SageCreek Planning & Investments

SageCreek Planning & Investments Financial Planning, Retirement Planning & Investments

Saving for retirement is important. But where you save matters, too.A traditional 401(k) can be a great tool; you receiv...
09/02/2026

Saving for retirement is important. But where you save matters, too.

A traditional 401(k) can be a great tool; you receive the tax benefit today and allow those dollars to grow for retirement. But eventually, Uncle Sam gets his share. For some retirees, years of building a large pre-tax balance can mean sizeable required minimum distributions, more taxable income, and potentially higher Medicare premiums later in life.

That’s why retirement planning shouldn’t stop at “How much am I saving?”

It should also include:

• How much am I building in pre-tax vs. Roth accounts?
• What could my tax bracket look like in retirement?
• Is there an opportunity for Roth conversions during lower-income years?
• What is the most tax-efficient way to eventually leave these assets to my family?

The goal isn’t necessarily to pay the least amount of taxes this year. It’s to make intentional decisions that could help reduce your lifetime tax bill. Retirement planning and tax planning should work together.

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

Tax strategies should be evaluated based on your individual circumstances. Consult with your tax professional regarding your specific situation.

When a new technology is created it is hard for us to truly predict how we will use or benefit from it. When the interne...
08/31/2026

When a new technology is created it is hard for us to truly predict how we will use or benefit from it. When the internet was created, everyone knew it was going to be revolutionary, but no one at the time could have predicted the ways we use it today.

Every new technology follows a similar pattern:

1. New tech is introduced
2. Hype and excitement skyrockets
3. Capital investment ramps up
4. Productivity improves

It is often not until years later that we figure out exactly how the new technology is going to best be used and what the full effects on productivity will be.

AI will be no different. Hype -> Investment -> ???

We are still in the early speculation faze on how AI will be used. We will end up using it in ways that no one can currently imagine.

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” 🥚It’s good advice when we’re talking about investments, but not necessarily whe...
08/26/2026

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” 🥚

It’s good advice when we’re talking about investments, but not necessarily when we’re talking about where your accounts are held. I often see people spread their IRAs, brokerage accounts, old 401(k)s, and other investments across several different companies because it feels safer or more diversified.

But having accounts at multiple firms doesn’t necessarily mean your investments are diversified. What it can mean is that no one has a clear view of your entire financial picture. And that can make good planning harder.

When your accounts are coordinated under one financial planning relationship, it becomes much easier to:
• Manage your investments as one overall portfolio rather than several disconnected accounts
• Identify opportunities for Roth conversions
• Coordinate tax-loss harvesting and other tax strategies
• Manage withdrawals and distributions more intentionally
• Avoid unnecessary overlap between investments
• Make sure your investment strategy actually supports your financial plan

The goal isn’t simply to have everything in “one basket.” The goal is to make sure you have the right basket with diversification happening inside of it.

That’s also one of the benefits of working with an independent financial planning firm that can access a wide range of investment options without needing to rely on proprietary products.

One team. One strategy. One complete financial picture. 🌿

Being part of the “sandwich generation” can mean balancing a lot at once: raising children, helping aging parents, manag...
08/19/2026

Being part of the “sandwich generation” can mean balancing a lot at once: raising children, helping aging parents, managing a career, and still trying to plan for your own future. 💚

The financial impact can add up quickly, but so can the emotional and physical demands. Tracking expenses, setting clear expectations, sharing responsibilities, and knowing your own limits can help make this season a little more manageable.

You can care for the people you love while still protecting your own financial well-being and future.

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

Where should your next dollar go? 💵There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but having a priority order can make saving and ...
08/12/2026

Where should your next dollar go? 💵

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but having a priority order can make saving and investing feel a whole lot less overwhelming.

A good place to start:

1️⃣ Get the full 401(k) match — don’t leave free money on the table.
2️⃣ Consider a Roth IRA for tax-free growth and qualified withdrawals.
3️⃣ Build taxable investments for flexibility and fewer restrictions.
4️⃣ Circle back to your 401(k) — especially if Roth contributions are available or reducing taxable income is becoming a priority.
5️⃣ Explore additional after-tax savings strategies when appropriate.
6️⃣ Then think about accounts for the kids.

That last one can be tough for parents, but remember: you can borrow for college. You can’t borrow for retirement.

The goal isn’t to do everything at once. It’s to make sure your dollars are working in the right order for your financial plan. 🌿

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

Almost half of US Stocks have lost money over the last 5 years. During the same time frame the S&P 500 is up almost 74%....
08/10/2026

Almost half of US Stocks have lost money over the last 5 years. During the same time frame the S&P 500 is up almost 74%.

Investing in individual stocks is radically different than investing in the stock market or diversified investment vehicles. Each have their own risks, but the risks are not on the same level.

Would five more years of work strengthen your retirement, or take time away from what matters most? Consider both the fi...
08/07/2026

Would five more years of work strengthen your retirement, or take time away from what matters most? Consider both the financial benefits and the personal tradeoffs before deciding.

💰 Review the numbers: Working longer may increase savings, Social Security benefits, and access to employer health coverage.

❤️ Consider your quality of life: Health, job stress, caregiving needs, and time with loved ones can matter just as much as finances.

🚦 Find your zone: Determine whether retiring now would require major changes, a few adjustments, or none at all.

https://bit.ly/4pO0GJt

Dreaming of a surprise inheritance? Think twice before cashing out that inherited IRA!For many non-spouse beneficiaries,...
08/05/2026

Dreaming of a surprise inheritance? Think twice before cashing out that inherited IRA!

For many non-spouse beneficiaries, inherited IRAs come with the 10-year rule, but the strategy isn't always as simple as taking equal withdrawals or waiting until year ten.

Questions to consider:
• Are annual distributions required?
• Does it make sense to spread withdrawals over several years?
• Could waiting create a larger tax burden later?
• How does your income affect the decision?

Every inherited IRA tells a different story, and the wrong move could mean paying more in taxes than necessary. Before making any decisions, make sure you understand your options and have a plan in place. Your inheritance should become part of your legacy, not an unexpected tax headache.

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

Your former spouse may still be listed to inherit certain assets after divorce unless you update the paperwork. A post-d...
07/31/2026

Your former spouse may still be listed to inherit certain assets after divorce unless you update the paperwork. A post-divorce estate review can help make sure your documents reflect your new wishes.

📄 Revise key documents: Update your will, trusts, and beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and other assets.

🔒 Choose new decision-makers: Review your power of attorney and healthcare directives so the right people can act for you if needed.

👨‍👩‍👧 Protect your children: Confirm guardianship plans and consider trusts for education, special needs, or future support.

https://bit.ly/4vJQF12

🏆 Every championship team has a complete lineup. Your financial plan should too.Too often, people focus on just one piec...
07/29/2026

🏆 Every championship team has a complete lineup. Your financial plan should too.

Too often, people focus on just one piece of the puzzle (investing) while overlooking the other players that help build long-term financial success.

🌟 Your financial starting lineup should include:
✅ Emergency savings
✅ Insurance
✅ Estate planning
✅ Debt strategy
✅ Fraud protection
✅ Cash flow management
✅ Investing
✅ Tax strategy
✅ Education savings
✅ Retirement planning
✅ Long-term goals

And every great team needs a coach! As a financial planner, my role is to help bring all the pieces together so your financial plan is working as one team, not a group of individuals.

Is your financial lineup ready for game day? Let's find out!

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Roanoke, VA
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