Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Chad Mitchell

06/08/2026

Retirement is about more than saving. It's also about knowing what you're saving for. If you're within five to ten years of retirement, now is the time to start building a plan around the life you actually want.

Ask yourself these five questions to help shape your retirement vision.

First: "When do you want to retire?" Timing affects your income, healthcare and Social Security benefits more than you may realize.

Second question: "How do you want to spend your days?" Meaningful activity can help make the transition smoother.

Third: "Where do you want to live?" You'll want to consider family, healthcare access and cost of living, among other factors.

The fourth question: "What will your retirement lifestyle cost?" The more active you are, the more you may need to add to your budget.

And finally, "Does your plan include giving back?" It might be to family, community or causes you care about.

Your answers are just the beginning. Work with your financial advisor to align your savings with the lifestyle you want. And revisit your plan as priorities evolve.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Chad Mitchell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 479-498-7086.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

06/01/2026

Getting married is a huge decision. And it comes with a financial to-do list that's arguably more important than choosing a venue or a cake.

Here are three financial steps to take before your wedding:

- First, share your income, spending habits, savings and any debts, like student loans or credit cards. Remember, your partner's debt can become yours after marriage.
- Next, decide if you'll combine all your accounts, keep everything separate or land somewhere in between.
- Finally, discuss your financial goals. Make lists of your short, medium and long-term dreams and find common ground.

After you're married, here are three more actions:

- One: Update your employer benefits, like health insurance, usually required within 30 days of getting married.
- Two: Review and possibly change the beneficiaries on checking, savings and investment accounts as well as your retirement plans and insurance policies.
- And three: Update your tax withholding to reflect your new status.
Honest conversations and careful planning can help you build a financial foundation as strong as your relationship.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Chad Mitchell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 479-498-7086.

Member SIPC

05/26/2026

As your new graduate prepares to step into the next chapter of life – whether that's more education or starting a career – one of the best things you can do is help them understand how to use credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards wisely.

Credit cards build credit history and earn rewards, but come with risks. If your graduate doesn't pay the full balance monthly, interest adds up fast. Teach them to pay off balances monthly and on time.

Debit cards draw directly from their bank account, naturally limiting overspending. However, they can trigger overdraft fees and don't help build credit.

Prepaid cards let them load money first and spend only what's available. There's no debt risk, but these cards typically don't build credit and may come with fees.

Each card serves a different purpose. Help your graduate understand the difference and develop good financial habits now. It's an investment in their financial confidence for decades to come.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Chad Mitchell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 479-498-7086.

Member SIPC

05/18/2026

How much do you need to save for retirement? Rather than picking a number out of thin air, $1 million for example, find a number that will actually support the lifestyle you envision.

Begin by imagining your daily routine: Where are you living? Are you still in your current home? Will you travel more, or help family financially? Once you visualize it, you can estimate what that lifestyle will cost and start building toward it.

Here are five tips to get the building started:

One: Start saving as early as you can. Even small amounts can grow significantly over decades.

Two: Live below your means.

Three: Keep your debt under control and pay down high interest debt that slows your progress.

Four: Invest consistently and increase your saving when your income rises.

And five: Look for chances to boost your income, perhaps through new skills or side work.

The planning you do today determines the retirement you'll live tomorrow.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Chad Mitchell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 479-498-7086.

Member SIPC

05/11/2026

Many people think that estate planning is just for wealthy people, but that's a myth. An estate plan is for anyone of any means who has assets to distribute. They could include a house, investment accounts or family heirlooms.

An estate plan lets you decide who gets what and who's in charge of making decisions – both during your life and after your death. It saves confusion and conflict among your heirs.

Without one, state laws decide everything, and you may not like the outcome.

Another myth is that a will is enough. However, a will doesn't protect you if you become incapacitated.

Myth No. 3 is that equal distribution is always fair, but truthfully, every child's situation differs.

And the final myth is that you can set it and forget it. Instead, you should review your plan every few years or as major life events occur.

Estate planning can help ensure your voice is heard and your loved ones are cared for, no matter what happens.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Chad Mitchell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 479-498-7086.

Member SIPC

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

05/06/2026

If you’re a local business owner, a workplace retirement plan can be a powerful tool – helping you manage taxes, support employee retention and build long‑term financial security.

Despite common misconceptions, these plans aren’t just for large companies. Today’s options work for businesses of every size.

If you’re self‑employed or don’t have employees, there are three commonly used types of plans

- A SEP IRA is simple, low‑maintenance and lets you vary contributions each year.

- An owner‑only 401(k) offers higher contribution limits and borrowing features in exchange for more complexity.

- And an owner‑only defined benefit plan allows the highest contributions and provides guaranteed income. (But this option requires steady funding and more administrative work.)

If you do have employees, additional options like a SIMPLE IRA, traditional or safe harbor 401(k), or a cash balance plan may fit your needs.

A financial advisor can help you compare these choices and select the best fit for your business and your retirement goals.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Chad Mitchell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 479-498-7086.

Member SIPC

04/20/2026

Choosing someone to carry out your wishes when you are unable is an important decision. Before you appoint anyone, take these factors into consideration.

Choosing a trustee or executor? 6 key questions to askwww.edwardjones.com/us-en

04/13/2026

For Gen Z workers, saving for retirement may feel out of reach.

High interest credit cards and student loan payments can drain a paycheck before the month even begins. With rising rents and higher everyday prices, there’s barely room for anything beyond the basics.

But getting started with retirement savings needn't be hard.
- Begin small — even a few dollars per paycheck helps build a good habit. Small, consistent contributions can grow dramatically over time, when you have decades to accumulate them.
- If you have a workplace retirement plan, contribute at least enough to earn any employer match.
- And if you have no workplace plan, consider opening an IRA.

The choices and financial jargon within a retirement plan may feel overwhelming, but options like target date funds help reduce complexity and keep you properly invested without needing expert advice.

The biggest mistake isn’t choosing the wrong fund for your retirement dollars; it’s not starting at all. Small steps today can build real flexibility tomorrow. And time is Gen Z’s biggest advantage.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Chad Mitchell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 479-498-7086.

Member SIPC

04/06/2026

Teaching good money habits starts early and grows through every stage of life.

With very young children, begin simply. Three jars labeled “Spend,” “Save” and “Share” can help them understand what money is and learn that saving for something special takes patience.

With tweens — or children between 9 and 12 — offer bigger ideas. They can earn money through chores or small jobs to connect effort with reward and a sense of ownership. Opening a basic savings account can also help build their confidence.

For high schoolers and young adults, budgeting becomes essential. Tracking what comes in and goes out through an app or spreadsheet helps them stay aware, and learning how credit works can offer benefits down the road.

In their early working years, paying themselves first and building good saving habits set the foundation for long term financial freedom.

When you start strong and stay consistent, money becomes a tool that helps your children support the lives they want.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Chad Mitchell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 479-498-7086.

Member SIPC

03/30/2026

If you’re looking for a new place to live, you’ve probably heard people say buying is better than renting. It sounds simple, but it’s not.

The right choice depends on your situation, your budget and how long you plan to stay.

Before scrolling through home listings, think about whether you can afford to buy and whether buying makes sense for you.

A down payment and mortgage are only part of the picture. You’ll face closing costs, insurance, taxes, repairs and the ongoing chores that come with owning a place.

Another big factor is time. Buying usually works best when you expect to stay put for at least a few years, because that gives you time to build equity.

On the other hand, renting can offer flexibility and fewer responsibilities.

In the end, the better choice is the one that fits your life and your long term goals.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Chad Mitchell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 479-498-7086.

Member SIPC