It's Christmas week! Christmas season moments like these fill my heart in the best way. 🎄
Spending time with family always grounds me and even though our grandson's Christmas program got cancelled due to weather (ugh!) getting to be with those little guys and our kids was one of those “pause and soak it in” moments. And then there’s the gift of friendship. Sharing a meal, laughter, and meaningful conversation with friends around the table is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season.
These moments — unhurried, intentional, and full of connection — are such a blessing.
Grateful for family, friends, and the simple, sacred moments that make this season so meaningful. ❤️
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It’s the last Saturday before Christmas — full of lists, lines, and always...just one more stop to make.
In the middle of all the hustle, may we remember that the most meaningful gifts can’t be wrapped. A moment of presence. A patient conversation. A hug that lingers a little longer. The people we’re celebrating don’t need perfection — they need us.
Wishing you a gentle Saturday and a heart ready for Christmas. 🤍
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6 year-end financial tasksThe hustle and bustle of the holiday season can distract us from other action items on our checklist. End the year on a strong note by refocusing on your finances. Take a look at these tasks to complete before Dec. 31.
The benefits of life insurance: What you need to knowThere are 7 key benefits of including life insurance in your overall financial strategy. Want to discuss further? Let's set up time to talk more about your life insurance options.
Sharing a Little Christmas Cookie Sweetness ✨
My mom’s sugar cookies were simple, sweet, and baked with so much love. This year, I wanted to share her recipe in hopes it brings a little extra joy to your kitchen too. Add some frosting and sprinkles, and you'll have just the best cookie bite.
Mom’s Sugar Cookies
• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
Roll out to 1/4 in. thick, cut into 3-inch circles, and bake at 375° for 7–8 minutes. Let rest on baking sheet for a couple mins before moving to a cooling rack.
May your week be filled with faith, family, and the sweet traditions that make this season so special.
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I’ve been reflecting on my mom and the beautiful impact she had on our lives, and I wanted to share a few memories that capture who she was — a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and a joyful, quirky spirit that made our world brighter.
One of the things I admired most was her unwavering faith and her love for her family. She made lifelong friends everywhere she went. And oh, how she loved the 4th of July — dressed head-to-toe in red, white, and blue, claiming the same parade spot every year, rain or shine. Her joy was contagious. She adored her grandchildren. She was our biggest cheerleader, our prayer warrior, and our champion. And while my heart aches, I’m deeply grateful for the gift of being her daughter.
Thank you to our family, friends, church community, my team, and especially my husband and kids for your love and support during these weeks.
Mom, I love you with my whole heart.
And I know you’re finally home.
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7 ways to help reduce your taxable incomeSeeing your hard-earned money go towards taxes can be frustrating. However, there are ways you can help reduce your tax burdens and become more tax efficient. ⬇️
Last week held a mix of emotions for our family. My sweet mom passed away the day before Thanksgiving, and walking into the holiday without her felt tender. But what a gift it was to gather — sharing stories, laughing together, and remembering and celebrating her.
I’m so grateful for my family… for the way we show up for each other, for the laughter that heals, and for the memories we have. Even in the hardest moments, God is so faithful. He shows up in the people He’s placed around us and in the joy that somehow finds its way in.
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Giving Tuesday is a beautiful reminder of how powerful generosity can be.
As someone who believes deeply in faith, family, and serving others, I’m always moved by the way our communities show up with open hands and open hearts. Whether it’s giving your time, your resources, or simply offering encouragement to someone who needs it, every act of generosity creates a ripple of impact.
I'd love to invite you to consider the people and missions that matter most to you today. Maybe it’s a local nonprofit that’s close to your family’s story, a church ministry that’s walked with you in a tough season, or an organization making a difference right in your neighborhood.
No gift is too small. What matters is the heart behind it.
Let’s be a community known for compassion, integrity, and lifting others up. Wishing you a blessed and generous Giving Tuesday!
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Today I'm thinking about the dreamers, the doers, and the families behind every small business in our communities.
Owning and growing a business takes courage, grit, and a whole lot of heart. I'm grateful every day to walk alongside many of you.
When we support small businesses, we're supporting someone's calling, someone's family, and the work God has placed in their hands.
Let's show a little extra love to the shops, services, makers, and local leaders who help our communities thrive. Cheering you on!
#ThanksgivingWeek #SmallBusinessSaturday
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As we enter Thanksgiving week, I'm reminded that gratitude is often found in the quiet places where God meets us with strength, comfort, and just enough grace for the day.
Praying this week brings you moments of peace, gratitude, yummy food around a table with those you love, and the gentle reminder that joy can be had because God is near. — Julie
#WeekendReflections #ThanksgivingWeek #ChooseJoy
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The 3 advantages of life insurance for childrenDid you know that purchasing life insurance for children while they are young is more beneficial than waiting until they are older? Here are 3 reasons to insure them now. ⬇️
Every year for so many years, the weekend before Thanksgiving meant one thing: a little getaway to Chicago with my sister Katherine and a dear friend. It became one of my favorite traditions — something we all looked forward to the moment the air turned crisp.
We’d bundle up and head into the city just in time for the Macy’s tree lighting and the Miracle Mile glowing in all its Christmas sparkle. And without fail, we’d stop at Macy’s for lunch. Katherine always ordered their famous chicken pot pie… every single time. Some traditions are too good to change.
Those trips were never really about the sights, though. They were about slowing down, laughing together, and making memories. Life moves fast, and moments like those are the ones that stay with you.
As we step into this season of gratitude, I’m reminded how important it is to create space for connection, for joy, and for the simple traditions that anchor our hearts.
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This list hangs on the wall in my office, and I'm grateful for the gentle reminder each day. These truths help ground me, and this week is no different.
Here’s to a new week friends. Happy Monday.
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There’s something about Arkansas that always fills my heart. ❤️ Chris and I spent a long weekend visiting his family, and it was such a special time together. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect — a beautiful 70 degrees, sunshine, and all the slow moments that remind you what really matters.
We loved catching up with my wonderful mother- and father-in-law and my brother- and sister-in-law and nephew. We missed my niece Alex but were very happy she was off having a great time at college! Laughter, good food, and hearing all the stories about Chris when he was growing up was beyond fun. And of course… a little shopping (which is why we drive instead of fly 😉).
Feeling grateful for family, connection, and a place that feels like home every time we visit.
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2026 Social Security COLA increase: What future retirees should knowYou may have heard that the Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Here’s a little more on what that means.
It’s officially November, which means I'm in my happy place — transforming my space into a Christmas wonderland!
I LOVE decorating for the holidays. There's just something about those twinkling lights and cozy touches. And yes, I do already have Christmas presents wrapped and under the tree. There’s no such thing as “too early” when it comes to getting that Christmas tree up.
My motto? "Right on time" is November 1st. Let the decorating begin! 🎁
#ChristmasOnTime #HolidaySpirit #JulieLovesChristmas #FestiveFeels
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We are committed to working with small business owners like you to help ensure growth, stability and preparedness. We help define your goals and secure your legacy for years to come—so you can focus on running your business.
One of the things I love most about what I get to do is the team I get to do it with. Jen and Courtney are truly vital to how we serve and care for our clients.
We each bring something different to the table — unique strengths, personalities, and perspectives — but together, we share the same heart: to serve well, listen deeply, and make sure every person who works with us feels cared for.
We collaborate, we challenge each other, we laugh a lot… and yes, we definitely count down the minutes to lunch. (Courtney likes to tease Jen and me for watching the clock like hawks around 10:58 a.m. — what can I say? We love what we do and we love to eat! 😄)
I’m so grateful for this little team. When we serve each other well, we can serve our clients even better.
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