Kurt Hagemann of Gateway Financial Partners

06/05/2026

Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain used to be free.

Rome has now introduced a 2 euro fee, about $2.35, to access the lower basin where most of those iconic photos get taken.

The reason isn't to make money. It's crowd control.

The fountain has been overwhelmed by foot traffic for years, and the city is testing ways to protect both the monument and the experience of visiting it.

It's a small example of how travel keeps shifting:
• Famous landmarks are introducing reservations, timed entries, and small fees
• Cities like Venice are charging day-trippers to limit crowds
• Popular hikes and parks now require permits where they used to be open access
• Some beaches in Europe are limiting daily visitors

For travelers, that means a little more planning. For families saving for big trips, it also means budgets need to flex with the new normal of small fees that add up.

The world is still wide open. It just looks a little different than it used to.

06/03/2026

A bucket list without a budget is just a wish list.

Most people picture the moment but skip the math. They underestimate flights, food, hotels, the small stuff that adds up.

By the time the trip lands on the calendar, the plan has drifted past the original number.

A few things that can help:

1. Set a target dollar amount, not just a destination

2. Open a separate account so it doesn't blend in with everyday spending

3. Estimate higher than you think you'll need

4. Build the savings timeline before you book

Bucket list trips don't have to wait for "someday." They just need a plan that matches the dream.

Need help on your road to retirement? I'd be happy to help.

331.297.0173
[email protected]

05/29/2026

Everyone loves the idea of the open road. No one pictures the flat tire.

Then I think of the movie RV.

Robin Williams' character desparately wanting to spend quality time with his family and when work forces him to cancel their family Hawaii trip, he tries to make lemonade from those lemons for a little RV roadtrip.

And, of course, almost nothing goes according to plan.

The route gets messy.
The vehicle has issues.
The family gets frustrated.
The trip looks nothing like what he imagined.

It’s one of those comedies where the lesson is, “When good company is with you, the destination doesn’t matter.”

And it couldn’t be more true.

Travel in retirement is no different.

You can map out the trips you want to take, the places you want to see, and the family memories you want to make. But life still has a way of adding detours.

When I talk with clients about travel in retirement, we are not only talking about where they want to go. We are also talking about how those trips fit into thei roverall plan.

Before you hit the road in retirement, it can help to have a conversation about what those trips may look like beyond the itinerary.

331.297.0173
[email protected]

05/25/2026

Travel can bring joy, perspective, and memories with the people you love. The key is making room for it in your retirement plan so those experiences feel thoughtful, not stressful.

05/21/2026

How much should you withdraw each year?
Should long-term care insurance be part of the plan?
Do annuities have a role in creating income?

These are not always simple yes-or-no decisions. They depend on your income needs, health, family, risk tolerance, and the lifestyle you want retirement to support.

That is why retirement planning should be flexible, personal, and revisited over time.

https://www.morningstar.com/personal-finance/3-tricky-decisions-every-retirement-plan?

Not even experts agree about the 'right' withdrawal rate, long-term-care insurance, and annuities.

05/18/2026

Retirement isn't viewed the same way everywhere.

In the U.S., retirement is often framed as ""stopping work."" A line you cross. A door that closes on one chapter and opens to another.

In other parts of the world, the picture looks different:

In Japan, ikigai centers on having a reason to get up each morning, well into later life. Many people continue working part-time by choice.

In parts of Europe, retirement is treated as a longer, more gradual transition rather than a single event.

In Latin American countries, multi-generational households are common, and retirement often means a shift in role within the family.

In the Nordic countries, retirees stay socially active through community programs that are baked into the culture.

The financial side of retirement matters. The lifestyle side, what you'll actually do with your time, is just as important.

What kind of retirement do you dream of having?

05/16/2026

A “$5K trip” abroad has a funny way of becoming a $10K life memory.

Flights, hotels, food, trains, entry fees, shopping, spontaneous plans, the “we’re already here” upgrade… it adds up fast.

And honestly? That’s not always a bad thing.

Some trips are worth more than the budget you planned. The real mistake is assuming your first number is the final number.

Better to build in room for:

Comfort.

Flexibility.

The unexpected yes.

The once-in-a-lifetime moment you didn’t want to miss.

If you’re trying to make the trip work without overspending, I can help you build a realistic budget.

331.297.0173
[email protected]

05/13/2026

The cost of living can look very different depending on where you are in the world.

A cost-of-living index compares the relative expense of everyday needs like housing, groceries, transportation, and other basics. In this example, countries like India and China rank much lower, while Germany and the U.S. sit on the higher end.

Why does this matter?

Because location can play a major role in how far your money goes, especially when planning for retirement, travel, relocation, or long-term financial goals.

A lower cost of living may stretch your budget further, but it is still important to consider factors like healthcare, taxes, lifestyle, currency changes, and family needs before making major financial decisions.

05/10/2026

Today we celebrate the moms, grandmothers, mother figures, and strong women who give so much of themselves every day.

Happy Mother’s Day.

04/30/2026

Understanding what triggers vesting can help a great deal when putting together a comprehensive plan!

Time-Based Vesting: This is the most common type of vesting event where RSUs vest according to a predetermined schedule. Typically, this might involve a portion of the RSUs vesting annually over a period of three to five years.

Performance-Based Vesting: RSUs may vest when certain performance criteria are met. These criteria could be based on individual, team, or company performance targets, such as reaching specific revenue goals or achieving certain project milestones.

Milestone Vesting: RSUs can also vest upon reaching specific milestones, such as the completion of a project, the achievement of a certification, or other significant events that are considered valuable for the company’s growth and success.