Invest in what you know or invest with someone you trust with the heart of a teacher. That's the way I've heard Dave Ramsey describe your investment strategy. We make better decisions when we understand those decisions better. That's why I don't try and repair my plumbing. It would be an awful decision to try and attempt that because I'm not an expert, nor do I want to learn that, considering my busy work, family, and church schedule. Thus, I outsource, and before I buy, I want to learn what will happen, when and how much it will cost. Typically, within your 401(k), it's hard to outsource and hire an expert because the plan is held in a pre-determined place, with a pre-determined investment lineup (which is typically not bad), that I must self-direct myself. Thanks to Fidelity's BrokerageLink® and Whitaker-Myers Wealth Manager's new custodial relationship with Fidelity, certain employees may now be able to get the expertise they desire when utilizing their company's retirement plan.

If you’re an employee of The Cleveland Clinic, you likely have access to a robust retirement savings plan through Fidelity Investments. One compelling feature of this plan is the Fidelity BrokerageLink® option, which allows you to take more control over your retirement investments. With guidance from Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, you can unlock the full potential of this feature and align it with your long-term financial goals.

What is Fidelity's BrokerageLink®?

Fidelity's BrokerageLink® is an investment option within certain Fidelity retirement plans that gives participants access to a wider range of investment choices beyond the standard, pre-selected plan options. While traditional plans typically offer a limited menu of mutual funds or target-date funds, BrokerageLink® opens up a world of investment opportunities, including:

• Individual stocks

• Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

• Thousands of mutual funds

• Other advanced investment options

This flexibility empowers investors to tailor their portfolio to better suit their individual risk tolerance, retirement timeline, and specific financial objectives.

How Cleveland Clinic Employees Can Benefit

For employees of The Cleveland Clinic, utilizing the BrokerageLink® feature with the expertise of Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers can offer several key advantages:

1. Enhanced Diversification

Standard retirement plans often provide a “one-size-fits-all” selection of funds. Many times, if you're unable or unwilling to select the investments they default you into a Target Date Fund (a fund with the year on the end of it). By leveraging BrokerageLink®, you can diversify your portfolio with asset classes and funds that aren’t included in the standard plan. This broader access can help reduce risk while potentially enhancing returns over the long term.

2. Personalized Investment Strategy

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and your investment strategy should reflect that. Through BrokerageLink®, Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers can work with you to craft a highly personalized portfolio, balancing growth potential with appropriate levels of risk to meet your specific retirement goals.

3. Professional Guidance

While BrokerageLink® provides greater flexibility, it also requires more hands-on management. That’s where we come in. Our Smartvestor Pro financial advisor team can help you navigate the expanded investment universe, selecting options that align with your goals, preferences, and overall financial plan.

4. Cost Efficiency

Many mutual funds available through BrokerageLink® may have lower expense ratios than the default options in your plan. Lowering your investment costs over time can significantly impact the growth of your retirement savings.

5. Opportunities for Growth

For those who are financially savvy or working with a professional advisor, BrokerageLink® can offer access to investment options with higher growth potential. With our guidance, you can explore these opportunities while maintaining a disciplined and strategic approach.

Why Work with Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers?

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has extensive experience in helping clients optimize their retirement savings. For Cleveland Clinic employees, this includes providing tailored advice on how to use features like BrokerageLink® to their advantage. Our advisors can:

• Help you set up and manage your BrokerageLink® account.

• Develop a customized investment strategy aligned with your goals.

• Monitor your portfolio to ensure it remains balanced and on track.

• Provide ongoing support and adjustments as market conditions and your needs change.

Tim Hilterman, CFP®, Chief Financial Planning Officer at Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, highlights the importance of a personalized approach:

"A more customized investment strategy ensures that every dollar you invest is working toward the financial goals we’ve helped you define. By integrating your BrokerageLink® options with the comprehensive financial plan our team has put together for you, we can maximize the potential for growth while keeping you aligned with your long-term vision."

Is BrokerageLink® Right for You?

While BrokerageLink® offers tremendous potential, it’s not for everyone. It requires a deeper understanding of investment principles and a willingness to actively manage your portfolio—or the guidance of a trusted advisor. Before making any decisions, it’s important to consult with a professional to determine whether this option fits your financial plan.

Start Planning Today

If you’re a Cleveland Clinic employee interested in exploring how BrokerageLink® can enhance your retirement savings plan, Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can empower you to take charge of your financial future. If you’d like to start your financial plan today, you can follow this link.