“We provide optimism and education—both are important,” says Sue Burnett, CEO and founder of Monarch Financial Advisors.
Monarch takes a holistic look at their clients’ financial picture to implement personalized and unique plans. Sue emphasizes financial education throughout the process, whether helping with small business retirement plans, investments or insurance. “Every family has a story,” she says. “By learning that story, we can help them prepare the right way.”
For Sue, it’s all about enabling her neighbors to prosper.
“Loveland has an incredible sense of community.” Sue’s now a Loveland resident, too, after moving here with her family in 2008. “‘Loveland Strong’ really does mean something here!”
That appreciation is reflected in the fundraising functions Sue frequently helps organize—like the Run/Walk for a Reason events.
The first event came about in 2019 after Sue met RE/MAX Preferred Group agent Chris Owens. “After all, we’re both small business owners who are invested in this community.” They planned the first Run/Walk for a Reason event together—and since then, seven quarterly events have followed, raising funds for Toys for Tots, Loveland LIFE Food Pantry, Living Waters Farm, The Care Center, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, Loveland Hope Squad, and the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund. Sue estimates those events have raised close to $10,000.
For Sue, community is more than just a place to live or do business. It’s about helping neighbors to thrive—and finding value in the little things.
“You’ve heard the phrase ‘It's the little things that are truly the big things’?,” Sue asks. “I think that really applies to Loveland. Regardless of what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.”
The next Run/Walk for a Reason event kicks off at Nisbet Park on September 10 at 6:30 p.m., recognizing our local first responders for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
MonarchFinancialAdvisors.com | 940 Paul Vista Dr., Loveland | 513.502.2637
Healthy End-of Year Financial Practices
Despite the popularity of her Run/Walk for a Reason events, Sue’s financial acumen is where she truly shines—when asked about her top 5 EOY recommendations, she had much to offer.
Review tax withholding. If you’re a W2 employee, your pay is likely predictable—taxes should be easy to estimate early in the year. But, if you’re on commission or own your own business, your income could be unpredictable—there’s a chance that you haven’t paid (or withheld) enough. It’s a good time to recalculate your withholdings now that you have a better idea of what 2021’s income will be, otherwise, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Give your 401(k) and IRA a checkup. If you’re looking for additional deductions and are still under the annual limit ($19,500 for 2021, plus $6,500 if you’re over age 50), you have until year-end to deposit additional amounts. If your employer offers a match, contribute at least enough to get the maximum match—otherwise, you’re giving away free money!
Review debt. Interest rates continue to be low, so refinancing your mortgage or student loan could be an easy way to reduce payments. If you have credit card debt, consider transferring the balances over to a card with 0% interest. By lowering the amount of interest you pay, you’ll be able to chip away at your debt faster.
Review your Flexible Spending Account. If your employer doesn’t allow rolling funds over to the next year, make sure you spend the balance on qualified expenses.
Review savings and spending now, create a budget for next year. An emergency fund covers 3–6 months’ worth of bills—if there’s more than enough cash in an emergency fund, move the excess to a savings or investment account, where it can grow. Consider auditing your subscriptions, and cancelling one or two you can live without. Then, create a 2022 budget, and commit to quarterly review.
