Harmon Smith

10/08/2026

Employee Ownership Month reminds us that building wealth through an ESOP is only part of the journey.

The next challenge is understanding how taxes, investments, retirement planning, and future financial goals work together.

Comprehensive planning helps ensure today’s decisions support tomorrow’s opportunities.

10/05/2026

: “The decisions you make today may influence the income, taxes, and flexibility you'll have tomorrow." –Harmon Smith Financial Group

Financial planning isn’t just about building wealth. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that support your future income, tax strategy, and financial flexibility.

Throughout October, we’ll be exploring retirement planning topics including Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Roth conversions.

10/01/2026

Financial planning is about more than numbers. It's about relationships, trust, family, and helping people make informed decisions about their future.

This video shares a glimpse into who we are, what we value, and why we do the work we do.

Welcome to Harmon Smith Financial Group.

09/28/2026

Retirement planning isn’t just about how much you’ve saved. As you transition from working and accumulating wealth to retirement, the focus shifts to how your assets can help support your income for the years ahead.

From RMDS and taxes to investment strategy and long-term income needs, these decisions can all play a role in building a retirement plan designed for what’s next.

09/23/2026

As retirement approaches, understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) becomes increasingly important.

Once you reach the required age (Age 73 – DOB between 1921-1959 or Age 75 – DOB 1960 or after), the IRS generally requires you to begin taking withdrawals from certain retirement accounts, whether you need the income or not.

These distributions can affect your taxable income, retirement cash flow, and overall financial strategy. Understanding the rules before they apply can help avoid surprises and support more informed retirement planning decisions.

Learn more:

What is an RMD? Recent legislation has changed some of the rules pertaining to retirement accounts. Here's what to know about required minimum distributions.

09/18/2026

For ESOP participants approaching retirement, understanding how your company benefits and required minimum distributions fit into your overall financial picture can be an important part of planning ahead. If you have questions about your ESOP, RMDS, or preparing for retirement, contact Harmon Smith Financial Group to learn more.

Harmon Smith Financial Group is an office of Northwestern Mutual based in Boise, ID. We work closely with our clients to develop customized financial plans to help reach lasting financial success.

09/14/2026

: “"The goal isn't simply building wealth. It's turning that wealth into a retirement strategy designed to support the life you've worked hard to create."–Harmon Smith Financial Group

09/10/2026

Building wealth and preserving wealth often require two different strategies.

Whether you've accumulated company stock through an ESOP, stock options, RSUs, or other employer equity programs, a growing position in a single company can create both opportunity and risk.

As retirement approaches, understanding how concentration risk may affect your long-term financial security becomes increasingly important.

In his latest Forbes article, Josh Harmon explores the concentrated stock trap and shares key considerations for people whose financial future may be heavily tied to the success of one company.

Read more:

Your best investment does not love you back. It does not know your retirement date, your tax bracket, your estate plan, your charitable goals, or the fact that you have been emotionally attached to it since the IPO. It is just a stock.

09/07/2026

Here’s to the hard workers, the problem-solvers, the team players, and everyone who gives their best each day. We hope this Labor Day gives you a chance to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the holiday.

09/02/2026

Josh Harmon recently shared his perspective in Forbes on seven retirement mistakes ESOP participants should avoid.

Building wealth through an ESOP is a major achievement, but turning that wealth into a sustainable retirement strategy requires a different set of decisions.

Drawing on his experience helping employees navigate important decisions around retirement income, diversification, and long-term financial planning, Josh outlines seven common mistakes that can impact retirement success and what investors should consider as they prepare for the transition.

Read more:

An ESOP retirement is a beautiful thing: decades of loyalty rewarded by equity in the business you helped build.