In our third episode of our Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, dive deep into the mechanics of saving as you approach the ten-year countdown to retirement. While most people immediately think of their 401(k), a truly resilient plan requires a balance of cash, retirement vehicles, and non-retirement investment accounts.

Key Topics Covered:

• The New Rule for Emergency Savings: Why the traditional "3 to 6 months" rule of thumb has evolved in the era of instant digital banking, and how to set a "comfort number" that works for your specific career and family situation.
• The Pre-Tax vs. Roth Debate: A breakdown of how each affects your current tax bill versus your future retirement flexibility, and why the early years of compounding make Roth contributions particularly powerful.
• New 2026 Tax Rules (SECURE Act): Critical updates for high-earners (making over $150,000) whose catch-up contributions will soon be required to go into Roth accounts.
• The Value of Non-Retirement Accounts: How brokerage and trust accounts provide lower capital gains tax rates and the "no-penalty" accessibility needed for career breaks or major life transitions.
• Automating Freedom: How to treat non-retirement savings with the same "out of sight, out of mind" automation as your 401(k) to eliminate guilt and ensure you are on track for your goals.
• Navigating Real-World Interruptions: Strategies for balancing retirement savings with the "sandwich generation" challenges of paying for college and supporting aging parents.
• The "Behind the Eight Ball" Strategy: Practical trade-offs for those who feel they haven't saved enough and need to run side-by-side scenarios to find a realistic path forward.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey.

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Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd, Suite 203; Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. This information is found in the issuer's official statement and should be read carefully before investing. Investors should also consider whether the investor's or beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits available only from that state's 529 Plan. Any state-based benefit should be one of many appropriately weighted factors in making an investment decision. The investor should consult their financial or tax advisor before investment in any state's 529.