Retirement is about creating a fulfilling and meaningful next chapter. In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey series, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the lifestyle, emotional, and financial adjustments that come with life after the paycheck. From finding purpose and building new routines to managing retirement income sustainably, this episode explores what it takes to thrive during retirement and enjoy the freedom you've worked so hard to achieve.

Key Topics:

Finding New Structure & Purpose: Exploring hobbies, volunteer opportunities, mentoring, and creating a healthy routine that provides purpose, fulfillment, and balance in retirement.

Managing Retirement Withdrawals Sustainably: Developing a sustainable withdrawal strategy, coordinating income from Social Security, pensions, and investments, and maintaining confidence that your assets can support your long-term goals.

The Psychology of a Fulfilling Retirement: Adjusting to life beyond your career, maintaining social connections, staying engaged in meaningful activities, and understanding why purpose and relationships are key ingredients to a successful retirement.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

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. The individuals and situations depicted here are hypothetical only and do not represent the actual performance of any particular investment or strategy. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Dollar-cost averaging will not guarantee a profit or protect you from loss but may reduce your average cost per share in a fluctuating market. Converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. 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.

Borrowing from your 401(k) may seem like an easy solution when unexpected expenses arise, but it's important to understand the tradeoffs before tapping into your retirement savings.

In this episode of VLP's 401(k) Playbook, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, discusses how 401(k) loans work, the potential impact on your long-term retirement savings, and why borrowing from your retirement account may cost more than many participants realize.

While a 401(k) loan can be a valuable tool in certain situations, it's not a decision to make lightly.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us


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 Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd, Suite 203, Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360.

Retirement is just 12 months away—are you ready? In the final episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey series, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the key financial and emotional decisions that can help make your transition into retirement a success. From Social Security claiming strategies and Medicare planning to creating a sustainable retirement paycheck and adjusting to life after work, this episode provides practical guidance for navigating your final year with confidence.

Key Topics:

• Social Security Claiming Strategies: Understanding Full Retirement Age (FRA), evaluating early versus delayed claiming decisions, and determining the right strategy based on your goals, health, and retirement timeline.
• Medicare & Healthcare Planning: Preparing for Medicare enrollment, understanding COBRA coverage options, navigating IRMAA surcharges, and avoiding common healthcare planning mistakes before retirement.

Retirement Income & Lifestyle Transition: Building a retirement paycheck, adjusting spending expectations, creating sustainable withdrawal strategies, and preparing for the emotional shift from working life to retirement.


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

Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us


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.

As you reach the final decade before retirement, protecting your health, income, and legacy becomes a top priority. Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, dive into the "protection equation," helping you evaluate which safety nets are still necessary and which are simply hidden expenses. From the evolution of long-term care to navigating the complexities of Medicare and trusts, learn how to shield your plan from unexpected derailments.

 Key Topics:

• Life & Disability Insurance Audit: Why the need for high-premium whole life or group term policies often diminishes as you pay down debt, and how to determine if your disability coverage is capped too low for your peak earning years.
• Long-Term Care & Hybrid Policies: A deep dive into modern "asset-based" or hybrid LTC policies that offer a multiplier for care but return your money to your family if never used.
• Medicare & Estate Planning Essentials: Strategies for bridging the healthcare gap if you retire before 65, navigating IRMAA premium surcharges, and why your financial advisor and estate attorney must coordinate on trust titling and beneficiary rules.

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

Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

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.

Before you can plan for where you want to go, you must establish a clear baseline of your current financial health. Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the critical first steps of the ten-year countdown to retirement, focusing on the data and thought processes needed to set your baseline.

Key Topics:

• Net Worth Calculation: How to organize diverse assets from 401(k)s and TSPs to real estate and business valuations.
• Debt & Liability Audit: Strategies for prioritizing high-interest debt and understanding how liabilities impact your retirement timeline.
• Cash Flow Management: Moving beyond digital spending to track expenses and redirecting pay raises to move the needle on your savings.

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

Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

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.

What are the biggest 401(k) mistakes? “Whatever the default option is…”

If that’s how you’d describe your 401(k), you’re not alone but it might be costing you more than you realize.

In this episode, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, breaks down seven of the most common 401(k) mistakes. From missing out on employer match to being too conservative early on, it’s how these small mistakes today can make a big difference over time.

Contributing to a 401(k) is a great start but understanding what you’re doing with it is where a real impact can happen.


Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us
 
 
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. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Due to the volatility of the market with the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Hosted by Andrew Fincher, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd, Suite 203, Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360

What are the 2026 new contribution limits?
 
New year, new 401(k) limits!

In this episode, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, walks you through what changed for 2026. Contribution limits are up, which means more opportunity to save in a tax-advantaged way.

• $24,500 employee contribution limit
• Higher catch-up contributions if you’re 50+
• Even more flexibility if you’re in that 60–63 window

These increases may not seem huge year to year, but over time they can make a meaningful difference. At the start of every year, it’s a good reminder to review your contributions and see if there’s room to bump them up, even if just a little.


Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

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. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Due to the volatility of the market with the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Hosted by Andrew Fincher, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd, Suite 203, Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360

It’s easy to let headlines drive decisions. The challenge is staying grounded in a plan when emotions are running high.

In this episode, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, break down what we’ve historically seen when geopolitical events create volatility and why the market’s initial reaction isn’t always the full story.

From the role of diversification to how quickly markets refocus on earnings and fundamentals, we walk through how we think about these moments and how we guide clients through them, and why that feeling is completely normal and why it doesn’t always mean you should make a change. Having a plan in place before times like these can really make a difference.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisors 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. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Due to the volatility of the market and the securities mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Christopher Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd., Suite 203, Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360.

In this special VLP Spotlight episode, we take a step back to look at how far women have come financially and where there’s still work to do.

Not long ago, women couldn’t open a credit card, get a mortgage, or make many financial decisions independently. Today, that landscape looks completely different. Women are building careers, leading businesses, growing wealth, and playing a larger role in financial decision-making than ever before.

But progress doesn’t mean the journey is finished. We talk through the realities that still exist today: from the pay gap and career pauses to longer life expectancies and the confidence gap when it comes to investing. More importantly, we focus on the opportunity in front of women right now.

Access, education, and influence are all expanding. Whether it’s starting to invest, making the most of workplace benefits, or simply becoming more involved in financial decisions, small steps today can create meaningful change over time.

We also dive into the importance of bridging generations and learning from the past and encouraging more open conversations between mothers, daughters, and peers about money.

This is a thoughtful conversation about progress, challenges, and what’s possible moving forward.

Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us


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 depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Cetera Wealth Services LLC. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Cetera Wealth Services LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. The views stated in this podcast 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. Due to the volatility with the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice.

Information is based on sources believed to be reliable. However, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Statistics and figures are taken from the following sources: Ecommerce Tips, Pew Research Center, and United States Census Bureau. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, Liz Williams, Financial Advisor, Cindy Alexander, Financial Advisor, and Sarah Avila, CFP®, CDFA® Financial Advisor. VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd, Suite 203, Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360.

Are you a decade away from retirement and wondering if your "set it and forget it" strategy still works? In episode four of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, dive into the critical shift from aggressive growth to strategic preservation. Learn how to evaluate your current asset allocation and build a custom "glide path" that aligns with your specific retirement goals.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding Market Corrections: A look at historical data on market declines—including 10% annual corrections and 20% drops every five years—and how to build a plan that withstands these "white knuckle" events
• The Problem with Target Date Funds: Why these "one-size-fits-all" options are great for accumulation but lack the necessary flexibility and control during the distribution phase
• Real Risk Tolerance vs. Market Sentiment: Moving beyond generic questionnaires to understand how your psychology changes when the market shifts from a 15% gain to a 15% loss
• Building Your Glide Path: Why a custom allocation based on your unique legacy goals and income needs is superior to internet advice
• The "Liberation Day" Case Study: A breakdown of 2025’s extreme volatility—where the market dropped 21% in two months only to recover 30% three months later—and the dangers of trying to time these rapid swings
• The 5-to-7 Year Underwater Period: Why your portfolio must include conservative investments to fund lifestyle expenses during extended bear markets
• Diversification Nuances: How rebalancing between international, growth, and value stocks can buffer your portfolio and accelerate recovery

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

Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

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.