Gatewood Wealth Solutions

💡 This week's Fast Financial Focus: What Is TOD (Transfer on Death)—and How Is It Used for Investments?

A TOD designation allows your non-retirement investment accounts to transfer directly to named beneficiaries when you pass away, keeping assets out of probate and ensuring a smoother, faster transition to your heirs. It's like a handoff in a relay race—the baton passes smoothly without outside interference.

Explore more financial insights on our blog: https://bit.ly/4cB02JE

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific investment. Your results may vary.

Today, we're celebrating our amazing founder, John Gatewood! 🎉

Forty-five years ago, John founded what would eventually become Gatewood Wealth Solutions. Over the decades, the firm has grown, evolved, and transformed in countless ways, but through every chapter, John's vision, values, and commitment to serving others have remained at its foundation.

While much has changed since 1981, one thing has stayed the same: John's passion for helping people grow. Whether guiding clients, developing advisors, or sharing hard-earned wisdom, he has always approached his work with purpose and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

That commitment continues today. In addition to his role as Director of Advisor Development, John recently released The Listening Advisor, a book that captures many of the lessons, insights, and principles he has accumulated throughout an extraordinary career. It's a fitting reflection of someone who has spent decades helping others navigate life's most important decisions. (Get your copy here! https://bit.ly/4bSkYvD)

John's influence can be seen throughout every corner of Gatewood, not only in what we've built as a firm, but in the people who carry his vision forward each day.

John, thank you for 45 years of leadership, mentorship, and dedication. The impact you've had on our clients, our team, and our firm is impossible to measure. Congratulations on this incredible milestone! 👏

A song from 1988 asked what a million dollars could buy. A tree fort. A fur coat. A llama, briefly.

Thirty-eight years later, that same million dollars has been quietly worked on by two forces, and only one of them was on your side. Neither announced itself. Neither looked like much on any particular Tuesday.

Chris Arends ran the numbers on both. The result is a considerably less catchy chorus and a considerably more useful question, which is not what a million dollars could buy but what it could become.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4hzCuIH

We are eager to announce a truly special moment for one of our partners and his growing family!

Congrats to Dan and Lauren — it’s a GIRL!! 💓 Meet Sienna James Goeddel, coming in the world at 7 lbs, 7 oz, 19 in.

Mom and baby are doing perfect and looking adorable as ever. We're wishing them a well as they head home and hopefully get some well-deserved rest! Congratulations Goeddel family! 🙌 🎉

Upcoming office closure notice! 🚨 Gatewood will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. The market is closed and so are we. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th. If you are in need of assistance please contact our team before end of day on Friday, September 4th. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

On this month's episode of Beyond the Advisor, Nina Breen sits down with John Gatewood, CFP®, CLU®, Founder and Director of Advisor Development, to talk about his new book — and his argument that after 45 years in the business, the thing that determines whether a client relationship works has almost nothing to do with financial knowledge.

They get into why the industry trains advisors on what to know and not on how to communicate, why information alone has never changed anyone's behavior, and how the structure of a client meeting determines whether the client is actually in the room.

Get your copy of The Listening Advisor: https://bit.ly/4h29c4F
📺 Watch now on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3UxfUXE
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4x7wqel
Or Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4y9wc7w

💡 This week's Fast Financial Focus: Is Your Life Insurance Policy Still the Right Fit?

Life insurance needs can change over time—what made sense when your kids were young or your mortgage was large might not reflect your current financial picture, goals, or obligations. Think of life insurance like a winter coat: what kept you warm years ago may now be too bulky or not warm enough, and you don't want to find that out in a storm.

Explore more financial insights on our blog: https://bit.ly/4i4Lshc

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific investment. Your results may vary.

Today, we're celebrating 1 year of Monica McDaniel at Gatewood! 🎉

In just one year, Monica has made an incredible impact on our firm. As Director of Gatewood Tax & Accounting, she has played a key role in building and leading this new service line, helping create a strong foundation for both our team and the clients we serve.

While her expertise and leadership have been instrumental to our success, it's her approach to working with others that makes Monica truly special. She has a unique ability to bring clarity to complex situations, encourage those around her, and keep everyone moving forward with confidence. Her kindness, patience, and willingness to share her knowledge have made a lasting impression across the firm.

Monica, thank you for an incredible first year at Gatewood. We're grateful for your leadership, expertise, and the positive impact you've had on our team. Congratulations on this milestone, and we're excited for everything still ahead! 👏

Today, we're celebrating 1 year of Mary Elizabeth Blythe at Gatewood! 🎉

In just one year, Mary Elizabeth has made a lasting impression on our team and the families we serve. Her thoughtful approach, commitment to helping clients navigate important financial decisions, and genuine care for others have made her an invaluable part of Gatewood.

What truly sets Mary Elizabeth apart is the joy she brings to those around her. She's always quick with a smile, a word of encouragement, or a positive perspective. Her warmth, professionalism, and dedication make her someone clients trust and teammates love working alongside.
Whether she's helping clients build confidence in their financial future, cheering on one of her four children in their many activities, or finding new ways to grow personally and professionally, Mary Elizabeth approaches life with enthusiasm and purpose.

Mary Elizabeth, thank you for an incredible first year at Gatewood. We're grateful for the positivity, care, and hard work you bring to our team each day, and we look forward to all that's ahead. Congratulations on this milestone! 👏

Loyalty is a virtue. Misplaced loyalty is expensive.

Most families stay with an advisor for years without ever stepping back to ask whether the relationship still fits where their life has gone. There is usually no single moment that forces the question, so it just does not get asked.

Dan Goeddel wrote down ten signs worth watching for. A few will be familiar. At least one will probably make you want to pull up your last statement.

If three or more hit home, the piece ends with what we would suggest doing about it, and it is not what most people expect.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4wEyhaE