Kris Pelster, Financial Advisor

05/19/2026

One of the closest votes for a Fed chair in the modern era! I can hear Garro Ellis as he used to say on the Moneywise Radio show... "Don't fight the Fed"

In the most divisive vote ever for a Fed chair, Warsh, 56, won confirmation to take over for Jerome Powell.

05/18/2026

Think you have to start claiming Social Security at 62?

That's a myth that could cost you.

Fidelity recently broke down this common misconception with the facts behind Social Security:

➡️ Claiming at 62 locks in a permanent 30 percent reduction compared to waiting until full retirement age.

➡️ Waiting from 62 to 70 can increase your monthly benefit by approximately 77 percent.

➡️ If you're divorced after 10+ years of marriage and haven't remarried, you may be entitled to 50 percent of your ex-spouse's benefit, and claiming it doesn't affect theirs at all.

➡️ Benefits are based on your highest 35 earning years, not just what you made before 65. Working past 65 can still improve your calculation.

➡️ Once you claim it, that's your benefit, adjusted only for cost-of-living increases.

The decision of when to claim is one of the most consequential decisions when preparing for retirement.

For a benefit designed to last 20, 30, or more years, the math is worth getting right. 📊

07/17/2025

👀

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Key Tax Changes Starting 2025

👍EVERYONE 👍
Standard deduction increases to $15,750 for single filers, and $31,500 for those filing jointly.
State and local tax (SALT) deduction increases to $40,000 (temporary)

👥 SENIORS (65+) 👥
$6,000 bonus deduction (2025-2028)

👨‍💼 WORKERS 👨‍💼
No tax on tips (up to $25,000)
No tax on overtime (up to $12,500 single filer/$25,000 married filing jointly)

🏢 BUSINESS OWNERS 🏢
20 percent qualified business income deduction is now permanent
100 percent capital expensing restored

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILIES 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Child tax credit increases to $2,200
Dependent care limits increase to $7,500

🏡 ESTATE MANAGEMENT 🏡
Exemption increases to $15 million/$30 million (starts 2026)

IMPORTANT: Some of these changes are temporary (2025-2028). Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

04/13/2023

Join us as our very own, Garro Ellis teams up with Safe 1 Credit Union to this upcoming "Estate Conservation Workshop" – In-Person and Live Streaming
Tuesday, April 18 / 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Bakersfield Christian High School
12775 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA
To RSVP, please call (877) 723-3128 or send an email to [email protected] and include the following:
Name of Attendees
Phone #

12/10/2020

2020 introduced some major changes, making old 401(k)s and other workplace retirement plans valuable assets. But don’t tap into those accounts without understanding the risks and rules (the CARES Act added some extra wrinkles for those impacted by the crisis). This FREE guide helps investors take control in an uncertain situation and shows what the options are with an old employer plan. Not sure what to do next? Call 661-847-1000 to get your questions answered in a complimentary 1-on-1 phone appointment.

This FREE Guide reveals the 5 options to bring your zombie plans back to life!

12/03/2020

Clients and friends! If you have an old 401(k)/403(b) or other workplace plan that you haven’t taken action on, now’s a critical time. Download this FREE guide to help make sure you’re making the most of this opportunity to take control of your investments during a downturn. Overwhelmed and need personal advice now? I save a few appointments each week — grab one by calling 661-847-1000.

This FREE Guide reveals the 5 options to bring your zombie plans back to life!

11/26/2020

Attention workers and professionals! Major changes to how your 401(k) can be treated happened in 2020. If you’re not sure how to tap into it or what to do with an old 401(k) or workplace plan, download this FREE guide to help make the most of your options (the CARES Act added some extra flexibility for those impacted by the crisis). Get it by clicking below. Not sure what to do next? I save a few appointments each week — grab one by calling 661-847-1000.

This FREE Guide reveals the 5 options to bring your zombie plans back to life!

11/23/2020

We all know scammers are out there, protect yourself!

The scams may be new. The tactics aren't. Discover why!

11/19/2020

Your 401(k) comes with extra opportunity in 2020. Workers have extra flexibility in tapping their retirement accounts. But there are a lot of factors to balance before deciding what to do with a 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan. This FREE guide helps investors take control of an uncertain situation and shows what the options are with an old employer plan. Overwhelmed and need personal advice now? Call 661-847-1000 to get your questions answered in a complimentary 1-on-1 phone appointment.

This FREE Guide reveals the 5 options to revive your old zombie plans!

11/16/2020

Protect yourself from modern money scams!

Learn how the top money scams work so you don't get taken