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.

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.

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.

Oil prices don’t just impact what you pay at the pump. They ripple through the entire economy.

In this clip, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF® and Christopher Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® break down how the conflict in Iran pushed oil prices higher, and why that matters beyond headlines. From inflation to interest rates to consumer behavior, these shifts can have real effects on markets and everyday decision-making.

The big question: is this a short-term shock or something that sticks?

As always, it’s a reminder of the importance of staying diversified and focused on the long term.


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. 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, options 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 Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd., Suite 203; Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360.

What does "Living Greater" actually look like for you? In episode two of the Retirement Readiness Journey, the VLP team moves from the numbers to the lifestyle. Learn how to translate your retirement dreams into an actionable plan that accounts for everything from healthcare needs to "super fun" travel goals.

Key Topics Covered:

• Retirement Goal Setting: Move beyond the "beach" cliché to define the who, what, and where of your next chapter.
• The "Dimmer Switch" Strategy: Why a phased retirement or scaling back is often more successful than a "hard stop" from a demanding career.
• Needs, Wants, and Wishes: How to prioritize essential expenses like healthcare while still "solving for fun".
• Financial Modeling: The importance of using "what-if" placeholders for big-ticket items like second homes or boats.
• Managing Disconnects: How to adjust your "champagne taste" to reality by pulling the right financial levers.

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 your future, you must establish a clear baseline of your current financial health. In this kickoff episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, explore the essential steps to take ten years before your target retirement date. From analyzing asset location to auditing your debt, learn how to prepare your portfolio for the long haul.

Key Topics Covered:

• Calculating Net Worth: Learn how to organize diverse assets including 401(k)s, TSPs, real estate, and unique collectibles.
  
  
• Strategic Debt Management: Understand the difference between "good" debt like mortgages and "bad" high-interest liabilities.
  
  
• Asset Location & Taxes: Why your 401(k) shouldn't be your only bucket and how to utilize Roth options for better tax flexibility.
  
  
• Cash Flow Tracking: Move beyond digital spending to understand your true cost of living and identify "lifestyle creep".
  
  
• Optimizing Savings: Discover systematic ways to redirect pay raises and "found money" into wealth-building investments.
  
  

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.

In this special "Year in Review" episode, the team at VLP Financial Advisors dives into the biggest accomplishments, market reflections, and firm growth of 2025. They also look ahead to 2026, sharing major initiatives like a new office and an exciting new podcast series. Don't miss this candid conversation about the market's volatility, the impact of legislative changes, and the core values driving the firm's success.

Key Discussions and Takeaways:

• Firm and Podcast Growth: Review the significant growth in 2025, including the firm adding over 30 new client households and surpassing 1300 YouTube subscribers.
• Podcast Achievements: Highlights include reaching episode 42 and the success of "short form" content, such as the video on "Financial Scams in the World of AI" (over 7,000 views) and the top short with nearly 30,000 views.
• 2025 Market & Legislative Reflections: Discussion on the market's quick changes, the impact of "Liberation Day," and the "Big Beautiful Bill," which affected taxes, particularly the SALT cap.
• Firm Awards and Recognition: Highlighting awards such as the Investment News Top Places to Work (won again in 2025) and being named to the watchlist for fastest-growing female-led advisory firms.
• Looking Ahead to 2026: Exciting plans include a new office move off of Pinnacle Drive and the launch of a new "Retirement Readiness Journey" podcast series in January.

The team attributes their success to the continued trust and referrals from their clients, partners, and team. Gain valuable insight into how this growing firm manages volatile markets and leverages technology like AI and new social platforms, such as their new Instagram account (@vlpfinanciadadvisors), to better serve their clients.

Your questions and feedback drive the conversation! If you have topics or financial questions that come up during the holidays, please share them with the VLP team to inspire future episodes.

Deciding whether to retire now or work a little longer is one of the most common questions clients bring to our team. In this episode of The Live Greater View, Chris Malone and Dan Lash walk through the financial, emotional, and lifestyle factors that shape this decision. From the impact of one extra year of income to the psychological shift of spending down savings, they share the conversations they have every day with people nearing retirement.

Whether you feel ready to stop working or you’re unsure what life after full-time work would look like, this episode gives you a grounded look at what truly matters when choosing your timeline.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The financial benefits of working an additional year, including savings, reduced withdrawals, healthcare costs, and Social Security timing
• The emotional and lifestyle readiness needed for retirement and why the “vision” for your days matters as much as the numbers
• How forced early retirement, market risk, and distribution planning change the conversation

Why this matters:
Retirement is not just a date on a calendar. It is a major life shift that blends money, mindset, and lifestyle. Understanding each piece helps you enter retirement with confidence instead of second-guessing.

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review recent tax updates and how they could affect your financial plans. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we break down the latest tax law changes in simple terms and share strategies to help you prepare before filing season begins.

From deductions and retirement contributions to new tax brackets and planning opportunities, this conversation helps you understand what’s changing and how to make the most of it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Key tax law updates and what they mean for individuals and families
• End-of-year planning strategies to reduce your tax bill
• How to prepare for filing season with confidence and clarity

Why this matters:
A little preparation now can lead to big savings later. Understanding how these changes impact your income, investments, and retirement can help you make smarter decisions before December 31.

The holidays are a time for giving, celebrating, and connecting—but they can also be a time of financial stress. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we talk about practical ways to plan for holiday spending so you can enjoy the season without worrying about your wallet.

From setting a realistic budget to managing travel, gifting, and unexpected costs, this conversation offers simple steps to help you stay in control and still make the holidays special.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to create and stick to a holiday budget that fits your goals
• Smart ways to manage gifting and travel expenses
• Tips for starting fresh in the new year without financial regret

Why this matters:

A little planning can make a big difference. When you approach holiday spending with intention, you can focus on what truly matters—time with family, meaningful experiences, and peace of mind.

What if retirement didn’t just happen once at the end of your career, but instead showed up in smaller breaks throughout your life? In this episode of The Live Greater View, we explore the growing trend of “micro retirements” and what it means for how people are choosing to live, work, and plan for the future.

We look at why more people are taking intentional breaks from work to travel, volunteer, reset, or simply recharge, and how to prepare financially for this kind of lifestyle.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What micro retirements are and why they are becoming more common
• How to prepare financially, from savings to health insurance
• The importance of planning ahead and creating a reentry strategy

Why this matters:
Micro retirements can give you the freedom to enjoy meaningful experiences earlier in life without jeopardizing your long-term financial goals. With the right planning, you can take time away from work while staying on track for the future.

Choosing the right financial advisor can have a big impact on your future—but how do you know what to ask? In this episode of The Live Greater View, we walk through five key questions everyone should ask to make sure they’re getting advice that truly supports their goals.

These questions can help you feel more confident, understand how your advisor works, and know exactly what you’re paying for.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The most important questions to ask before hiring (or continuing with) a financial advisor
• How to clarify what services are included in your relationship
• What to look for in fees and compensation
• How to evaluate an advisor’s experience and planning process
• Ways to make sure your plan aligns with your long-term goals

Why this matters:
Asking the right questions helps you make informed decisions and build a strong, trusting relationship with your advisor.