Stephen Adams

Building prosperous financial plans and sharing a powerful financial opportunity.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

https://t.co/vVHfXl1gbm

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

Your retirement income strategy.

As people live longer, many retirees are increasing their exposure to stocks to help their portfolios keep pace with inflation and support retirement that could last 30 years or more. While equities offer greater long-term growth potential, they also introduce market volatility that can be challenging when you're withdrawing income.

The objective in retirement is to build an income strategy that provides confidence today while giving your investments the opportunity to support your future. The right allocation has to reflect your goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, and overall financial plan.

The retirement income strategy and right allocation of investment assets is going to be among the most challenging of processes and decisions an individual makes in their financial life.

Takeaways:

1. Stocks have historically provided stronger long-term growth than cash and many fixed-income investments.
2. Retirement today can last decades, making continued portfolio growth an important part of maintaining purchasing power.
3. However, too much exposure to stocks can increase sequence-of-returns risk—the danger of experiencing significant market losses early in retirement while taking withdrawals.
4. However, too little exposure to stocks can cause the portfolio to suffer from inflation.
5. Reliable income sources—such as Social Security, pensions, and guaranteed lifetime income solutions—can help cover essential living expenses regardless of market conditions.
6. Growth-oriented investments may then be used to fund discretionary spending, combat inflation, and support long-term financial goals.
7. A diversified portfolio and regular reviews can help balance growth opportunities with risk management as needs evolve.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

A college internship is one of the most valuable investments a student can make in their future. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, helping students graduate with more than just a degree.

I offer financial service internships year-round. Looking for individuals wanting to take advantage of the opportunity. DM me for more info.

Key Benefits:
1. Gain Real-World Experience: Apply classroom concepts to actual business situations, making academic knowledge more practical and meaningful.

2. Develop Professional Skills: Learn communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management, and workplace professionalism.

3. Build a Strong Resume: Employers consistently value candidates who have relevant work experience before graduation.

4. Explore Career Paths: An internship helps students determine whether a particular industry or career is the right fit before accepting a full-time position.

5. Expand Your Professional Network: Meet mentors, managers, and industry professionals who can provide guidance, recommendations, and future job opportunities.

6. Increase Employment Opportunities: Many companies hire interns into full-time positions after graduation, making internships an excellent pathway to employment.

7. Improve Interview Confidence: Students who have practical experience can speak more confidently about their accomplishments during interviews.

8. Earn Professional References: Supervisors who have witnessed your work ethic can become valuable references throughout your career.

9. Learn Workplace Culture: Experience professional expectations, office dynamics, and organizational structures that cannot be fully taught in a classroom.

10. Discover Personal Strengths: Internships reveal what you enjoy, where you excel, and what skills you may want to continue developing.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

The Fourth of July celebrates an idea as much as an event. It commemorates the principle that people have the right to govern themselves.

And wasn't it grand that independence was proclaimed in July so we would get a summer holiday.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

A "Lost Decade" in Retirement—Plan for It.

Market volatility can be unsettling, especially in retirement. But history shows that even periods of low or flat market returns don't have to derail your retirement if you have a well-designed income strategy.

Takeaways:
* The biggest worry for current retirees. The possibility of another “lost decade,” when stocks fail to generate positive returns over an extended period.
* A "lost decade" doesn't automatically mean a failed retirement
* A prolonged series of market losses not only has an immediate negative impact but can also endanger the long-term viability of their nest eggs. That’s because portfolio withdrawals during a down market leave fewer remaining assets to benefit from an eventual rebound.

Since 1925, there have been only two major periods when rolling 10-year returns were below zero: during the 1. Great Depression and during the 2000's
2. Negative 10-year rolling returns occur only about 4.6% of the time.
2. Real returns (inflation-adjusted) on stocks have been negative in about 7.4% of the rolling 10-year periods since 1926.

Why Fixed Income Alone May Not Be Enough for a Long Retirement

Many retirees naturally gravitate toward bonds and other fixed-income investments because they provide stability and predictable income. However, relying too heavily on fixed income over a retirement that may last 25–35 years can present several challenges:

1. Inflation erodes purchasing power. Even modest inflation can significantly reduce what a fixed income stream can buy over decades.
2. Lower long-term return potential. Historically, fixed-income investments have generally produced lower long-term returns than diversified stock portfolios, making it more difficult to maintain purchasing power over extended retirements.
3. Longevity risk. With people living longer, retirement assets often need to continue growing long after retirement begins.
4. Interest rate risk. Bond values can decline when interest rates rise, and maturing bonds may need to be reinvested at less attractive yields depending on market conditions.

Why Many Retirement Income Plans Separate Essential and Discretionary Expenses and Why This Approach Can Be Effective

Rather than asking one investment to accomplish every objective, each portion of the portfolio serves a distinct purpose:
* Retirement planning is less about choosing between annuities or stocks and more about assigning each asset the role it performs best.
* For many retirees, using predictable income sources to cover essential expenses while maintaining a diversified allocation to equities for long-term growth creates a balance between security and opportunity.
* The appropriate mix, however, should always reflect the individual's income needs, health, risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial objectives.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

@KREFsports Texas

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

Coffee Drinkers! A daily cup of coffee (3 or 4 cups most beneficial) may be doing more than giving you an energy boost.

Research continues to show that moderate coffee consumption may provide several evidence-based health benefits:
❤️ Supports liver health by lowering the risk of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
🩸 Reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and helping regulate blood sugar.
🧠 May help protect brain health by lowering the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
🚶 Encourages more physical activity. One study found that people walked about 1,000 more steps on days they drank coffee.

Coffee contains more than 1,000 naturally occurring compounds, many with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to long-term health. For most healthy adults, moderate coffee consumption, including espresso, decaffeinated, and instant appears to offer health benefits.

Where do you get your coffee?

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

After spending decades learning how to save, many retirees discover that spending their money is the hardest part of retirement.

Research shows that many retirees spend far less than they can afford—not because they lack assets, but because they fear running out of money.

Key takeaways:

💰 A lifetime of saving can make it psychologically difficult to transition into spending.
📉 Many retirees underspend even when their financial plans indicate they can safely enjoy more of their savings.
🧠 The biggest obstacle is often FORO—the Fear of Running Out of money.
📋 Fewer than one-third of Americans approaching retirement have a written plan for withdrawing their retirement savings.
❤️ Retirement isn't just about accumulating wealth—it's about creating a strategy that allows you to confidently use it.
🛡️ A thoughtful retirement income plan can help balance guaranteed income, investment withdrawals, healthcare expenses, and longevity risk.
🎯 The goal isn't to leave retirement with the largest account balance—it's to use your money intentionally to support the life you've worked so hard to build.

Are you redy to start talking about your retirement years spending plan?

DM me and we can schedule a conversation.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

@Big12Pokes I'll go with the QB who will be on TV every week. Boomer Sooner!

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

The Biggest Retirement Mistake Isn't What You Think

According to financial expert Jean Chatzky, one of the biggest mistakes retirees make isn't failing to save enough—it's retiring without a spending plan. Having accumulated assets is only half the journey.

Takeaways:

•Plan for the life you want. Your retirement plan should reflect your goals, values, and experiences—not just your account balance. A financial plan should support your lifestyle, not limit it.

• Shift your mindset. Saving for retirement and spending in retirement require two very different approaches. The goal changes from accumulating wealth to creating sustainable income.

• Give yourself permission to spend. Many retirees become so focused on preserving their nest egg that they hesitate to use the money they spent decades saving.

• Review your income sources. Understand how Social Security, retirement accounts, pensions, investments, and taxes can work together to create reliable cash flow.

• Retirement is about confidence, not just numbers. A clear withdrawal strategy can help reduce anxiety, improve decision-making, and allow you to enjoy the retirement you've worked so hard to achieve.

Ready to start - DM me.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

Planning to Work in Retirement? Make Sure You Have a Backup Plan.

A recent retirement survey found:
• 75% of workers expect to earn income from paid work during retirement.
• Paid work ranks as the 4th most anticipated source of retirement income, behind Social Security, workplace retirement plans, and personal savings.
• Yet only 27%–31% of current retirees actually receive income from paid work.

• Finding part-time work in retirement can be difficult, especially for professionals whose careers don't easily transition to reduced schedules.
• Older workers often face challenges securing new employment opportunities when plans change.

For those who are single, unmarried, divorced, or widowed, these statistics deserve special attention:
• There is one income source instead of two.
• There is one Social Security benefit instead of spousal benefit options.
• There is often less flexibility if health issues or job market realities prevent working longer than expected.
• The ability to retire confidently may depend more heavily on personal savings and retirement income planning.

Takeaway: Hope to work in retirement if you enjoy it. Plan your retirement as if you won't have to. A retirement strategy should be built to withstand health changes, job market shifts, and life's unexpected events—not depend on them.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

Looking for a new way to engage with all 66 books of the Bible?

I Searched with Purpose takes readers on a unique journey through Scripture with one dedicated page for each book of the Bible, featuring self-affirmations inspired by its timeless truths and lessons.

Whether you're beginning your faith journey or seeking to deepen it, this devotional encourages you to speak God's promises over your life with intention and confidence.

Learn more at https://t.co/i18TiiTdzN.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

Do you already have plans in place for the summer to accelerate your college education and get a head start on a financial services career?

A securities license is a great way to start building a foundation to a financial career.

For college students, obtaining a securities license is:
1. professional industry designation
2. real world experience
3. resume credentials

My office has a perpetual internship program that provides qualified college students the unique opportunity to obtain their securities license and start their financial industry career before graduation.

If you're curious about this opportunity and want to learn more - reach out to me to schedule a conversation.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

In a world overflowing with distraction and doubt, reconnecting with truth requires intention and that’s where biblical affirmations come in.

These daily reminders drawn from Scripture are more than positive thoughts; they are spiritual declarations of identity, faith, and hope rooted in God’s promises.

The book, I Searched with Purpose stands out as a powerful devotional for anyone seeking to strengthen their walk with God through purposeful affirmation.

For more information - https://t.co/i18TiiTdzN

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

Retirement doesn’t always happen according to plan.

Recent studies show that more than half of retirees stopped working earlier than expected
1. health issues
2. job loss
3. family changes rather than personal choice.

While many workers plan to retire at 65 or later, the average American actually retires around age 62, creating a major gap between expectation and reality.

Key findings from the research:
• 59% of retirees left the workforce earlier than planned and 6% retired later than expected.

• Lower-income workers (less than $35K) were more likely to retire early because of circumstances outside their control, primarily health issues.

• Higher-income workers (greater than $75K) were more likely to retire early by choice after reaching financial goals.

• Many retirees are adjusting their lifestyle to live on Social Security and limited savings.

Surprisingly, most retirees seem to be doing OK The good news is that most retirees seem to be financially comfortable according to the ERBI.

Info courtesy of USA Today / Daniel de Vise 5/25/26.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

This Memorial Day - May 25, 2026 - bring reflection, remembrance, and appreciation for the heroes who protected our freedoms through their selfless sacrifice.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

It's not too late to start a Summer Internship!

Do you already have plans in place for the summer to accelerate your college education and get a head start on a financial services career?

A securities license is a great way to start building a foundation to a financial career.

For college students, obtaining a securities license is:
1. professional industry designation
2. real world experience
3. resume credentials

My office has a non-traditional internship program that provides qualified college students the unique opportunity to obtain their securities license and start their financial industry career before graduation.

If you're curious about this opportunity and want to learn more - reach out to me to schedule a conversation.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

Social Security timing is one of the most important retirement decisions you will ever make — and experts warn that focusing only on the “break-even” age can lead to costly mistakes.

• Some influencers encourage claiming benefits at age 62 because you may collect more total dollars early on.
• However, delaying benefits can increase your monthly check significantly — up to 77% more by waiting until age 70.

• Experts say Social Security should be viewed as longevity insurance designed to protect you from outliving your savings.

• The Social Security Administration stopped promoting break-even analysis because it often pushed people to claim too early.
• No one knows exactly how long they will live, which makes relying only on break-even math risky.

• Married couples especially need to think about survivor benefits, since claiming early can permanently reduce a spouse’s future income.
• Taxes, market risk, health, life expectancy, and overall retirement goals should all be part of the decision.

The key takeaway: Social Security is not just about maximizing dollars today — it’s about creating long-term financial stability and peace of mind for the future.

Information courtesy of CNBC article of 5/11/2026 by Lorie Konish.

[Stephen Adams @Stephen785611]

Looking for 100 people in the 1%.

92% of people don't want a job in Sales.

90% of the remaining 8% of the people who would consider Sales as a career want to sell tangible items: cars, homes, equipment etc....

If you're of the 1% who would consider a Sales career in intangible items - know that Financial Services is the most residual-rich industry.

If you are not locked into your current job for the next 20 years and are open to opportunities - DM me.