The Gatewood Blog: Insights for Life’s Key Moments

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Our blog provides expert insights to help you build enduring wealth with purpose. Whether you’re accumulating, activating, enjoying, or giving wealth, Gatewood Wealth Solutions is here to guide you through life’s financial complexities. Explore our latest articles to gain the confidence you need to navigate life’s key moments with clarity and purpose.
The Down Payment Conversation More Families Are Having

Aaron Tuttle CFA® CFP® CLU® ChFC® | Partner | Chief Executive Officer

The Down Payment Conversation More Families Are Having

07.13.26

Some of the most meaningful things you can pass on are the ones you get to watch matter. For a young adult today, few land harder than help buying a first home.

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 The Gap Nobody Plans For: What Happens After Retirement or a Business Exit?

Jared Freese CFP® CLU® CEPA ChFC® | Wealth Advisor Manager

The Gap Nobody Plans For: What Happens After Retirement or a Business Exit?

07.06.26

Most people spend years planning their retirement date or business exit. Far fewer spend time planning what happens next. That gap is where transitions are often won or lost.

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 Never Bet Against America: 10 Facts That Make the Case for Long-Term Optimism

Daniel Goeddel MBA | Partner | Chief Operating Officer

Never Bet Against America: 10 Facts That Make the Case for Long-Term Optimism

07.03.26

Two hundred and fifty years ago, thirteen colonies declared independence from the most powerful empire on Earth with no navy, no standing army, and no guarantee they would survive the winter. They took the bet anyway. Here are ten facts that show why that bet — and every bet on America since — has been worth making.

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 The ABCs of Business Decay: How Strong Companies Quietly Come Apart

Daniel Goeddel MBA | Partner | Chief Operating Officer

The ABCs of Business Decay: How Strong Companies Quietly Come Apart

06.29.26

Great companies rarely collapse in a single moment—they decline quietly while everything still looks strong. Drawing on Buffett’s “ABCs of business decay,” this piece examines how arrogance, bureaucracy, and complacency take hold during periods of success, and why the best time to address risk is when growth feels easy.

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 Why Your Financial Advisor Doesn’t Want to Talk About SpaceX

Daniel Goeddel MBA | Partner | Chief Operating Officer

Why Your Financial Advisor Doesn’t Want to Talk About SpaceX

06.24.26

After more than two decades as a private company, SpaceX is finally public. Here is the conversation most advisors would rather avoid, and a clear framework for thinking about what comes next.

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 Why Illinois Families Still Need an Estate Plan Under the $15 Million Rule

John Gatewood CFP® CLU® | Founder | Director of Advisor Development

Why Illinois Families Still Need an Estate Plan Under the $15 Million Rule

06.22.26

The federal estate tax sunset didn’t happen, but for Illinois families, that’s not the end of the planning conversation. With the state exemption stuck at $4 million and no portability between spouses, the local story now matters more than the national one.

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 How to Stop Reacting to Markets and Start Planning Through Them

Chris Arends CFA® CMT® CAIA® | Partner | Chief Investment Officer

How to Stop Reacting to Markets and Start Planning Through Them

06.15.26

When uncertainty rises, the urge is to do something to the portfolio. The work of a real plan is to give you the structure to do the right thing — which is often nothing. Chris Arends on managing market uncertainty inside a broader planning framework.

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 When the Goalpost Keeps Moving: A Plan for Financial Nihilism

Ricky Zott CFA® | Wealth Coordinator

When the Goalpost Keeps Moving: A Plan for Financial Nihilism

06.08.26

When traditional milestones start feeling unreachable, a single high-risk bet can start to feel like the only sane move. A look at why financial nihilism is taking hold, and how a disciplined plan with room for aspirational risk gives that impulse a structured outlet.

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 Why Cash Flow Is the Most Overlooked Part of Financial Planning

Nina Breen CFP® RICP® CPWA® | Senior Wealth Planner

Why Cash Flow Is the Most Overlooked Part of Financial Planning

06.01.26

When a financial plan breaks down, the cause is rarely a bad investment pick. More often, it's an unstructured cash flow plan. Here's why cash flow may be the most underrated lever in your plan — and what to do about it.

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The Down Payment Conversation More Families Are Having

Aaron Tuttle CFA® CFP® CLU® ChFC® | Partner | Chief Executive Officer

The Down Payment Conversation More Families Are Having

07.13.26

Some of the most meaningful things you can pass on are the ones you get to watch matter. For a young adult today, few land harder than help buying a first home.

Read More
 The Gap Nobody Plans For: What Happens After Retirement or a Business Exit?

Jared Freese CFP® CLU® CEPA ChFC® | Wealth Advisor Manager

The Gap Nobody Plans For: What Happens After Retirement or a Business Exit?

07.06.26

Most people spend years planning their retirement date or business exit. Far fewer spend time planning what happens next. That gap is where transitions are often won or lost.

Read More
 Never Bet Against America: 10 Facts That Make the Case for Long-Term Optimism

Daniel Goeddel MBA | Partner | Chief Operating Officer

Never Bet Against America: 10 Facts That Make the Case for Long-Term Optimism

07.03.26

Two hundred and fifty years ago, thirteen colonies declared independence from the most powerful empire on Earth with no navy, no standing army, and no guarantee they would survive the winter. They took the bet anyway. Here are ten facts that show why that bet — and every bet on America since — has been worth making.

Read More
 The ABCs of Business Decay: How Strong Companies Quietly Come Apart

Daniel Goeddel MBA | Partner | Chief Operating Officer

The ABCs of Business Decay: How Strong Companies Quietly Come Apart

06.29.26

Great companies rarely collapse in a single moment—they decline quietly while everything still looks strong. Drawing on Buffett’s “ABCs of business decay,” this piece examines how arrogance, bureaucracy, and complacency take hold during periods of success, and why the best time to address risk is when growth feels easy.

Read More
 Why Your Financial Advisor Doesn’t Want to Talk About SpaceX

Daniel Goeddel MBA | Partner | Chief Operating Officer

Why Your Financial Advisor Doesn’t Want to Talk About SpaceX

06.24.26

After more than two decades as a private company, SpaceX is finally public. Here is the conversation most advisors would rather avoid, and a clear framework for thinking about what comes next.

Read More
 Why Illinois Families Still Need an Estate Plan Under the $15 Million Rule

John Gatewood CFP® CLU® | Founder | Director of Advisor Development

Why Illinois Families Still Need an Estate Plan Under the $15 Million Rule

06.22.26

The federal estate tax sunset didn’t happen, but for Illinois families, that’s not the end of the planning conversation. With the state exemption stuck at $4 million and no portability between spouses, the local story now matters more than the national one.

Read More

Testimonials

"A friend of a friend referred us to the team over 20 years ago, and we've been together ever since. My wife and I have changed jobs and time zones more than once, but they've been a constant through it all. Even when moving to different parts of the country, we always keep our ties to St. Louis wherever possible, and we appreciate the Midwestern values of Gatewood. The relationship we’ve developed over the years has built trust in the team that they are honest and always have our best interests in mind. They’ve helped us with everything from moving…"

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Glen B.
Corporate President 05.12.26

"My husband and I began working with Brian in 2019 and have been very pleased with the level of service we’ve received ever since. Our client care team, Nina and Jake, have taken the time to truly listen to our goals and actively make adjustments to reflect our evolving needs over time. What I appreciate most is the combination of knowledgeable, focused guidance always delivered with genuine care and humility. We've been so impressed with their timeliness and attention that we've introduced them to our parents, siblings and adult children and now they are advising three generations of our family.…"

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Liz F.
Retired Corporate Executive 04.29.26

"As a client of Gatewood for over 10 years now, I am very pleased with the experience I’ve had with my team. Whenever I have questions or need advice, they are always available with professional and helpful guidance. They really get to know their customers so that they can provide personalized service and are very responsive when I contact them and they do a great job managing my portfolio. I had a turning point in my life, and they were very helpful in analyzing financial impacts and helping to manage through it. I highly recommend their services."

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Rose O.
Corporate Vice President 04.09.26

"What has stood out most over our decade-long relationship with Gatewood is how genuinely they listen. Our advisor takes the time to understand our full financial picture and has made a point to build a relationship with my wife as well, so she feels comfortable working with the team whether I'm present or not. Having everything coordinated in one place, with great online tools at our disposal, has been invaluable. Our team is responsive whenever we have questions and has always followed through with care and professionalism. Beyond the planning itself, it's the personal relationships we've developed that make this…"

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Kevin D.
Corporate Vice President 03.11.26

"Our relationship with Gatewood Wealth Solutions has evolved over the years right along with our family. From building and protecting our wealth to retirement and estate planning, Gatewood has guided us and enabled our objectives. It’s assuring to know skilled professionals we trust are working with us to optimize what we have worked for all our lives."

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Dr. Boyd C.
Retired Corporate Executive 11.13.23

"My wife and I have had the benefit of working with John Gatewood for over thirty-five years. Initially, John worked with us planning our personal and business life insurance needs. As his service offerings expanded, we took advantage of his expertise to help us with our family's financial planning. We could not be more pleased than what we are with the plan the Gatewood Wealth Solutions team developed for us. The team members are well-trained, intelligent, friendly, enthusiastic, and very good listeners. We have two scheduled reviews of the plan every year with one of the principals and at least…"

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Steve W.
Retired Business Owner 10.16.23

"Partnering with Gatewood Wealth Solutions has been one of the best decisions we have made in the last five years. I have met with numerous financial planners who’ve all come to me with similar ideas and recommendations that don’t seem to prove that they are thinking outside the box for me individually. But when Gatewood came to me with their plan it was strategically designed with so many aspects taken into consideration that I was surprised at how uniquely competent and professional they were. They brought me many ideas and recommendations that would not bring them profit. They brought me…"

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Scott & Johanna S.
Business Owners 09.28.23

"I have known John Gatewood, the founder of Gatewood Wealth Solutions, for many years. We became friends well before we talked about business, and it was a natural decision to turn to John for help with our affairs when I needed it because I had grown to know and trust him. It really is true that John and his team at Gatewood Wealth Solutions are completely focused on helping ordinary families like ours to become financially independent. The family part especially means something: One day my 20-something son called to ask if I thought our group would be willing to…"

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Steve K.
Retired Corporate Executive 09.27.23

"Gatewood Wealth Solutions gives me confidence that my retirement savings are being monitored and managed with MY best interest in mind. All of the staff is welcoming, friendly and respectful. They have comprehensive knowledge of long-term financial planning, estate planning and tax planning. I have been with Gatewood for many years and hope to be with them for many more years to come."

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Gary B.
Corporate Executive 09.27.23

"I have been with Gatewood Wealth Solution for seven years, and I would highly recommend them for wealth management services.  They are a very efficient, effective, knowledgeable team that provides highly personalized, client-centered services.  If I didn't know better, I would think that I am their only client!  They have an excellent working relationship with a highly respected law firm that provides assistance with trusts and estate planning.  They also have an excellent working relationship with a tax accounting firm.  All of this so that all aspects of my financial planning needs are seamlessly coordinated. Their quarterly meetings are well…"

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Susan H.
Corporate Executive 09.26.23

"I’ve been with Gatewood Wealth Solutions and its predecessor for 21 years as our financial advisors. I first met John Gatewood in 2002 when I purchased a life insurance policy from him when he was with Northwestern Mutual. Shortly after having additional discussions with John, we started using them as our only financial advisors. They continued over the years to more than perform above my expectations and also started to bring in additional talent within their organization in order expand and meet client’s expectations. Since they’ve organized as Gatewood Wealth Solution and separated from Northwestern Mutual, they’ve continued to add…"

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Joe H.
Retired Corporate Executive 09.25.23

"I have worked with Gatewood Wealth Solutions since its inception and could not speak more highly of my experience. Gatewood Wealth Solutions provides comprehensive wealth management services for my family in a very sophisticated way. Their planning services are comprehensive and consider all assets of our family, not just what they manage. This is important for our family since we have a real estate business which must be considered in our planning. They also help us with our estate and tax planning each year. Their service is exceptional and is proactive and not reactive. I have referred members of my…"

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Tim M.
Partner/Attorney 09.22.23

"My wife and I became a client of Gatewood Wealth Solutions twelve years ago on the recommendation of a friend who was also a Gatewood client, and I am very glad that we did. Until that time, I had managed our 401(k) and investments, but with retirement on the horizon, we felt it important to get professional help for retirement planning and investment management. The Gatewood team developed an integrated financial and retirement plan that we refined together. It was based on information such as our current financial position, desired retirement date and lifestyle, anticipated job and retirement income, expenses,…"

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Phil P.
Retired Corporate Executive 09.20.23

"Navigating the complexities of my corporate life was already a challenge, but when my husband passed away, it felt like an insurmountable mountain of emotions and paperwork. The team at Gatewood Wealth Solutions stepped in with compassion, efficiency, and expertise, guiding me through the entire estate settlement process. Their unwavering support made a world of difference during such a challenging time. I am profoundly grateful for all they've done and continue to do for me. Their services are truly unparalleled, and I wholeheartedly trust and recommend them."

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Carol S.
Corporate Executive 09.20.23

"My wife and I have known and worked with John Gatewood and his team for nearly a decade.  The values-driven team of Gatewood Wealth Solutions is motivated, caring, highly competent and personally fueled by character and integrity.  I recommended Gatewood to friends and family - including my children - because their deep desire to help clients 'give purpose to their wealth' gives us all the opportunity to better serve our families and communities."

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Dave M.
Corporate Executive 09.19.23

Testimonials Disclosure

The statements provided are testimonials by clients of the financial professional. The clients listed have not been paid or received any other compensation for making these statements. As a result, the client does not receive any material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial. These views may not be representative of the views of other clients and are not indicative of future performance or success.

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