Ashwood Financial Partners

At Ashwood Financial Partners, we believe that financial empowerment is a key driver of independence, confidence, and opportunity—especially for women. Women are earning more, launching businesses, and making major financial decisions. But too often, they face unique challenges when it comes to wealth-building, investing, and long-term financial security. That’s why we’re committed to providing the education, resources, and support women need to take control of their financial futures. Empowering women financially isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart economics. When women thrive financially, families, communities, and businesses all benefit. We’re proud to be part of this movement and will continue to champion financial confidence for all. #WomenEmpowerment #FinancialConfidence #AshwoodFinancialPartners #StrongerTogether

?? Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA): A Hidden 401(k) Tax Strategy! ???? If you have company stock in your 401(k), you could pay less in taxes when withdrawing! Here’s how: ?? How NUA Works: ? Move company stock out of your 401(k) ? Pay income tax only on the stock’s original cost (not the growth!) ? When you sell later, the gains are taxed at lower long-term capital gains rates (not higher income tax rates!) ?? Who Should Consider NUA? ?? Your company stock has grown significantly ?? You’re in a high tax bracket ?? ?? You’re retiring or leaving your job ?? You plan to sell stock soon for liquidity ?? What to Watch Out For: ? Immediate tax on cost basis ?? ? Must take a lump-sum distribution ? Losing tax deferral—stock moves to a taxable account ? Risk of holding too much company stock ?? Have you considered NUA for your 401(k)? Drop a comment or DM me to see if it makes sense for you! ?? #RetirementPlanning #TaxStrategy #401k #NetUnrealizedAppreciation #Retirement

??? Your Financial Multitool: The Roth IRA! ??? Did you know your Roth IRA isn't just for retirement? It's a powerhouse for multiple financial goals! ?? Here's why it deserves a spot in your toolbox: ? Retirement Rockstar: Tax-free income in retirement? Yes, please! ?? Contributing up to $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+) in 2024 could make a huge difference. (Check IRS website for MAGI limits) ? Emergency Fund Lifeline: Need quick access to cash? You can withdraw your contributions (not earnings) tax and penalty-free! ?? Earnings withdrawn before 59 1/2 are subject to taxes and penalties unless a qualifying event occurs. ? Teaching Teens About Investing: Start them young! ?? A custodial Roth IRA is a fantastic way to introduce long-term investing to your teens. ? College Dreams & First Home Goals: ???? Use earnings for college expenses or a first-time home purchase (up to $10,000 lifetime limit for home purchase!). ? Estate Planning Powerhouse: No RMDs during your lifetime! ?? Let your Roth IRA grow and pass on tax-free income to your beneficiaries. Key Takeaways: Roth IRA contributions are after-tax, but qualified withdrawals are TAX-FREE. Income limits apply, so make sure you qualify. There are rules and exceptions, so it's essential to understand them. 529 plan unused funds can be rolled over to a Roth IRA, with certain restrictions. Question for you: What's your favorite benefit of a Roth IRA? Or, if you don't have one, what's holding you back? ?? Let's chat in the comments! ?? #RothIRA #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #Investing #PersonalFinance #EmergencyFund #CollegeSavings #FirstHome #EstatePlanning

The Ashwood team had a great evening at the CFA Society Virginia's 21st Annual Forecast Event. We celebrated CFA charterholder recipients and enjoyed a fireside chat where Simona Mocuta and Andrea DiCenso shared their perspective and outlook for the global economy and capital markets.

?? Calling all plan sponsors!! ?? Join us on Tuesday, February 25th at 1pm for an informative webinar focused on effective participant communication and strategies to engage your participants to ensure your retirement plan is set up for success. **This session is pre-approved for HRCI & SHRM credits!** ? Did you know? ? At Ashwood Financial Partners, we take our fiduciary responsibility seriously—especially when it comes to participant education. We work closely with plan sponsors to provide clear, actionable guidance that helps employees make informed financial decisions. Our goal? To create stronger retirement outcomes by ensuring participants understand their options and feel empowered to save effectively.

Tariffs: Friend or Foe? ?? ?? Let's break down what they are, why they matter, and how they could impact your portfolio. ?? What are tariffs? ?? Simply put, tariffs are taxes on imported goods. ?? Governments use them to protect domestic industries or try to gain leverage in trade negotiations. ?? Why should you care? ??♀? Because tariffs can affect your investments! ?? They can impact company profits, consumer prices, and even overall economic growth. ?? The current situation: ?? The US is in the midst of a trade war with several countries, including China and those in the European Union. ?? This has led to a series of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs being imposed on various goods. ?? US Imports and Exports: A Deeper Dive ?? The US is the world's largest customer, with imports totaling nearly $4 trillion in 2023. ?? That's roughly 15% of the total US economy! ?? Our top imports include: Electronics from China (smartphones, computers, etc.) Cars from Mexico and Canada Oil from Canada On the export side, the US primarily sends out: Oil and gas ??? Pharmaceuticals ?? Aerospace parts ?? GDP and Leverage: The US Advantage The US has leverage in trade negotiations: its massive GDP. ?? In 2024, the US economy reached a cumulative GDP of approximately $29 trillion. The next largest competitor is China, with a GDP of approximately $18 trillion, followed by Japan at a mere $4 trillion. This significant difference underscores the leverage the US holds in trade deals. ?? What to watch for: ?? Key product categories: ?? Electronics from China, cars from Mexico and Canada, and oil from Canada. ??????? If tariffs hit these items, expect price increases and potential disruptions to supply chains. Size of the problem: ?? The US economy is huge, so tariffs may not have a major impact on its own. However, they can still cause volatility in the markets and affect specific industries. ?? Who's affected most: ?? US trading partners, especially those with smaller economies, are more vulnerable to tariffs. This is because the US is a major customer for their exports. ?? The bottom line: ?? Tariffs are a complex issue with no easy answers. ?? As investors, it's important to stay informed about the ongoing trade war and its potential impact on your portfolio. ?? #tariffs #tradewar #investing #financialadvice #markets

Looking for flexible financing without disrupting your investments? Consider a Securities-Backed Line of Credit (SBLOC). ? What is it? A credit line backed by your non-retirement securities. ? Allows you to keep your portfolio intact. ? Potentially avoid capital gains taxes by not selling investments. ? Why use it? Access liquidity for major purchases or unexpected needs. ? Lower rates compared to many other borrowing options. ? Fast, convenient funding without annual or closing fees. When you need funds, an SBLOC could provide the flexibility to keep your long-term investment strategy on track. Curious to learn more? Reach out. ?

FOMC Decision Preview – What’s Next for Markets? ???? ?? All eyes on the Fed today! ?? The FOMC’s decision isn’t expected to deliver a rate cut, but what Powell says next will shape market sentiment for the weeks ahead. Here’s what’s at stake: ?? The Fed Pause Question – Markets have rebounded from the recent tech selloff, but uncertainty looms over whether the Fed is signaling a pause in rate cuts. If Powell leaves the door open for a March cut, expect a relief rally. If he’s hawkish (hinting at a prolonged pause), stocks could see renewed selling pressure. ?? Key Sectors to Watch ? Cyclical sectors (Financials, Industrials, Materials) should outperform if Powell keeps cuts on the table. ? Tech and growth stocks remain vulnerable if the Fed stays firm on rates. ?? Defensive plays (Healthcare, Consumer Staples) could outperform in a hawkish scenario. ?? Market Expectations & Risks ? Base Case: No rate cut today, Powell plays it safe, leaves March open ? Mild rally ?? ? Hawkish Case: Fed hints at no more cuts, Powell non-committal ? Stocks drop, bonds sell off ?? ?? Dovish Surprise: Powell strongly signals March cut ? Broad market rally, Dollar weakens, Gold surges ? ?? Bottom Line: Even without a rate change, today’s decision could dictate market trends into Q1. Stay focused on Powell’s words—his tone will move stocks, bonds, and the dollar. What’s your take? Will Powell leave the door open for March, or are we looking at a prolonged pause? Drop your thoughts below! ?? #FOMC #FederalReserve #InterestRates #StockMarket #Investing #MarketUpdate

?? Employee Ownership: Congratulations to LifeStyle Home Builders and Main Street Homes of VA, Inc.??for transitioning to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), per Richmond BizSense. What does this mean? By becoming employee-owned, these companies are empowering their workforce to share in the company's success. How does an ESOP work? Think of it as a retirement plan where employees own a piece of the company. Over time, employees earn shares, which could provide a significant financial boost upon retirement or leaving the company. Why is this a big deal? --Increased Motivation: Employees are more invested in the company's success. --Enhanced Retirement Savings: A powerful tool for building wealth. --Tax Advantages: Benefits for both the company and its employees. At Ashwood Financial Partners, we are proud to work with clients similar to these businesses that leverage the power of ESOPs. By combining ESOPs with 401(k) plans, we help businesses create robust retirement strategies that benefit both the company and its employees. Let's discuss how an ESOP can benefit your business. #ESOP #EmployeeOwnership #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #BusinessSuccess https://lnkd.in/etmiAu8V

We’re excited to invite you to a special lunch event at Crafted RVA on Wednesday, February 5th, at noon for a SHRM credit-approved presentation titled: Fiduciary Misconceptions!