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Shanell T Foster

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Shanell T Foster
Financial Advisor
.
MBA
Part of the Wellington Way Financial Group practice
8461 Lake Worth Rd, Ste 162
Wellington, FL 33467
Women's Markets
Tax Efficient Planning
Healthcare Professionals
Retirement Planning
Business Owners
About Shanell Foster, MBA
As a mom, wife and business professional, I understand that life can get busy and it is often so easy to postpone the "financial conversation". But in my experience, our financial lives are still happening whether we take the time to address it or not. The future is only a few life moments away and we can decided to be ready or unprepared! Let me help you get ready for your many tomorrows to come! Financial Planning - Your Way!
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance
  • Master in Business Administration (MBA)
  • FINRA Series 7 General Securities Representative
  • FINRA Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law
  • State(s) Licensed: AL, CT, FL, GA, IL, MA, NC, NJ, NY, OH, TN, WA
My qualifications
  • Masters of Business Administration/Management, Central Michigan University
  • Masters in Business Administration
  • Series 7 - General Securities Representative
My state licenses
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • Washington

Insights

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✨ A $2 Million IRA ≠ a $2 Million retirement! ✨ Seeing $2,000,000 on a retirement statement can create a tremendous sense of security. But the number on the statement isn't necessarily the number you get to spend 💡 For affluent retirees, I believe there are three risks that deserve far more attention: 1️⃣ Sequence of Returns Risk Imagine retiring with $2 million just before a significant market decline. You're no longer simply waiting for the market to recover—you may also be withdrawing $80,000, $100,000 or more each year to fund your lifestyle. Those withdrawals during a declining market can permanently reduce the capital available to participate in the recovery. Same average return. Different sequence. Potentially VERY different retirement outcome. 2️⃣ Withdrawal Rate Risk A $2 million portfolio supporting $80,000 annually is very different from one supporting $150,000. Retirement planning isn't simply about reaching a certain asset level. It's about determining how much sustainable income those assets can produce—and how that income changes during difficult markets. 3️⃣ The IRS May Be Your Silent Partner If that $2 million is primarily in traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, it represents pre-tax wealth—not necessarily spendable wealth. Eventually, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) enter the picture. And larger taxable distributions can potentially create a ripple effect: → Higher taxable income → Higher Medicare premiums through IRMAA → More Social Security benefits potentially subject to taxation → Less flexibility over when and how you recognize income This is why sophisticated retirement planning should begin well BEFORE RMDs. Could strategic Roth conversions make sense? Should withdrawals come from taxable, tax-deferred or Roth accounts first? Should you maintain a cash or short-term reserve to avoid selling equities during a downturn? Could charitable giving strategies help manage future RMDs? These aren't simply investment questions. They're retirement income and tax-planning questions. The goal shouldn't just be: “Retire with $2 million.” The better goal is: Build a portfolio capable of generating the after-tax income you need, for as long as you need it, while maintaining flexibility through different market and tax environments. Because ultimately, wealth isn't measured solely by your account balance. It's measured by what that balance allows you to do. Shanell Foster, MBA Financial Advisor ⛳ Wellington Way Financial Group of Thrivent Appointment Link: calendly.com/shanellfoster Photo📸: Lochenheath Golf, Traverse City, Michigan Forecaddie, Patrick Visit Thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome #TaxPlanning #RothConversion #RMD #FinancialAdvisor #SequenceOfReturns #WellingtonWayFinancialGroup #Thrivent
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✨ Listening for Why...Not Just to Reply! ✨ Too often, people think financial advice starts with investments. I believe it starts with a question: "Why?" Not listening to reply. Not listening to recommend a product. Listening to understand. Why is financial independence important to you? Why do you want to retire at a certain age? Why do you want to leave an inheritance? Why does generosity matter to your family? When we uncover the "why," the financial strategy becomes much clearer. Investments, tax planning, insurance, and estate planning are no longer isolated decisions—they become tools that support what matters most to you. Anyone can build a financial plan around numbers. The real opportunity is building one around your values, your goals, and the life you want to live. That's where meaningful planning begins. Shanell Foster, MBA Financial Advisor Wellington Way Financial Group of Thrivent Appointment Link: calendly.com/shanellfoster Visit Thrivent.com/social for disclosures.
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✨ Wealth means different things to different people 🐎 🎬 For some, it's financial independence. For others, it's creating a lasting legacy for their family. But for many in the Equestrian World, wealth is the opportunity to pursue an Olympic dream 🏅 Behind every rider chasing excellence are years of sacrifice, unwavering commitment, world-class horses, dedicated trainers, countless hours of preparation—and significant financial planning. Based in Wellington FL, Gabriela Ruetter, the number 1 female show jumper for Chile 🇨🇱 knows this all too well. 🎥 Thoroughly enjoyed the incredible Movie Premiere of "On the Fringe" documenting her journey to become the next equestrian since 1972 to represent Chile 🇨🇱 at the Olympics! Watching her journey echoes the truth that wealth isn't simply measured by the size of an investment portfolio. It's measured by the ability to live your purpose and pursue what matters to you! At Wellington Way Financial Group, we're privileged to work with individuals, families, professionals and business owners whose goals are as unique as they are. Because the best financial plan isn't just about accumulating wealth—it's about creating the freedom to live the life you've envisioned. What does wealth mean to you? Shanell Foster, MBA Financial Advisor Wellington Way Financial Group 🐎 of Thrivent Appointment Link: calendly.com/shanellfoster #WellingtonWayFinancialGroup #WealthYourWay #WealthWithPurpose #FinancialPlanning #EquestrianLife #OlympicDream #WellingtonFL #LegacyPlanning #LiveWisely #PurposeDrivenWealth Thrivent is not affiliated with Gabriela Reutter. Visit Thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures
Office location
Wellington Location
8461 Lake Worth Rd, Ste 162
Wellington, FL 33467
Phone561-584-9086Hours

M – F: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.

Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations