Foundation for First Responder Wellness and Resiliency

The time is now. Thank you Governor Youngkin for prioritizing funding to address a lack of resources for our first responders in Virginia. We have much work to do, but this will assist many in advancing our capabilities. https://lnkd.in/eVijFD76

Last night I attended the showing of PTSD9-1-1, a documentary by Director Conrad Weaver on the struggles of first responders with PTSD. Following the film I had the honor of sitting on a panel with these other remarkable people, moderated by Leesburg Chief Thea P. , to discuss what we are doing in the region, where our greatest gaps exist, and where we need to go to make a difference. For me, it is always educational as well as a harsh reminder to see and hear the struggles that are actively going on, issues that could be significantly mitigated with the proper resources, support and intentional leadership. It is also why we remain staunchly committed to erecting our foundation's first FORWARD Center in NOVA in the next couple of years. Thanks to Chief Thea P. and the Leesburg Police Department for hosting this important event and bringing our professional struggles from the darkness out into the light. With awareness comes the beginning of change. Keith Johnson Conrad Weaver Thea P. #PTSDstruggles #leadershipmatters #FoundationFRWR

I enjoyed the opportunity to share what it's really like to pivot from a 20-year career as a police officer to becoming a successful wealth advisor on the podcast: Doing Business with a Servant's Heart. Thank you to Steve Ramona for having me on the show to discuss how I balance my career with family life. I enjoy sharing this information with others who like myself are intentionally thinking about how we approach financial independence and fulfillment in the present. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/e29vtjFz

We updated our QR code but you can simply go to our website and donate using our URL. We would love your monthly support 0f $9.11 or more to help us help our first responders. Your reoccurring donation will be critical to assisting us in building and sustaining operations, and providing financial assistance to cover treatment costs for our heroes when needed.

As we enter the upcoming fall season, we will be attacking our fundraising from two perspectives - larger donations from corporate organizations and private foundations, and small, monthly donations from our colleagues, friends and community supporters. The small monthly donations add up quickly for us, so please consider becoming a FORWARD Squad member by donating $9.11 or more each month to our Foundation. Its a small ask that will help us raise enough capital to build our first FORWARD Center and begin providing the help our active AND retired first responders need.

I am thrilled to have been featured on ABC Action News Morning Blend, where I had the opportunity to discuss the insights from my new book: Playing the Wealth Game - The Strategies Behind Financial Moves that Win. In finance, the distinction between playing checkers and chess can make the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving. I am passionate about helping others understand wealth-building strategies, including how to leverage debt to their advantage and transform their perception of debt into a powerful tool for building wealth. I especially love seeing people's reactions when I say that debt can be a good thing! Check out the full interview: https://lnkd.in/e3vTkYc6 #financialadvisor #wealthbuilding #financialfuture #leveragedebt

There has been a lot of talk about withdrawl rates recently. I have seen some wild presentations and explinations on how people are going to retire with this as the backbone of thier income. Some of these presentations are using numbers that in my oppinion are pie in the sky. Though in my oppinion this whole "pull down" concept is a Checkers strategy (not Chess) it is important to be good at Checkers if you are going to play it. So here is a little analogy to describe a major problem with some people's idea of a good withdrawl rate. And remember once the well is dry you shortly die of thirst (go broke) afterwards. Imagine you have a rain well that collects water over a period of 10 years. The village depends on this well and needs to withdraw 6% of the water each year to meet its needs. Over these 10 years, the weather forecast predicts that the well will receive an average of 12% more water each year due to rainfall. However, the actual amount of rainfall can vary greatly from year to year. Some years, there are heavy rainstorms (high returns), while other years might see little to no rain, or even evaporation that reduces the water in the well (negative returns). Now, consider what happens if the sequence of these years varies. In one scenario, the first few years are very wet, and the well fills up significantly. Because the well starts off strong, even if some dry years follow where water evaporates, the well still has enough capacity to support the 6% annual withdrawals. The average rainfall over 10 years remains 12%, and the well is able to sustain the village's needs throughout the decade. In another scenario, the first few years are very dry, with little rain and significant evaporation reducing the water levels in the well. Despite the village needing to withdraw 6% of the water each year, the well's capacity is quickly depleted due to the lack of initial rainfall. Even if the later years bring a lot of rain, the well may not recover in time because it was drained too much in the early years. Despite an average rainfall of 12% over the 10 years, the well could run dry early on, leaving the village without enough water. This illustrates what is known as "sequence of returns risk": the order in which good and bad years (rainfall and evaporation) occur matters significantly. Early negative years, similar to years with high evaporation, can severely impact the well's ability to sustain the village, even if the overall average rainfall is positive. Having a full well at the beginning helps buffer against dry years, and being able to adjust withdrawals during dry periods can help the well last longer. This analogy helps explain how, in investments, early losses combined with regular withdrawals can deplete a portfolio faster, despite an attractive average return over time. If you are going to use this Checkers strategy, better have a lot of water in that well or have a lower withdrawl rate than some people are suggesting.