A San Francisco based financial planning firm helping people who need solutions. We only go through this life once. Let's make it enjoyable.
Offering hourly or project fee-based financial planning services, investment management, retirement plans, and life, health, and disability insurance products for individuals and small businesses with less than 25 employees. Vanessa Stimac offers products and services using the following business names: VS Financial Planning – insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AI
C), Member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org) – securities and investments | Ameritas Advisory Services (AAS) – investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with VS Financial Planning. Products and services are limited to residents of states where the representative is registered. This is not an offer of securities in any jurisdiction, nor is it specifically directed to a resident of any jurisdiction. As with any security, request a prospectus from your representative. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. A representative will contact you to provide requested information. Representatives of AIC and AAS do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your situation. Information posted to this site by 3rd parties or links to 3rd party sites are not created or endorsed by AIC, AAS or their representatives. Their information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, their content cannot be guaranteed.
01/05/2026
The "latte effect" suggests your daily coffee habit is keeping you from building wealth. But is this actually true?
While that $5 daily latte adds up to about $1,800 annually, eliminating small pleasures isn't always the path to financial success.
Reality check: Major expenses like housing, transportation, and healthcare typically have a much bigger impact on your finances than occasional treats.
The key is balance. Before cutting all small joys, track ALL spending to see where your money actually goes and focus on managing your major recurring expenses first. Once you're setting aside money that you're "paying yourself first," review which small expenses truly bring you joy.
Small expenses matter when they're mindless habits rather than conscious choices. The real power comes from being aware of how you spend and making purposeful decisions that align with YOUR goals.
What's your take? Are small daily purchases holding you back, or do you think they're unfairly blamed?
Sources:
-MoneyDigest.com, March 2024
-FedWeek.com, July 2024
-NerdWallet.com, February 2025
12/14/2025
Happy Holidays ✨
Wishing you joyful moments, grateful hearts, and peaceful days this season. ❄️
May the weeks ahead bring warmth, celebration, and time with those who matter most. 🕯️🎁
12/09/2025
The purpose of a retirement strategy is to get where you want, when you want to be there. When I see articles saying, “active money managers struggle to beat index funds due to tariffs, economic uncertainty,” I believe we’re missing the point. Whether an investment underperforms or outperforms is fun to look at, but it’s about whether the investment helped your where and when.
12/02/2025
🌍 It's Giving Tuesday!
A global celebration of generosity and community. Whether you're donating time, money, or kindness, every act counts.
Let today be a reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a meaningful difference.
11/12/2025
When the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act was passed on July 4, the legislation left several unanswered questions that the IRS is now addressing. The IRS undergoes this process every year, but this time around, the OBBB has added to the uncertainty. Here’s what the 2026 Federal income tax brackets will look like.
10/13/2025
🧠 Here’s a thought…
“Estate” isn’t just about assets; it also involves thoughtful preparation for how responsibilities and decisions may be handled in the future. Whether you're outlining your wishes or reviewing existing strategies, TODAY is a great time to reflect on what matters most.
Have you also considered…
💭 Updating your will
💭 Considering powers of attorney
💭 Exploring strategies for future generations
💭 Aiming to reduce potential stress for loved ones
Everyone’s situation is unique. Work with your team of professionals today!
10/01/2025
📊 Did you know that October is National Financial Planning Month?
Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or refining an established strategy, a solid financial roadmap can help you feel more confident about your future. 🗺️
Here are some tips to consider:
✅ Set realistic goals
✅ Track spending & savings
✅ Review insurance & retirement goals
📲 Have questions or need help getting started? Reach out today and let’s get connected!
09/16/2025
🚢From ships to shares, here’s a brief history of stocks 📊
The first “stocks” were tied to dangerous sea voyages. Today? They’re traded with a tap.
Swipe to explore:
⚫ The first company to issue stock
⚫ The world’s first exchange
⚫ Why stocks became so popular
⚫ How this centuries-old idea still drives markets today
09/01/2025
Happy Labor Day! 🛠️
Today, we take a moment to recognize and appreciate the hard work of individuals across the nation.
Whether you're relaxing at home or enjoying a well-deserved day off, I hope you're able to recharge and enjoy this special day.
To the builders, creators, and doers: Happy Labor Day!
08/18/2025
Ready to tackle back-to-school season without breaking the bank?
Discover these easy-to-use budgeting hacks to ease the financial strain. Swipe on for clever tips to help start the school year off on the right foot!
Know someone who could use these tips? Tag them to share!
08/01/2025
📝 August is National Make-A-Will Month, a timely reminder that estate documentation deserves your attention.
A whopping 76% of Americans don't have a will. This can lead to unintended consequences for those with asset distribution and care for children.
A comprehensive estate strategy can help preserve your legacy while helping manage the probate process. Consider reviewing your documentation periodically, particularly after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children and grandchildren.
Our team can help your legal counsel facilitate comprehensive estate coordination. Contact us to discuss how we can help.
Source:
Caring.com, February 18, 2025.
05/28/2025
➡️ $4.8 Billion Lost: The Growing Cost of Scams Targeting Seniors
Investment fraud, phishing emails, and tech support scams aren't just digital annoyances; they drain billions from older Americans each year. According to a recent FBI report, seniors were hit hardest, with losses totaling $4.8 billion. And that may be just the tip of the iceberg, as many cases go unreported due to shame or fear.
The takeaway? Staying informed about evolving scam tactics is more than helpful—it’s necessary. Financial awareness is one of the best tools we have, especially for those supporting aging loved ones.
Source:
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Which way is the best view? The reflection or the actual scenery? I have found over the years that my job is taking your view and making it a reality. The view is not mine. I’ve known that all along, but only when I ventured out on my own could I embrace it. Maybe living in San Francisco for over 20 years has helped too.
I grew up with a construction working father and a stay-at-home mom who re-entered the work force after her youngest was in elementary school. They would not have been an ideal client to any finance firm. Four kids on one income living in a middle income neighborhood. Luckily, he was a union guy who had a forced savings, an annual holiday check and a coupon for a free turkey each year.
I’m a firm believer in what has happened in life has led me to this point. From struggling to pay college tuition, to working with the wealthiest of the wealthy, to selling insurance and meeting quotas, to saying what the heck, I should seek out people I want to work with and let the chips lie where they may. Every step builds a story and a foundation.
When I hear a client say I’m not good at my finances or act embarrassed that they don’t understand their 401(k) plan, I remind them that they are doing their best given their situation. When I come home defeated or feel like a hamster in the wheel, my husband reminds me that I do what I do because I am good at it and I help people. I remind myself it’s because someone like you needs someone who hears you.
So, why do I want to help you? Community. The stronger it is, the more you can support.
Thank you for reading!
Vanessa Stimac
Vanessa Stimac offers products and services using the following business names: VS Financial Planning – insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA/SIPC – securities and investments | Ameritas Advisory Services (AAS) – investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with Vanessa Stimac and VS Financial Planning.
Products and services are limited to residents of states where the representative is registered. This is not an offer of securities in any jurisdiction, nor is it specifically directed to a resident of any jurisdiction. As with any security, request a prospectus from your representative. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. A representative will contact you to provide requested information. Representatives of AIC and AAS do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your situation.
Information posted to this site by 3rd parties or links to 3rd party sites are not created or endorsed by AIC, AAS or their representatives. Their information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, their content cannot be guaranteed.