Each of us has a story no one else can tell. It’s about life, faith, family, careers, hobbies, experiences, successes, failures, joys and heartaches. It’s a journey that lasts a lifetime. One that hopefully will leave the world a better place because of the contributions you’ve made – your own personal odyssey!
As you make decisions along the way, what’s the wisest thing you can do?
At Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors, we believe one of the wisest things you can do is find a trusted partner to walk alongside you on your odyssey. We can help you define your roadmap, stay on course, and make sound decisions along the way. No matter what stage of life and/or transition you are in, our meaningful conversations about money will help guide you. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
The views expressed are for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security which may be referenced herein. This information is not a substitute for professional guidance in financial, tax, estate planning or legal matters.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
The latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version here. Please reach out to us if you have any questions. Reviewed & Approved: KM 10/15/19
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Thursday, October 3, 2019
Staying physically fit is not always easy, but there are a lot of resources that you can turn to in order to get started. There are fitness magazines, apps to track how many calories you are burning and, of course, your doctor is there...
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Tuesday, October 1, 2019
AS SEEN IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB The good news for parents and their college-bound kids: The U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) makes it relatively easy to apply...
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Monday, August 26, 2019
Financial advisors help you manage your money. Ultimately, it’s that simple. But like any other profession, we sometimes have a funny way of saying it. Understanding some of the “shoptalk” we use can help you manage...
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Wednesday, August 7, 2019
AS SEEN IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB How good is it to be average? Well, it depends. A batting average of .300 in the major leagues is good, but saving the employee average percentage into your employer’s 401k plan? Not...
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Monday, July 29, 2019
I love romcoms. Give me a movie that has a meet-cute and wedding, and I’m in. So, when “The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” recently aired, I said alright, alright, alright to spending two hours with Matthew McConaughey...
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Sunday, July 28, 2019
“Citigroup Says S&P 500 Heading for a ‘Full Scale Bear Market.’” That was the headline of a Bloomberg news article on June 10, 2019. Yahoo Finance reported it as well with an attention-grabbing link to the...
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Friday, July 12, 2019
The latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version here. Please reach out to us if you have any questions. Reviewed & Approved: KM 7/11/19
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Tuesday, June 11, 2019
I love fashion. I dream about Dior gowns, Chanel suits, and anything McQueen. Recently, I started a trial subscription for Rent the Runway and can’t stop drooling over all the designer threads. As I was putting away my latest...
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At Odyssey, we serve not only our clients, but also their children, aging parents, and relatives. We help manage their finances and safeguard their assets, too. As today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we asked one of our trusted...
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Saturday, June 1, 2019
AS SEEN IN THE JUNE ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB Summer is here, which means most of you are go-going away on vacation. Whether you’re hopping in the car heading to the Happiest Place on Earth or flying across the pond to your dream...
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Tuesday, May 14, 2019
During a recent visit with my in-laws, we brought up the topic of what would happen if either of them were incapacitated or passed away. Have they thought about how they would deal with that circumstance? Although an uncomfortable...
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Monday, May 6, 2019
Great Pyramids of Giza, shmiza; Colossus of Rhodes, shmodes. Einstein wasn’t thinking of the ancient world for the 8th wonder of the world. No, the genius said “compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who...
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Monday, May 6, 2019
Paying bills, accessing credit card points or airline miles, or simply logging into someone’s email account… what happens to all this digital data and the value of this information upon death? Almost all states – GA...
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Wednesday, May 1, 2019
AS SEEN IN THE MAY EDITION OF THE CURRENT HUB The biggest risk to a carefully planned retirement is healthcare expenses. For an average 65-year old couple, retiring in 2019, healthcare expenses are anticipated to cost $285,000 in...
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Tuesday, April 23, 2019
“The sky is falling, the sky is falling!”… at least that’s what Chicken Little announced in the 2005 Disney animated movie (not exactly their best work, in our opinion). Have you heard it on the news or read it...
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Wednesday, April 17, 2019
A popular daydream of the cubicle dweller is freeing themselves of the daily grind by retiring early. A life where there’s no alarm clock and every day is a Saturday sounds divine, right? But is retiring at 45 or 35 fathomable,...
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Monday, April 15, 2019
The latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version with this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.
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Monday, April 1, 2019
AS SEEN IN THE APRIL EDITION OF THE CURRENT HUB Planning for retirement can be confusing, especially when so much conflicting information abounds about life in retirement. Here are some myths that commonly masquerade as facts. My kids...
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Roswell, Ga. – March 13, 2019 – StandUp for Kids Atlanta was the recipient of one of five grants awarded by the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation in February. Grants were available to organizations with active...
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Monday, March 11, 2019
If your student loans feel like an 800-pound gorilla on your back, you’re not alone. Over 44 million Americans feel the crushing weight of a staggering $1.5 trillion in student debt. Whether you have a little or a lot of student...
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Friday, March 1, 2019
AS SEEN IN THE MARCH ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB A divorce may be the most stressful and hardest experience of your life. Any life event that disrupts your personal and financial well-being will cause hardship and concern. You may be...
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Monday, February 11, 2019
What exactly is consumer credit? Consumer credit (aka consumer debt) allows you to purchase something today that you don’t pay for until later. There are 2 types of credit: installment and revolving. Installment Credit Revolving...
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Monday, February 4, 2019
Adulting is hard enough as it is, but when it comes to prioritizing your retirement savings or your child’s college fund, you may feel like you’re between a rock and a hard place. First thing’s first: like making sure...
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Thursday, January 31, 2019
AS SEEN IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB We all experience different feelings when things don’t go as planned. It’s human to want to avoid pain and fear. When it comes to investing, we all struggle with the fear of...
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Friday, January 18, 2019
Saving for retirement doesn’t need to feel like you’re going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Start small, like your emergency fund, and then move down the waterfall one bucket at a time. 1. Emergency fund: Keep enough cash...
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Thursday, January 17, 2019
We’re now in the longest government shutdown in history, and the effects of the shutdown are hitting close to home. A friend of mine is an essential federal employee who lives here in Georgia. She already missed one paycheck, and...
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Thursday, January 17, 2019
It doesn’t matter how old you are, how smart you are, how rich you are. Everyone, and I mean everyone, believes at one point in time in these money myths. These myths have amazing staying power. Help me help you debunk these, ok?...
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Monday, January 14, 2019
The latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version here. Please reach out to us if you have any questions. Reviewed & Approved: VN 1/11/19
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Tuesday, January 8, 2019
AS SEEN IN THE JANUARY ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB Hello 2019! It’s a new year, which means new opportunities abound. Are you laser focused on new goals? What are the chances getting prepared for retirement is on your list? If so,...
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From the Odyssey family to yours, may the spirit of Christmas bring you and your family hope, happiness, and love. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Odyssey’s 14th Annual Holiday Outreach in support of Meals on Wheels, Senior Services North Fulton Making a Difference Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors organized their 14th Annual Holiday Outreach, and in partnership with...
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Saturday, December 1, 2018
AS SEEN IN THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB The year is quickly coming to a close, and if you’re like us, you are in the holiday planning mood: making your list and checking it twice; gonna find out who’s naughty and...
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Wednesday, November 7, 2018
The latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version with this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.
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Wednesday, October 31, 2018
AS SEEN IN THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB August 21st marked the longest-running S&P 500 rally, followed in mid-September, by the ten-year anniversary of the 2008 financial crisis. Tariffs and trade war threats remain wild cards...
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Tuesday, October 9, 2018
AS SEEN IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB With Halloween approaching many of our children are busy planning their costumes. The fun of changing your identity for one day a year is something we’ve all experienced. For...
Read MoreOn October 3rd, Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors announced the winners of Odyssey's Favorite Teacher's Contest. Check out our facebook post! A BIG congratulations goes to... 1st Place: Kathleen Petka, George Walton Comprehensive...
Read MoreAn analysis of US-based mutual funds shows that only a small percentage of funds have outperformed industry benchmarks after costs—and among top-ranked funds based on past results, only a small percentage have repeated their...
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Tuesday, September 4, 2018
AS SEEN IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF THE CURRENT HUB If you read our August column, “When a Teacher Lights a Spark”, you read the first-hand account of Robert’s experience as a parent – hoping his son would develop...
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Wednesday, August 1, 2018
As seen in the August issue of The Current Hub My love of personal finance runs deep. It was something I hoped to pass down to my children (along with my unwavering allegiance to the New York Mets). While my son does indeed love...
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Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors is excited to announce Odyssey’s Favorite Teacher Contest! We are reaching out to members of our local community asking you to nominate teachers you think are awesome! Why? Because these unsung...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreMaking the most of surprises is a great reason to work with us.
Read MoreAre you a retiree either approaching or in the thick of required minimum distributions (RMDs)? Do you have a parent who is age 70 1/2 or older? If you are or you do, keep reading… For retirees with qualified retirement accounts,...
Read MoreThis month, we will explore the different types of communities retirees are considering moving to, from assisted living to continuing care retirement communities, and the financial implications associated with each option. Retirement...
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Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in the March 2018 Edition of Odyssey NexGen Newsletter. Curious about Odyssey's NexGen program? Email Anne.Simpson@odysseypfa.com to learn more. If you're in your 20s, you will, at some...
Read MoreWe recently had a discussion with clients who were contemplating where and how they would live out their remaining years. The conversation turned to the concept of “aging in place”, which means at their home, but we also...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
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Sunday, April 15, 2018
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in the March 2018 Edition of Odyssey NexGen Newsletter. Curious about Odyssey's NexGen program? Email Anne.Simpson@odysseypfa.com to learn more. A new year often brings about new...
Read MoreTrying to select a financial advisor is complicated. The sheer number of choices and titles are bewildering and complex, and the quality of the advice you receive can literally make or break your family’s fortune. Who can you...
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Monday, March 19, 2018
The first few months of 2018 have certainly started off with a bank. After a year of placid markets, we've seen volatility come back. In the 9-year bull market run for the S&P 500, the index has experienced 5 separate "corrections" of...
Read MoreInterest Rates are climbing across the board. What does this mean to you? How will it cost you, or more positively stated, how can you benefit? Since interest rates impact your finances in many ways throughout your life it’s...
Read MoreThis month we complete our 10 financial best practices to jump-start the new year with tips #6 -10 to help energize your personal wealth management efforts. You can see tips #1-5 online at www.thecurrenthub.com/jumpstart. Let’s...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
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Thursday, January 18, 2018
The holidays are upon us, which means popping the champagne cork… and the question. Nearly one-third of all engagements happen between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. If your Santa baby bought you that diamond ring,...
Read MoreMeaningful Conversations about Money Jump-Start Your New Year By Robert Fezza and Steve Siders Happy New Year! Now that 2017 is a wrap, one of the best presents you can bestow on yourself and your loved ones is the gift of financial...
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Tuesday, December 19, 2017
With a new year approaching, now is a great time to review your 2017 financial life. Let’s start with the basics - your personal financial statements (check out the financial term of the day!). Take some time to create your...
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Odyssey’s 13th Annual Holiday Outreach: Our 2017 beneficiary was Stand Up for Kids, a national non-profit based in Atlanta. Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors, in partnership with their generous clients, provided gift cards and...
Read MoreWhen your parents retired, they probably didn't think too much about Social Security. They just went to their local office as soon as they turned 65, or maybe 62 if they retired early, and applied for benefits. They probably took their...
Read MoreWe’re not huge fans of seeing stores selling Christmas decorations in July, but maybe they are on to something. Have you planned how much you will spend over the holidays and (more importantly) will you stick to that budget?...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreWe assume you have heard about the Equifax security breach announced on September 8, but the question is - have you taken action to protect yourself? You need to assume your information is public, and quite possibly in the hands of bad...
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Tuesday, October 10, 2017
What do football, pumpkin spiced lattes, and Labor Day have in common? Yes, fall, but also Open Enrollment. If your employer provides benefits, such as health insurance and 401k plans, your upcoming open enrollment period allows you to...
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Wednesday, September 27, 2017
In the past, when you created a budget, you mapped it out on an excel spreadsheet, tried to live within your budget, had trouble sticking to it, and the promptly shoved that budget in a drawer. Never. To. Be. Seen. Again. I'm here to...
Read MoreAmericans are paying more for their medical bills than ever before as health care costs continue to rise by large percentages. You’ve probably experienced this yourself! With these cost increases, it is easy to wind up with...
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Friday, September 15, 2017
Recently, we've had a lot of car talk around the office - mostly about buying or leasing a car. Whether you want a new car or a new-to-you car, here are some scenarios when leasing or buying makes sense. Leasing makes sense if... You...
Read MoreThe saying, “it’s never too early to begin saving for retirement,” holds true at any age, even for kids in high school. In fact, if your teen has a summer or part-time job, now is a great time to talk to them about...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreIt’s peak season for vacationing, and many of you already have or will be heading to the beach or mountains this summer. It’s what we do when it’s hot in HOTlanta. But here’s the question: Are any of you...
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Monday, June 5, 2017
My mom received a call a few months ago saying she had to update the version of Microsoft Windows she was using; that security risks with the current version could be fixed if she simply provided her credit card number. Thank God she...
Read More“…In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin Franklin’s words ring true, especially now in the current state of rising geopolitical uncertainty: Brexit,...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreDear Investor, Your financial adviser can no longer provide you with investment guidance...We will be moving your account to a self-directed platform…We can no longer hold the products we recommended to you in your IRA…...
Read MoreOnce tax season is here, it may be too late to implement some very helpful tax saving strategies. At Odyssey, we keep our client’s “pay-triotic duty” top of mind by engaging in tax-wise investing and financial advice...
Read MoreIt’s February now, and President Trump has officially been sworn into office. Executive orders have already been signed and Congress is moving swiftly to make changes to current laws. So we understand that you may be asking - how...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreHappy New Year! And with it come the New Year’s resolutions. What is on your list? Do you want to potentially save some big bucks this year? Here’s how. Get healthy! That’s right. By shedding a few excess pounds and...
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Our 2016 beneficiary was Homestretch, based in Roswell, GA. Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors was pleased to provide supplies and donations to HomeStretch, a Roswell based charity that offers hope – helping local homeless...
Read MoreAs a new year approaches, we’re prompted to think towards the future with resolutions of getting organized, doing better, exercising more, and worrying less. But why wait for the New Years’ countdown to act on these...
Read MoreIt feels like summer just ended, but Halloween came and went, and the Holidays are fast approaching. No wonder we feel we can’t find the time to take care of things we need to do. So, before you eat too much turkey and sweet...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreIt’s election season, which means the bumper sticker battles are in full swing. Usually, bumper stickers on cars highlight whom the driver supports. I say usually because while driving in Roswell recently, I saw one that was...
Read MoreIf we told you that 59% of Georgians lack a rainy day fund that covers three months of expenses in case of job loss or sickness, would you believe us? Would you agree there may be a problem if 19% of GA households spent more than they...
Read MoreAre you an investor? We sure hope so, as it is the BEST way to build wealth to fund your retirement goals. We also realize it’s not easy. It takes time, knowledge, patience, and a disciplined approach. Everyone CAN do it, but not...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreIt was the Chinese philosopher Confucius who said: “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” Does life sometimes feel complicated or overwhelming? What was the root cause? Was it regarding your career...
Read MoreHealth Savings Accounts (HSA’s) are more common these days since the Affordable Care Act is causing health insurance premiums to increase substantially. When used in conjunction with high deductible health insurance plans they...
Read MoreWith a combined 35 years of experience providing personal financial advice, we know what people mean when they say they are confused. We have heard far too many stories about the experiences they have had trying to get it right. Life...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreAccording to the IRS, 8 out of 10 people will get a tax refund this year with the average being about $2,800 per check. Maybe you’ve already received yours?!?! It is tempting to splurge and have fun with a refund but remember;...
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Saturday, March 5, 2016
My father died almost four years ago, in April 2012. It came after several years of care giving, doctor’s visits, and ultimately a couple of weeks in the hospital and a few days in a nursing home. He was diagnosed with...
Read MoreYogi Berra may have said it best, “It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” Did you see it coming? Many people didn’t. We’re talking about the not so Happy New Year stock market selloff -...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreReady or not, the New Year is here, so let’s make 2016 the best year yet! We wish you a very happy New Year and hope you enjoyed the many local festivities this past Holiday season. We look forward to continuing our meaningful...
Read MoreOdyssey Personal Financial Advisors is pleased to provide supplies and donations to Senior Services North Fulton in support of their Meals on Wheels for Pets program. This is Odyssey's 11th Annual Holiday Outreach in support of local...
Read MoreOne could say that if we are “wise” then increased knowledge leads to improved behavior… or does it??? When was the last time you decided – this is it! Based on what I know (knowledge) I’m going to make a...
Read MoreSince Thanksgiving dinner will be on the table sooner than we realize, we thought it appropriate to address how your financial freedom is directly linked to the level of gratitude you have about life. This was spurred on by a reader...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MorePop quiz. What does the number 168 represent? Any idea? This is how many hours there are in a week. Now think of another number - the amount of money you earn each week. Got it? Time and money. These are the primary (and limited)...
Read MoreWe’ve all heard stories about the pro football player (pick any sport) who signs a huge contract worth millions of dollars - as a high draft pick, as a free agent, or to extend his contract. We’ve also heard many updates...
Read MoreHave you ever read a newspaper headline, a doomsday book, or heard a TV pundit spouting about the “crisis of the moment?” Were you fearful? Did you feel as though you should “do something” to react to the...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreWhat is a college degree worth to you or your child? Asked another way; is the cost of college worth more or less than the expected income potential over your career? This is another topic that begs for a meaningful family conversation...
Read MoreWhat do you do when life takes an unexpected turn? Do you have a plan or do you react? We all live life with good intentions, but when we face a rough patch we sometimes make choices that start us down the wrong path, or maybe we never...
Read MoreAs consumers we face a multitude of ways we can purchase products and services. Buying shampoo? Easy. What about your last car purchase? A little more complicated, right? You probably talked to some friends, took a test drive and of...
Read MoreWhen the topic of financial planning is discussed most people focus on money, with good reason of course, but the conversation doesn’t have to end with our financial capital. How much do I have? How do I spend it? How much should...
Read MoreOdyssey's latest white paper - Investing Lessons from the Last 15 Years - is now available! Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Read MoreCenturies ago mathematicians figured out the shortest path between two points is a straight line. In life we often make plans that, in the beginning, may seem straightforward, but along the way encounter a multitude of ups and downs...
Read MoreIf you look around your circle of friends, neighbors, and co-workers, you may sometimes have a tendency to compare yourself to their circumstances and try to keep up. If you expand that circle to a broader population – maybe...
Read MoreThe latest Odyssey Newsletter is here! You can access the digital version at this link. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Read MoreAccording to a 2014 Federal Reserve report, “many households are not adequately prepared for retirement”. The report states that 31% of non-retirees have no pension and haven’t saved a dime for retirement. Even...
Read MoreWith support provided by their generous clients, Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors was able to provide supplies and donations to the Child Development Association for their 10th Annual Holiday Outreach. They asked their clients to...
Read MoreWe are well aware of the “busy-ness” the next 4 weeks will bring, but if you could take the time to make just one small change before the end of the year – something that would benefit you long term - would you do it?...
Read MoreLast month we introduced our new column with a suggestion – that you sit down with the person(s) closest to you and have a meaningful conversation about your money, financial goals and passions. If you did, congratulations!...
Read More“Do you have a minute?” When you hear those words, especially from someone close to you, you know you’re in for more than just a discussion about what to have for dinner. Usually it means the person wants to talk...
Read MoreOdyssey Personal Financial Advisors just completed their 9th Annual Holiday Outreach choosing to help Foster Care Support Foundation this year. They asked their clients to help change the lives of foster children this Holiday season...
Read MoreWe should all count our many blessings at Christmas time, and this year is no different. Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors announced their 8th Annual Holiday Outreach a few weeks ago asking their clients to help change the lives of a...
Read More2011 has been a year of ups and downs; in the stock market, the economy, and politics in Washington, D.C., but one thing remains constant – the clients and staff of Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors remain committed to making a...
Read MoreSeven families from the Homestretch holiday program will have bigger smiles on their faces this Holiday season as a result of the generous donations of Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors and their caring clients. "We know there are...
Read MoreThe Roswell Current (December 23 - January 6 2009/10) included an article about the generosity of the clients of Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors. The total dollars raised was over $2100 along with a trunk full of toys. We're...
Read MoreWe thank our clients once again for your amazing response in support of this year’s cause, The Drake House, located here in Roswell, GA. Similar to last year (see below) your outpouring of kindness and generosity is sure to last...
Read MoreThe Roswell Beacon (January 10, 2008) included an article on the story of how our clients extended support to the men and women of our U.S. military. We received a thank you letter fromBen Fowler, 1Lt, USAF who inspired us to make it...
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