9 minute read
Neighbors
Hello Neighbor!
HI, MY NAME IS… Charlotte Shaff
I’VE LIVED IN NORTH CENTRAL PHOENIX, ON THE CUSP PARADISE VALLEY, FOR 10 YEARS AND LOVE
IT BECAUSE… of the mix of people, small businesses, schools, and older homes.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… working out at Back Alley Gym, meeting clients or working at home, supporting our boys’ school, trying to figure out what to make for dinner, and watching the progress of my garden in the backyard.
MY FAMILY IS… everything to me. I am a proud #MomOfBoys and adore my husband. ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… sunshine. Good thing I live in Phoenix!
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF
WATCHING AND WHY… Can’t Buy Me Love. Eighties movies about teen life are so much fun.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… like Angela Bower in Who’s The Boss. I’m pretty close, as I own my own PR business.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT… I doubt you’d ever catch me at karaoke, but if I had to, it would be “Sweet Thing” by Mary J. Blige
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my husband. Sometimes I call it nagging, but he is my partner in life and we keep each other on our toes.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD
WAS… jokes by my sons. They are getting quite witty with their words! THE PERFECT DAY… includes a nap, eating out at a locally owned restaurant for at least one or two meals, cuddles with my boys and husband, watching football (either live or on TV), and scrolling social media for inspiration and entertainment.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Project Roots AZ. The nonprofit based in south Phoenix nourishes and educates communities in need by promoting a healthier, natural, and more sustainable way of urban living. Get a produce box delivered to your door, attend their free yoga or kids gardening classes, or volunteer in the gardens with them! Other favorites include Camp Patrick, a nonprofit that helps kids with spina bifida attend summer camp and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Phoenix because all kids can benefit from a great mentor.
MY LIFE IS… better than I ever hoped for.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… breast cancer. It taught me that life is not perfect, who my real friends are, and to be grateful for every day on earth.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… an entire summer touring the countries of Europe.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED…
Kill ‘em with kindness.
Cover Story
DIAMOND
RETIREMENT STRATEGIES
Putting clients first for more than 20 years—and still going strong!
While few things in life are certain or guaranteed, Michele Diamond, president of Diamond Retirement Strategies (DRS), makes a great point when she notes that, “Retirement is inevitable.” Because of this eventuality, Diamond and her dedicated team at DRS have worked with clients in all stages of retirement planning for over two decades and counting.
“No two clients will ever be the same, just like a fingerprint,” Michele says. “My company is built on a foundation of ensuring that clients receive an experience rather than just a transaction.” DRS provides a breath of fresh air while providing comprehensive and professional advice. This provides clarity and confidence to clients as they are guided through their personal retirement journey.
Your Go-To Retirement Experts Diamond Retirement Strategies has been licensed and practicing for over 20 years, working to assist clients in all stages of retirement planning. DRS is currently licensed and active in 28 states nationwide—and counting. As independent agents, their team can work with numerous financial organizations as well as industry-related companies nationwide to assist with finding the right solution for clients’ current and future long-term goals.
“Whether you are looking to retire in the near future, are currently retired, or just exploring options, we can offer you a no-cost, no obligation consultation,” Michele explains.
Over the past 10 years, Michele has traveled across the country sponsoring retirement planning seminars. These events were designed to better assist those needing educational information on the several topics within retirement. Her team at DRS is dedicated to continuing education and is a member of the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA) as well as the National Association of Professional Advisors (NAPA).
In addition, DRS is also involved in local and national groups committed to supporting women and women business owners, which is Michele’s true passion.
“As a female business owner in a predominantly male industry, I feel it is necessary to empower other women. My goal is to encourage other women to take charge of their own retirement and help them to independently improve their financial future,” she explains. “My hope is that women will want to become more involved with the retirement planning process.”
During the recent pandemic, through online networking, webinars, and even virtual happy hours, Michele was able to stay connected and continue to make an impact in the community. This is when the “Women, Wealth, and Wine” concept was first established. This event is a fun, safe, and educational experience that allows women the opportunity to laugh, interact, share experiences, and learn from one another. Michele is a member of the International Association of Women (IAW), Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS), and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).
Retirement Planning and Strategies for Success “We offer customized and individualized plans for clients at any age or stage in retirement,” Michele explains. “It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. People are
living longer, and the cost of living is always going up. Social Security usually isn’t enough to cover all your retirement expenses, so a good time to plan for retirement “ is years before you plan to retire. This is the time to book a no cost, no obligation, free consultation with us.” Michele shares that she has always been passionate about helping clients thoroughly understand the complexities of retirement by showing them easyto-understand strategies. After meeting and listening to clients’ specific needs, she works with her team to provide individualized solutions. “Retirement planning does not have to be a dull and boring experience,” she says. “As we partner with our clients, our goal is to create a strong foundation of understanding and transparency to allow for a more comfortable and stress-free experience. The process will seem more like a teeth cleaning rather than having to get a tooth pulled— so I promise it won’t hurt a bit!” Diamond Retirement Strategies believes in putting clients first. “We strongly believe retirement income planning requires both a process and a personalized strategy to achieve optimal success. We are with you all the way,” she explains. “We work with companies that are financially sound and have a proven track record in their industry. We believe the best approach for retirement begins with a clear understanding of the lifestyle you would like to maintain for you and your family.”
Michele explains that when creating a retirement plan for one’s financial future, generally the client has two choices: the long-term growth potential of stocks or the lower returns of more conservative alternatives. “Ideally, you want your financial vehicle to offer the upside potential of stocks, with none of those downside risks,” she clarifies. “As independent agents, we can offer products of these types that are 100% safe from market volatility. Most importantly, these types of products can give you the security knowing that your life savings will always be protected, allowing for a better night’s sleep.”
“We like to say, ‘When the market is up, you’re up! When the market is down, you’re not!’ The vast majority of people are not aware these types of options even exist. Additionally, some can even offer you a guaranteed lifetime of income that you can never outlive,” she adds. The team at DRS can show clients how to benefit when markets are rising, but most importantly, security when they fluctuate as we have all seen in recent months. “Especially in retirement, most cannot afford to ‘ride-thewave’ anymore,” she says. “With fixed income such as Social Security and if one’s lucky, a pension, it’s been shown
AT DRS, CLIENTS that it may not be enough to continue one’s lifestyle in retirement. Concerns such as higher inflation, the ever-increasing cost of living, the never-ending rental wars with RECEIVE AN EXPERIENCE higher rates, increasing medical costs, and more are valid. The need for additional fixed income to last throughout your retirement is becoming a major concern for seniors
RATHER THAN JUST in today’s world.”
A TRANSACTION.
Let Diamond Retirement Strategies Help You Today! Never Any Fees. Because Michele and her team are licensed insurance agents and not brokers, they will never charge a fee for their consultations or when they take on a client. With a client-first approach, they will also meet with you wherever you are the most comfortable. This can be in person, on the phone, or even a Zoom meeting if you prefer.
At DRS, their motto is, “Successful strategies for successful planning.”
“Come see the difference when partnering with DRS,” Michele says.
To learn more about Diamond Retirement Strategies, visit drstrategies.org or call 480-750-2999.
This content is sponsored by Diamond Retirement Strategies.
20 years of helping people plan for Retirement... and still going strong.
We’ve built our reputation by putting clients’ needs first every time.
At Diamond Retirement Strategies we help individuals, married couples and families plan for their retirement. Whether you are already retired or are preparing for retirement in the next few years, we can help you through customized strategies to finally reach your ultimate goals.
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