Melissa Guttenberger, Financial Advisor/ Partner Croix Wealth Management

10/07/2026

One of the biggest questions many people have as they prepare for retirement is:

❓"How much can I comfortably spend without running out of money?"

That's where the idea of a safe withdrawal rate comes in.

A safe withdrawal rate is simply a guideline that helps determine how much you may be able to withdraw from your retirement savings each year while helping your money last throughout retirement.

But the reality is that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

Your ideal withdrawal strategy depends on factors such as:
✔ Age
✔ Your retirement goals
✔ Lifestyle and spending needs – what other big purchases will you need to make in retirement besides your monthly check?
✔ Other income sources
✔ Health considerations
✔ Market conditions

The goal isn't just preserving your savings. It's creating a plan that allows you to intentionally enjoy the retirement you've worked hard for while feeling confident about the future.

Whether you're preparing for retirement, navigating life after the loss of a spouse, or simply taking a more active role in your financial future, having a strategy can help you make decisions with greater confidence and worry less about “am I spending too much?”

Life changes. Your financial plan should too. This is where a trusted advisor can add value.

10/02/2026

Retired? Semi-retired? Dianne and Sherry will always have a special seat at our table! ❤️

09/23/2026

When it comes to building financial confidence, it's often the small decisions that can help make the biggest difference.

✅ Increasing retirement contributions sometimes by even as much as 1% a year
✅ Reviewing spending habits regularly
✅ Updating beneficiaries and your Will
✅ Maintaining an emergency fund
✅ Creating and sticking to a financial plan

Financial success isn't usually built through one major decision. It's often the result of consistent habits practiced over time.

If you're wondering which changes could have the greatest impact on your financial future, talking with an experienced financial planning team is an excellent place to start.

09/07/2026

🇺🇸 Wishing You a Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Labor Day is a wonderful reminder to pause and appreciate the effort, commitment, and perseverance that go into making each day a little better.

I hope you’re able to enjoy some well-deserved time with family and friends, soak up the last moments of summer, and simply relax and recharge.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and restful Labor Day!

08/27/2026

One of my greatest joys everyday is to work with amazing humans and dear friends like this one!!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Natalie! 💗

08/26/2026

Money doesn’t equal answers.

It gives you choices, definitely.

But as your wealth grows, you’ll come to face an important decision: How to use it well.

One of the most rewarding parts of managing wealth is shifting focus from accumulating “enough” to making intentional choices that feel fulfilling and meaningful.

It’s also one of the aspects of wealth management that surprises clients the most. After decades spent on the singular goal of saving, it’s hard to turn off that switch.

I like to remind clients that passing on with the biggest bank account is never the goal.

Using it to fuel your passions, build a legacy for your kids, make incredible memories… that’s what it’s really all about.

Building wealth is a big accomplishment. Now, it’s time to think about how you’ll use it well.

If you need help making a plan, my doors are always open.

08/14/2026

After years of retirement conversations, these are the three mistakes I see most.

Every one of them is usually fixable once you know how to look for it. ✔️ ✔️ ✔️

08/03/2026

A little ice cream never hurt anyone!
Come out and support the Lady Lions tonight and meet the upcoming Ricebird football team.🍨

5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

🍦 Tickets are available now for the El Campo Lady Lions Ice Cream Social!

Join us August 3, 2026, at the El Campo Civic Center for an evening filled with ice cream sundaes and floats served by the El Campo Ricebirds, games, face painting, raffles, free eye screenings and plenty of family fun.

Don’t wait until the last minute, get your tickets and make plans to enjoy this sweet community tradition with the El Campo Lady Lions! t
This is one event you won’t want to miss!

📅 August 3, 2026
📍 El Campo Civic Center

Contact an El Campo Lady Lion to purchase your tickets.

07/31/2026

Don’t Blink! 👀 I DID!!!

My first born got his permit today.

Now for the Lord’s protection, patience, and wisdom. Amen! 🙏

07/22/2026

How involved have you been with your family’s finances?

Wealth responsibilities shouldn’t automatically “belong” to one spouse more than the other.

You have important goals and aspirations, as well as big financial milestones to look forward to.
You need to have an understanding and a say in how your wealth is working or not working for you.

Many women tend to take a back seat to their finances… until they’re forced into a difficult position. Often after the loss of a spouse, women find themselves managing the family’s wealth or their own money for the first time.

If that happens to you, don’t you want to feel prepared?

Getting involved now is important. Find ways to improve your financial literacy, get comfortable with the numbers, and ask questions when you don’t understand something. Most importantly, make sure you and your spouse or yourself are working with someone you trust. If your spouse has always met with your advisor, start by being a part of those conversations to learn more.

If you need help taking the lead on your family’s wealth, I’m always here to talk.