Frequently Asked Questions
How can I protect myself from Identity theft?
Answer: There are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of identity theft. If I had to recommend just one, it would be to freeze your credit with all three major credit bureaus. This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name without your consent. You can do this quickly by contacting each bureau directly:
Equifax: 1-888-298-0045
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872
For more detailed guidance, check out the brochure titled Proactive Fraud Prevention under the Tools tab: Proactive Fraud Prevention
Have you ever wondered what to do if you've been hacked?
Answer: If something feels off — a suspicious charge, a locked account, or an unexpected call about your Social Security number — acting quickly and methodically can make all the difference. I’ve created a clear, step-by-step guide outlining exactly what to do in those first critical hours and days. Click on the following link to access the full blog with details on how to protect yourself with confidence: Blog | Laura Reeves, CFP®, CRPC®, MPAS™
Do I really need an estate plan?
Answer: Even if you don’t consider yourself wealthy, having an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out. A plan can help avoid unnecessary delays, minimize taxes, and provide peace of mind.
For a deeper dive, check out my blog post on this topic: A Simplified Approach to Estate Planning
What should I do if a loved one passes away?
Answer: Losing someone you love can feel overwhelming. In the midst of grief, it’s easy to feel uncertain about what to do next. To help you take things one step at a time, I’ve created a compassionate checklist that walks you through the most important financial and practical steps — from securing essential documents to notifying key institutions.
You can find it under the Resources section of our website, or by visiting this link: What To Do When A Loved One Passes Away
How can I fight the temptation of worrying about market fluctuations?
Answer: It’s natural to feel uneasy when the markets swing, but constantly worrying can put you in a fight-or-flight state that isn’t healthy for your wellbeing—or your portfolio. History has shown that trying to time the market rarely works. For example, if you missed just the 10 best days in the S&P 500 between 2003 and 2022, your overall return would have been cut by more than half compared to staying fully invested. 1
Instead, staying focused on your overall plan and long-term goals is the most effective approach. For more helpful insight, check out our article here: Mitigating Market Volatility.
Source: J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Guide to Retirement® 2023.
How can I minimize the effects of inflation?
Answer: Inflation gradually erodes the purchasing power of your money, which is why it’s important to prepare both financially and in your day-to-day life. On the financial side, maintaining a diversified portfolio and considering options like Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can help. On the lifestyle side, being mindful about when you shop (for example, timing seasonal sales), buying in bulk for essentials, and finding ways to reduce energy or utility costs can also make your dollars stretch further. It’s also wise to review recurring subscriptions—if costs have gone up, call the company. Many will offer a reduction to retain you as a customer.
For more practical tips and strategies, check out my article here: Minimizing Inflation Effects.
How often should I review my financial plan?
Answer: Life is constantly evolving — and so should your financial plan. As a general rule, I recommend reviewing your plan at least once a year, or anytime there’s a major life event such as a career change, retirement, marriage, or inheritance. Regular reviews help ensure your investments, insurance, and estate documents continue to align with your goals. I also encourage a mid-year check-in to make any tax-related adjustments before year-end.
For more practical tips and strategies, check out my article here: Mid Year Financial Review.
What Are Digital Assets?
Digital assets include anything you access online — such as bank and investment accounts, email, social media profiles, subscriptions, photos, stored documents, and passwords. If it requires a login, it’s considered a digital asset.
Why Is It Important to Protect Them?
Organizing and safeguarding your digital assets ensures your loved ones or trusted representatives can access important accounts, close or manage subscriptions, and carry out your wishes if you’re ever unable to. Without a plan in place, accounts may become inaccessible, overlooked, or abandoned.
For more information, click here to read the full blog post on Protecting Your Digital Assets.