Are you a decade away from retirement and wondering if your "set it and forget it" strategy still works? In episode four of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, dive into the critical shift from aggressive growth to strategic preservation. Learn how to evaluate your current asset allocation and build a custom "glide path" that aligns with your specific retirement goals.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding Market Corrections: A look at historical data on market declines—including 10% annual corrections and 20% drops every five years—and how to build a plan that withstands these "white knuckle" events
• The Problem with Target Date Funds: Why these "one-size-fits-all" options are great for accumulation but lack the necessary flexibility and control during the distribution phase
• Real Risk Tolerance vs. Market Sentiment: Moving beyond generic questionnaires to understand how your psychology changes when the market shifts from a 15% gain to a 15% loss
• Building Your Glide Path: Why a custom allocation based on your unique legacy goals and income needs is superior to internet advice
• The "Liberation Day" Case Study: A breakdown of 2025’s extreme volatility—where the market dropped 21% in two months only to recover 30% three months later—and the dangers of trying to time these rapid swings
• The 5-to-7 Year Underwater Period: Why your portfolio must include conservative investments to fund lifestyle expenses during extended bear markets
• Diversification Nuances: How rebalancing between international, growth, and value stocks can buffer your portfolio and accelerate recovery

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey.

Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd, Suite 203; Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360.

In our third episode of our Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, dive deep into the mechanics of saving as you approach the ten-year countdown to retirement. While most people immediately think of their 401(k), a truly resilient plan requires a balance of cash, retirement vehicles, and non-retirement investment accounts.

Key Topics Covered:

• The New Rule for Emergency Savings: Why the traditional "3 to 6 months" rule of thumb has evolved in the era of instant digital banking, and how to set a "comfort number" that works for your specific career and family situation.
• The Pre-Tax vs. Roth Debate: A breakdown of how each affects your current tax bill versus your future retirement flexibility, and why the early years of compounding make Roth contributions particularly powerful.
• New 2026 Tax Rules (SECURE Act): Critical updates for high-earners (making over $150,000) whose catch-up contributions will soon be required to go into Roth accounts.
• The Value of Non-Retirement Accounts: How brokerage and trust accounts provide lower capital gains tax rates and the "no-penalty" accessibility needed for career breaks or major life transitions.
• Automating Freedom: How to treat non-retirement savings with the same "out of sight, out of mind" automation as your 401(k) to eliminate guilt and ensure you are on track for your goals.
• Navigating Real-World Interruptions: Strategies for balancing retirement savings with the "sandwich generation" challenges of paying for college and supporting aging parents.
• The "Behind the Eight Ball" Strategy: Practical trade-offs for those who feel they haven't saved enough and need to run side-by-side scenarios to find a realistic path forward.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey.

Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd, Suite 203; Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. This information is found in the issuer's official statement and should be read carefully before investing. Investors should also consider whether the investor's or beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits available only from that state's 529 Plan. Any state-based benefit should be one of many appropriately weighted factors in making an investment decision. The investor should consult their financial or tax advisor before investment in any state's 529.

Oil prices don’t just impact what you pay at the pump. They ripple through the entire economy.

In this clip, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF® and Christopher Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® break down how the conflict in Iran pushed oil prices higher, and why that matters beyond headlines. From inflation to interest rates to consumer behavior, these shifts can have real effects on markets and everyday decision-making.

The big question: is this a short-term shock or something that sticks?

As always, it’s a reminder of the importance of staying diversified and focused on the long term.


Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us


Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Due to the volatility of the market with the markets mentioned, options are subject to change without notice. A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd., Suite 203; Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360.