Financial advisors share how to grow your wealth, protect your future, and enjoy the journey
By Kristen West
IT’S EASY TO FEEL whiplash reading economic headlines, but reality is often steadier than the news suggests. Even as inflation, market swings, and housing costs dominate the conversation, many households are making meaningful financial progress. Two Denver-based advisors say today’s challenge isn’t a broken economy but staying focused on smart planning—and recognizing that every phase of life offers opportunities to strengthen financial well-being.
“The state of the economy is actually pretty great,” says Zachary Bouck, managing partner at Denver Wealth Management. He points to strong corporate spending, reasonable unemployment, dropping interest rates, and inflation that—though a little worrisome—remains manageable. Joseph J. Janiczek, partner and market leader at Cerity Partners’ Denver office, shares a similarly grounded outlook. “The economy is strong, and we live in abundant and opportunistic times, as well as challenging times,” he says, noting challenges are normal and not a reason to retreat. “You should avoid news sources and groups that teach you otherwise.”
Both advisors emphasize that while financial priorities shift through life, the foundation of security is consistent: Reduce unnecessary debt, build cash reserves, invest for the long term, and leave room to enjoy life.
For young adults balancing careers, families, and housing, Bouck says stability at homecomes first. Paying off consumer debt and building an emergency fund sets the stage for long-term investing. Once that foundation is in place, this is the time to lean into growth. “That doesn’t mean trading or cryptocurrency or anything wild,” he says. “Be willing to buy investments that bounce up and down a lot in the market.”
Janiczek stresses fundamentals during the prime earning years. Avoiding debt beyond a mortgage, keeping at least six months of expenses in savings, and sometimes holding several years in lower-volatility assets creates a cushion. He also emphasizes continued learning. “Invest in yourself and in new skills that enable you to provide more value to others—never stop, even in retirement,” he says.
Housing remains a major pressure point in Denver. Janiczek notes that while interest rates feel high, they are historically reasonable. Buyers benefit from patience and selectivity, while homeowners with low-rate mortgages should think carefully before selling. Bouck says first homes are almost always a stretch and encourages buyers to keep housing costs under 33 percent of take-home pay. He cautions against delaying homeownership solely to reach a 20 percent down payment. “You want your home to be a blessing and not an emotional liability,” he says.
For many households, midlife is when housing, peak earning years, and long-term planning converge. Janiczek emphasizes that this phase is about strengthening foundations and creating flexibility, not just accumulating more.
For Bouck, midlife is also about enjoying the life you’ve built. “If you’ve got the house you want, the car you want, and you’re on track for retirement, keep your investment strategy going and start having some fun,” he says. “The future is always uncertain, so if you’ve always wanted to be a member of a country club and you’ve got the money sitting there, I say do it.”
Market volatility is always a factor, but not something that needs to be feared. Bouck stresses that downturns are inevitable. “If you’re a long-term equity investor, a fifty percent market pullback is part of the price you pay for the long-term return,” he says.
Janiczek adds that people in their 50s and early 60s still have meaningful opportunity to improve their retirement plan. By remaining resourceful, building diversified portfolios, and reducing reliance on earned income, households can continue moving toward financial independence. For retirees, he recommends sustainable withdrawal rates—typically 3.9 percent or less—and portfolios designed to endure even severe economic conditions.
Planning works. Bouck says he’s watched clients achieve goals like early retirement, extreme charitable giving, or buying their dream beach house by clearly defining what they want and building a plan around it. “Be really thoughtful and write down what you want, tell a few people, especially your financial advisor,” he says. “You start thinking about it more, and before long, you’ve got a plan in place and it’s like the universe conspires to get it to you.”
In an economy defined by uncertainty, the takeaway is steady and reassuring: fear isn’t a strategy, but thoughtful preparation still is.
DENVER WEALTH
MANAGEMENT
Denver
303.261.8015
denverwealthmanagement.com
CERITY PARTNERS
Denver
212.202.1810
Greenwood Village
303.753.1053
ceritypartners.com
