Apella Wealth

Honoring Madam CJ Walker: A Pioneer for Women in Business As we close out Women's History Month, we celebrate a true trailblazer, Madam CJ Walker. Her legacy continues to inspire the women of Apella Wealth, demonstrating that with vision, resilience, and determination, anything is possible. Born Sarah Breedlove as the ?rst free person in her family, Mrs. Walker revolutionized the hair care industry with her "Walker System" of products, born from her own struggles with hair loss. Through her innovative spirit and self-promotion, she became the ?rst African American woman millionaire and a leading entrepreneur. Beyond her business success, she used her fortune to fund scholarships for women at the Tuskegee Institute and support causes like the NAACP, Black YMCA, and many other charitable e?orts. Most notably, she empowered other African American women by o?ering employment and promoting ?nancial independence. Her commitment to ?nancial empowerment, philanthropy, and uplifting others continues to inspire us at Apella Wealth, where we believe in the power of women supporting women in all aspects of life. Source: https://hubs.la/Q03dWWv90

In this special episode of Talking Real Money, Co-Host Don McDonald sits down with David Booth, Founder and Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors, and Dave Butler, Co-Chief Executive Officer. Together, they explore Dimensional’s philosophy of disciplined, research-driven investing and discuss highlights from their documentary Tune Out the Noise. Tune in here: https://hubs.la/Q03dXMcw0

One spouse retires. The other keeps working. Sounds simple, right? Not always. From taxes to shifting household roles, this transition can be tricky. Here's how to make it smoother—financially and emotionally.

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m proud to serve as a fee-only, financial planner providing holistic, fiduciary financial advice to women, families, and small business owners. I’m passionate about partnering with my clients, especially women, to help them navigate their financial path with confidence and security. Together, we ensure that they are equipped to thrive, no matter the challenges they face. Celebrating the strength, resilience, and wisdom of women in every step of their financial journey!

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I’m reminded of the incredible women I have the privilege of working with, guiding them through what I call the ‘un-googleable financial moments.’ My purpose is to be her trusted advisor during the pivotal life transitions whether it’s expanding her family, navigating divorce, experiencing the loss of a spouse, managing sudden wealth, handling a promotion, or adjusting to a loss of income. These moments require the skilled, strategic, and measured approach of a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER?, and I’m honored to be part of her journey. - Claire Thornton

Social Security plays a vital role in your retirement. Do you know how to maximize it? Join us for a FREE webinar to learn how to optimize your benefits and avoid common mistakes. What we’ll cover: ?? Will Social Security be there for me? ?? When should I claim benefits? ?? How to maximize Social Security benefits ?? What taxes, divorce, and death mean for your benefits Date: Tuesday, March 25 Time: 4 PM ET, 3 PM CT, 1 PM PT Register Now: https://hubs.la/Q03cQw4Z0

Most teens don't think about saving for the future. Instant gratification wins every time. But with the right strategies, you can help them build smart money habits early. Here’s how to help them get started.

Celebrating Women Executives and Their Financial Empowerment! As women leaders in business, understanding the full scope of your compensation is essential. If you receive Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of your compensation, have you considered the tax implications they carry? RSUs can be a valuable asset, but they also come with potential tax consequences that might surprise you. As your RSUs vest, it's important to think about diversifying the risk tied to your employer's stock. Many of us have an unconscious bias toward holding more of our company's stock than is wise for our long-term financial well-being. Partnering with a financial advisor can help you navigate how RSUs impact your taxes and wealth-building strategy. Let’s ensure that, as women executives, we are empowered to make informed, strategic decisions about our financial futures. - Julie Hurd

Financial literacy matters! Apella’s Regional Director, Tom Cock joins the next episode of The Behavioral Divide on March 25th.

Exploring Ways to Give – Tying Your Donations to Your Financial Goals In honor of Women's History Month, let’s continue the conversation around charitable giving. In our first post, we discussed how important it is to ask the Five W's when considering where your donation goes and how it impacts the causes you care about. Now, let’s explore the different ways you can give—and how you can do it most effectively. There are three primary ways to give to a charitable cause: your time, your personal property (like books and clothes), and your money. When you choose to give money, there are a number of options available to you, each with unique benefits: ? Check: The traditional way of donating, simple and straightforward. ? Credit Card: A convenient option for recurring donations. ? Gifting Stock: Donating appreciated stock can help you avoid capital gains taxes and may provide a larger deduction. ? Donor Advised Fund (DAF): A tax-efficient way to give, where you can contribute assets, receive an immediate deduction, and direct funds to charities over time. ? Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from your IRA: A great option if you're over 70?, allowing you to donate directly from your IRA and reduce your taxable income. Each of these options has the potential to save you taxes if done in the right way for your specific circumstances. Speaking with your financial advisor can help you determine the most effective way to give, ensuring it aligns with your charitable goals and long-term financial plans. As women continue to make strides in financial independence and charitable giving, it's essential to explore the most effective ways to contribute while also considering the impact on your financial future. By combining generosity with strategy, you can ensure your gifts have a lasting impact on the causes you believe in. - Stephanie Murphy