The top 8 financial items to review before the end of the year

As the year draws to a close, many people feel an instinct to wrap things up. It’s a natural moment to pause, take inventory, and make sure nothing important is left undone.

In financial planning, year-end reviews aren’t about scrambling or chasing last-minute tactics. Done well, they’re about clarity – confirming that your financial decisions still align with the life you’re building.

Here are the most important areas worth revisiting before the calendar turns.

  1. Taxes: Reducing Regret, Not Just the Bill

    Year-end tax planning isn’t about perfection – it’s about intention. This is the time to review realized gains and losses, assess whether tax-loss harvesting makes sense, and confirm that income timing aligns with your broader strategy. For many families, charitable giving also plays a role here – not as a tax trick, but as a thoughtful extension of their values.

  2. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

    For retirees and those nearing retirement, RMDs deserve careful attention. Confirming distributions are made on time, in the correct amount, and from the appropriate accounts is critical. It’s also worth reviewing how RMDs integrate with your overall cash-flow plan. This is ideally done in the first half of the year, but if you haven’t gotten to it yet, do not delay. The penalty for missing your RMD is significant!

  3. Charitable Giving with Purpose

    Year-end giving often happens quickly. A pause can make it more meaningful. Review how and where you give, and whether you’re giving still reflects what matters most to you. Going back to your RMD’s, if you are over 70.5, you can consider using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to fund those giving goals!

  4. Portfolio Alignment and Risk Exposure

    Markets have a way of feeling louder in December. Year-end is a natural time to rebalance, reassess concentration, and confirm that your portfolio still supports your long-term plan. Have you set aside enough funds in safe cash and short-term bonds to match several years’ worth of coming expenses? If you’re not sure, we should talk.

  5. Estate Planning and Beneficiary Reviews

    Time with family has a way of surfacing important questions. Review beneficiary designations, trustee and executor choices, and guardianship decisions if applicable. Your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, insurance policies, etc. are legal agreements between you and the financial institution. This means that what ever is on file will trump what is stated in your will, so make sure they line up!

  6. Retirement Readiness Beyond the Numbers

    For those approaching retirement, year-end reflection often brings deeper questions. Financial readiness and emotional readiness don’t always arrive at the same time. Both deserve attention. I’ve seen the emotional transition into retirement impact clients much more significantly than the financial transition. Make sure you have spent time preparing yourself for both.  If you are only focused on what you are retiring away from and haven’t spent any time thinking about what you want to retire towards, then you’re not ready.

  7. Simplification and Organization

    Many people enter a new year craving less complexity. Consolidating accounts and reducing unnecessary financial clutter can create a surprising sense of relief. Everyone has a financial ‘junk drawer’, where things accumulate over the years, but have no rhyme or reason or coordination. Spend time emptying out the junk drawer to assess what you have and then be intentional about what you keep and what you get rid of.  Does it serve you anymore? 

  8. Family Support and Legacy Planning

    Supporting adult children or aging parents requires balance. These decisions are rarely about math alone – they’re about boundaries and stewardship. I have noticed that there is no magic formula or one-size-fits-all approach. Every family dynamic is different and requires a thoughtful, intentional approach to what is best for everyone.

Closing the Year Well

A thoughtful year-end review isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about asking:
Does our financial plan still serve the life we want to live?  If it doesn’t or you’re not sure, give us a call….we’re here to help.

On Adventure: Lessons from the Edge

Every adventure is shaped by the person you become along the way. Over the past few weeks on the On Adventure Podcast, I’ve had three guests whose stories remind us that endurance isn’t just for the ultramarathoner, creativity isn’t limited to artists, and purpose doesn’t fade with age. Whether you’re chasing a mountain summit or simply trying to live your great life right now, there’s something here for every Everyday Explorer.

Lisa Smith-Batchen – Growing Into Greatness

When Lisa joined me on the show, she talked about what it means to age with purpose and how greatness is something we grow into, not something we’re born with. A legendary ultrarunner and coach, she’s spent four decades helping others find their “why.” Yet what struck me most wasn’t her resume of Badwater finishes or her coaching accolades—it was her humility.

Lisa believes we start out average, grow to good, and—through years of work and grace—arrive at great. She reminded me that greatness doesn’t disappear when the podiums do; it just shifts shape. For anyone feeling like their best miles are behind them, Lisa’s story is proof that you’re still the same explorer—you’ve just found new trails to run.

Tom Kubiniec – Claiming Your Own Authority

Tom’s adventure started on a different stage: under the bright lights of Los Angeles rock clubs. A former heavy-metal guitarist turned entrepreneur, he eventually became the “gun-storage guru” leading a global security company. His story is a master class in reinvention and risk-taking.

When a U.S. Army colonel once asked who he was, Tom boldly replied, “I’m the leading authority in small-arms storage and armory design.” At the time, he wasn’t—but he became it. His lesson to the rest of us? Sometimes you must stake a claim before you’ve earned it, then back it up with relentless learning and integrity.

Tom also spoke about embracing failure as fuel for innovation. At his company, the motto is “fail fast.” For the Everyday Explorer, that’s a reminder that forward motion often begins with falling down—then standing back up with new wisdom and another idea.

Vincent Antunez – Endurance as a Teacher

Vincent’s story weaves together service, resilience, and quiet perseverance. A retired Army Major and physician assistant, he spent more than three decades in uniform before turning his focus to ultra-endurance racing. From the Vol State 500K to multi-day stage races across the desert, Vincent has learned that the real battle isn’t with blisters or heat—it’s with the mind.

He told me the “three Bs” that can take you out of any race: belly, balls of your feet, and brain. The last one, he said, is the hardest to overcome. His solution? Keep an optimistic outlook, one step at a time. For Vincent, endurance has become his greatest teacher—shaping how he views pain, humility, and what it truly means to finish strong.

Keep Moving Toward Your Own Great Life

Lisa, Tom, and Vincent couldn’t be more different in background, yet their paths converge on a shared truth: growth happens at the edge of discomfort. Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or running your next race, the lessons from these three explorers are clear—keep learning, keep adapting, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Listen to their full conversations on the On Adventure Podcast—and keep chasing the life that calls you forward.

Episode 62: From Ultras to FKT’s to Ocean Crossings: You Won’t Believe What Mike Wardian’s Doing Next!


What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start chasing wild, audacious goals? That’s exactly what we unpack in this powerhouse episode with Mike Wardian—elite endurance athlete, record-setting runner, and all-around inspiration. From running across the United States to setting a fastest known time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail for his age group, Mike shares the mindset behind tackling the unimaginable.

But this conversation goes beyond races and records. Mike opens up about what fuels his drive, how he builds resilience through repetition, and how he balances his career, family, and love for adventure. Whether you’re prepping for your first 10K or dreaming of rowing solo across the Atlantic (yep, that’s on his calendar too), there’s something here for everyone chasing big goals.

🔥 What You’ll Learn

  • How Mike plans his insane endurance calendar using a Post-it Note system

  • The real story behind his Appalachian Trail record attempt — injuries, storms, and mental toughness

  • Why he’s trading trails for water in 2027: rowing across the Atlantic solo

  • How to push through when motivation runs dry — the power of micro-goals

  • Mike’s approach to family, business, and adventure life balance

  • What he’s learned about humanity and resilience from running thousands of miles

🏆 Featured Moments

[1:04] – Mike’s “goal list” strategy for setting and sticking to ambitious challenges
[4:58] – What is the Taco Bell 50K and the Full Ham Triathlon? (Hint: They’re tougher than they sound)
[6:55] – Why Mike’s next adventure is rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean
[9:02] – The difference between saying yes to challenges and actively seeking them out
[15:45] – Why the Appalachian Trail holds a special place in Mike’s heart
[23:10] – Trail injuries, vegan nutrition, and how Mike fueled himself with 10,000 calories a day
[32:45] – How Mike balances a full-time career and family life while pursuing ultra-endurance feats
[39:01] – The truth about running across America—traffic, kindness, loneliness, and everything in between
[45:40] – Why 100 burpees a day became a key part of Mike’s training routine

🧠 Listener Takeaways

  • Your biggest goals are within reach if you break them into daily reps

  • You don’t need to quit your job to live an adventurous life

  • Embrace the beginner’s mindset — it’s where the magic starts

  • There’s no substitute for consistency and curiosity

  • “Run toward the thing you’re afraid of — it’s probably where the growth is.”

📌 Links & Resources

  • Follow Mike Wardian on Instagram: @mikewardian

  • Learn more about Mike’s gear and sponsors: Teva, Bakline

  • Check out upcoming grassroots races like the Taco Bell 50K via Mike’s socials

👏 Connect with Us

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more conversations just like this. You can find us on YouTube by searching On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self — and don’t forget to hit the bell so you never miss a new drop.

If this episode inspired you, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform. It helps us grow and reach more everyday adventurers like you. And hey—share it with a friend who’s chasing their own wild goals.

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Episode 61: Why Adventurers Quit – 3 Mental Traps and How to Beat Them with Vol State 500K Finisher MAJ (Ret.) Vincent Antunez


Enduring the Impossible with Vincent Antunez

This episode is a deep dive into the mind and mission of Vincent Antunez, DSc, PA-C – a retired U.S. Army Major, ultra endurance athlete, and founder of Trail Toes. From grueling military deployments to multi-day ultramarathons across the globe, Vincent shares how pain, persistence, and preparation have shaped every step of his journey.

We talk about what it takes to push beyond the limits of your body – and more importantly, your mind. Vincent shares raw, powerful stories of suffering and success on the course, the lessons that endurance sports teach about humility and resilience, and the gear and mindset strategies that keep him (and his feet) moving forward. This one is packed with wisdom from the front lines – of both battlefields and ultramarathons.

🎧 Don’t forget – we’re now on YouTube! Be sure to subscribe to the channel and hit that bell so you never miss an episode. And of course, follow the show wherever you get your podcasts.

⏱️ Episode Timeline:

[1:12] – How Vincent met ultrarunning legend Lisa Smith-Batchen — and helped her complete her historic Badwater Quad
[3:44] – A military career across decades and continents
[6:57] – How a post-midnight beer run in Germany accidentally became his first marathon
[11:42] – Why he keeps showing up, even without formal training
[13:58] – The 3 reasons people drop out of ultras (and how to beat them)
[20:31] – Innovative tips for staying cool and blister-free on brutal courses
[24:49] – Trail Toes and how Vincent created it in Afghanistan
[38:11] – The psychology of endurance: crews, quitting, and the right kind of pressure
[52:05] – Why Vincent keeps coming back to these events — and what they continue to teach him

🔗 Links & Resources:

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast — and share it with a friend who’s always pushing their limits. Every download helps more everyday explorers find their way forward.

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Episode 60: Inside the Mind of Speed Records, Failure, and Firearms with Tom Kubiniec


How do you embrace fear and failure to build a multi million dollar business, shred heavy metal guitar solos and break land speed records in a custom built car?

In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Tom Kubiniec—entrepreneur, former heavy metal guitarist, and the so-called “gun storage guru.” From his days tearing up the music scene to building a global business in military weapon storage, Tom’s journey is one wild ride. We dive deep into what it means to stake a claim in life before you’ve “earned it,” why failure should be embraced (and quickly), and how creativity fuels not just business, but bold living.

A killer insight from Tom: “You don’t know where you’re going to land until you jump. As you’re falling, you will find a place to land.  If you’re not happy with that one, jump again.” 

We also explore his adrenaline-pumping pursuits: restoring rare cars, racing across the Utah salt flats, and finding peace in silence while bow hunting. This episode is about pushing limits, whether in the boardroom, behind a guitar, or out in the wild. If you’re looking for inspiration to go all-in on your ideas or just want a reminder of how short life is, this one hits home.

Episode Highlights:

[1:12] – Tom’s journey from unknown rock guitarist to global leader in military gun storage

[6:05] – The pivotal moment of “claiming” expertise before it was proven—and why it worked

[13:25] – How public speaking and guitar technique both benefit from slow, intentional practice

[17:00] – Fail fast: Why Tom says failure is not the enemy but the pathway to innovation

[25:55] – The birth of a game-changing locking system after a live simulation revealed a major flaw

[33:02] – Creating personas in business and why it’s not about being fake—it’s about solving problems

[39:45] – Breaking a land speed record with a 750cc custom car: the build, the danger, the payoff

[44:00] – Why silence in the woods and watching a forest wake up is Tom’s ultimate reset

[54:10] – Final reflections on living fully, embracing fear, and making the most of the one life we get

Links & Resources:

Closing Remarks: If this conversation with Tom fired you up to take bold steps in your own adventure, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this one, rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to make their move.

Also, don’t forget to check out the full video episode and more on our On Adventure YouTube page and hit that Subscribe button.

Thanks for tuning in!

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Episode 59: What Does it Take to Be Great with Lisa Smith-Batchen


What does greatness look like? Is it talent, time, or something deeper? In this episode, I sit down with endurance legend and master coach Lisa Smith-Batchen to explore what greatness really means – and how it evolves as we do. With over four decades of coaching and ultra-running behind her, Lisa shares a wisdom-packed perspective on pushing limits, aging with intention, and chasing big dreams, no matter where you’re starting.

Lisa is the first American to win the grueling Marathon des Sables and the first woman to have completed the Badwater Quad – covering 584 miles across Death Valley! She’s run across multiple states for charity, completed a 50-mile ultra in every state, and raised over $1 million for orphanages and clean water projects. But what’s just as remarkable is how grounded, present, and purpose-driven she remains through it all.

We dig into the transformative power of endurance sports—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. Lisa opens up about what keeps her coming back to extreme challenges, the emotional shifts that come with aging as an athlete, and how learning to put yourself first might just be the most radical move of all. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or simply trying to show up fully in life, this one’s for you.

🕓 Timeline Highlights

[3:55] – Lisa’s 20-year coaching journey with Bob Becker and the bond beyond the miles
[6:45] – Getting cut from the team—and how it shaped her coaching philosophy
[9:25] – Breaking records and barriers: Badwater Quad, 50 ultras in 50 states, and running for causes
[12:15] – The path from average to good to great: Lisa’s simple but powerful growth model
[17:49] – Embracing evolution: letting go of who you were to step into who you’re becoming
[29:01] – A moment at mile 132 that changed Bob Becker’s mindset—and maybe yours too
[34:00] – Why making time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential
[41:15] – What keeps Lisa coming back to the edge of endurance: joy, clarity, and spiritual connection
[57:22] – Guiding a blind and deaf athlete through 140 miles—Lisa’s next adventure

🔗 Links & Resources

💬 Final Words

This episode offers far more than endurance talk—it’s a blueprint for living with purpose, courage, and connection. If it struck a chord with you, be sure to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. And don’t forget – head to our YouTube page to subscribe and watch the full conversation. We’ve got more powerful stories coming your way, so stay tuned and stay on adventure.

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Q4 Letter to Clients

I could sit and watch a stream or river all day long.  There is constant movement, and yet, the water is always right there in front of me, covering the same ground, falling over the same rocks and touching the same boundary on each side.  The water isn’t in a hurry. It shapes rock by returning to the same line again and again. That felt like a useful reminder for investing but really, for life – we make real progress by showing up with purpose and relentless consistency, not by forcing outcomes.  It’s a lesson that I seemingly must learn over and over again, but also continues to inform my approach to good, sound financial planning.

Market and Economic Overview

The third quarter brought plenty of headlines around interest rates, inflation reads, and geopolitics, yet the market’s tape told a different story. U.S. stocks advanced through the quarter, with the S&P 500 posting gains in July, August, and September and notching several new record closes in September. It didn’t move in a straight line, but it did move – and more than the headlines alone might suggest. For context, late September trading steadied after inflation data came in as expected.  Day-to-day swings will keep coming, but they don’t change the core job of a long-term plan.

Developed markets outside the U.S. also showed strength. Part of their performance stems from a weaker U.S. dollar, which amplifies returns in dollar-terms for overseas equities. This has also supported returns in emerging markets, which have surpassed U.S. equities.  The theme continues to be that different markets lead at different times, and spreading risk across geographies helps steady the journey.

Planning Moves That Matter

Just like the water in my favorite stream, we’re focusing on things that compound quietly and that make meaningful changes over time:

  • Cash segmentation for spending needs – matching an appropriate amount of known withdrawals to high-quality cash vehicles (money markets, Treasuries, short-term bonds or other ladders) so the rest of the portfolio can do its long-term work.
  • Rebalance with intent – trim what has run, add to what’s lagged inside your target ranges, and redeploy new cash strategically into the asset classes most out of balance.
  • Year-end tax work – harvest losses where appropriate, manage capital gains distributions, and pair giving with taxes: direct appreciated shares to donor-advised funds, consider QCDs if you’re taking RMDs, and review state-specific opportunities before December 31.
  • Purpose-built buckets – where it fits, we’ll keep leaning into liability-driven investing that ties assets to time horizons instead of a single, generic “risk number.”

If your cash flow, goals, or time frames have shifted recently, let’s update the map now rather than after January 1.

Money and Meaning

Optimizing your money is obviously important but not if it comes at the expense of optimizing your life (I’m speaking to myself here).  Recent On Adventure conversations offered a thread worth carrying into Q4.

  • Bob Becker spoke about finishing Badwater 135 at age 80 – not with bravado, but with gratitude, routine, and a stubborn gentleness that kept him moving when it got ugly.
  • Lisa Smith-Batchen (will be released on October 3) reminded us that the best crews and mentors hold a mirror to your ‘why’ when your legs want to quit.
  • Wells Jones talked about drawing a line in the sand – not as a dare, but as a promise to live aligned with what matters.

Nature is saying the same thing right now. The light changes. The trail looks different. The real work is to keep showing up with intention. Money is just one of the tools that helps you do that – to buy time, fund experiences with the people you love, support causes that reflect your values, and create margin for the kind of adventures that make you feel most alive.

Thank you for your trust. If something in your world has changed – a new goal, a liquidity event, a move, college bills, eldercare planning – let us know and we’ll adjust the plan together.

Episode 58: How to run through Death Valley in July at age 80 with Bob Becker


In this captivating episode of On Adventure, I sit down with the legendary Bob Becker – ultramarathoner, race director, and age-defying adventurer – to unpack his incredible journey from late-blooming runner to becoming the oldest finisher of the Badwater 135, one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons.

At 80 years old, Bob proves that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, conquer deserts, and inspire generations. Whether you’re an aspiring endurance athlete, race organizer, or simply someone looking for motivation to stay active, this episode delivers.

🕓 Timestamps & Topics Covered

  • [00:04:00] Introduction – Welcoming Bob Becker and setting the stage.

  • [00:06:00] Late Bloomer in Running – Bob started serious running at 57!

  • [00:07:30] First Ultra: Marathon des Sables – 150-mile Sahara race to celebrate turning 60.

  • [00:09:00] Why Ultras? – The deep camaraderie and the life-changing community.

  • [00:13:00] Training Without Mountains – How Bob trains for elevation in flat Florida.

  • [00:18:30] From Running to Race Directing – Launching the iconic Keys 100 and Daytona 100 races.

  • [00:23:00] Life After Real Estate – How Bob turned adversity during the financial crisis into purpose.

  • [00:27:00] Jungle Racing in the Everglades – Creating and running a now-legendary trail race.

  • [00:34:00] Enduring Support – His wife’s unique but wholehearted support.

  • [00:38:00] Intergenerational Adventure – Racing with his granddaughter.

  • [00:39:30] Movement as Medicine – Encouraging older adults to “just start moving.”

  • [00:40:00] Nutrition & Heat Strategy – Vegan lifestyle and fueling for the long haul.

  • [00:47:00] Inside Badwater 135 – The heat, the altitude, the brutal beauty.

  • [00:54:00] History in the Making – Becoming the oldest finisher in Badwater history.

  • [01:00:00] Mental Grit – Mantras, bear crawls, and mindset hacks.

  • [01:05:00] Lessons from the Trail – What Bob’s learned from every finish line.

🏆 Key Takeaways

  • 🧠 Age is not a limitation – Bob didn’t start running seriously until his late 50s.

  • 🌱 Vegan athlete – Nutrition was key to training, racing, and recovery.

  • 🥵 Badwater veteran – 6x Badwater runner; oldest finisher at age 80.

  • 🛠️ Creative training methods – Pulling tires across bridges to simulate hills.

  • 💪 Mental strength over miles – Bear crawled the last mile of Badwater in 2022.

  • 🧡 Inspiring generations – Encourages others, especially seniors, to stay active.

✨ Notable Quotes

“If someone else can do it, why can’t I?” – Bob Becker

“The finish line is glorious. It’s a bragging right you carry forever.”

“You’re never too old to start moving. Start walking, gardening – just move.”

🔗 Connect with Bob Becker

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations with adventurers, endurance athletes, and game-changers just like Bob Becker.


👉 Subscribe to the On Adventure Podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with every new episode.


📺 Want to see the stories come to life? Head over to our YouTube channel for full interviews, behind-the-scenes clips, and bonus content you won’t hear on the audio feed.


🔥 Hit that subscribe button, leave us a review, and join our growing community of adventurers!

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On Adventure: Lessons from the Edge

Adventure isn’t just about the trails we run or the mountains we climb. It’s about the way challenge shapes us—pulling us past our limits, stripping away comfort, and helping us see what matters most. In the last three episodes of the On Adventure Podcast, I’ve had the chance to sit with guests who live this out in remarkable ways.

Ken Posner: Chasing the Grid and Hearing Nature’s Call

Ken Posner set out to complete “The Grid”—climbing all 35 high peaks of New York’s Catskills every month of the year. It’s a feat of endurance, yes, but more than that, it’s a practice in transformation. Along the way, Ken experimented with barefoot running, stripped away layers of technology, and found stillness on the other side of immense physical suffering. His story reminds us that nature is always sending a signal—we just have to quiet the noise long enough to hear it.

Dr. Charles Infurna: Coaching beyond limits 

Dr. Charles Infurna grew up in a Sicilian immigrant family where work ethic wasn’t taught in lectures—it was lived out daily. That example fueled his career as both an athlete and a coach. In our conversation, Charles shared the delicate art of pushing athletes to see beyond their perceived limits without crossing into unhealthy pressure. His insight applies far beyond sports: adventure often means recognizing that the line we think is our limit is usually much farther out

Tom Hicks: Purpose, pain and the price of adventure

Conservationist and adventurer Tom Hicks spends his days fighting global wildlife crime syndicates and his free time chasing extreme endurance challenges. From Ironman races to the Barkley Marathons, from scaling remote peaks to preparing for a South Pole expedition, Tom leans into the suffering that comes with hard pursuits. For him, discomfort isn’t something to avoid—it’s often the price of purpose. His perspective is a reminder that adventure changes us not only by where it takes us, but by who it calls us to become.

 

Why do these stories matter?  Ken, Charles, and Tom live very different lives, but their stories echo the same truth: adventure is an invitation. It calls us outside, challenges us with difficulty, and leaves us stronger and more alive. Whether it’s on a mountain trail, a sports field, or in the wilderness of Africa, the pursuit of hard things reveals who we really are.

You can listen to the full episodes of the On Adventure Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Cybersecurity isn’t optional anymore – 4 wake up calls from Mark Hurley

We used to think of cybercrime as something that happened to other people, other companies, or in other countries. But as Mark Hurley – CEO of Digital Privacy & Protection – reminded us in a recent client briefing, the frontlines of cybercrime are now our inboxes, devices, and conversations.

Here are four of the most important and frankly *chilling* takeaways from that session, along with what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

1. Criminals are now using AI – and they’re better at it than you think 

Hurley made it clear: cybercriminals were among the earliest adopters of artificial intelligence. They use it to:

    • Instantly process leaked data from breaches (like AT&T, Uber, etc.)
    • Launch automated attacks on thousands of accounts at once.
    • Mimic your behavioral patterns using something called the “consistency heuristic” to make scams feel emotionally and logically real. 

They’re no longer just targeting your bank login – they’re going after your email, voice, and telecom account so they can intercept MFA codes, impersonate you, or worse.

2. Deepfakes and fake kidnappings are already here 

This isn’t hypothetical anymore. Hurley recounted recent cases where criminals:

    • Cloned a daughter’s voice using social media videos and demanded $200,000 from her mother in a fake kidnapping scam
    • Posed as a client with cloned voices and diverted funds from retirement accounts, stealing millions

With $4.95 and a few minutes, a criminal can clone your voice convincingly enough to bypass voice authentication software.

3. MFA and passwords aren’t enough anymore

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is no longer a silver bullet. Criminals are now:

    • Hacking into telecom portals to redirect MFA codes
    • Breaching authenticator apps with malware
    • Guessing 8-digit passwords in under a second using brute-force AI tools

Hurley’s team recommends 20–25 digit randomly generated passwords using a password manager – and unique ones for every single login.

4. The number one protection: Slow down

The most practical takeaway? Slow. Things. Down.

When someone requests a wire transfer or password reset, pause and verify. Meet in person if necessary. You’re not just moving money – you’re protecting a lifetime of savings.

 

Action steps you can take today
    • Use a password manager like Keeper to generate and store 20+ character unique passwords.
    • Enable all privacy and security settings on your devices and apps.
    • Install a VPN (like Surfshark) and use it on public Wi-Fi or while traveling.
    • Create a private email used only for account recovery (not daily use).
    • Segment work and personal devices – never store both on one system.
    • Watch for vishing (voice phishing) attacks posing as your advisor, bank, or even government.
    • Ask your advisor to make cybersecurity a part of regular client meetings.
Why it matters more than ever

Cybercrime is now the primary way criminals target families—not just for money, but sometimes for violence or real-world theft. Your brand, your wealth, your safety—they’re all on the table.

The good news? If you do the basics, you’re already 96–97% protected.

And if you’re a client of Ridgeline Wealth Advisors, reach out to us to schedule a follow-up class or activate cybersecurity services with our partners.

Let’s not wait until there’s a crisis to get secure.