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SageCreek Planning & Investments

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Roanoke, VA
SageCreek Planning & Investments

Financial Planning, Retirement Planning & Investments

07/16/2026

📢 There's a lot of buzz around the new Trump Accounts, but are they the right fit for your family?

Like many new pieces of legislation, these accounts come with exciting opportunities and important details to understand.

In this infographic, we break down:
✅ Who is eligible
✅ Contribution limits
✅ How withdrawals are taxed
✅ How they compare to 529 plans and Roth IRAs
✅ One major area where we're still waiting on guidance from the Treasury and IRS

The biggest takeaway? Just because a new account exists doesn't automatically mean it's the best option for everyone. Every family's financial situation is different, and it's important to understand how a new strategy fits into your overall plan.

If you have questions about Trump Accounts, or want to know whether they make sense for your family, we'd be happy to help.

📩 Feel free to send me a message or leave your questions in the comments!

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

07/13/2026

Does this market still have room to run?

The average U.S. economic expansion since 1926 has been 61.4 months. When we zero in on the more recent expansions (1982 and onward), this extends the length to 104.3. As of last month's end we are 74 months into the current expansion.

If this expansion is inline with what we have experienced in recent history, then we may still have a couple years of glorious growth ahead. However, if we revert back to long(er) term averages then we may be currently "overachieving".

What do we do in this situation?

Nothing (ish)...

Markets are near impossible to time. Those that attempt to do so, end up underperforming. We will not try and guess WHEN the next correction will be, but we do know that one WILL occur at some point.

We will prepare in the same way we always do - by making sure your portfolio is set up for various market environments in advance. That way, when a pull back does occur, we get to relax and rest on our discipline and ignore the emotion.

07/10/2026

Emergencies are inevitable, but financial stress doesn’t have to be. While the standard emergency fund is 3-6 months of expenses, it's best to start with small, manageable milestones, such as saving your first $1,000.

Automate and separate: Set up an automatic transfer from your paycheck to a separate, high-yield savings account to effortlessly build savings that are "out of sight" and less tempting to spend.

Target your needs: Determine your ideal amount based on your responsibilities (e.g., family/self-employed may need six months or more) and use windfalls like tax refunds to accelerate your progress.

Don't feel guilty: The fund is for emergencies; if you use it, don't feel guilty—just make replenishing it your next top financial priority.

Source: https://bit.ly/quiF

07/08/2026

🏡 Thinking about putting your child's name on your house? You may want to pause first.

Many parents assume adding a child to the deed is the easiest way to avoid probate, but it can create unintended tax consequences and even give up ownership rights sooner than you realize.

A Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed may be a better solution for many homeowners because it can:
✅ Keep you in full control of your home during your lifetime
✅ Help your home avoid probate
✅ Preserve the potential step-up in basis for your heirs
✅ Be changed if your wishes change

Every family's situation is different, but this is one of those estate planning topics that can have a lasting impact on your loved ones.

If you're wondering whether a TOD deed makes sense for you, I'd be happy to point you in the right direction and help you understand how it fits into your overall financial plan.

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

07/06/2026

What happens if our best players get a red card?

The US stock market has dominated the global market over the last 10 years, but that performance has been almost entirely driven by 6 companies.

Our star players: Facebook (Meta), Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Netflix, and Microsoft are scoring all of the goals. If we benched our starters, then the game would be a bit more evenly matched.

When we look at SP500 performance without these 6 stocks, the performance over the last 10 years is a lot closer.

This indicates two things to me:

1. When looking to add diversification to portfolios we should not ignore international exposure just because the performance has lagged over the last 10 years. As we add diversity around these star players (through international exposure) we keep the performance relatively similar over time, but get access to much different skill sets. (i.e we start to lower correlation with a similar performance level.)

2. It is no coincidence that the US has the best/most star players in the global stock market. We have the best recruitment packages to offer businesses (taxes, policy, etc.). We have earned our performance by being the most rewarding country to be an entrepreneur.

While I would not bet against the great US companies, I certainly would start to look to expand my bench with different talent pools.

07/03/2026

Proud to celebrate the freedom, opportunity, and community that make our country so special. Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, and relaxing Independence Day! ✨

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

07/01/2026

Financial planning isn't just about investments; it's about preparing the people you love most.

One of the most meaningful conversations we can have is inviting your children or future beneficiaries to the table before they ever need to be there. It gives them the opportunity to understand your wishes, ask questions, and build a trusted relationship with the advisor who already knows your family's story.

Those conversations can make an incredibly difficult time a little less overwhelming and help ensure your legacy is carried forward with confidence.

If you'd like to include your family in your next review, we'd be honored to welcome them!

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

06/26/2026

Don’t think of retirement as a finish line; it’s more like a reset most people don’t see coming. Here’s what surprises many retirees:

Routines Still Matter: Endless free time sounds ideal, but a little daily structure keeps life feeling steady and fulfilling.

Identity Shifts: Without a career label, many retirees rediscover who they are beyond work.

Connections Change: Social circles often shrink without workplace interactions, requiring more intentional relationships.

https://bit.ly/4rGIwsr

06/24/2026

The long game matters… in soccer and in your finances. A good plan helps you stay disciplined, make adjustments when needed, and keep moving toward the goals that matter most.

⚽💰 Stay focused. Stay intentional. Stay the course.

06/23/2026

Ronaldo or Messi?

Most focus on the star players, but the world cup reminds us that what often matters most is the environment that surrounds the star player.

Markets work the same way.

One of the most overlooked forces shaping stock performance is the direction of the U.S. dollar. A strong Dollar is a tailwind for US stocks, while a weak Dollar gives favor to the away team.

Just like World Cup teams adjust their strategy to the conditions, investors should understand how the playing field changes across different dollar regimes.

Here's what stock performance has looked like during strong vs. weak dollar environments:

-Aston Edmunds, CFA, CFP®

Address

4233 Colonial Avenue
Roanoke, VA
24018

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 3pm

Website

http://www.sagecreekplanning.com/

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