The Gatewood Blog: Insights for Life’s Key Moments

Explore our blog for insights and practical advice to build enduring wealth with purpose.

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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.
Financial Planning After Divorce: A Guide for Women Rebuilding Their Finances 

Christina Shockley JD CFP® | Chairman | Partner | Chief Planning Officer

Financial Planning After Divorce: A Guide for Women Rebuilding Their Finances

10.12.26

The decree divides everything on paper, but it doesn't update a single account. Here's what to change first, how retirement accounts actually get divided, and how to rebuild a financial plan that fits the life you're living now.

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 When Was the Last Time You Read Your Life Insurance Policy?

Brian McGeehon MAcc CFA® CLU® | Partner

When Was the Last Time You Read Your Life Insurance Policy?

10.05.26

It was bought during a busy season of life, put on autopay, and filed in a drawer. The life it was designed around kept changing. The policy didn't.

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 What Is Dollar Cost Ravaging? The Risk Most Retirees Never See Coming

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

What Is Dollar Cost Ravaging? The Risk Most Retirees Never See Coming

09.28.26

Dollar cost averaging rewarded investors for buying through market declines. In retirement, those same declines can work in reverse. Jared Freese explains what dollar cost ravaging is and why withdrawal strategy deserves as much attention as investment strategy.

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 Executive Tax Planning in 2026: 8 Moves to Understand Before Year-End

Kristin Edwards CPA MBA | Director of Tax | Gatewood Tax & Accounting

Executive Tax Planning in 2026: 8 Moves to Understand Before Year-End

09.21.26

The tax rates didn't change in 2026. Almost everything around them did. The alternative minimum tax was rewritten, catch-up contributions changed character for anyone earning over $150,000, and a narrow band of income now carries an effective rate that surprises nearly everyone who lands in it. Here are eight things worth understanding while there's still runway in the year.

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 Why Hold Bonds When They’re Down? Fixed Income in Retirement

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

Why Hold Bonds When They’re Down? Fixed Income in Retirement

09.14.26

Fixed income has been one of the weakest performing asset classes over the past year, which raises a fair question: why hold it at all? The answer has less to do with returns and more to do with what funds your retirement paycheck when equities fall — and how long that wait can last.

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 If I Had a Million Dollars in 1988, What Is It Worth Now?

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

If I Had a Million Dollars in 1988, What Is It Worth Now?

09.07.26

A song from 1988 asked what a million dollars could buy. Thirty-eight years later, two very quiet forces have been doing very loud math on that number, and only one of them was working in your favor. Chris Arends runs the arithmetic on both.

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 Top 10 Signs It’s Time to Fire Your Financial Advisor

Daniel Goeddel MBA | Partner

Top 10 Signs It’s Time to Fire Your Financial Advisor

08.31.26

Most people spend more time researching a vacation than they spend researching the person managing their life savings. Inertia feels comfortable, and it costs a fortune. Here are ten signs worth paying attention to.

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 The Trust Paradox: Why a Generation Chose TikTok Over Fiduciaries

Ricky Zott CFA® | Wealth Coordinator

The Trust Paradox: Why a Generation Chose TikTok Over Fiduciaries

08.24.26

Most people following finfluencers already know a stranger on TikTok has no idea what they earn or what they are building toward. They follow anyway. That gap says something important, and it is not about financial literacy.

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 How Today’s Marginal Rate Shapes Tomorrow’s Inheritance

Brandon Laxton CFP® | Wealth Planner

How Today’s Marginal Rate Shapes Tomorrow’s Inheritance

08.17.26

Most people think about their tax rate in April. But throughout the year, the decisions you make around income timing and retirement accounts quietly determine what transfers to the next generation. Here's the connection most families don't see until it's too late.

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Financial Planning After Divorce: A Guide for Women Rebuilding Their Finances 

Christina Shockley JD CFP® | Chairman | Partner | Chief Planning Officer

Financial Planning After Divorce: A Guide for Women Rebuilding Their Finances

10.12.26

The decree divides everything on paper, but it doesn't update a single account. Here's what to change first, how retirement accounts actually get divided, and how to rebuild a financial plan that fits the life you're living now.

Read More
 When Was the Last Time You Read Your Life Insurance Policy?

Brian McGeehon MAcc CFA® CLU® | Partner

When Was the Last Time You Read Your Life Insurance Policy?

10.05.26

It was bought during a busy season of life, put on autopay, and filed in a drawer. The life it was designed around kept changing. The policy didn't.

Read More
 What Is Dollar Cost Ravaging? The Risk Most Retirees Never See Coming

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

What Is Dollar Cost Ravaging? The Risk Most Retirees Never See Coming

09.28.26

Dollar cost averaging rewarded investors for buying through market declines. In retirement, those same declines can work in reverse. Jared Freese explains what dollar cost ravaging is and why withdrawal strategy deserves as much attention as investment strategy.

Read More
 Executive Tax Planning in 2026: 8 Moves to Understand Before Year-End

Kristin Edwards CPA MBA | Director of Tax | Gatewood Tax & Accounting

Executive Tax Planning in 2026: 8 Moves to Understand Before Year-End

09.21.26

The tax rates didn't change in 2026. Almost everything around them did. The alternative minimum tax was rewritten, catch-up contributions changed character for anyone earning over $150,000, and a narrow band of income now carries an effective rate that surprises nearly everyone who lands in it. Here are eight things worth understanding while there's still runway in the year.

Read More
 Why Hold Bonds When They’re Down? Fixed Income in Retirement

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

Why Hold Bonds When They’re Down? Fixed Income in Retirement

09.14.26

Fixed income has been one of the weakest performing asset classes over the past year, which raises a fair question: why hold it at all? The answer has less to do with returns and more to do with what funds your retirement paycheck when equities fall — and how long that wait can last.

Read More
 If I Had a Million Dollars in 1988, What Is It Worth Now?

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

If I Had a Million Dollars in 1988, What Is It Worth Now?

09.07.26

A song from 1988 asked what a million dollars could buy. Thirty-eight years later, two very quiet forces have been doing very loud math on that number, and only one of them was working in your favor. Chris Arends runs the arithmetic on both.

Read More

Testimonials

"My wife and I moved to St. Louis four years ago and became Gatewood clients in 2024, on a referral from our daughter-in-law. Her father was an established attorney who had said good things about the team, and that recommendation was passed down to us. That introduction set an expectation, and the people there have matched it. We've met a lot of the team by now, and the impression has been consistent with every one of them. Each person we're introduced to is professional, smart, and they work together well as a group — which says something about the people…"

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Dale D.
Retired Corporate Professional 08.17.26

"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

"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 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

"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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