Elisabeth Dawson's Wealth By Design

💭 What Do You Actually Want Your Money to Do for You?

It’s a question most people never get asked — even by their financial advisor.

October is Financial Planning Month, and there’s never been a better time to pause and ask yourself:

👉 Do I have a financial plan… or do I just have investments?

Because here’s the truth:
Having a 401(k) or a brokerage account doesn’t mean you have a strategy.

A real plan isn’t about “riding out the market.” It’s about designing income you can’t outlive, protecting your wealth from taxes and inflation, and aligning your money with your life goals — not just your portfolio performance.

In my latest article, I break down what comprehensive financial planning really looks like, and share how one couple went from confusion to clarity (and confidence!) once they saw what their money could actually do for them.

✨ It’s time to move beyond investments and create a plan built around you.

📖 Read the full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-do-you-actually-want-your-money-lets-find-out-elisabeth-dawson-ihehe

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to rethink what life insurance really means for your future. 💡

Most people see life insurance as protection for their family, and while that’s true, it can be so much more. The right policy can double as a powerful financial asset, helping you:
✔️ Build tax-advantaged savings
✔️ Create predictable retirement income
✔️ Leave a lasting legacy

I'm breaking down two of the most common types of coverage (term life vs. cash value whole life), and looking at why one of them can be a hidden wealth strategy most families overlook.

👉 Don’t just buy life insurance. Design it to work for you!

If you’ve been putting off this conversation, now is the time to take action. Let’s explore how life insurance can fit into your financial strategy.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-just-buy-life-insurance-build-financial-asset-elisabeth-dawson-y7bze

You’ve spent decades saving, investing, working hard. But when the paychecks stop, your entire financial strategy must change.

The truth?
❌️ The market doesn’t care if you want to retire...
❌️ The market doesn't care if you need your 401k to support you for the next 30+ years...
But we do.

We help people just like you create reliable income from their 401(k)s, pensions, and severance packages—so the stock market doesn’t get the final say on your future.

If you’ve been laid off, offered early retirement, or are just hoping the market cooperates, don’t roll the dice.
✅ ️Build a plan that lasts.

📲 Schedule your Retirement Income Blueprint session today by calling us at (619) 640-2622.

We'll walk you through how to create a paycheck that lasts as long as you do.

🚨 Recent layoffs off in San Diego 🚨

Over the past few weeks, I've heard from professionals impacted by layoffs from companies like San Diego Gas & Electric and Cox.

Many of these individuals have worked for decades, built strong retirement accounts… and were still left feeling lost and unprepared for what’s next.

It’s an incredibly stressful time—and a crucial one. The decisions you make right now will shape your financial future for decades to come.

One rushed move with your 401(k), pension, or severance could put your retirement at risk and impact your financial security for years to come.

💡 We specialize in helping people transition from employment into retirement with a clear, confident income plan. We’ve done it before—and we can help you, too.

Layoffs in San Diego: Now Is the Time to Make Smart Moves—Not Panicked Ones Over the past several days and weeks, I’ve spoken with far too many professionals in our community recently affected by large-scale layoffs—particularly from well-known employers in San Diego. These unexpected departures—from companies like San Diego Gas & Electric and Cox—are not isolated e...

👏 Excited to see Elisabeth recognized as a Finance Pioneer in San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women 2025! She’s helping people take control of their financial futures—and would appreciate your support! 💪

✅ Cast your vote here: https://cw.sdmag.com/finance/finance-pioneer

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that Elisabeth has been nominated as a Pioneer in the Finance category for San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women 2025!

This nomination recognizes women who are breaking barriers, making bold moves, and inspiring others—and we can’t think of anyone more deserving. 💙

Elisabeth’s passion for helping people design their dream retirement and gain true confidence around money continues to make a powerful impact in our community.

👉 Now, we need your support! Please take a moment to cast your vote and help us shine a light on the incredible work Elisabeth is dedicated to: 🔗 https://cw.sdmag.com/finance/finance-pioneer

Thank you for your continued trust and support!

You saved for retirement… but how much will you actually get to keep? 💸

Most people don’t realize just how big a bite taxes can take out of their retirement income — until it’s too late. 😨

Check out the article below where I discuss the Retirement Tax Trap and how to avoid it with smart, intentional planning. 💯

I've never met anyone who doesn't want to keep more of what they’ve worked so hard to build, so let's partner to design the strategic income plan you deserve! 🤝

The Retirement Tax Trap: What You Have vs. What You Keep You’ve spent decades saving, investing, and working hard to build your retirement nest egg. But here’s a question many people don’t ask until it’s too late: How much of that retirement income will you actually get to keep? The Hidden Threat to Your Retirement Imagine this: you’ve diligentl...

💡 What’s your plan for replacing your paycheck in retirement?
If you’re like most people approaching retirement, you might be wondering:
➡️ How do I turn my savings into steady income?
➡️ When should I take Social Security?
➡️ What happens if the market drops?

These are big questions—and the stakes are high. The truth is, most Americans aren’t confident in their retirement income strategy. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Our team helps clients create structured, reliable income so they can retire with confidence (not questions). 🎯 Let’s make sure your plan gives you the peace of mind you deserve.

📖 Read the full article here →

What Happens When the Paycheck Stops? Why Your Retirement Plan Needs More Than Just Savings When you retire, something major disappears: your paycheck. And with it often comes a surge of financial anxiety.

Why do we spend, save, and invest the way we do? 🤔

Money is more than numbers—it’s shaped by our emotions, beliefs, and even childhood experiences. In my latest blog, I dive into the psychology behind our financial decisions and share practical tips for overcoming habits like emotional spending, fear‑driven avoidance, and status‑led overspending. 💸

🔗 https://www.elisabethdawson.com/the-psychology-of-money/

💡 Discover how understanding your “Money Type” can transform your financial future. You can also learn more about how your unique money personality influences your behaviors by taking our Money Type quiz, which is linked in the blog.

The Psychology of Money | Understand Your Spending Habits Explore the emotional side of finance. Discover why you spend, save, & invest the way you do. Learn to overcome emotional triggers & build