Kenton Mickley at Spearman Financial Services

Kenton Mickley at Spearman Financial Services I develop and educate others on their financial plan to align with reality, goals, and values. | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
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07/17/2026

A bigger paycheck doesn't always mean you're coming out ahead.

I recently met with someone who was considering changing jobs because the new position offered higher pay and more consistent hours.

At first glance, it seemed like an easy decision.

But once we looked at the bigger picture, there was more to consider.

What benefits would they be giving up?
Would their retirement savings still be on track?
How would health insurance change?
Would the new job provide the same long-term opportunities?

Sometimes a raise isn't really a raise once you account for everything else.

The numbers on a paycheck are important, but they're only part of the story.

Before making a big career decision, it may be worth looking at your entire financial picture, not just your salary.

If you're facing a major financial decision and would like a second opinion, I'd be happy to help. You can text or call me at (740) 263-4453. Happy to help however I can.

07/15/2026

I recently met with a couple who ultimately decided to continue managing their finances on their own.

And you know what?

That's okay.

Not everyone needs to hire a financial advisor.

Some of their reasons made sense.

"It costs less."

"Most of the information is online."

They're right. There is a lot of good information available today.

But here's what I've learned.

Knowing something exists isn't the same as knowing how, when, or if it applies to your situation.

I've seen investment portfolios drift away from the risk someone intended to take.

I've seen tax-saving opportunities missed simply because no one knew to look for them.

I've seen people spend hours researching a question that could have been answered in one conversation.

And sometimes the biggest value isn't what happens while you're managing everything yourself.

It's knowing someone else understands your plan if life takes an unexpected turn.

Hiring a financial advisor isn't the right choice for everyone.

But there often comes a point where the value isn't just in the investments.

It's in the time you get back, the mistakes you may avoid, and the confidence that comes from having someone in your corner.

If you've ever wondered whether you've reached that point, I'd be happy to have a conversation.

07/13/2026

I heard a story recently that stuck with me.

A personal trainer had built a strong reputation working with clients who were trying to lose significant weight. What made her effective wasn’t just her knowledge, it was her experience. She had been on that same journey herself, and because of that, she understood the struggle in a way that couldn’t be taught in a textbook or learned from a certification alone.

It raised an interesting question:
When you’re trying to change your life, who do you trust more—someone who only understands the theory, or someone who has lived through the same challenge and figured out how to navigate it?

The lesson isn’t about appearance or comparison. It’s about connection.

People don’t just want information. They want to feel understood. They want someone who can meet them where they are, not where someone assumes they should already be.

That’s something I try to carry into my own work. Everyone is coming from a different starting point, with different experiences, concerns, and goals. The goal isn’t to talk over people—it’s to sit down with them, understand their situation, and help build a plan that actually fits their life.

Because real guidance doesn’t start with advice.

It starts with understanding.

What financial decision have you been putting off because you don’t want to talk to someone about it? If you'd like to talk it through, I'm always happy to help. You can schedule a complimentary consultation here:

07/10/2026

One of the hardest parts about retirement planning isn't the math.

It's realizing that time doesn't always follow the schedule we had in mind.

I recently met with a couple who had always pictured working a little longer before retiring.

Then their health started to change.

The conversation quickly shifted from, "How much more can we save?" to, "Can we retire and still enjoy the years ahead?"

That's why a retirement plan is about more than picking an age.

It's understanding what your life might look like if things don't go exactly as planned.

Sometimes you're closer than you think.

Sometimes you need to make adjustments.

But you'll never know by guessing.

In my experience, having a plan can help replace uncertainty with clarity and give you confidence to make decisions that align with your goals.

If you've been wondering whether retirement is closer than you think, or if life has changed your timeline, I'd be happy to help you talk through your options. You can schedule a complimentary consultation here:

07/08/2026

Not every dollar should be invested.

Not every dollar should sit in a checking account, either.

It depends on what that money is meant to do.

I recently met with a family that was planning to build their forever home over the next couple of years. They had a large amount of cash from selling their previous home and wanted to make sure it was available when they needed it.

The conversation wasn't just about where to keep the money.

It was about matching their money to their goal.

Money you'll need in the next year or two should typically be treated differently than money you're investing for retirement 20 years from now.

The right strategy often depends on your timeline, your goals, and how much flexibility you need along the way.

If you have money set aside for a big purchase, it may be worth asking if it's in the right place for what you're trying to accomplish.

If you'd like a second set of eyes on your financial situation, I'd be happy to help. You can schedule a complimentary conversation here:

07/06/2026

One of the best financial lessons you can teach your kids has nothing to do with investing.

It's learning to save before you spend.

I recently met with parents who wanted to start setting money aside for their children. As we talked, the conversation shifted from "Which account should we use?" to "How can we teach good habits along the way?"

They decided to match every dollar their kids choose to save or invest, similar to how some employers match contributions in a retirement plan.

It's a simple idea.

But it can help children see that making good financial decisions today may create more opportunities tomorrow.

The account matters.

The habits matter even more.

How are you helping the next generation learn about money?

Schedule your Free Consultation today to see if you want to look at helping future generations in your family:

07/03/2026

Receiving a large sum of money can come with tons of emotions.

It can also make you feel like you need to make a decision right away.

Pay off the mortgage?
Remodel the house?
Invest it?
Save it?

In my experience, taking a step back before making a big financial decision can often create more opportunities.

Sometimes that means considering the tax impact.
Sometimes it means improving your cash flow.
Sometimes it simply means giving yourself time to make a decision you'll feel good about.
A financial decision doesn't always have to be made the day, week, or even month the money hits your account.

If you've recently received, or expect to receive, a large sum of money, it may be worth talking through your options before deciding what to do next.

If you want to be proactive with this, you can schedule a time or just text or call me at (740) 263-4453. Happy to help however I can.

07/01/2026

Buying a home isn't always about asking, "Can I afford the payment?"

Sometimes the better question is, "What would I have to give up to make this work?"

I've seen people delay buying a new vehicle, put off a larger vacation, or simply wait a little longer before making another big purchase.

Those tradeoffs can create more flexibility than finding an extra source of income.

The goal isn't just getting approved for a mortgage.

It's buying a home while still feeling confident that you can handle the unexpected and continue making progress toward your other financial goals.

If you're thinking about buying a home, it may be worth looking at your entire financial picture before you start shopping.

Want help with your family's financial plan?

Some people spend like there’s no tomorrow.Some people save like they’ll live forever.In my experience, most people fall...
04/15/2026

Some people spend like there’s no tomorrow.
Some people save like they’ll live forever.

In my experience, most people fall somewhere in between… but aren’t sure if they’re doing it right.

Spending more:
You may enjoy life now
But might create stress later

Saving more:
You might be able to build security
But might push off things that matter

There’s no perfect answer.
I think just a better balance.

A good plan is typically designed to help you do both:
Enjoy your life today
And feel confident about tomorrow

If you’ve ever felt pulled in both directions, you’re not alone.

If you have ever felt that tension, it could be worth scheduling a meeting to help figure out what the right balance could look like for you: https://m.levitate.ai/16a332-9y2t5j/Free-Consultation

04/13/2026

There are more ways than ever to save for kids.

You might hear about things like:
UTMA/UGMA accounts
529 college savings plans
Brokerage accounts in a parent’s name
Custodial Roth IRAs
And now “Trump Accounts”

Each one can be useful.
But they all work a little differently.

Some are better for flexibility.
Some are better for taxes.
Some are better for specific goals like college or earned income.

There isn’t one “best” option.

The right choice depends on what you’re trying to do:
Save for college?
Give them flexibility later?
Teach them about money?

A lot of people pick one without fully understanding the tradeoffs.

If you’re setting money aside for your kids, I believe it’s worth making sure you’re using the right tool for the job.

If you want help intentionally deciding what account(s) make sense for your children, schedule your free consultation here:

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710 South Main Street Suite B
Mount Vernon, OH
43050

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