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Please note by using any of the links provided for your convenience you will be leaving Fidelis Wealth Advisors website. The hyperlinks are to websites and servers maintained by third parties. We do not control, evaluate, endorse or guarantee content found in those sites. Your use of such sites is at your own risk.
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September 2025 – Fidelis Newsletter

 

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

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.

Related Posts

John Van Sant

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PROFESSIONAL
John Van Sant began his career in wealth management in 2005 and has spent more than 20 years in leadership roles focused on operational excellence, strategic growth, and advisor support. Prior to joining Fidelis, John served as President and CFO at Cascade Financial Management and as OSJ Principal with LPL and Apollon Financial.

As COO and CCO at Fidelis, John draws on deep industry experience and a passion for building advisor-focused platforms, systems, and processes that help deliver an
exceptional client experience. He currently holds Series 7, 24, 28, and 65 licenses.

PERSONAL
John holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from Johnson & Wales University. A proud husband and father of two daughters, he is an avid golfer, dedicated “Dance Dad,” and enjoys beach days in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he now resides after many years in Colorado.

Brandon Waite

PROFESSIONAL

Brandon is new to the wealth management business, however, he brings many skills useful to the profession because of his prior experience. Brandon has worked in the accounting world auditing hedge funds, venture capital firms, and low-income housing organizations. Assessing business risk and financial GAAP accounting has been his primary focus. He is passionate about the world of finance and helping individuals accomplish their financial dreams.

Brandon graduated from Brigham Young University- Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Additionally, he holds two professional designations, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

 

PERSONAL

He lives in Castle Rock with his wife Emily, and their three daughters. Most of his free time consists of taking his daughters to the park, enjoying all types of sports, and watching movies.

Bailey Marudas-Jones

Bailey Marudas-Jones joined Fidelis Wealth Advisors in 2024, where she supports the back office by managing client onboarding and ensuring compliance. She also helps alleviate the team’s workload by handling various administrative tasks and processes. With a deep commitment to efficiency and excellence, Bailey is excited to contribute to the team’s success and help clients navigate their financial journeys at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.
Bailey grew up in Littleton, Colorado, where she still lives. In her free time, she enjoys watching old movies, reading, and learning to sew. She also loves spending time with her family and friends

Karley Winder

PROFESSIONAL
Before joining the firm in 2022, Karley ran several local businesses, selling products in the Castle Rock area and online. Her passion for business inspired her to earn a degree in Financial Management from the University of Colorado Denver. At Fidelis, she has specialized in 401(k) plans and has also developed expertise in client-facing roles as a paraplanner. She holds a Series 65 license and plans to earn her Certified Financial Planner® designation. She is committed to providing a valuable experience that brings clients peace of mind.

PERSONAL

Karley is a Colorado native and grew up here in Castle Rock. She enjoys riding her horse, Dante, hiking and mountain biking the beautiful state of Colorado, and playing electric guitar.

Rilee Erickson

PROFESSIONAL

Rilee began working in the financial services industry in 2017 as an associate specializing in property and casualty insurance, as well as life insurance.  Since joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors she has taken on a paraplanner roll, providing life insurance support, as well as client and operations support. She also hopes to obtain her own Certified Financial Planner® designation in the years to come. Rilee’s passion in the industry is helping people protect their family and their future.

 

PERSONAL

Rilee graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Horticulture Science. She is a Wyoming native, growing up on the family cattle ranch in Lander, Wyoming, and now resides in Green River, Wyoming with her husband and two boys. Rilee enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors and exploring the beautiful and rugged Wind River Range.

Tina Jessick

PROFESSIONAL
Tina first began her accounting career in 2019 as an Intern at an accounting firm in Wichita, KS. She started working at Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Administrative Assistant spring of 2025. Tina hopes to assist in helping clients achieve their financial goals long-term and looks forward to making a difference at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

PERSONAL
Tina is currently attending Wichita State University in pursuit of two degrees in Finance and Accounting. She is a Kansas native, growing up in city known as the “Air Capital of the World”. She now resides in Castle Rock, Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she’s not running after her kids, she enjoys hiking, crafting, pottery, dance and baking.

RIA Innovations

Fidelis Wealth Advisors has a strategic partnership with RIA Innovations, a Division of NWAM, LLC. RIA Innovations provides administrative support services for registered investment advisors nationwide. This service is under the direction of Nelly Mubashi, the Chief Operating Officer.

 

NWAM, LLC, dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations is an SEC registered investment adviser. NWAM, LLC dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations and Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC are not affiliated companies.

Gabriel Jones

PROFESSIONAL
Gabe started with Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Investment Research Assistant in 2018, and has an intense passion for investment research.


PERSONAL
Gabe is currently in college to obtain his Bachelors in Finance, and enjoys spending time outside of work hiking and reading.

Dawn Folmer

PROFESSIONAL
Dawn Folmer comes to Fidelis Wealth Advisors with a background in the finance industry, having previous experience with a registered investment advisory firm in Denver. Dawn is a recent graduate of Colorado State University Global, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. As a skilled financial planning assistant, she enjoys the rewarding feeling of helping people reach their financial dreams and retirement goals.

 

PERSONAL
Dawn is a Colorado native and resides in Castle Rock with her family, where they enjoy being adventurous and active in the outdoors. Additionally, she is passionate about travel, food, and playing golf.

Jeff Bullock

PROFESSIONAL
Jeff joined Fidelis Wealth Advisors after spending nearly 10 years working at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management in their Private Bank. As Chief Investment Officer, he is responsible for the overall investment strategy, portfolio construction, and market insights for clients.

 

Jeff held various roles during his decade at J.P. Morgan, including working as an investment specialist on their trading desk, where he was responsible for managing and trading investment portfolios for High Net-Worth families and non-profit foundations throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Jeff helped co-manage over $4.0 billion of investment assets and gained broad experience in portfolio construction and investment strategy, as well as in-depth knowledge in a variety of asset classes and markets. In recent years, Jeff was part of the leadership team that trained new advisors and established an expansion office in Utah.

 

Jeff loves helping people with their money-related questions and management. Very simply, his goal is to help others continuously improve their financial situation, regardless of the current condition. His framework centers around sound advice and proper decision-making by engaging in honest discussion and taking a long-term approach.

 

PERSONAL
Jeff holds a B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University. He is a native to Colorado and loves playing golf and being outdoors. He lives in Highlands Ranch with his wife Nicole, and their two children.

Lorie C. Jones, MBA, CFP®

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PROFESSIONAL
Lorie began working in financial services in 2013 with a Registered Investment Advisory firm in South Denver. She started as a paraplanner and provided technology and operations support before transitioning to a Client Services Manager role with Empower Retirement. There she managed a book of 300+ Core Market plans before joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

 

Lorie enjoys the challenges presented by financial planning and is rewarded by helping clients thoroughly understand the complexities of finance so they can be better informed and in control of their planning.

 

In addition to securities licenses, she holds health, life, accident, property, and casualty insurance licenses in the state of Colorado and completed her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation from the CFP® Board of Standards. She is also a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

 

Lorie recently launched the “Fearless Females” podcast, providing a unique space for empowering discussions that inspire women in the financial services industry and beyond. Through insightful interviews and stories, she fosters a community where challenges are met with resilience, amplifying female voices and demonstrating her dedication to fostering inclusivity and fearlessness in finance.

 

PERSONAL
Lorie graduated from Colorado State University with an MBA. She enjoys running and has participated in several marathons and half-marathons around the country. She also enjoys hiking with her family, traveling with her husband David and their five children, and working with the cub scout and boy scout programs, including volunteering with the district.