Jhakiri Brooks, Financial Advisor

Reflection is easier on the soul than wallowing in regret.

29 was all about trial by fire.

This isn't a sad birthday post, but I must reflect on every loss and lesson I've learned.

So many of my friends were unable to make it to this milestone.

Year 30, all I can pray for is direction and discernment.

I remember being the youngest in the room for so many years. Now in many rooms I'm the guy with the most years of experience.

This era is all about passing on the pain to the One who can bear it. To anyone who's been in my corner, I know this ride hasn't been easy. Thank you time and time again.

Thank you, God, for the gift of life.

This past Saturday, we transformed our office into a Pilates studio as we continued our Wealth & Wellness Series with a special Pilates & Networking event.

What made this experience even more meaningful was the collaboration with Miranda Sterrett and Pilates Addiction, which is preparing to launch its North Raleigh location this October.

Events like these are a reminder that success is about more than what we build professionally. It's also about creating spaces where people can connect, learn, move, and grow together.

We had the pleasure of welcoming local community members, entrepreneurs, wellness enthusiasts, and corporate leaders into our space for a morning centered on connection and well-being.

Brit from Pilates Addiction guided us through a 30-minute mat Pilates session that was designed for all levels and still managed to be both fun and challenging.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event a success. We look forward to hosting more gatherings that foster both personal well-being and professional growth.

📸✨ Raleigh, it's time to elevate your brand and expand your network

I'm excited to partner with and as we host our Headshot Happy Hour on September 17th!

Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, professional, business owner, or community leader, this event is designed to bring together incredible people who believe in the power of meaningful relationships.

Come update your professional headshot, enjoy great conversations, build new connections, and connect with individuals who are making an impact throughout our community.

Your next opportunity, collaboration, referral partner, client, mentor, or friend may be one conversation away.

📍 1201 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC
🗓 September 17
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Let's connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Too often, financial conversations start with products.

We think that's backwards.

Many people need education, clarity, and a strategy before they ever consider a financial product.

That's why we plan with the 3 Gs:

✅ Goals ✅ Gains ✅ Guarantees

Financial planning isn't about collecting products. We start with your destination and work backwards.

Many people know how to invest. Few know how to access their money strategically when it's time to fund their goals.

Not every dollar should take the same level of risk. We look for solutions that provide certainty where appropriate, including insurance strategies and savings vehicles with locked-in rates.

We must create roadmaps that help our money support our lives.

Am I the only person tired of inflation? I doubt it.

Saving money is important, but in today's environment, simply parking dollars in a traditional account may not be enough to keep pace with rising costs over time.

That's why we educate clients on utilizing individual brokerage accounts, what we like to call Multipurpose Accounts, Mid-Term Accounts, or Inflation Accounts.

Why?

Because it's not about the name. It's about the assignment.

Your emergency fund has a job. Your retirement account has a job.

What about the money you'll need in 3, 5, or 10 years?

💡Inflation requires WORKING dollars.

I enjoy my money, and I suggest you do the same.

I recently took a trip to Jamaica, one of my favorite places in the world to reset, reflect, and recharge. It reminded me of something I tell my clients all the time:

Wealth isn't just about preparing for tomorrow. It's also about being able to enjoy today.

I'm not the advisor who's going to tell you to eliminate every pleasure, cancel every vacation, or live a life of sacrifice in the name of retirement. That's not realistic, and honestly, that's not living.

For years, many people looked to financial advisors for permission to stop enjoying life altogether. I believe in balance.

Whether my clients earn $500,000 or $5,000,000, the goal is the same:
✅ Build for the future.
✅ Protect what matters.
✅ Enjoy the life you've worked hard to create.

Financial planning should create options, not restrictions. The right strategy allows you to take the trip, celebrate the milestone, invest in experiences, support your family, and still make meaningful progress toward your long-term goals.

Life isn't meant to be lived someday.

Let's build a system that allows you to prepare for your future while fully enjoying your today.

A long life isn't just built with money.

It is built with health, relationships, community, and purpose.

That's why I'm excited to partner with Pilates Addiction and Miranda Sterrett, Realtor, Sterrett Investment Partners & Keller Williams Apex for a special morning of movement, networking, and meaningful connection.

Join fellow professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and Pilates enthusiasts as we create space to grow mentally, physically, professionally, and personally.

✅ 30-minute Pilates session
✅ Networking with like-minded professionals
✅ Coffee, refreshments & light bites
✅ Real conversations. Real connections.

Let's build stronger bodies, stronger networks, and stronger communities together.

🧘 Saturday, August 22 | 9:00 AM 📍 Northwestern Mutual | Raleigh, NC

Tag a friend who believes wellness and success go hand in hand.

Back to the Basics: Part 1 | Short-Term Goals

Grab a piece of paper and write down:

✅ ST = Short-Term Goals
✅ MT = Mid-Term Goals
✅ LT = Long-Term Goals
✅ RT = Retirement Goals

Let's start with Short-Term Goals.

These are the goals and expenses that matter right now and over the next 6-12 months:

• Emergency savings ("rainy day" fund)
• Upcoming vacations
• Home projects
• Book fairs, field trips, or any school related activity for your child
• Holiday spending

Short-term goals require short-term accounts:
💰 Checking Accounts
💰 Savings Accounts
💰 High-Yield Savings Accounts

The goal is having your money available when you need it while earning a little interest along the way.

Stay tuned for Part 2 as we discuss Mid-Term Goals and the accounts that may fit those objectives.