Rodney W. Brewer II, CFP - Charter Oak Financial

10/26/2026

Many tax-related decisions can be time-sensitive, making the months leading up to year-end an important time for planning. Whether you’re considering charitable giving, retirement savings, or other investment decisions, now may be a good opportunity to review your options and coordinate with your tax professional. Let’s connect.

10/23/2026

Three things for an employee to look at if your ESOP company is sold:

1️⃣ What does this mean for you financially? It’s important to be clear on the details – price per share, deal structure, and your voting rights are all important considerations.

2️⃣ How and when you’ll get paid – this varies, so it is important to be clear on the details about vesting, payout timing, and form of payment to expect.

3️⃣ Taxes and distribution options – for many employees, this may be the largest sum of money ever received, so it’s important to understand how it is taxed and how it fits in your overall financial plan.

Don’t go it alone – I can help you understand these considerations and more. Let’s connect.

10/22/2026

The best financial lessons often start at home. As Halloween approaches, consider using candy budgets, costume spending, or trick-or-treat rewards as opportunities to teach children healthy money habits.

This Halloween, candy as currency can become a lesson on budgeting, market value, even taxes. This article covers suggested lessons parents can teach kids.

10/22/2026

Check out this guide for tax-smart giving strategies to consider before year-end: https://bit.ly/4kgfWOe

Ready to start building your plan? Reach out today.

10/20/2026

As your life evolves, your insurance needs may change too. Learn how term-to-permanent conversions work and whether permanent life insurance or the use of an available conversion option may be appropriate for your situation.

https://bit.ly/4iu5d1n

10/19/2026

Last week, stocks fell as technology and AI-related weakness outweighed resilience in defensive sectors. Treasury yields declined amid demand for safety, while persistent inflation and strong consumer spending added uncertainty around interest rates. Learn more about the market forces driving recent performance in this week’s perspective.

10/19/2026

Many business owners spend years building value without knowing what their business
may be worth today. Understanding the value of your business can help support growth, succession, and long-term planning decisions. Let’s start the conversation.

10/16/2026

According to a recent study, 88% of pre-retirees have thought about retirement income, but 50% lack an updated written plan and even fewer work with a financial advisor. Let’s meet and look over your retirement plan to make sure you’re prepared for what comes next.

https://bit.ly/4s5tVbI

10/15/2026

The 4% rule is a basic rule-of-thumb when it comes to retirement, but how can we make it better? Let’s talk about your retirement plan and how adding an annuity can help reduce your market risk.

Researchers compared four ways to turn a $1 million nest egg into retirement income, weighing lifetime payouts, liquidity, and money left for heirs and emergencies.

10/12/2026

Last week, Stocks rose as broad market gains and earnings optimism outweighed inflation concerns. Bonds also advanced, with Treasury yields easing modestly. Economic data was mixed, with a strong labor market offset by weaker consumer sentiment and persistent inflation pressures. Check out this week’s market perspective to learn more.