Alberta Marx - Financial Advisor

06/05/2026

Client Conversation: I recently spoke with someone who is at the age of retirement. When we got to the point of his retirement account and it's accumulation, they looked at me and said "I'm embarrassed" I looked that client straight in the eyes and told them; “Many people nearing retirement feel uncertain or discouraged about their savings. You don’t have to feel ashamed—there are steps you can take and professionals who can help you understand your options.”

I think that too many times we people compare ourselves to others who have not lived our story. Individually we face many unpleasant circumstances, trials in life and accomplishments all while we are preparing for the retirement phase of life. Some people have to stop contributing for a while, take loans against their retirements and some people don't even understand their employer sponsored retirement plans. Someone recently told me that they didn't understand their retirement plan. And unfortunately, they didn't seek professional help.

I would like to encourage someone. In whatever stage of your retirement planning you find yourself, seek the help of a professional. Some questions—especially those requiring individualized financial guidance—may be beyond what HR can address. Your retirement plan sponsor may not be able to provide individualized advice tailored to your full financial situation. A financial advisor can be that middle person who bridges the gap and brings understanding. I specialize in doing just that for VRS participants.

By the end of the meeting, I was able to help this client put a plan in place that will fill in the gaps. That same person who was "embarrassed" coming into the meeting, left feeling more confident of what their retirement future holds for them.

My approach is to be genuine, honest, and focused on helping my clients make confident decisions.

You don't have to travel the road to retirement alone. I offer free one-on-one sessions. We can meet virtually or in-person.

Alberta M. Marx
Plan well, Build well, Retire with Confidence!

05/18/2026

Life Insurance Policy Review/Has your monthly payment significantly increased?: As a Financial Advisor, I review life insurance policies that my clients have taken prior to meeting with me. Sometimes the policy is good and the client, their families, and their assets are protected. Other times, the policy is no longer the best fit for the client because their needs have changed.

I recently had a conversation with a client who had a policy he took out when he was in his early thirties. He had just gotten married, had a brand new baby girl and was renting a small apartment. The insurance salesman told him that the policy would last until he was 95 years old. My client bought the policy thinking this policy would be sufficient for the rest of his life. Since then, the client has not seen the salesman nor has he returned any of the client's calls.

It is somewhat true, that the client can keep the policy until they are 95 years old. However, the premium (monthly payment) often jump significantly once the (10, 15, 20, or 30 year) term ends. Some clients are completely shocked to know that the premium would more that quadruple in the next few months. Which often times is not ideal for clients since they will be older, may have adult children, higher income and a mortgage. Insurance can be a powerful tool if properly applied.

It is a common practice for term policies to have a level premium payment for the duration of the stated term. Once the term is over the premium may increase, without further notice, when you are later in life. Please be mindful of that.

In this case, I was able to help my client find a new policy that works better for his current needs. He is in a much better position now and his family and assets are sufficiently protected.

If you have a life insurance policy that you would like to have someone sit down one-on-one to review with you. Please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to review your coverage options with you, to ensure that if you need it, you and your family will be protected. Please note that coverage is subject to underwriting approval and policy terms; benefits are payable per contract provisions. Don't get to the end of your term only to find out that you now have a policy that you no longer can afford.

04/23/2026

Attention: VRS Participants - Register now for May 6th Retirement Workshop
Get your questions answered. Retire with confidence!

I’ve built a career dedicated to serving clients with integrity, insight, and adaptability.  I thrive in dynamic environments, with solutions-oriented mindset to high-pressure situations. Either navigating complex challenges or building lasting relationships, I focus on delivering value and clari...

04/03/2026

Get ready for an amazing summer! Now's the perfect time to plan out your summer spending and saving goals. Set a budget for all your fun activities and make sure to prioritize saving for your long-term dreams. Contact me and I can help you make this summer unforgettable without financial worries!

03/17/2026

Attn: All VRS Participants - This Wednesday @4 P.M. Free Seminar

Come get your questions answered.

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I’ve built a career dedicated to serving clients with integrity, insight, and adaptability.  I thrive in dynamic environments, with solutions-oriented mindset to high-pressure situations. Either navigating complex challenges or building lasting relationships, I focus on delivering value and clari...

03/09/2026

Your financial legacy is more than just dollars and cents. It's a reflection of the lasting impact you have on your loved ones. By preparing now, you can shape a legacy that embodies your values and aspirations. Don't delay! Begin crafting your legacy today for a brighter and fulfilling tomorrow. Let's work together to develop a plan that brings your goals to life.

03/05/2026

Client: I have been thinking about taking my son out of public schools and just homeschooling. I didn't realize how expensive it can be. I know it sounds unusual but can you help me work my budget so I can afford it?

Response: Did you know that you can use some of the money from your child's 529 to pay for homeschooling? Of course, you will have to weigh the options and how much you want to use for primary school education. But the account does allow payments for other forms of educational expenses. Having the account creates options for educating your son.

Client: I thought a 529 was only for paying college expenses. You mean I can use that money now?

Response: Most people use the 529 to save for college. However, college is not the only educational expense the money can be used for. Here are a few:

- Colleges and Universities
- Trade Schools
- Vocational Schools
- K - 12 Schools
- Homeschool

You can find a full list of other usages for 529 monies at Invest529.com.

Conclusion: We further discussed the tax advantages, distribution schedule, and other qualified usages of the monies. We talked about what happens to the 529 if there is money remaining after higher education. We talked about the current tax benefits she is getting as she makes contributions to the account now and the limit. When the client left the meeting, they had a better understanding of a tool they already possessed and were better positioned to make an informed decision.

Did you know? If you’re expecting a child, you can open a 529 plan for them even before they’re born by listing yourself as the temporary beneficiary and updating it once the child arrives. It’s a simple process, and getting started early can make a big difference. Consistently contributing to the account over time gives your savings the potential to grow enough to cover a wide range of future educational expenses.

To learn more or to open an account, visit your state’s official 529 plan website.

Please "like" if this was helpful.

Alberta

02/26/2026

Client: Alberta, I don't think I can retire! I have little money and I need the income. Can you help?

Response: Come into the office and let's have a conversation. Let's take an overall look at all of the pieces related to retirement. From there, we can begin to determine what your retirement picture will look like.

Meeting Result: When the client came in, they were apprehensive and worried. When they left, she felt more confident about her future in retirement. They submitted their retirement paperwork to HR.

If you are asking yourself that same question. "Can I afford to retire?" I would urge you to meet with a financial professional to get your questions answered. I could make all the difference.

02/17/2026

After all the time you've spent preparing for retirement, make sure taxes don't throw off your plans. Learn the basics of how your taxes may change once you retire, along with strategies to help manage your tax obligations. Your retirement can be everything you want it to be-- read on to find out how. https://eqtble.co/3SF7Qzu

02/11/2026

Approaching age 62? It's a pivotal moment in your financial journey, as you can begin claiming Social Security benefits. Here's what to consider:

* Early Claiming Impact: Starting benefits at 62 reduces your monthly payment compared to waiting until your full retirement age (FRA). Consider if you need the income now or can wait for higher payments.

* Longevity & Health: If you expect a longer lifespan, delaying benefits might boost long-term security. Conversely, early claiming could be practical if you have health concerns.

* Income & Lifestyle Needs: Working past 62? Earnings may affect your benefits due to the income limit. Evaluate your financial needs to decide if Social Security is essential now.

* Spousal Strategies: If married, coordinate claiming strategies to maximize household income over time.

* Retirement Assets: Review other retirement accounts to balance withdrawals with Social Security for tax efficiency and savings preservation.

Make informed decisions to optimize your retirement strategy. Let’s connect to explore your options!