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# Sterling Wealth

clarity • guidance • security

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/blog/) - Read all the latest news and views in the Sterling Wealth Blog.
- [When the Rocket Launches Without You](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/when-the-rocket-launches-without-you/) - “The important thing about an investment philosophy is that you have one you can stick with.” - David Booth Every few years, an IPO comes along so large and so talked-about that it tests whether you actually believe in your investment philosophy ... or merely believe in it when it’s comfortable. This is one
- [“Sticky” Inflation and the Lessons of 2003](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sticky-inflation-and-the-lessons-of-2003/) - Inflation has proven stubborn, energy costs have surged on the current conflict in the Middle East, and markets have been choppy. All of that is real. But the discomfort of the headlines is not the same as a genuine threat to your long-term plan. History, and the Spring of 2003 in particular, offers a steady
- [The Loneliness of the Goalkeeper: Managing Risks](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/the-loneliness-of-the-goalkeeper-managing-risks/) - “The essence of investment management is the management of risks, not the management of returns.” — Benjamin Graham The World Cup has arrived in North America. June and July are filled with over a hundred games featuring four dozen of the world’s best teams. The World Cup is a pinnacle of athleticism on a global
- [Taxes, Retirement and What's Ahead in 2026](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/taxes-retirement-and-whats-rolling-our-way-in-2026/) - As we bid farewell to 2025 tax year filings (mostly), at Sterling, we have our eyes firmly on the road for 2026 planning opportunities. There are changes to be aware of, as well as smart tax related decisions to make in the year ahead. Tax Law Provision Changes: A Quick History 2026 is a year
- [Who Gets the Golf Clubs](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/who-gets-the-golf-clubs/) - My grandfather was born in 1905. He was a pharmacist in San Antonio, TX. I never got the chance to meet him, but I grew up playing with his golf clubs. They were wooden and in an old leather bag. He had about a dozen of them, hickory golf clubs from the late1920s. Every time
- [Brackets, Basketball and Investing Success](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/brackets-basketball-and-investing-success/) - “The prophets of doom have overlooked the all-important factor that is certain: Human potential is far from exhausted.” Warren Buffett (2011 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Letter) We have two things in common with Warren Buffett this time of year. First, we are long-term optimists. Second, we love March Madness. While we may not have the Berkshire
- [Building a Balanced Year of Growth, Connection, and Joy](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/building-a-balanced-year-of-growth-connection-and-joy/) - The most fulfilling years we’ve witnessed in our decades of working with families and successful individuals aren’t the ones where people achieved just one big goal. They’re the years when people found balance...when financial success walked hand-in-hand with deeper relationships, and when carefully planned stability made room for spontaneous moments of joy. The Three Pillars
- [The Enduring Case for Global Diversification](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/the-enduring-case-for-global-diversification/) - "The four most dangerous words in investing are: 'This time it's different.'" - Sir John Templeton For over a decade, U.S. stocks dominated global markets with the S&P 500 delivering 14%+ annualized returns through 2024. Many investors abandoned international diversification entirely. Then 2025 arrived. International stocks returned 19% in the first half alone, with the
- [True Wealth](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/true-wealth/) - Wealth is a funny word. It evokes emotional response from nearly every person I know. The reality is that we all possess wealth of some kind—wealth of financial resources, personal accomplishment, wealth of character, relationships, or any combination of all. A “wealth manager” should be uniquely suited to help make the most of your total
- [Investing Traps to Avoid](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/investing-traps-to-avoid/) - If you are an investor, you may feel like you have a target on your back. Everyone from sales people to talking heads are aiming to either sway your opinions or cash in your chips. Here are a few classic, yet tempting, lines of thinking that you should endeavor to avoid which have the power
- [What Investors Really Want](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/what-investors-really-want/) - Choice Millions of Americans are investors. The reality is that many investors also benefit from working with some sort of advisor. However, the landscape of available financial advisors is confusing! Financial advisor, stock broker, financial planner, money manager, wealth manager...who does what and what do I really need? Nearly each of these professionals will refer
- [Who's Your Financial Coach?](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/whos-your-financial-coach/) - Leadership is getting someone to do what they don’t want to do, to achieve what they want to achieve. - Tom Landry The value that a coach of any kind brings to your life is outside perspective. A good coach can assess a situation for opportunities and challenges and plot a course of action that
- [Holiday Conversation Starter - Family Financial DNA](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/holiday-conversation-starter-family-financial-dna/) - What are your plans for this holiday season? Why not include some meaningful financial planning conversation while you pass the turkey? Every family has a “Financial DNA”…a set of unique values and personality around money. These values guide life decisions that have economic impact. For example, if community is important to you, you might choose
- [Allen Speaks on Breadwinner Women at National Conference](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/allen-speaks-on-breadwinner-women-at-national-conference/) - This November Sharon Allen spoke at the InvestmentNews Women Adviser Summit in San Francisco, California. She shared her expertise regarding the concerns and needs of Breadwinner Women in our society. Drawing from the national research from the Family Wealth Advisor's Council, of which Sharon is a member, she focused on the resulting data highlighting the challenges
- [Successful Investing (while riding a roller coaster)](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/successful-investing-riding-roller-coaster/) - It’s natural human behavior in times of stress to reevaluate the current situation to find answers. This story rang true for many investors of globally diversified portfolios as the sharp declines of early 2016 caused some to examine their asset allocation and question if they were still making the right decisions. In fact, many investors
- [Allen Addresses Advisers on Working with Breadwinner Women](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/allen-addresses-advisers-working-breadwinner-women/) - This May Sharon Allen spoke at the national Financial Advisor Invest in Women conference in Dallas, Texas. She facilitated a panel of experts as well as shared her own expertise regarding the concerns and needs of Breadwinner Women in our society. Drawing from the national research from the Family Wealth Advisor's Council, of which Sharon is a member, she
- [Sharon Allen's article published by Financial Advisor Magazine](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sharon-allens-article-published-financial-advisor-magazine/) - Financial Advisor Magazine, a national publication serving the advisory community, published an article written by Sharon Allen on understanding the squeeze a sandwich generation woman experiences and how advisors can help. Check out the full article here https://swmi.co/fa-sangen. To read her full white paper "Caught in the Middle: How Does the Sandwich Generation Woman Not Get
- [Market High...Market Top?](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/market-high-market-top/) - In case you hadn’t noticed, the S&P 500 index has reached record territory, and the Nasdaq has crossed over the 5,000 level. At 2,166.89, the S&P 500 finished above the previous high of 2,130.82, set on May 21, 2015. We’ve waited more than a year for the market to get back to where they were before
- [What Makes for Successful Retirement?](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/makes-successful-retirement/) - Retirement can be a challenging and stressful time. But it doesn't have to be! With a good plan fiscally and physically...and some good coaches to help, you can be very successful. The 21st Show guests Sharon C. Allen, president and co-Founder of Sterling Wealth Management in Champaign, and Elizabeth Stine-Morrow, professor of educational psychology at
- [Planning for Your Digital Assets](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/planning-digital-assets/)
- [Savings and Your Mental Health](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/savings-and-your-mental-health/) - Savings. Believe it or not, there are certainly many tangible benefits to saving money. In fact, being able to purchase the things that you want or need (now or in the future) is probably the number one reason that we save. But what if the intangible benefits of saving money may actually be more important
- [The Boomerang Generation - Planning for the Unplanned](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/the-boomerang-generation-planning-for-the-unplanned/) - Nearly double the number of 25- to 35- year-old Millennials were living with their parents in 2016 than their Silent Generation counterparts in 1964.1 In fact, the percentage of 18- to 34-year-olds living in their parents’ home grew from 26.0% in 2005 to 34.1% only ten years later. Of this group, 1 in 4 are
- [Raising Financially Sound Kids](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/raising-financially-sound-kids/) - The vast majority of children are destined for a financial future that differs little from that of their parents. Research has found that the financial future of younger generations can sometimes even be worse due to a combination of societal influence and last of intentional "fiscal training". You can change that. An easy way to
- [Recession-Proof Your Retirement Portfolio](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/recession-proof-your-retirement-portfolio/) - Money Magazine interview on recession-proofing your portfolio
- [A Different Way to Invest in Our Tumultuous World](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/a-different-way-to-invest-in-our-tumultuous-world/) - Everyone loves a good story. It’s what keeps you hooked watching a movie or reading a book…it’s also what keeps investors committed to poor investment solutions. Investors like a good story that keeps them engaged, and that story usually involves a savvy manager. But there is a different narrative—written by financial scientists. Now, academic finance
- [The “SMART” Way to Navigate Life’s Transitions](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/the-smart-way-to-navigate-lifes-transitions/) - Change in life is inevitable – and so too are the periods of transition which big changes can bring. Whether you’re buying a home, having a child (or grandchild!), getting married, getting divorced, changing careers, or saying goodbye to a loved one – it is truly an understatement to say life is full of moving
- [Launching the Younger Generation to Financial Success](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/launching-the-younger-generation-to-financial-success/) - There are many personal finance activities that we engage in as adults that are almost second nature, from working to saving to borrowing and building credit. We’ve compiled some simple actions you can take (and when) to increase your child’s financial success as they mature. Grade School Age + 1. Encourage them to get experience
- [Sharon Allen named 2020 Athena Award Recipient](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sharon-allen-named-2020-athena-award-recipient/) - The Champaign County Chamber of commerce has named our very own Sharon Allen the 2020 Athena Award® recipient. She is the 32nd local recipient of the award, which honors individuals who assist women in reaching their full leadership potential; demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their businesses or professions; and provide valuable service by devoting
- [Smart Tax Planning: A Primer on Tax Loss Harvesting](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/smart-tax-planning-a-primer-on-tax-loss-harvesting/) - A key element to the effective management of your taxable investment portfolio is the implementation of “tax loss harvest” opportunities. While we know it is harvest time here in Central Illinois, this strategy has nothing to do with corn and beans and everything to do with your income taxes. We thought we'd take a moment
- [4 Key Truths That Lead to Investing SUCCESS](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/4-key-truths-that-lead-to-investing-success/) - Many of us have heard the phrase, "Luck favors the prepared." I suggest a different idea: "SUCCESS favors the prepared." Every person defines success differently... whether it means the open doors of opportunity, personal accolades, a substantial financial foundation, wealth in the form of relationships. The one common theme among these varying definitions of success
- [Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 Heads to the President for Signature](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/social-security-fairness-act-of-2023-heads-to-the-president-for-signature/) - The Social Security Fairness Bill (H.R. 82), introduced in January of 2023, has passed the Senate and House and is on the desk of President Biden awaiting his signature by year-end. While supporters and critics of the bill still have concerns as to how it would be funded over the long-term, it appears poised to
- [Social Security Fairness Act of 2023...Signed, Sealed & Delivered](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/social-security-fairness-act-of-2023-signed-sealed-delivered/)
- [5 Key Steps to Creating a Digital Asset Plan](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/5-key-steps-to-creating-a-digital-asset-plan/) - Our ever-expanding digital life requires proactive estate planning to manage digital assets according to your wishes and provide clarity for those you leave behind.
- [Navigating the Tempest](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/navigating-the-tempest/) - In the tempest of social, fiscal and global uncertainty, as financial stewards, keeping a level head and clear-sightedness is our opportunity and responsibility to stay on course to care for our financial houses.
- [Markets in Motion - Managing Through Volatility](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/markets-in-motion-managing-through-volatility/) - When investing in uncertain times, maintaining discipline, perspective and optimism on the journey is key.
- [The Market, Doing Its Job.](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/the-market-doing-its-job/) - The market still works, and the volatility we see isn't chaos...it's clarity.
- [Empowering Financial Freedom Through Employer Retirement Plans](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/empowering-financial-freedom-through-employer-retirement-plans/) - Success in the retirement pivot is where preparation and opportunity meet.
- [The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and How it May Affect Your Personal Tax Planning](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-and-how-it-may-affect-your-personal-tax-planning/) - Love it, hate it, or ignore it, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (or the "OBBBA") is here to stay. At over 900 pages, this statute provides wide-ranging changes to our federal tax and spending policies. It was no secret that there would be changes coming to the tax system this year. Many provisions in
- [Understanding the Gap Between "Hard" and "Soft" Economic Indicators](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/understanding-the-gap-between-hard-and-soft-economic-indicators/) - You’re driving to an important destination using your trusty GPS when construction forces an unexpected detour. You begin to wonder, "Are we still on the right track? This doesn't look familiar!" Meanwhile, the GPS calmly announces "Recalculating route" and continues providing reliable guidance. You now have two sources of information to consider: the emotional reaction
- [Making the Most of Year-End Charitable Giving](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/making-the-most-of-year-end-charitable-giving/) - As the season of gratitude approaches, many families take time to reflect on what they value most—and how they can “give back”. Whether you give regularly to a favorite charity or are looking to make a larger year-end gift, thoughtful planning can help ensure your generosity has the greatest possible impact. Give Strategically: The Power
- [The Power of Tax-Efficient Investing](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/the-power-of-tax-efficient-investing/) - "You can’t predict. You can prepare.” – Howard Marks The headlines this year have been relentless. Trade tensions escalate and de-escalate. AI investments soar to dizzying heights, then stumble amid concerns about valuations or Chinese competition. Geopolitical storms rage from Eastern Europe to the South China Sea. For many investors, this creates an uncomfortable paradox:

## Pages

- [Home](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/) - Sterling Wealth Management: Financial Clarity, Guidance and Security
- [Sterling Team](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sterling-team/) - Discover how the Sterling Team's expertise in wealth management can help you achieve your financial goals with confidence.
- [Contact Us](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/contact-us/) - Connect with Sterling Wealth Management today. Use our Contact form or find us on Google Maps for personalized financial guidance.
- [Sterling Values](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sterling-values/) - Discover the true meaning of Sterling Wealth values and how they shape our lives, guiding decisions, fostering trust, and building meaningful connections.
- [Sterling Difference](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sterling-difference/) - Learn how the difference in fee structures influences trust, transparency, and service quality in wealth management.
- [Sterling Service](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sterling-service/) - Discover how our client-focused approach and service delivers exceptional service, personalized attention, and tailored financial solutions to meet your unique goals.
- [Sterling Approach](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sterling-approach/) - Learn why systematic, evidence-backed investing strategies and approach outperform myths and speculation, fostering disciplined, long-term success.
- [Resources & Research](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/resources-and-research/) - Stay informed with our in-depth analysis of women’s financial challenges due to family caregiving roles, offered through comprehensive research papers.
- [Sterling Private Wealth Management Services](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sterling-services/) - The Sterling Private Wealth Management service is designed to help our clients simplify their financial lives and align their resources with their values.
- [Sterling Wealth Management](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sterling-wealth-management/) - Sterling Wealth Management is a fee-only comprehensive wealth management firm that uses a consultative approach to financial and investment planning.
- [Sterling Wealth Management Process](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/sterling-wealth-management-process/) - At Sterling Wealth, we understand the need to truly know and understand our clients. It helps us foster our consultative approach to ongoing wealth management.
- [Our Story](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/our-story/) - Sterling Wealth Management was an ideal we held long before it became a private wealth management firm. Our ideal was to create a financial services organization that would be a place of safety for people seeking honest advice to help them live their best lives.

## Portfolio Items

- [Single Portfolio: 2/3 Slider](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/portfolio-item/slider-two-third/) - Excerpt goes here!
- [Single Portfolio: 2/3 Gallery](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/portfolio-item/lorem-ipsum/) - wind/earth
- [Single Portfolio: Big Slider](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/portfolio-item/portfolio-big/) - fire/water
- [Single Portfolio: Fullscreen Slider](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/portfolio-item/vimeo-video/) - Add what you want!

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [News](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/news/)
- [Investing](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/investing/)
- [Wealth Management](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/wealth-management/)
- [Resources & Research](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/resources-and-research/)
- [Family Wealth](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/family-wealth/)
- [Communication](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/communication/)
- [Women](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/women/)
- [Retirement](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/retirement/)
- [Estate Planning](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/estate-planning/)
- [Health](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/health/)
- [Transitions](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/transitions/)
- [Tax](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/tax/)
- [Giving](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/giving/)
- [Sterling Wealth](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/sterling-wealth/)
- [Clients](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/clients/)
- [Risk Management](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/risk-management/)
- [Economy](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/category/economy/)

## Tags

- [women investor](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/women-investor/)
- [breadwinner woman](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/breadwinner-woman/)
- [sandwich generation woman](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/sandwich-generation-woman/)
- [investing](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/investing/)
- [sandwich generation](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/sandwich-generation/)
- [balance](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/balance/)
- [stock market](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/stock-market/)
- [estate planning](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/estate-planning/)
- [family wealth](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/family-wealth/)
- [identity theft](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/identity-theft/)
- [family](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/family/)
- [children](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/children/)
- [women](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/women/)
- [money management](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/money-management/)
- [retirement](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/retirement/)
- [transitions](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/transitions/)
- [personal finance](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/personal-finance/)
- [financial literacy](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/financial-literacy/)
- [NextGen](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/nextgen/)
- [Tax Planning](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/tax-planning/)
- [tax](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/tax/)
- [life pivot](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/life-pivot/)
- [international](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/tag/international/)

## Portfolio Categories

- [CSS](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/portfolio_entries/css/)
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- [VIDEO](https://sterlingwealthmanagement.com/portfolio_entries/video/)