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Originally posted on barrons.com

3 Reasons I Didn’t Start a $2 Billion RIA Last Year

In 2022, my team and I did extensive research into starting our own RIA. But despite the fact that everything we read and everyone we talked to framed the decision as a no-brainer, we decide to stay with our current independent broker-dealer (IBD).

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We Might Have More Stressors Right Now Than Ever, But Tax Planning Doesn’t Need To Be One Of Them
Originally posted on thriveglobal.com

We Might Have More Stressors Right Now Than Ever, But Tax Planning Doesn’t Need To Be One Of Them

Stress is like air; it’s everywhere. We all experience stress, but a recent study by the American Psychological Association found that many Americans are reporting higher stress levels than in recent years. Financial issues are undoubtedly a crucial part of stress.
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How to Overcome the Financial Challenges of Widowhood with a Solid Financial Plan
Originally posted on thriveglobal.com

How to Overcome the Financial Challenges of Widowhood with a Solid Financial Plan

In the US, the average age of widowhood is only 59 years old, according to the US Census Bureau. Two times as many women became widowed versus men in 2019. Widowhood is particularly challenging to women because they typically live longer than men and have more significant lifetime financial needs.
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Market insider Chip Munn Forbes Best in State Financial Advisor
Originally posted on markets.businessinsider..com

Chip Munn Named As Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor

FLORENCE, S.C.Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chip Munn, CEO of Signature Wealth Group (an independent organization aligned with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.,) was named to the Forbes list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, released online February 11, 2021.

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Motivation to keep moving forward
Originally posted on thriveglobal.com

The Motivation Solution: Where People Go Wrong and What You Can Do to Get and Stay Motivated

Build a life with meaning and purpose. Start with a vision and use these tips to stay motivated for setting and reaching life goals. Chip Munn shares how he helps his clients get and stay motivated on the way to reaching their goals. 
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teaching kids about retirement and money
Originally posted on thriveglobal.com

Why Learning About Retirement is the Greatest Money Lesson a Child Can Have

When students graduate high school, they are sure to face decisions about credit cards, loans, and managing living expenses. But less than half of all kindergarten through 12th-grade schools in the US require a personal finance course before graduation. Without a sound financial education foundation, they risk making poor financial decisions and bearing the unfortunate consequences.

Here I offer insight into three financial principles that can be taught to kids at nearly any age, at any time, to help them prepare for, and live a financially healthy life. 

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Supporting Adult Children Can Hurt Your Retirement Plans
Originally posted on thestreet.com

Supporting Adult Children Can Hurt Your Retirement Plans (and What You Can Do About It)

Supporting an adult child can negatively impact your retirement plans - from throwing off when you retire to your desired retirement lifestyle, even if you can stop working altogether. Adviser Chip Munn explains why parental financial help to adult children needs to have some "safety rails" in place.
 
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chip munn in the news
Originally posted on thestreet.com

Why Retirement Is the Best Time to Start a Business

Most of us think about retirement as a relaxing life of endless leisure that begins right at age 65. But that’s an out-of-date “old school” way to retire, which brings on unwanted consequences – from unbearable boredom to a shorter lifespan.

There’s a new way to retire that leads to healthier, happier, and longer lives. First, let’s look at what’s wrong with the old approach to retirement.

 
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media-feature-living-a-better-life
Originally posted on thriveglobal.com

Living a Better Life (Hint: Be Prepared for Life’s Uncertanties)

I share this story to help you understand that being prepared to handle life’s uncertainties, however difficult they may be to talk about, is part of living a better life. 

Dealing with loss is difficult, particularly when it's unexpected. Take your time to carefully consider the next steps.

 
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7 financial health myths women should be aware of
Originally posted on thriveglobal.com

7 Myths Women Should Be Aware of to Improve Their Financial Health

Saving for retirement is a challenge many Americans face. But it is a greater struggle for women. Women live longer than men and thus have a greater need for retirement income to cover their living and healthcare expenses.

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Chip Munn, Signature Wealth Group
Originally posted on financial-planning.com

3 Ways Sobriety Made Me a Better Advisor

Seven years ago I was running a successful financial planning practice, but as a divorced father of three boys, my life felt unmanageable. Then, on Oct. 21, 2013, I quit drinking. It was a turning point for me. Beyond the Serenity Prayer, which asks us to accept the things we cannot change, I’ve learned other lessons in sobriety that have carried over to my career and every other portion of my life.

Here are the three most profound lessons that have changed me as an advisor.

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broken heart finances
Originally posted on thriveglobal.com

6 Financial Wellness Areas to Focus On if You’re Newly Single

Being newly single can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially, and it definitely takes time to adjust. Here are six things that you can do if you ever find yourself facing a new beginning...

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financial advisor article
Originally posted on fa-mag.com

After The Pandemic, Employees Want New Retirement Arrangements

Companies that are going to come through the Covid-19 shutdown successfully need to rethink their employees’ retirement plans, according to Chip Munn, CEO of Signature Wealth Strategies, a wealth management firm with offices in North and South Carolina. The pandemic is accelerating trends that were already in the works, and one of those is a shift to a phased-in retirement. Companies that want to reduce their risks will accommodate this new desire among employees, since phased retirements also mean companies can keep tapping their seasoned employees’ knowledge.

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transitional retirement options
Originally posted on successfulbusinessnews.com

Five Steps to Create a Transitional Retirement Option For Your Employees

The relationship between companies and their employees has been forever changed by the Covid-19 virus. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Since late January, Americans have been shifting from their traditional roles and workplaces toward their home offices. They’re using telecommuting technology and learning new capabilities daily. There’s a shift occurring and the biggest question for companies will be whether this happened to you or for you.

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the company is going to go in a different direction
Originally posted on thestreet.com

Worried About Being Downsized? Here’s How to Take Control

The last few months have produced a great deal of uncertainty, for both employees and companies. Everyone is looking for solutions to their most pressing problems, which sometimes means that decisions are made based on how things have historically been done rather than creatively looking for alternative, better solutions. Before you get the "call" that your employer has set your retirement date, create your dream job and take control of your destiny.

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what should i do with my money considering all of the volatility and uncertainty today
Originally posted on medium.com

Investing During The Pandemic; What Should I Do With My Money Considering All of the Volatility and Uncertainty Today

Focus on doing the next right thing. The current discomfort won’t last forever, but we can’t “fix” it all at one time. By focusing on the next small action we need to take or the decision we need to make, we can avoid trying to make major decisions in a hyper-emotional state.

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shift your mind
Originally posted on thirdage.com

4 Key Lessons Crisis Teaches Us About Retirement

Over the past couple months, many investors have become worried about the future of their retirement plans. Between health concerns, the volatility of the stock market and forced isolation, it’s safe to say that there has been both reason and opportunity to question what our future in retirement might look like. If you’re considering retirement in the next few years, it’s important to use this time to your advantage and to learn a few lessons before you “take the plunge.”

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womens initiative
Originally posted on thriveglobal.com

The Financial Future Is Female

Women control 32% of the world’s wealth and that number is growing.
"In many areas of American life, women have always served as a firm foundation. I’ve often heard that women are the heart of a home. I think now is the time for women to be more active in the wallet of the home, as well."

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retiring early
Originally posted on money.usnews.com

The Case Against Retiring Early

Many people dream of an early retirement at age 50, 40 or even younger. But those who leave behind the office at such a young age might not find retirement fulfilling. The amount in your savings or portfolio may not reflect how enjoyable you’ll find the coming years. “Many Americans derive their identity from their work.” Stepping away from a job might involve a feeling of being cast aside or removed from society.

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retired woman
Originally posted on cnbc.com

A wave of early retirement hits the workforce. How to negotiate the best package for you

As companies look for ways to reduce their workforce to trim costs during the pandemic, more are offering early retirement packages to their employees. And it’s not just affecting individuals in their late 50s or older. Younger workers who are in their 40s are getting offers too. The trend has become widespread in industries such as airlines, hospitality, restaurant and retail, but it’s gaining momentum across sectors. It is also an option being offered to teachers and government workers nationwide.

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financial advisor article
Originally posted on fa-mag.com

The Shift To Phased-In Retirement

"Companies that are going to come through the Covid-19 shutdown successfully need to rethink their employees’ retirement plans," according to Chip Munn, CEO of Signature Wealth Strategies, a wealth management firm with offices in North and South Carolina. "The pandemic is accelerating trends that were already in the works, and one of those is a shift to a phased-in retirement," Munn said. "Companies that want to reduce their risks will accommodate this new desire among employees, since phased retirements also mean companies can keep tapping their seasoned employees’ knowledge."

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thrive global article
Originally posted on ceoworld.biz

The Future Of Retirement – The Path Forward After Covid-19

Eventually we will be on the other side of this pandemic. We won’t have to shelter in place anymore and hopefully we can hug family members who don’t live in our home once again. That will definitely be a happy day for many people. For others, though, it will be the beginning of the end of working relationships. Unless, of course, companies pivot in the same way that their workers did during the crisis and adopt new strategies that many companies have been resistant to try. Successful businesses will develop a strategy for this transition before they’re forced to react to it.

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investment news article
Originally posted on investmentnews.com

Rethinking retirement amid the COVID-19 crisis

The world changed in March, as the stock market tanked and the U.S. economy screeched to a halt in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Amid continued lockdowns and a spike in unemployment to more than 30 million by late April, many Americans wondered if they would ever be able to retire. Many younger and mid-career workers who were lucky enough to hold on to their jobs during the downturn may benefit from lower stock valuations as they dollar-cost-average their retirement savings over the coming years and decades.

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thrive global article
Originally posted on thriveglobal.com

Four Biases That Can Derail Your Retirement and How to Avoid Them

I once heard, “Your mind is like a dark alley, it’s not somewhere you want to be alone for very long.” The COVID-19 virus has introduced shelter-in-place orders and social distancing measures that have separated us from family members, friends and the places that we love. If there was ever a time for our minds to play tricks on us, it’s now. Today, more than ever, investors are at risk of making emotional financial decisions. COVID-19 has had major impacts on the stock market, employment levels, the healthcare industry and pretty much every facet of our individual lives. 

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business insider article
Originally posted on businessinsider.com

Retirement seems much scarier now than it did in the past, and a financial adviser can pinpoint why

A financial-market downturn spurred on by a global health crisis is enough to make anyone concerned about their money. But, the coronavirus pandemic has only intensified a sense of trepidation that's already present for many people in or nearing retirement, Chip Munn, financial adviser and CEO of Signature Wealth Strategies, a South Carolina-based advisory firm, told Business Insider.

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ashley irizarry - sunjournal
Originally posted on newbernsj.com

Financial adviser mom could juggle for the circus

“Because we are in the financial industry, we are considered essential employees,” she said. “My group decided, since we are able to work remotely, we would do so to cut down on travel and exposure for us as well as anyone we would come in contact with. So, we can hold remote meetings with our clients and obviously make phone calls and all of that.” She has set up a home office, with a main concern of maintaining the 4-year old. She describes that as the biggest challenge on a typical day.

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business insider article
Originally posted on businessinsider.com

The 2 scariest parts of retiring have been made even worse by the coronavirus outbreak

The economy, Munn says, has been metaphorically put to sleep as we attempt to battle the illness. "The question mark will be how it comes back when we begin the process of waking it back up," says Munn, whose new book "The Retirement Remix" encourages people to reconsider the notion of putting off fulfillment or goals until after they "clock out" of the workforce. Generally people share two big concerns when it comes to retirement, Munn says: "Will I run out of money?" and "What will I do with my time?" 

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Signature wealth group donation
Originally posted on scnow.com

Florence One Schools names Nichole Scipio the 2019-20 Teacher of the Year

The award was presented during the The School Foundation’s 2019 gala Tuesday night. “This is a great honor because it’s bigger than me,” Scipio said. “I know that I’m making a big difference.” Scipio teaches biology and physical science at West Florence. She also serves as the Project Lead the Way human body sciences and the lead STEM teacher. Signature Wealth Strategies presented a check for $1,000 to Duncan as a part of her award.

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day of thanks 2018 - scnow.com
Originally posted on scnow.com

Hot meal served at shelter on annual Day of Thanks

Danielle Gainey, administrative assistant for Signature Wealth and the event planner, said the Day of Thanks is a way for the company to support the community. “We come into the House of Hope; this is our third year at the House of Hope and our fourth year total, and we just try to make sure that everybody that’s not as blessed as we are gets a hot Thanksgiving meal,” Gainey said. Gainey said the company prepared approximately 400 plates last year and was hoping to prepare roughly 500 this year.

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florence teacher of the year 2018 - signature wealth sponsor
Originally posted on scnow.com

Florence One Schools names Sharri Duncan Teacher of the Year

“I just know that this is the greatest school district there is, and it’s not because of me that I’m here,” Duncan said. “It’s because of the people around me – the people that I work with – the principal, the custodians, everybody in the school support each other.” Signature Wealth Strategies presented a check for $1,000 to Duncan as a part of her award. Duncan said she will use the money on her students.

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chip munn - creditcards.com
Originally posted on creditcards.com

Yours, mine & ours: How and when to share credit card rewards

“Trouble comes when you have a large number of points available, but you both want to use them for different things,” says Chip Munn, a managing partner Signature Wealth Strategies, in Florence, South Carolina. “Rather than focus on what you want individually, I recommend couples look at their bigger picture priorities. The points should be used on something they both want.”

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chip munn- scott mitchell - scnow.com
Originally posted on scnow.com

Signature Wealth Says Each Client is Unique

“In our business, there are so many things that you can’t possibly cover them all,” Mitchell said. “We started working together and allowed Chip to do the things that he liked more and was better at, and the same for me. What I think makes us unique between financial and wealth strategy groups is that we’re all together. We have different people on our staff that specializes at different things. We all just share the clients, so there’s no competition.”

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signature wealth - onwallstreet.com
Originally posted on onwallstreet.com

How This Team Grew to $800M from $280M in 14 months

Chip Munn's team is on something of a growth tear. Fourteen months ago, he and two partners, Scott Mitchell and Lewis Butler, formed Signature Wealth Group at Raymond James with a goal to build a bigger operation. The trio had joined the independent broker-dealer the prior year from Hilliard Lyons, where they managed about $280 million. Today, Signature oversees $800 million in client assets, having just added another team to the practice, and Munn's group has plans to bring on more talent.

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signature wealth - scnow.com
Originally posted on scnow.com

Signature Wealth Group Expands Presence in South Carolina

The founders of Signature Wealth Group came together in 2017 with one goal in mind – to build an advisor-led company that partnered with Raymond James Financial Services to allow its advisors to spend their time focused on clients. “After spending years as part of the leadership team at Raymond James Financial Services, I can tell you, there’s nowhere else that advisors have more options when it comes to tools and technology,” said Signature Wealth Group Managing Partner, Scott Whitley.

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chip munn - florencescceo.com
Originally posted on florencescceo.com

Chip Munn of Signature Wealth Strategies on How They Help Clients Know How Much Risk They Are Willing to Take on

Chip Munn, Managing Partner at Signature Wealth Strategies, talks about how the current geopolitical tension is affecting the amount of risk people are willing to take. He also discusses the importance of having a plan so you can be prepared for the risks to come.

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chip munn - onwallstreet.com
Originally posted on onwallstreet.com

Top 10 Regional Advisors Under 40

Frank "Chip" Munn says the biggest obstacles he overcame when he entered the business were his youth and lack of background in finance. A graduate of Clemson University, Munn became an advisor when he was 23-years-old, after having spent a year as a middle school teacher.  "I had to learn really quick," he says. Munn's interest in financial planning dated back to high school, when his grandfather, who owned a 1,600-acre farm, passed away. "He didn't have a very thorough estate plan," Munn says. 
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chip munn- waters building - scnow.com
Originally posted on scnow.com

100 Years Later, Waters Building Gets New Life

“It’s a beautiful place to work,” Munn said. “The area has a very convenient feel to it. Our location makes it an easy place to meet with clients in the office or downtown in a restaurant.” Munn said the architects and designers transformed and modernized the former furniture store into 5,000 square feet of office space but kept the unique character and feel of the building. “We wanted to keep the history,” Munn said. “It’s neat to hear these stories and think about this vibrant downtown area with people...”

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chip munn- top 40 advisors - scnow.com
Originally posted on scnow.com

Munn Ranks in Top 10 Regional Financial Advisers

On Wall Street’s annual ranking includes 40 advisers across the country. Frank “Chip” Munn, senior vice president and financial adviser at Hilliard Lyons, was ranked among the top 10 regional financial advisers under the age of 40, according to On Wall Street’s new annual ranking. The ranking includes advisers from all over the country, including much bigger cities such as New York. “It goes to show you that Florence can be competitive in any arena,” Munn said in an interview Thursday. “It was quite an honor, and I’m happy for me but also for our team getting some recognition.”

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chip munn - scnow.com-2
Originally posted on scnow.com

Financial Advisers Say Emotions a Factor in Investing

"The financial crisis of 2008 affected the entire investment banking industry, the automobile industry and government. Chip Munn, a partner at Hilliard Lyons in Florence, said that many times people’s emotional state about the market and the market cycle are at odds with each other. “After the big declines people said, ‘why didn’t I do something different or be more conservative?’ ” Munn said. “Most importantly, some said, ‘If I ever get my money back, next time I’ll do it different.’ The next time is here.”

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chip munn and scott mitchell- scnow.com-1
Originally posted on scnow.com

Florence Firm Undergoes Transformation

FLORENCE, S.C. - Chip Munn likes to focus on strategies. “How we plan for the future and how we try to derive plans to help us feel confident about the future,” he said. It’s not surprising that when he and the fellow financial advisers he’s been partners with for many years decided to make a change, they’d incorporate some form of the word "strategy." Munn, Scott Mitchell, Lewis Butler and Quincy Kennedy were known to many in the Pee Dee as being part of Louisville, Kentucky-based firm...

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chip munn - scnow.com
Originally posted on scnow.com

Day of Thanks Offers Meal to Florence Community

FLORENCE, S.C. - -Before taking part in their own Thanksgiving festivities, dozens of volunteers gathered at the House of Hope’s Courtney McGinnis Graham Community Shelter on Wednesday morning to give out a Thanksgiving meal to the Florence community. Sponsored by Signature Wealth Strategies, the meal featured holiday staples like mashed potatoes and turkey and was provided free to anyone who came.

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chip munn - wbtw.com
Originally posted on wbtw.com

Financial Planning Firm Hosts 2nd Annual "Day of Thanks"

FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) - Signature Wealth Strategies sponsored its second annual "Day of Thanks" event on the day before Thanksgiving, as a way of expressing thanks to the company's clients and the community. With the generous help of local businesses, the team offered free meals to help the homeless in the Florence area. "We created the Day of Thanks as a more meaningful way pf being able to give back to our community and to our clients during the holiday season..."

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chip munn - wbtw.com
Originally posted on wbtw.com

Florence Volunteers Celebrate ‘Day of Thanks' by Helping Feed Homeless

Nick Sturdivant - FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) - On Wednesday, a company in Florence, along with volunteers, decided to help feed those who are less fortunate. Hilliard Lyons' prepared meals for hundreds of Florence's homeless at First Baptist Church. The food was donated nearby by some of the downtown restaurants and those who work there came to also help prepare and serve the food. 

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signature wealth strategies -florence news journal
Originally posted in the Florence News Journal

Day of Thanks Feeds Homeless at Courtney Graham Center

Signature Wealth Strategies sponsored its 2nd Annual “Day of Thanks” the day before Thanksgiving serving lunch to the homeless in the area at the new Courtney McGinnis Graham Community Center. "We created the Day of Thanks as a more meaningful way of being able to give back to our community and to our clients during the holiday season,” said Signature Wealth Strategies CEO Chip Munn. “Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, our staff, volunteers and others, we’re able to...

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Chip Munn-Forbes.com
Originally posted on Forbes.com

Freelancers Are The Answer To A Slow Hiring Process

"Sites like UpWork are powerful tools for small business owners who need professional help at a reasonable price. Instead of hiring someone full-time, they hire someone for just a few hours per month. This approach gives entrepreneurs access to top talent without the large salary or lengthy search. Chip Munn, a financial advisor in South Carolina, owns a small financial advisory company. Since this industry is competitive, he leverages freelancers around the world to fill design, project management..."

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