AAA Advisory LLC

10/09/2026

Check out my latest financial column on page 47 of the October issue of the Catoctin Banner Newzine "Don't Let Your Credit Score Haunt You". In the article I share what credit score monsters to keep an 👁 out for!

https://thecatoctinbanner.com/Digital/Archive2026/October2026/mobile/index.html

10/02/2026

Financial Friday: What are you retiring to?

One of the things I think we sometimes overlook when planning for retirement is what we're actually going to do with all that extra time.

We spend so much time talking about how much we need to save, when we can retire, and whether our investments will last. Those things matter, but there's another question worth asking:

What do you want your life to look like when work is no longer filling most of your days?

For me, that question has made me think about hobbies, family, and community.

Recently, my kids and I entered a local community show together. We had a lot of fun working on our entries, showing them off, and celebrating our winnings. 🏆

It's a small example, but it reminded me that the things that make life enjoyable don't have to be complicated. A hobby can give you something to look forward to, a way to keep learning, and an opportunity to connect with other people.

And you don't have to wait until retirement to start building those connections.

If you're thinking about retirement, consider adding a few questions to your financial plan:

• What hobbies would I like to spend more time on?
• Who do I want to spend more time with?
• What activities connect me with my family or community?
• Is there something I've always wanted to learn or try?
• How can I start making room for those things now?

Planning for retirement isn't just about making sure you have enough money to stop working. It's also about creating a life you're excited to have the time for.

Maybe this weekend is a good time to think about what you want to be doing when your calendar finally has a little more room.

09/25/2026

🍂 Pumpkin spice, crisp mornings, and a little financial reset.

Fall is a great time to check in on your finances before the holiday season gets busy.

What’s one financial task you’d love to cross off your list this fall?

☐ Review your budget
☐ Increase your savings
☐ Revisit your investments
☐ Use up your FSA
☐ Check your tax withholding
☐ Finally organize those financial documents

Pick one. You don’t have to do it all at once.

Happy fall from AAA Advisory! 🍁

09/18/2026

🎉 Financial Friday: My 40-Year Financial Check-In

I turn 40 next week, and I’ve been taking some time to think about where I’ve been, where I’m headed, and what I want the next 40 years to look like.

There are plenty of financial milestones you’re “supposed” to hit by 40. But I think there’s a more important question:

Is where I am today getting me where I want to be in the future?

Not just financially.

Do I like the career I’m building?
Am I spending my time on what matters most?
Am I saving enough to give myself options?
Would I make a change if I knew it was possible?

Turning 40 feels less like a deadline and more like a checkpoint. A chance to pause, look around, and decide if anything needs to change.

Because the goal isn’t just to have enough money.

It’s to build a life you actually want your money to support.

So, whether you’re turning 40 or not, take a few minutes to check in with your future self. Are you headed where you want to go? If not, what’s one thing you can do today to change your direction?

Here’s to the next chapter! 🥂💚

Happy Financial Friday!

09/11/2026

Curious about what numbers you should be keeping track of for your finances? Check out my article in the September issue of The Catoctin Banner Newzine!

We are out and about delivering the September Issue! This month features all your Back to School photos. 🎒👩‍🏫🏫🍎

Check your mailboxes, grab a copy at a local business or view online at www.thecatoctinbanner.com.

Don't forget to support all the advertisers who make our free community paper possible!

08/28/2026

💰 Financial Friday: Know Your Net Worth!

Remember when I said knowing your financial numbers is like getting bloodwork at the doctor? Your net worth is one of those numbers worth checking regularly.

Think of it as a quick snapshot of your financial health:

What you own − What you owe = Your Net Worth

Your net worth isn’t about comparing yourself to anyone else and it certainly doesn’t define your success.

It’s about knowing where you are today so you can make better decisions about where you want to go next.

Just like with your health, one number doesn’t tell the whole story. But when you track it over time, it can reveal a lot.

So, when was the last time you checked your net worth? 👀

Know your numbers. Know your options. Take action.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Please consult your appropriate professional regarding your specific circumstances.

08/14/2026

Financial Friday 💰🩺

You get an annual physical to check in on your health.

But when was the last time you had a financial checkup?

Just like blood pressure, cholesterol, and bloodwork give you a snapshot of your health, knowing a few key financial numbers gives you a snapshot of your financial health.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of the numbers worth knowing, and why they matter.

Because when it comes to your finances, knowing your numbers can bring a lot more confidence.

08/07/2026

***Financial Friday***

Are you curious about what the Trump accounts really are and if they fit into your families finnancial plan?

If yes, check out my latest article in the Catoctin Banner Newzine (see first comment for link to the article).

07/31/2026

Financial Friday: Why accurate budgets matter!

I’m changing my grocery budget.

And honestly, it feels a little silly to admit that this has been bothering me so much. 😂

I’ve been beating myself up every week over our grocery spending. I’d see the number and think, we’re spending way too much! I need to get this under control.

But then I stopped and actually looked at it.

I’m feeding a family of five, with two large dogs. Our grocery spending is affordable for us. We’re eating well.

The problem wasn’t really our spending. It was the number I had decided we “should” be spending.

So starting in August, I’m increasing my grocery budget.

Not because I’m giving myself permission to spend recklessly, but because I’m giving myself permission to use a number that actually reflects our life.

And that’s an important part of financial planning.

Sometimes the answer isn't “spend less.”
Sometimes it's “let’s make sure the goal we're measuring against actually makes sense.”

Is there a financial number you’ve been beating yourself up over that might deserve a second look?

07/16/2026

A quick tip for my business owners: If you're tracking business mileage, be sure you're logging your miles throughout the year, not just the annual total. With the IRS mileage rate changing on July 1, your CPA will need your business miles separated between the first and second half of the year.

The midyear change follows an increase in gasoline prices, according to the IRS. It is the first such midyear adjustment since 2022.