Investing is more than stock markets and numbers. We spoke with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Katie E. Brown of Edward Jones about investment considerations.
CCL: What do you believe the best investment selections are for the rest of 2025?
KB: I get that question often. And truth be told, impactful investments are more than a given stock or mutual fund. The investments that are most impactful generally deal with time and relationships. I believe the best investments many of us can make this year would be in our families, our health, our community and our future. There are ways to do that both with and without the guidance of a financial advisor. My role when helping people make these investments is not just the particular investment choice, but also the vehicle or account that may be best leveraged.
CCL: Can you elaborate on investment in family?
KB: Be intentional when it comes to those you love. Carve out time for your spouse, children and parents. My husband and I have a set monthly date night. Our children see how important our time is together. We also have a standing family movie night with our boys. Set a time and stick to it!
Tools to leverage for actual accounts in the family space may include Educational 529s, Custodial Accounts for children so they can learn more about money before they become adults and Dependent Care Accounts if your employer provides them.
CCL: What would you add to investing in health?
KB: Consistency is key to good health. Consistency and routine apply to financial health, too. If we can automate investments, such as funding an employer plan like a 401(k), we tend to stick with it. Most investment accounts allow scheduled contributions. Look into Health Savings Accounts that can be used for medical expenses. If your medical insurance plan qualifies, you may be able to pay for expenses with pre-tax dollars. This can be beneficial for many years.
CCL: Do you have any tips for how people can help our neighbors in Cullman?
KB: Explore what community means to you. Is that a charity, your church or a group of people? Then, consider their needs and how you can help. For many people, the gift of time can make a major impact. Don't discount how important your time is!
For those who think of a financial investment, consider speaking with your financial advisor and/or accountant about Donor Advised Funds, gifting stock or other tax advantaged ways of giving. Individuals over 70.5 may be able to give directly from their retirement accounts through a Qualified Charitable Distribution. Consulting your professional is paramount.
CCL: Tell us more about "investing in your future."
KB: Invest in your future and start now! I learned this lesson early thanks to my great-grandfather and his handful of peppermints. We were allowed one candy for that very moment. Additional candies, always at least one, were to be saved for later. He always told us to do this, too, with our money. That sentiment is echoed by many great financial minds. After reading many books about investing, I stand by the idea that we should view our money in four different buckets: save part of it, invest a portion, give some of it and live off the difference.
This may sound easy, but can be hard to implement. Consider automating your savings. Review your pay schedule and set up a portion of money to automatically move from your checking to your savings. Most financial institutions can help you set this up. Take advantage of employer plans such as a 401(k). If the company offers a match on your contribution, consider investing at least that much. To take investing in your future further, explore Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
"Do not forget to evaluate your insurance needs. The best drafted plans can be busted when there is nothing in place for tragedies life can throw at us."
Katie E. Brown