Wells Fargo Advisors

Retirement planning, investment planning and estate planning strategies. We help clients manage their cash flow through retirement.

Executive Director, Branch Manager

National City

Help bank customers with their investment needs.

Financial Consultant

J.C. Bradford

Brokers Assistant

We Help YOU Retire with Confidence! | Executive Director, Branch Manager at Huffman Mayer Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Retirement Worries? We've Got You Covered!
•	Worried about being able to retire?
•	Wondering how much you can spend in retirement?
•	Concerned about when you can retire?

These are common concerns we hear from our clients, and we understand how overwhelming they can be. If you've been asking these questions, you're not alone.

Helping you retire with confidence!

Want to know what you can do in retirement!

It’s never too late to get started!

Here's how we help our clients address their retirement worries:

1.	Creating a Retirement Plan: We build a personalized plan to help guide you through retirement.
2.	Reviewing and Adjusting: Life changes. We help you adapt your plan over time.
3.	Providing Support: You're not alone in this process; you have a retirement partner with us.

Ready to take the next step? We always want to talk with people, whether you're starting your retirement journey or just looking for advice.

Schedule a time at www.20minuteaskmeanything.com and let's work together to ease your retirement worries.


This information is intended for use by residents of AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, and WY only.

Please contact me via e-mail (james.mayerjr@wfa.com) or phone (440-992-1515), as I cannot respond through LinkedIn.

Branch Address:
3705 State Rd
Suite 100
Ashtabula, OH  44004
(440) 992-1515
/*********/
Investment and Insurance Products are:
* Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency
* Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate
* Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.  

Opinions and comments do not necessarily represent the views of our firm. Additional guidelines can be found on wfa.com/social

When your 15 year old daughter wants to spend time with you…

You do it.

You listen to whatever in sync street back boys band singer she wants to go see, even if it is 98 degrees outside.

I enjoy watching the joy in her eyes, the experience is what is worth it for me!

I have been to many concerts in my life.  

I get on line and I get tickets.

This time I used a real person: Jason Barash.

He asked me questions:

Who are you going with?

How tall are they?

What will they want to see the most?

He then explained the entire layout of the event, where the artist was going to be and for how many songs.

We were able to find the best seats for my daughter.

She was able to have the artist walk right past her.

She had a great view for every part of the performance, and she thought her Dad was cool for 2 hours.

I will never get event tickets the old way.

The personal experience that I received is how we try to help our clients.  The more you know about someone, the better the recommendations you can make.

Thank you Jason Barash!!!

James E. Mayer, Jr., CRPS, C(k)P

"My life feels different, something has changed, but what is it?"

Maybe the 24 years that have passed.

Not counting on the internet for everything.

Classes with actual books that are in person.

I still have that coffee cup in my office. (My Grama bought it for me)

I would spend hours every day calling prospective clients, "Would you like to work with us?"

We did seminars.

We went to every function in our community.

I was trying every second to find and convince people to be our clients.

Now 24 years later…

New office.

New team members.

Dan & Donna are still here.

We do less seminars.

We don't cold call.

We still help people Build a Plan for their Retirement!

🎉🇺🇸 Happy Birthday Reese and America! 🎂🎆

Fifteen years ago, my daughter Reese came into this world, bringing immense joy into our lives. For a decade, I playfully told her that the fireworks lighting up the sky were in honor of her special day. I don't think she ever quite believed me, but it's a cherished tradition nonetheless.

As we celebrate Reese's birthday, let's also commemorate the 4th of July, a day that symbolizes the freedom we cherish and the gift of living in this remarkable country.

Wishing everyone a fantastic Independence Day filled with love, laughter, and gratitude for the privileges we enjoy.

Happy Birthday, Reese! 🎈📸 She truly adores capturing moments with me...

Golf outing fundraiser day.  

Happy to be supporting our good friend Mark Andrews and his annual scholarship fundraiser.  

This is definitely one of our favorite events of the summer where we get to help raise money and play golf at the same time. Happy to hang with this crew: 

Dylan Fitchet, MBA 
Joel DiMare Jr., MBA 
Ryan Richards 
Joel DiMare the original…

Northeast Ohio summer day at its best.

Ever notice how retired people love to say that the house they lived in for thirty years was the best investment they ever made?

From a purely financial standpoint, they might be mistaken. Over the last five decades, housing prices have only marginally outpaced inflation, depending on the location.*

But there's more to their sentiment than meets the eye.

For many retirees, that cherished home is likely the only investment they held onto for thirty years. 

Research from Dalbar shows that the average investor holds their mutual fund for just over three years.**

The true magic of compound interest, even with modest returns, only works if you give it time to grow.

Ultimately, the best investment isn't about comparing real estate to other assets. It's about your behavior.

So, ask yourself: Thirty years from now, what will be your best investment?

Create a retirement plan.

Review it regularly.

Adjust as needed.

Think long term; after all, people don't get their homes appraised every day!

*https://lnkd.in/dPWRqp-J

**https://lnkd.in/dizhpiwU ​

From Shy Kid to Chatterbox: Why My Kids Avoid Grocery Trips with Me!



Is it hard to be shy and the new kid? Absolutely. From kindergarten to high school, I changed school systems at least five times. Most transitions took me from smaller to larger schools:



1.	Kindergarten & 1st Grade: 5-6 kids per grade.

2.	2nd - 4th Grade: 20 kids per grade.

3.	5th & 6th Grade: 120 kids per grade.

4.	Junior High: 500 kids per grade.

5.	Middle of 8th Grade: Moved to a smaller school than my junior high.



Every first day filled me with dread. I saw myself as a quiet, shy person who needed time to adjust and get to know people. However, these experiences transformed me. Now, I'm someone who's never met a stranger—I'll strike up a conversation with anyone. (Just ask my kids—they get annoyed at how chatty I am at the grocery store or mall!)



What I Learned:



•	Overcoming Shyness: Being the new kid repeatedly pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me become more outgoing.

•	Finding Connections: I realized the importance of putting myself out there to find my group and make meaningful connections.

•	Talking to New People: My job today involves getting to know new people, and I don't even think about being shy anymore.





Why This Matters for My Clients:



•	Relatability: Having been the new person so many times, I understand how tough it can be. This empathy helps me make clients feel comfortable sharing deeply personal financial details.

•	Building Trust: My goal is to turn initial meetings into friendships, making it easier for clients to open up about their goals and dreams.

•	Creating Effective Plans: When clients feel comfortable, we can build a truly effective retirement plan tailored to their needs.





🔗 Ready to discuss your financial goals with someone who understands the importance of trust and connection? Let's chat and start building a retirement plan that's just right for you. https://lnkd.in/eibWTqNY ​

Retirement: Finally free from the daily Grind…but not from Uncle Sam!

We all dream about retirement. Living our best life! 

No more 9-5 schedule.

No more boss (unless you're married 😄) 

And you finally get to do what you want, when you want, how you want (the only limitation being our physical capabilities).


However, there is one little thing people aren't completely free from when retirement hits: taxes.

 Yes, You Read That Right: Taxes in Retirement

Even though you may no longer be employed, you may still be liable for taxes.

Why? 

Well, the answers get a little complex, but simply put, there are two main reasons why someone will have to pay taxes in their golden years.

1)	Social Security is considered income, therefore may be taxable. However, that ultimately depends on several factors, such as how much Social Security you receive, and whether you have other sources of income. 

2)	The type of investment account you have. If you invested pretax dollars, you would get taxed upon receiving them, whereas if you invest post-tax monies, you may not. Again, it gets complicated, and ultimately several factors play into the overall outcome, such as your tax bracket.


If you need help planning for taxes in retirement, or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. It's what we are here for. 

*Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. However, we will be glad to work with you, your accountant, tax advisor and or lawyer to help you meet your financial goals.

Meet the Real Enemy of Your Retirement Dreams

In the world of financial advising, it's easy to think my competition is other advisors vying for your business. But the real rival I'm battling isn't a person at all. It's the lack of a clear, well-defined retirement plan.

My Mission: To Help You Defeat This Enemy

Far too many people are heading toward retirement without the answers to critical questions:

•	Do you have a clear plan for your retirement?

•	Are your expectations for retirement realistic?

•	Do you know when you can afford to retire?

•	Are you aware of the health insurance options available to you?

•	Have you decided on the best time to take Social Security or your pension?

•	Do you know what actions to take now and once you retire?

•	Is there a process to regularly review your plan and ensure you're still on track?

•	Do you have the guidance to know when adjustments are needed?

If these questions leave you uncertain, then you're losing to our common enemy.

 What You Need to Win:

1.	Find a Financial Advisor: Build a relationship with someone you can get to know, like, and trust.

2.	Create a Retirement Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs.

3.	Review Regularly: Ensure you review your plan often to stay on course.

4.	Adapt When Necessary: Be ready to make changes when life throws you a curveball.

5.	Partner Up: Have a trusted advisor by your side to guide you every step of the way.

Together, we can conquer this enemy. Let's ensure you enter retirement with confidence and clarity.

Reach out today and start building your future with a partner who's committed to your success.

"Imagine a box."

 This isn't just any box; it's big enough for you to stand inside, like one of those X-ray scanners at the airport. 
But this is a special box. 

When the old you steps inside, something magical happens—you transform. 

When you step out, a new, better version of yourself emerges.

If such a box existed, wouldn't you want one?

Well, guess what—the box does exist. I call it "Getting In Over Your Head." It truly is magical. Every time I get in over my head, I come out stronger, wiser, and even happier.

Getting in over your head can be scary and uncomfortable, but it's always worth it.

Think about your dream retirement. It might seem out of reach now, but with the right help, you can achieve it. We help clients plan for their future dreams, guiding them through the challenging times to emerge better and more prepared.

Don't be afraid to get in over your head. 

With our support, you'll come out the other side ready to enjoy the retirement you've always dreamed of.

Take the leap today. Build your retirement plan, review it often, and make changes when necessary. Let us help you turn your dreams into reality!

"Smart investments are great, but understanding your dreams? Priceless!"

Our-nine-person team together has hundreds of years of experience, advanced degrees, and a Certified Financial Planner. We dedicate a lot of time understanding individuals and family's retirement goals and developing strategies to achieve those goals. 

But we also understand that even the best investment strategies aren't right for many of the people we work with. 

The reason why? 

Because their goals might not align with that specific strategy. 

We have built our practice on one simple thought: Understand each one of clients and what they want their dream retirement to look like. 

So how do we know what investment strategy is right for you?

We ask our clients real questions about their life, feelings, and finances. 

We create an environment where there is not a wrong answer.

This allows us to understand exactly what you want your retirement to look like.

Then we lay out an investment strategy that gets you there.

Planning for retirement should give you peace of mind that everything will be ok in the future. 

Our end goal is to make sure you feel comfortable with your plan, and it aligns with exactly what you dream of.

Is your wallet on a diet? Maybe it should be!

Check out our latest Sunday Night Thought that talks about everyone's favorite topic budgeting!

Let us know in the comments what you think!

6 under through four holes. 

Day two of back to back charity golf outing is off to a fabulous start.  

Yesterday’s win is carrying over.  

Today we are supporting a INEOS and Ashtabula Regional Medical Center to help raise money for cancer patients in Ashtabula county.  

This outing started 9 years ago in memory of our friend Michael Sawruk.  

Since then over $130,000 has been has been raised locally.  

Happy to be supportive and get to hang out with Dylan Fitchet, MBA, Ryan Richards, Joel DiMare Jr., MBA and Daniel A. Sullivan.

Life Lessons from the Golf Course: Embrace the Probable, Celebrate the Exceptional.

Let me tell you, it was a slow day on the golf course last night. There were eight of us on the tee and four on the green, waiting on almost every hole. When we approached the 15th hole, a par three, we watched the group in front of us. Our friend Joel DiMare Jr., MBA  hit a shot to about 3 feet from the pin, claiming the pin shot and valuable dots for our Thursday night game.

Now, in life, there are things that are possible and things that are probable. While it was possible for someone in our group to beat Joel's shot, the probability was extremely low. Yet, the second guy in our group, Matt Lanzi, hit a shot that went straight at the pin and, unbelievably, went in. A hole-in-one!

According to the internet, the odds of an amateur making a hole-in-one are 12,500 to 1. The odds of beating Joel's shot were better, but still unlikely.

What's amazing about golf is that you'd think the more you play and the better you are, the more hole-in-ones you'll have. But I promise you, it's not that linear. Of the 8 guys on the tee that night:

Matt Lanzi: 4 (after last night)
Joel DiMare Jr., MBA: 3
John Pitts: 1
James E. Mayer, Jr., CRPS, C(k)P(Yes unbelievably): 1
Chuck: 0 but close
Dave: 0 but even closer

Then we get to the best golfers in the group:

Dylan Fitchet, MBA: 0 (D1 golfer for 5 years)
Ryan Richards: 0 (even on his birthday, still no hole-in-one!)

The reality is that there is so much luck that goes into making a hole in one. The pin, wind, sun, ball and the hole all have to work together.  Crazy to think, my Dad, James Mayer has 8…

The point is, it’s amazing to witness something rare and spectacular, especially when it happens to someone you know. But in life, it's best to plan for what’s probable, not the 1 in 12,500 chance.

Enjoy the moments and plan accordingly. Congrats, Matt Lanzi  🎉

A Suit Too Small and a Retirement Plan That Fits



I just bought a suit two sizes too small because I am determined to eat better and hit the gym. 

I'm 49, and I say this every year, but often end up back at square one. 

This got me thinking about retirement planning and how people often set unrealistic expectations for the future. 

You've probably heard these assumptions about retirement:

"I'll spend less."

"I'll go out to eat less."

"I'll drive less."

"I'll travel less."

But why? 

When you have more free time, wouldn't you want to do more?

We like to focus on who you are now, not who you might become. 

Here's how we create a realistic retirement plan:

1.	Understanding Your Lifestyle: 
We ask about your hobbies and spending habits to build a plan that suits you.

2.	Creating Flexibility: 
Life changes. We design retirement strategies that can adapt.

3.	Building a Plan That Reflects You: 
If you love dining out, traveling, or social activities, we make sure your plan includes this.

Forget trying to fit into a retirement plan that is two sizes too small. 

Build one that fits just right.

"I will be satisfied when I make six figures…
I will be satisfied when I get the next promotion…
I will be satisfied with the fancy car…
I will be satisfied when I have the big house…
I will be satisfied when I have more than the Joneses…"

When will it be enough?

What is your enough?

When is enough, enough?

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the next thing, the next step, the next level. We chase the dream of financial success, believing that the next milestone will bring us true satisfaction. But when we finally reach it, we often find ourselves looking for the next goal, the next achievement.

When does this cycle end? When will you find true contentment?

Too often, we see people lost in this race, missing out on the joy and fulfillment that comes from truly understanding and appreciating what they have. But with the right amount of planning and a shift in perspective, you can break free from this endless pursuit and find your "enough."

The most important part of personal finance is the personal part.

It's not about keeping up with the Joneses; it's about understanding your own unique goals, dreams, and aspirations. This is why the first step in our process is getting to know every client we take on.

We start by asking real questions about your life:

•	What are your deepest dreams and aspirations?
•	What are your biggest fears and concerns?
•	How do you envision your ideal future?

We listen intently, not just to respond, but to understand. We believe that listening to understand is key to building a financial plan that truly resonates with you. Once we understand your personal story, we ask even more questions to delve deeper into your motivations and desires.

We can't start the planning process without truly knowing and understanding our clients.

Our focus is on you and your family's needs, not the next step, the next level, or your neighbors. We want to create a plan that gives you peace of mind and aligns with your true values and goals.

Our Process:

1.	Get to know you personally: We take the time to understand your unique situation, dreams, and concerns.

2.	Build a comprehensive plan: Based on your goals, we craft a tailored financial plan that addresses your needs and aspirations.

3.	Review and adjust regularly: Life changes, and so should your plan. We review it often and make necessary adjustments to keep you on track.

4.	Support you with a dedicated team: Our team is here to guide you, provide support, and ensure you feel confident and secure in your financial future.

Let's define your ‘enough' together. It's not just about financial milestones; it's about creating a life where you feel fulfilled and secure. Together, we can build a plan that brings you true satisfaction, peace of mind, and a future where you can focus on what truly matters.

Your journey to finding your 'enough' starts today. 

Let's take the first step together.

Is an AI taking control of your retirement plan?

In most cases AI makes life easier, but not for retirement planning. 

We hope you enjoy our latest Sunday Night Thought and let us know in the comments how much you rely on AI!

Inflation seems to be a hot topic. 
Have you considered how inflation is affecting your retirement plan?

Check out our latest Sunday Night Thought and let us know what you think in the comments.

How has inflation affected your daily life?

Hot, Hot, Hot and so many birthdays!!!

Our latest market recap highlights some of the key events in June as well as some key birthdays for our team and their families.

We hope you enjoy the June Market Recap and have a great Summer!

"It's easy to talk about financial goals; it's harder to make them happen. Are you just talking or taking action?"

I talk to people all the time about what they want to happen in their lives. Funny thing is, I talk to myself about the same things!

Here's a glimpse into the voices in my head:

•	I want to lose weight without exercising or giving up tasty, unhealthy food.
•	I want to be more efficient but don't follow the systems to make it happen.
•	I want to be a better golfer but don't practice or take lessons.
•	I want to learn Spanish but go months without using the app I paid for.

I know the solutions, but they're not always easy to implement:

•	Get up earlier to exercise.
•	Plan meals to eat healthier.
•	Schedule time to build efficient systems.
•	Hit the range and sign up for golf lessons.
•	Use the Spanish app regularly.

Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two different things.

This mirrors what I see with retirement planning:

•	Many people have a clear vision of their dream retirement: "I want to retire now, spend freely, and live forever." (Okay, that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea!)

•	Once we get talking, most can articulate their retirement goals and timeline.

•	We help them understand what's realistic and the steps needed to achieve that lifestyle.

Common fears and realities:

•	Many are afraid of the answers. Sometimes, the advice means working a bit longer, saving more, or adjusting lifestyle expectations.

•	It's understandable to fear these answers, but ignoring reality can be devastating.

The Takeaway:

•	We must be open to advice that challenges our comfort zones. Ignoring the future is not a viable strategy.

•	Just like with my personal goals, the key to successful retirement planning is action. Knowing what to do is the first step; taking action is where the magic happens.

Ready to take the next step towards your retirement goals? Let's chat and create a plan that turns your vision into reality, even if it means tackling some uncomfortable truths along the way.

"Find out how to trade your what ifs for I'm glad I dids!"

Ever wish you could go back in time and change some of the most crucial decisions you've made?

"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl is a book I revisit annually. Its core message resonates deeply: no matter what life throws at us; we have the power to control our reactions. It's a powerful reminder, especially when reflecting on our financial journeys. Many of us meet people who wish they had started saving earlier, invested more wisely, or spent less. While we can't change the past, we can shape our future.

Imagine looking back and thinking, "What if I had done something different?"

	What if you defined your retirement goals now?
	What if you had a dedicated team to keep you on track? 
	What if you had a clear path showing you how much you needed to save? 
	What if you knew exactly how to invest your money to make your dreams a reality? 

Many people we work with find peace of mind when having a comprehensive retirement plan. Knowing they have defined their goals, have a plan in place, and adjust it when life happens. 

It all starts with:

	Defining your goals.
	Making informed decisions.
	Having a plan that's adaptable.
	Having a support team with you every step of the way. 

Our process checks these boxes:

	Understand your goals and dreams.
	Build a comprehensive retirement plan. 
	Adjust the plan when life events happen. 

Let's transform those "what ifs" into actionable steps we can take together. 

The earlier you start, the sooner you realize that you are going to be ok in retirement.

Taplio

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