The Fidelis Monthly Newsletter – Built With You in Mind

We know life moves fast, and financial decisions matter. That’s why we’re bringing you a monthly roundup of practical advice, market insights, reminders, and maybe just a bit of Fidelis fun to help you stay on track. We’re glad you’re here!

A Message from Fidelis Wealth Advisors

This time of year often prompts us to consider the blessings and abundance we have in our lives and how we can share them with others. And for many of us, the desire to give back to our communities and the world is what gives our lives a greater sense of purpose. With the right kind of direction, this impulse can form the foundation of a lifelong mission — and be passed along to other family members, potentially becoming an enduring legacy. It’s a journey you can embark on at any stage of life. But at the stage of retirement, you’re in a position to prioritize your own philanthropic efforts, as well as helping guide the next generation in theirs.

This month, we hope to help you recognize and maximize the power of your charitable giving as a way to create constructive change. We will highlight the federal requirements specific to retirees and offer information on efficient ways to give charitably – both in this season and throughout the year – that will not only help make a positive community impact but also avoid those pesky IRS penalties.

Required Minimum Distributions for Retirees

Every year the beginning of October marks the time when the Fidelis team comes together to process Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for our clients. While it might not sound glamorous, this kind of proactive planning keeps our clients on track. So, let’s break down what RMDs are and why they matter…

What are RMDs? Once you hit a certain age (currently 73), the IRS says “okay, time to start taking money out of those retirement accounts and paying us taxes on it.” That required withdrawal? That’s your RMD.

Why do RMDs exist? Because Uncle Sam has been patiently waiting for his cut of your pre-tax retirement savings, and he’s done waiting.

What do I need to know about RMDs? The amount is based on your account balance and your age. If you passed the RMD age requirement, you will likely see a 25% penalty on what you should have withdrawn. You can take it all at once or spread it throughout the year. It counts as taxable income, so plan accordingly.

Why does Fidelis care about RMDs? Because staying on top of these for our clients means nobody gets surprised by penalties, tax bills, or “wait, I was supposed to do WHAT?” moments in December.

Qualified Charitable Distributions for Retirees

So, you know more about RMDs…now what? Since the topic is charitable giving, let’s explore how you can use your RMDs to make QCDs, or Qualified Charitable Distributions. And as we quickly approach another tax season, how you can save on your 2025 taxes with QCDs.

In order to be qualified for QCDs, you must be over the age of 70½ with an eligible IRA account. One of our area nonprofits, Happy Dog Ranch, explains the process in THIS VIDEO, which is summarized below.

How QCDs Work

Choose your cause. Decide on the charity/nonprofit you want to support.
Transfer the money. Arrange the money transfer to the nonprofit.
Report it. Don’t forget to include the QCD on your tax return.

The Key Benefits of QCDs

Tax-free income. The money is excluded from your taxable income, which can lower your tax bill.
It meets your RMD. A QCD can count toward your RMD (see above).
Good for non-itemizers. QCDs can be beneficial even if you don’t itemize deductions.

Some Important Considerations

Direct transfer is key. The IRA custodian MUST make the check payable directly to the charity/nonprofit.
There is an annual limit. The maximum annual amount for a QCD is $108,000 per person in the year 2025.

Donor Advised Funds for Everyone

Another tool in the toolbox that is a flexible and effective way to support the causes you care about is establishing a donor advised fund (DAF). Individuals, families, and businesses can establish a DAF, which is essentially a charitable investment account for the sole purpose of supporting nonprofits you care about. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a DAF at a public charity, you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. Then those funds can be invested for tax-free growth, and you can recommend donations to any eligible IRS-qualified public charity.

Here’s how a DAF works:

Make a tax-deductible donation. Establish a Giving Account and then donate cash, stocks, or non-publicly traded assets such as private business interests, cryptocurrency, and private company stock to be eligible for an immediate tax deduction.
Grow your donation, tax-free. While you’re deciding which charities to support, your donation can potentially grow, making available even more money for charitable giving.
Support causes you care about, now or over time. You advise your IRA custodian on granting the money to your favorite charities at a pace that is comfortable for you.

You want your charitable donations to be as effective as possible when you give. DAFs are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States because they are one of the easiest and most tax-advantageous ways to give charitably. With our custodial partners (Fidelity and Charles Schwab), Fidelis facilitates the creation and maintenance of DAFs for clients.

Fidelis and Charitable Giving

As you may be aware, this time of year is the Colorado Gives Day (CGD) campaign season, which officially kicked off November 1. Because Fidelis Wealth Advisors values giving back and supporting our community, we have committed to being a matching donor for The Aspen Effect’s 2025 CGD campaign – Breathe, Heal, and Rise.

Here are the details:

The cause we are supporting. The Aspen Effect is a nonprofit with a mission to strengthen youth and family resilience to help prevent a crisis in mental health and substance use by combining a unique animal environment with caring mentors and a strength-based approach.

Our commitment… is to match every dollar donated to The Aspen Effect during the CGD campaign, up to $10,000, to help it continue offering critical services to our community and build a brighter future by investing in our youth as they launch into adulthood.

Our ask of you. If you are able, please join us in supporting this effort HERE.

We hope the impact of Fidelis’ community involvement and charitable giving extends far beyond the immediate recipients of the donations.

What’s Your Giving Plan?

Throughout the many past “giving seasons,” we have witnessed our clients finding innovative ways to contribute to the community. Whether through monetary donations or in-kind gifts, every act of generosity has played a role in shaping a brighter future for those in need. The positive feelings that come with philanthropy and charitable giving, along with the additional benefit of tax savings that Fidelis clients receive, demonstrates that is not only possible but also highly rewarding.

If you’re approaching RMD age or already there – or if you’re curious about how you can combine your financial success with a commitment to positive community impact – let’s discuss and create your giving plan together.

For more information and to schedule your complimentary session, contact us at (303) 800-4683 or loyalty@fidelis-wealth.com.

Questions? Book a quick call with our team HERE.

Fidelis Monthly Newsletter

A Message from Fidelis Wealth Advisors

October is Financial Planning Month and serves as a good reminder to keep our spending in check and begin to budget for the new year as we head into the holiday season. But financial planning is about much more than just tracking spending and budgeting. It is a strategic approach to improving the organization and management of personal finances. In short, if it involves your personal finances, then there’s a way to plan for it and optimize the outcome.

Fidelis offers financial planning services, ranging from the basics — such as budgeting, saving and paying off debt — to more complex areas, such as investment management, insurance, estate, retirement and education planning. And we take a highly personalized approach, looking at our clients’ overall financial picture and crafting a plan that suits their specific needs and reaches their unique goals. We also take very seriously our fiduciary responsibility to ensure we are always working in their best interest.

This month, we walk you through our customized multi-phased approach to an advisor-aligned financial planning process.

Paraphrasing Economist John Maynard Keynes, our ultimate goal is to be approximately right rather than precisely wrong…

STEP 1: DISCOVERY Phase

This phase speaks directly to one of our five core values…relationship. Our goal is to build a lifelong relationship with you as your advisor and advocate. It is in this phase that we dig deep with questions about what makes you tick. In this phase, we:

Get to know YOU. We take the time to understand what’s truly important to you by asking key questions like:

What is your why?
What does success look like to you?
Who and what is important to you?
What is your agenda?

Practice the lost art of listening. We listen to find out where you’re at in life and what’s critical to you over the coming years. By understanding your goals, we can help you realize them.

STEP 2: BUILD IT Phase

Taking the information we learned in the discovery phase, we start to hone in on particular strategies, analyze the various tools we have access to, run different scenarios and stress tests related to your financial situation, and consider major life events and market factors – like inflation – that could affect the plan. Then we build a financial plan most suited to your individual circumstances and needs and present it to you. In this phase, we:

Don’t guess…we run the numbers. This is a Monte Carlo simulation – one of the tools we use at Fidelis is to stress-test your financial plan against thousands of different market scenarios, and we can see how different decisions impact your long-term success. We’re not just hoping your plan works – we’re modeling it.

Explain. We believe clarity builds confidence so we explain every idea and decision made when drafting the plan.

Provide context and perspective. In a world with so many competing agendas, we help you make informed choices.

STEP 3: TWEAK IT Phase

We know that the only constant in life is change, so making ongoing tweaks to your financial plan is a given. Every time a major life event takes place—a marriage, the birth of a child, or retirement—we can tweak it. If your cash flow needs change, we can tweak it. If your investment interests or tax scenarios change, we can tweak it. Because real life doesn’t follow a straight line, neither should your financial plan. This is the phase where we:

Work together with you. We regularly revisit your plan to make sure we’re on track and meeting your goals.

Are a steady resource. No matter what challenges or opportunities arise, we continue to build and maintain a foundation of trust, guidance, and care that lasts a lifetime.

What’s Your Plan?

Your financial plan can be as big and complex as you want it to be, or as simple and straightforward as you like — so long as it ensures that your money’s growing where you’re going, and it provides a path and the motivation for you to meet your financial goals. This is what planning with purpose looks like.

It is worth repeating…our goal is to build a lifelong relationship with you as your advisor and advocate.

Ready to start planning? For more information and to schedule your complimentary session, contact us at (303) 800-4683 or loyalty@fidelis-wealth.com.

Questions? Book a quick call with our team HERE.

The Fidelis Monthly Newsletter

Built With You in Mind

A Message from Fidelis Wealth Advisors

September marks Life Insurance Awareness Month, a time dedicated to helping families understand one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of financial planning. At Fidelis Wealth Advisors, we believe that true wealth isn’t just about accumulating assets, it’s about protecting what matters most. Whether you’re just starting your career, raising a family, or planning your legacy, the right life insurance coverage can make all the difference between financial hardship and peace of mind.

For more than 10 years, we’ve helped families throughout the United States build comprehensive financial strategies that protect their loved ones’ futures.
This month, we’re committed to making life insurance simple, accessible, and actionable by walking you through life insurance considerations at every stage of your journey and providing you with practical tips to secure the ultimate protection.

Your family’s financial security is our mission. Let’s make this the month you take action.

Life Insurance Through Life’s Stages

Your Coverage Roadmap

Life insurance isn’t a “one size fits all” solution. Your needs evolve as uniquely as your life does. Here’s how to think about protection at each major life stage:

Your 20s: Building the Foundation

Key Focus: Affordability and Future Planning

At this stage, you might think life insurance is unnecessary. You have no dependents, minimal assets, and student loan debt. But this is actually the perfect time to start.

Smart Moves:

Lock in low rates while you’re young and healthy.
Consider a 20- to 30-year term policy to cover potential future obligations.
Think about 10-15 times your current annual income.
If your employer offers group life insurance, supplement it—it’s rarely enough.

Real Talk:
That $200,000 policy might seem huge now, but it won’t even cover your future mortgage. Plan for who you’re becoming, not just who you are today.

Your 30s: The Protection Expansion

Key Focus: Growing Responsibilities

Marriage, mortgages, and maybe those first children. Your 30s are when life insurance shifts from “nice to have” to “absolutely essential.”

Smart Moves:

Reassess coverage with each major life event.
Consider 15-20 times annual income if you have young children.
Don’t forget to insure the non-working spouse (childcare replacement costs are significant).
Review and update beneficiaries after getting married or having kids.

Common Mistake:
Assuming your spouse doesn’t need coverage because he/she doesn’t work outside the home. Replacing childcare, housework, and family management services can cost $60,000+ annually.

Your 40s: The Peak Protection Years

Key Focus: Maximum Responsibility, Maximum Risk

This decade often brings peak earning potential alongside peak financial obligations, including teenagers, college funds, aging parents, and serious retirement planning.

Smart Moves:

Consider permanent life insurance for estate planning.
Evaluate long-term care insurance needs.
Ensure coverage extends through your children’s college years.
Review existing policies (some term policies may be expiring).

Strategic Thinking:
Your 40s are when you might transition from pure income replacement to wealth preservation and transfer strategies.

Your 50s and Beyond: The Transition Strategy

Key Focus: Estate Planning and Legacy Protection

As mortgages get paid off and children become financially independent, your insurance needs shift but don’t disappear.

Smart Moves:

Evaluate whether to convert term policies to permanent coverage.
Consider life insurance for estate tax planning.
Review beneficiary designations (especially after divorce or remarriage).
Plan for potential long-term care costs.
Consider coverage for final expenses and wealth transfer.

Key Question:
Will your family need income replacement, or are you more focused on covering final expenses and leaving a legacy?

Quick Reference: Red Flags That You Need More Coverage

Your coverage is less than 10 times your annual income.
You haven’t reviewed your policy in more than 5 years.
Major life changes (marriage, baby, home purchase, divorce).
Your employer coverage is your only coverage.
You have dependents but no life insurance.
Your term policy is about to expire.

Take Action Today

Don’t let another Life Insurance Awareness Month pass without protecting your family’s future. Whether you’re 25 or 55, single or married, starting your career or nearing retirement, there’s never been a better time to ensure your loved ones are financially secure.

Ready to start? We’ll help you navigate every step of the process and ensure you get the right coverage at the right price. For more information and to schedule your complimentary life insurance review, contact us at (303) 800-4683 or loyalty@fidelis-wealth.com.
Questions? Book a quick call with our team HERE.

Back to School? Back to Saving for the Future!

As we were brainstorming a theme for our August newsletter, one thing came to mind: Back to School!

For many, August means fresh notebooks, first-day outfits, and packed lunches… but it’s also the perfect time to talk about something equally important: saving for education. Whether you’re a parent, future parent, or someone who just wants to earn favorite aunt or uncle status, now’s the time to brush up on 529 plans and ways to fund future learning. Let’s break it down:

What’s a 529 Plan Anyway?

It is a dedicated savings plan for education that comes with tax perks and flexibility.¹

Tax-advantaged education savings account
Grows tax-free if used for qualifying expenses
Can be used for education expenses from kindergarten through graduate school, including apprenticeship and trade school programs
Section 529 plans are sponsored and run by the 50 states and the District of Columbia; specific benefits and rules vary by state

Creative Uses & Fun Facts

You might think 529s are just for college tuition, but there’s more to it:

You can use it for tech (hello, laptops!) as long as it’s for educational purposes²
Studying abroad? Applicable. Including tuition, fees, room and board (not day-to-day travel costs, subject to other rules)⁵
Didn’t use all the money? You can now roll up to $35k into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary under the Secure 2.0 Act (if the 529 account is at least 15 years old)²
You can even change the beneficiary if needed without tax consequences²
Grandparents can fund a 529 without impacting financial aid eligibility! The new simplified FAFSA form eliminates questions about grandparent contributions⁴

Real-Life Scenarios / Who It’s For

This isn’t just for parents of college-bound teens. Here’s who a 529 might work for:

“You’re 26, just had a baby, and college feels forever away…but compounding interest says start now.”
“No kids yet? You can open one for yourself. Who says you won’t go back for that MBA… or film school?”
“Your nephew just turned 3 and you want to be the favorite aunt. Contribute to his 529 instead of another Paw Patrol toy.”
“You’re a grandparent and want to help, but also want to avoid affecting financial aid? We’ve got you.”

Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

529s are helpful, but like all tools, they work best when used right:

Don’t overfund unless you have a clear education goal
Not knowing the rules of your own state’s 529 plans – there could be special tax incentives for residents
Be mindful of investment choices based on time horizon
Always name a successor owner (estate planning matters!)
Procrastinating – it’s never too early (or late) to open a 529 plan

Questions?

We’re always happy to chat and guide you through the process, whether you’re just getting started or want to fine-tune your current plan. Book a quick call with our team HERE

Just for Fun: Back-to-School Favorites

We asked our team to share their childhood school supply obsessions and they did not disappoint:

Sam: Glue. Just… glue. Elmer’s was elite. Bonus points if it peeled off your fingers in one perfect layer.
Karley: Mechanical pencils…because clicky pens + color variety = epic pencil collection
Rilee: Pretty planners and pens of course! Because organization should be aesthetic.
Zach: Themed lunchboxes…every year was a new vibe. Power Rangers one year, SpongeBob the next.
Tina: Calculators! Yes… she was the kid who actually loved math class.

Sources

Investopedia. “529 Plan: What It Is, How It Works, Pros and Cons”
IRS. “IRS: 529 Plans Q&A”
Saving for College. “8 Common 529 Plan Mistakes to Avoid”
Saving for College. “The “Grandparent Loophole” & the New FAFSA”
Saving for College. “Using Your 529 Savings to Study Abroad”

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Introducing the Fidelis Monthly Newsletter—Built With You in Mind.

This month, we’re kicking things off with a little fun, meet the wonderfully weird, hardworking, and big-hearted crew that makes up the Fidelis family! It’s time to put some personality behind the names.

Let’s Meet the Crew

From Sam:

I began my wealth management career in 2000 and previously served as a partner at a registered investment advisory firm in Denver. During my time there, I held several leadership roles, including Director of Financial Planning, Chief Financial Officer, and OSJ.

In early 2006, I earned my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation from the CFP® Board of Standards. I also hold insurance licenses in the State of Colorado covering life, accident, property, casualty, and health. I’m a proud member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and remain actively involved in my local chapter.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to share financial insights on Channel 9’s Moneyline 9 segment, and I continue to serve the community by offering pro bono financial advice to families facing hardship.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to make complex topics feel approachable and understandable. I take pride in helping individuals and families feel comfortable and confident in their financial decisions. My strength lies in seeing the big picture and aligning all the pieces of a financial plan to meet each client’s unique goals.

I graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Phoenix. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my seven children. We stay busy with sports, and I coach several of my kids’ basketball teams. I currently live in Castle Rock, Colorado.

From Rilee:

I began working in the financial services industry in 2017 as an insurance agent, specializing in home, auto, ranch, and business insurance, as well as life, health, and disability coverage. Since joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors, I’ve stepped into a broader advisory role, supporting team management, operations, trading, and compliance. Already have obtained my Series 65 Investment Advisor Representative designation, I also plan to pursue my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation in the coming years.

My passion in this field is helping families gain financial peace of mind and reach their big money goals. Even though I’m the remote one on the Fidelis team, if it doesn’t feel like I’m right there with you, checking in, cheering you on, maybe even lovingly hovering…then I’m not doing my job right. Virtual bestie vibes are included!

I graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Horticulture Science. I’m a proud Wyoming native, raised on my family’s cattle ranch in Lander, Wyoming. These days, I live in Green River, Wyoming with my husband, our two boys, and three dogs. We spend as much time as we can outdoors, fishing, hiking, hunting, and exploring the wild beauty of the Wind River Range.

From Karley:

Before joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors in 2022, I owned and operated several small businesses, selling products both locally in the Castle Rock area and online. My passion for business operations and financial strategy inspired me to pursue a degree in Financial Management from the University of Colorado Denver.

At Fidelis, I’ve developed a strong focus on 401(k) plans, participant support, and investment management. I’ve also gained valuable experience working directly with clients in my role as a paraplanner. I currently hold my Series 65 license and plan to pursue the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation as I continue growing in the financial advising space.

I’m committed to delivering a thoughtful, supportive experience that helps clients feel confident and at peace with their financial future.

I’m a Colorado native, born and raised in Castle Rock where I still live today. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me riding my horse, Dante, hiking or mountain biking, or playing electric guitar. I’m also excited to be marrying my fiancé, Massimo, this fall.

From Travis:

I joined Fidelis as an advisor after a 20-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where I specialized in investigating complex financial fraud. During my time with the Bureau, I also served on the National Virtual Currency Response Team, focusing on cryptocurrency and other virtual currencies.

In addition to my law enforcement background, I’m a licensed CPA with a broad range of professional experience. I’ve worked as an auditor, owned my own tax practice, and held financial reporting roles at a Fortune 500 company. I’ve also served as Chief Financial Officer in several industries, including construction, restaurant franchising, and healthcare.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Utah and an MBA from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling with my spouse, spending time with our grandchildren, and managing our small farm, where we raise livestock and honeybees.

From Tina:

I began my accounting career in 2019 as an intern at an accounting firm in Wichita, Kansas. In the spring of 2025, I joined Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Administrative Assistant. I’m excited to support our clients and team, and I look forward to making a meaningful difference as I continue to grow in the financial services field. My goal is to help clients work toward their long-term financial success.

I’m currently pursuing dual degrees in Finance and Accounting at Wichita State University. Originally from Kansas, I grew up in the “Air Capital of the World” and now call Castle Rock, Colorado home. My husband and I have three wonderful kids who keep us on our toes! When I’m not chasing them around, I love spending time outdoors hiking, crafting, doing pottery, dancing, and baking.

From Zach:

I’m excited to be spending the summer as an intern with Fidelis Wealth Advisors. I’m currently heading into my junior year at Colorado State University, where I’m double majoring in Finance and Computer Science. It’s been a great experience so far learning more about the financial industry while supporting our team and clients.

Outside of work, I’m all about the outdoors. I love playing basketball, skiing, hiking, running, and just about any activity that gets me outside. I’m also a big movie fan, so if you see me at the front desk, feel free to share your favorite movie, I’m always looking for new recommendations!