Financial Advisor: Chandra Ritter - Financial Architects

10/15/2026

I had a fun coffee meeting with Wolf. She's all about helping us financial advisors with marketing and branding. Check out her page if you're looking for help.

Alkimie is a strategy-first brand and marketing collective designed to help you rediscover the soul of your brand, activate those indelible truths, and connect in all the ways that matter. Brand Strategy | Art Direction | Marketing Strategy | Content Strategy Denver, Colorado

10/14/2026

Three things I would have done differently when I started thinking about divorce....
I would have split up savings accounts 50/50 immediately.
I would have closed all joint lines of credit immediately.
I would have opened a line of credit in my name only.

Once you file, the courts ordered no movement of certain funds or opening new accounts. After 10 years of marriage, I struggled to have the funds for a retainer for my lawyer because most of our net worth was in real estate or 401k.

It was a scary thought not being able to find my own representation.

There's a lot of variables to thinking about going out on your own. If you need a fresh start and a person in your corner, you know what to do.

10/12/2026

"I don't even know what to ask for. I know we have the farm, and some loans. I don't have a good idea if I'll be ok after the divorce."

This lovely woman was in the early stages of divorce. They had just separated, and she was working through a spending plan. We worked through her net worth, organized the assets, the bank accounts, and the debt.

Having a clear picture of what half might be, was such a relief. We talked about pros and cons of different types of assets and their liquidity.

She liked the idea of having a financial advisor that was separate from her current person. A fresh start. A new perspective.

We have a long way to go before the divorce is finalized, but she has someone in her corner she can call if she has questions.

10/10/2026

Tis spooky season....time to break out these relics to grab my fall movies.

Am I the only one left with a working VCR?

10/08/2026

To all those going through a divorce, be mindful of what assets are received in the settlement.

Not all assets are liquid. You may be receiving 50% of the assets, but if all your half is tied up in the equity of the house, that's not going to help when you get a flat tire.

Have a professional help you analyze the assets to find a good balance of liquid vs not liquid assets.

10/06/2026

"Saving for my child is a non-negotiable. It's extremely important to me that I set them up for success. I contribute $150 per paycheck to an account for my kids. I don't know if putting it into a CD is the most efficient use of the funds."

There are several routes when setting up savings for kids. Depending upon the timeline, the use of the funds, and the individual child's attitude toward money there are different options that may be the best fit.

I have a child who will save every cent ever given to them. My other child doesn't care the bank balance. When and how they get access to the money matters, as does the goal of the funds.

We found the best combination of CDs in a savings accounts and an investment account for this parent.

09/23/2026

I cannot stress enough... listen and learn from other people about finances. Don't take it as gospel though.

Just because Frank made a lot of money in real estate, doesn't mean you should own rental houses. Why it may not work for you: Frank is a handy man and can do all the repair himself, you're not handy and will have to hirer it out.

Just because your grandma made a bunch of money in bonds, doesn't mean you'll do the same. Why it may not work for you: bond returns in the 80s were around 12% and 18%. They haven't been that for a bit.

Just because your parents say "all debt is bad" and "pay it off as soon as possible", doesn't necessarily mean you should pay extra on your 3% mortgage. You may gain a higher rate of return growing your wealth.

Everyone has something that worked for them. That's amazing. Learn about it and find out the pros/cons. Just because it worked for them, doesn't mean it will fit well for your situation and risk appetite. Listen for knowledge, not blind following.

09/17/2026

"I can't afford to lose money. The market scares the crap out of me."

One of my clients came in for a consult. She wanted to know with the amount she'd saved up, when could she comfortably retire. She'd recently inherited some funds, and wanted to know how to safely grow it.

This case was a bit difficult.

She had a (well meaning) family member telling her how he made his fortune, but it was in the market where she wasn't comfortable. (Also rental houses, but she's not handy and he lives across the country.)

So we talked a lot about pros/cons of market. We talked about safer places to grow money (like annuities). There's a lot that's scary about it all. I ran retirement projections at where she's at today. We discussed potential holes in the financial plan, like if she ended up in a long term care facility.

She ultimately decided to put the money into the market (even though it goes against her gut about potentially losing money), she increased her 401k contributions and we're looking for a potential retirement in 5 years. She knows now what her projected retirement picture looks like in the future.

09/16/2026

Come join Caley and myself next Wednesday.

09/16/2026

I cannot stress enough... listen and learn from other people about finances. Don't take it as gospel though.

Just because Frank made a lot of money in real estate, doesn't mean you should own rental houses. Why it may not work for you: Frank is a handy man and can do all the repair himself, you're not handy and will have to hire it out.

Just because your grandma made a bunch of money in bonds, doesn't mean you'll do the same. Why it may not work for you: bond returns in the 80s were around 12% and 18%. They haven't been that for a bit.

Just because your parents say "all debt is bad" and "pay it off as soon as possible", doesn't necessarily mean you should pay extra on your 3% mortgage. You may gain a higher rate of return growing your wealth.

Everyone has something that worked for them. That's amazing. Learn about it and find out the pros/cons. Just because it worked for them, doesn't mean it will fit well for your situation and risk appetite. Listen for knowledge, not blind following.