit cards charge high interest rates. What many don’t realize is that the interest is often compounded daily.

Here’s a clear example at a 20% annual interest rate (common on many cards):

Start with a $5,000 balance and make no payments:

-After just 1 year: Your balance grows to $6,107 — over $1,107 in interest.
-After 5 years: The balance balloons to $13,588 — nearly $8,588 in interest.
-After 10 years: It explodes to $36,925 — over $31,925 eaten up by interest.

That’s the silent danger of carrying credit card debt. The longer you let it sit, the faster it grows against you.

The good news? Paying off high-interest credit card debt is often one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

If you’re carrying balances and want a clear, practical plan to eliminate them, reach out. Let’s talk about strategies that can help you get ahead.

Tax Day is officially behind us!If you filed your return and received a refund, congratulations! Now is the perfect time...
04/16/2026

Tax Day is officially behind us!

If you filed your return and received a refund, congratulations! Now is the perfect time to put that money to work for your future instead of letting it disappear.

Here are some of the wisest ways to use your tax refund to build real financial momentum:

- Pay off high interest debt (credit cards, personal loans, etc.)
- Build or boost your 3 to 6 month emergency fund
- Jump start your retirement savings (Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, or 401k contribution)
- Save toward a big goal like a house down payment, dream vacation, or new car
- And plenty more (investing, education, home improvements, etc.)

A tax refund isn’t just extra money. It’s a perfect opportunity to accelerate your financial goals.

Use it wisely and you’ll thank yourself later.

Want help figuring out the best move for your specific situation? Drop me a message. Happy to walk through it with you!

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." – Benjamin FranklinI absolutely love this quote.Too many financial ...
04/14/2026

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." – Benjamin Franklin

I absolutely love this quote.

Too many financial advisors overlook this truth. In my opinion, one of if not the most important part of my job is education.

The more you understand your investments, the more confident and empowered you become. I never want my clients to simply do what I say. I want you to know why we are doing it. That way, you can make informed decisions with clarity and peace of mind.

If your current advisor simply places you in funds without explaining what they are, why they were chosen, or how they fit your goals, you deserve better.

Reach out. Let’s have a real conversation about your money and your future.

Knowledge is power.

One of my favorite personal finance strategies that I’ve used since I first started working is called “Paying Yourself F...
04/09/2026

One of my favorite personal finance strategies that I’ve used since I first started working is called “Paying Yourself First.”

Here’s how it works:

✅ Create a realistic budget so you clearly see how much money you have left each month. If needed, look for areas to cut back or focus on paying down debt to increase your cash flow.

✅ Work with a financial planner to build a solid Financial Plan. This helps you figure out exactly how much you need to save each month to reach your retirement goals — plus any other big goals like buying a home or taking a dream trip.

✅ Once you know those target amounts, set up automatic transfers from every paycheck: move the money for your retirement and other savings goals first.

✅ Then, with what’s left, pay your bills and handle your regular expenses.
The big difference?

Most people get paid, spend their money first, and try to save whatever is left at the end of the month. For many of us, there’s often little (or nothing) left to save. Because it’s not intentional or systematic, goals frequently get missed.

“Paying Yourself First” flips that script. It makes saving automatic and purposeful. This simple shift has made a huge difference for me personally and for many of my clients over the years.

What about you?

Do you use “Pay Yourself First,” or what savings strategy has worked best for you and your family?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments 👇

If you’d like help creating a budget and a personalized Financial Plan, feel free to send me a message.

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2009 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA
17011

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