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SageCreek Planning & Investments

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SageCreek Planning & Investments

Financial Planning, Retirement Planning & Investments

11/02/2026

There are always reasons to not invest!

Every year has something scary in the news, but long term investors shouldn't care. Investors often think that the stories they read in the news will result in a negative change to their portfolios. Sometimes they do... and sometimes they don't - IN THE SHORT TERM.

Some of the scariest headlines have happened during incredible years for the stock market. Getting in the market, even if it feels scary, will beat sitting on the sidelines over time. Timing the market is impossible, but controlling how much time you spend in the market is up to you. The longer you are invested the better your outcome will be.

10/28/2026

🌽 Financial planning can feel a lot like navigating a corn maze!

Recently, my daughter and I attended a fall event where we decided to tackle a corn maze. And let me tell you… it was HARD! 😅

What seemed simple enough quickly turned into a series of twists, turns, dead ends, and moments of wondering if we were ever going to find our way out! It got me thinking about how similar that experience can be to financial planning.

Whether you're navigating retirement decisions, investment strategies, tax planning, or unexpected life changes, it's not always easy to know which direction to take. And just like that corn maze, sometimes what would really help is having someone who can see the bigger picture and guide you through the process.

That's what I love about being a financial planner. Helping individuals and families navigate life's financial twists and turns, make informed decisions, and move toward their goals with greater confidence.

Because while we can't eliminate every unexpected turn, having a plan and someone to help guide you can make the journey a whole lot easier.

— Rachel McCray, CFP®

10/19/2026

When considering different investments it is important to look at the sequence of returns.

The 3 portfolios below all had the same average return of 7%, but the ride to get there was very different.

If you bought and held all three for 5 years it made no difference... besides the emotional ups and downs. However, if you were adding or withdrawing money along the way then the math shifts.

The biggest issue is timing. If you bought all three portfolios in year 2 vs year 1 then Portfolio B still had a 7% average return, Portfolio A drops below 7%, and Portfolio C jumps above 7%. I would rather my investments results not rely to heavily on timing, therefor I would take the more consistent stream of returns any day.

When considering the choice between two investments with historically similar average returns make sure to dive one layer deeper to see what, how, and when those returns were generated.

-Aston Edmunds, CFA, CFP®

10/14/2026

💡 Same retirement goals. Different timelines.

Just because you're married doesn't mean you'll retire at the same time or that your retirement income will start flowing at the same time.

One spouse may retire years before the other. One may begin collecting Social Security at 62, while the other waits until 67. Pensions may kick in at different ages, and part-time work may help bridge the gap.

The real challenge isn't just having enough saved for retirement. It's knowing where your income will come from during each stage.

That's where thoughtful financial planning makes all the difference.

Sometimes the smartest retirement strategy isn't about maximizing every benefit or retiring on the same date. It's about coordinating income, investments, taxes, and Social Security in a way that supports your lifestyle without putting unnecessary pressure on your savings.

Because retirement isn't always one big finish line. For many couples, it's a series of transitions and having a plan for each one matters!

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

10/08/2026

When should you start collecting Social Security? 62? 67? 70? 🤔

On paper, delaying Social Security often looks like the obvious choice. After all, waiting can mean a significantly larger monthly benefit for the rest of your life.

But here's what the numbers alone don't always tell you. 👇

- Retirement planning isn't just about maximizing Social Security. It's about managing cash flow.

- If you retire before your full retirement age, where is your income coming from in the meantime? Are you drawing more heavily from your investments? Are you putting unnecessary pressure on your portfolio just to delay benefits?

- Sometimes waiting makes perfect sense. Other times, claiming earlier can provide much-needed income and allow your investments more breathing room.

That's why we often tell clients that Social Security is a game-time decision. We can run projections years in advance, but the right answer ultimately depends on your financial picture when retirement actually arrives.

The goal isn't necessarily to get the biggest Social Security check. It's to make the decision that best supports your overall retirement plan.

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

09/30/2026

The “right” investment strategy isn’t just about your age; it’s about when you’ll need the money⏳

Money you’ll need soon should look very different from money you won’t touch for 5, 10, or even 20+ years.

That’s why we like to think in buckets:
💵 1–2 years: Cash
📊 3–5 years: Bonds/fixed income
📈 5+ years: Stocks for long-term growth

One of the biggest mistakes we see as people approach retirement is assuming everything needs to become conservative. Retirement could last 20–30+ years which means a portion of your money still needs time to grow.

Invest for the timeline, not just the age🌿

09/25/2026

College savings can feel tricky when you’re planning for a future your child may not follow exactly. Here are a few ways families can build in more flexibility:

• Keep 529s in context: They can work well for college and some qualified education paths, but may be less flexible if your child takes a gap year, starts a business, or chooses another route.

• Consider a backup account: Roth IRAs may let you withdraw contributions if needed, while keeping the money available for retirement if plans change.

• Don’t overlook free money: Merit scholarships, AP classes, and dual enrollment can help reduce future costs before the first tuition bill arrives.

https://bit.ly/4uyZScQ

09/22/2026

AI usage continues to outpace expectation. Demand is high, but the economics are shifting.

Token usage continues to increase while the cost per token is being driven down. I am interested to see where profit will come from for these companies in 10 years.

Right now, the opportunity appears to be expanding beyond the model itself and into cloud infrastructure, enterprise software, agents, and AI-powered applications, but it will be difficult to predict what becomes commoditized and what product or services are able to maintain pricing power.

We have seen this story before; the internet is the prime example. The underlying tech becomes cheaper/ more accessible and value has to migrate to a different part of the stack.

Where it will end up is, of course, the most important question for investors.

09/20/2026

When a spouse inherits an IRA, the next step isn’t always as simple as rolling it into their own account.

Surviving spouses have some unique options and understanding those options can make a meaningful difference. Depending on your situation, you may be able to treat the IRA as your own, keep it as an inherited IRA, or in certain circumstances elect the 10-year rule. Keeping the account inherited can also be especially valuable if you’re under age 59½ and may need access to the money, since distributions due to death generally aren’t subject to the 10% early-withdrawal penalty.

Age matters. RMD (Required Minimum Distributions) timing matters. Your income and cash flow needs matter. And sometimes, the most obvious choice isn’t necessarily the best one. This is why beneficiary and estate planning should be part of the bigger financial-planning conversation, not something we only think about after a loved one passes.

Know your options. Have a plan. And make sure the strategy fits your situation.

- Rachel McCray, CFP®

Address

4233 Colonial Avenue
Roanoke, VA
24018

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 3pm

Website

http://www.sagecreekplanning.com/

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