Brent Shaw, Modern Woodmen of America

12/18/2025

At Modern Woodmen, our brand colors tell a story.

In our early days, members would have jewelry decorated with red (representing life, action), white (pure intentions) or green (eternal life) enamel.

Today, our official colors are blue and green, often depicted through sky and land imagery. This expresses our rural roots, while conveying growth and a positive future.

12/17/2025

Retiring in 2026? Here are three year-end retirement planning tips to help you make the most of your finances before the calendar flips.

1. Maximize retirement contributions. Boost your 401(k), IRA and HSA savings before limits reset!
2. Delay Social Security (if you can). Waiting equals bigger monthly checks later.
3. Review and update your wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health-care directives.

Meet with me to discuss!

12/11/2025

Looking for fun, cost-friendly DIY projects to add some magic to your holidays? Here are five ideas!
1. DIY garland: String together popcorn, cranberries or paper cutouts.
2. Toilet paper roll crafts: Make Santas, reindeer or mini gift boxes.
3. Mini gingerbread houses: Use graham crackers instead of gingerbread.
4. DIY holiday cards: Use stamps, stickers and recycled paper.
Upcycled jar gifts: Fill with homemade treats, bath salts or cocoa mix.

12/10/2025

Looking for a meaningful gift this holiday season?

Set your grandchildren up for lifelong security with life insurance designed just for them.
· Lock in low rates while they’re young.
· Protect their future insurability.
· Build cash value for college, a first car, or other milestones.

Let’s talk about how you can give peace of mind that lasts a lifetime.

12/04/2025

Hey, members! Have you checked out our member website?

It's a convenient place to check account balances, explore member programs, find important tax documents, and much more.

Mobile users: Don't forget to update your app to access the latest enhancements!

Log in to Modern Woodmen’s member website to access your account information, request fraternal benefits and more.

12/03/2025

As we approach the end of the year, it's the perfect time to reflect, organize and prepare for the future. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy – it’s for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are honored.
· Review your will.
· Update beneficiaries.
· Consider trusts and powers of attorney.
· Talk to a financial representative.
Start the new year with peace of mind. Let's talk about how estate planning can work for you.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. You’ve worked hard. Without proper planning, mistakes can impact your family’s well-being. Together, we can help you plan your final wishes. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your legacy is protected.

12/02/2025

Encourage your teen to apply for Modern Woodmen's scholarship competition by Feb. 2.

Your graduating senior could win up to $10,000! Eligibility rules apply.

www.modernwoodmen.org/scholarships-hs

11/27/2025

What Thanksgiving dish is on your table today?

11/26/2025

This season, consider giving something truly priceless: peace of mind. Life insurance isn’t just a policy. It’s a promise to protect the people you love most.

Whether it’s securing your children’s future, covering unexpected expenses or simply showing you care, life insurance is a gift that keeps giving.

Let's meet to discuss your options.

11/20/2025

Myth: If you can’t save a lot, it’s not worth saving at all.

Fact: Even small, consistent contributions add up. Saving a little regularly builds habits and creates a foundation for future financial stability.

11/19/2025

Small-business owners – this season, give yourself the gift of financial peace of mind.

As the holidays ramp up, so do demands on your business. Now’s the perfect time to think beyond seasonal sales and focus on long-term protection and planning. Modern Woodmen offers tools to help you:
· Prepare for unexpected events (like the loss of a key employee).
· Set up buy-sell agreements to protect your legacy.
· Offer meaningful employee benefits without complex plans.
· Understand your business’ true value for future growth.

Learn more about how Modern Woodmen can assist and contact me with any questions!

https://www.modernwoodmen.org/financial-planning/business-planning/

11/13/2025

When you hear the phrase "compound interest," what comes to mind?

· Is it magic money growth?
· A confusing math term?
· The reason your savings could explode over time?

Let’s break it down together. Compound interest is when your money earns interest on both the original amount and the interest it’s already earned. Over time, that can really add up.

Did you know what it meant before this post? Drop your thoughts below or meet with me to chat more!