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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.

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

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.

Karley Fidani, CPFA®

PROFESSIONAL

Before joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors in 2022, Karley ran several local businesses, selling products both in the Castle Rock area and online. Her passion for entrepreneurship and finance led her to earn a degree in Financial Management from the University of Colorado Denver.

At Fidelis, Karley has specialized in assisting small business clients with their employer 401(k) plans. She has also taken on client-facing roles as advisor and paraplanner. Karley holds her Series 65 license and is a NAPA Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®). She plans to pursue the Certified Financial Planner® designation in the near future.

Karley is passionate about building relationships with clients and is dedicated to providing a thoughtful, valuable experience that brings them peace of mind.

PERSONAL

A Colorado native, Karley grew up in Castle Rock. She enjoys spending her free time riding her horse, Dante, hiking and mountain biking with her husband, 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.