In this episode of the SYM Financial Podcast, we talk openly about how important it is to approach retirement plan features like loans and withdrawals with caution. While they can be helpful safety nets in tough times, we encourage you not to see them as a way of life or an easy fix. The real key is to keep planning, stay informed, and work with advisors who understand your unique situation. We've seen people make decisions early in their careers that they regret later, so it's all about making smart choices now and knowing your options.

We also emphasize the importance of transparency—understanding fees and fiduciary responsibilities—to make sure your money is working as hard as you are. Ultimately, it's about building a strong partnership, ongoing conversations, and staying engaged. That way, you can enjoy a confident, comfortable retirement, knowing you've made the right choices along the way.

About our hosts, Tom Ackmnn and Nick Gray:
Tom Ackmann and Nick Gray bring a combined six decades of retirement plan experience to their advisory roles. As Principal and Senior Retirement Plan Advisor, Tom leverages over 30 years of experience in recordkeeping, compliance, plan design, and participant education to deliver comprehensive solutions that balance the needs of sponsors and participants alike. Nick, a Retirement Plan Advisor with nearly 30 years in the industry, is known for his relationship-driven approach, offering thoughtful service to plan sponsors and empowering employees with retirement planning education. Together, they provide guidance to help businesses, and their teams build secure financial futures.

Connect with Tom Ackmann

Connect with Nick Gray

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our ADV Part 2 or Form CRS, which is available upon request.

In this episode of the SYM Financial Podcast, we dive into how retirement planning has evolved, especially with the rise of automation like automatic enrollment. We see how it's made saving easier and boosted participation—people are saving more without even having to think too hard about it. But we also talk about how nothing replaces a real conversation—about your goals, risks, and what's best for your personal situation.

We touch on recent changes from the Secure Act 2.0, which might impact how you contribute, especially if you're over 50 or planning to use Roth options. It's a reminder to stay informed and work with a financial advisor to understand your choices.

Plus, we explore different investment options, like target date funds and risk-based portfolios, stressing that everyone's different. There's no one-size-fits-all, and honest conversations help you make smarter decisions, so you feel confident about your future. It's all about making your retirement goals achievable and feeling good about the path you're on.

About our hosts, Tom Ackmnn and Nick Gray:
Tom Ackmann and Nick Gray bring a combined six decades of retirement plan experience to their advisory roles. As Principal and Senior Retirement Plan Advisor, Tom leverages over 30 years of experience in recordkeeping, compliance, plan design, and participant education to deliver comprehensive solutions that balance the needs of sponsors and participants alike. Nick, a Retirement Plan Advisor with nearly 30 years in the industry, is known for his relationship-driven approach, offering thoughtful service to plan sponsors and empowering employees with retirement planning education. Together, they provide guidance to help businesses, and their teams build secure financial futures.

Connect with Tom Ackmann

Connect with Nick Gray

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our ADV Part 2 or Form CRS, which is available upon request.

In today's episode of Executive Decisions, host Sarah Delahanty speaks with Todd and Cindy Shinabarger about their inspiring journey of transitioning from demanding careers to what they call "Life 2.0"—a purposeful and fulfilling phase of life dedicated to service and impact. Todd and Cindy share their experiences of stepping into volunteer roles with Operation Mobilization, where their skills in IT and science transformed projects and systems, helping the organization achieve excellence. They reflect on the importance of being intentional, crafting a plan, and seeking purpose beyond oneself. The couple emphasizes the challenges and rewards of creating structure after leaving the corporate treadmill, the significance of giving back, and the value of perseverance when exploring new roles. Their story encourages listeners to approach life transitions with intention, passion, and a mindset focused on serving others, offering a hopeful roadmap for those considering their own "Life 2.0."

About our guests, Todd and Cindy Shinabarger: Todd Shinabarger has nearly 40 years of senior information technology management experience in various industries - including manufacturing, automotive, construction, retail, fashion and non-profit - where he led numerous multi-million dollar IT capital projects. After more than 3 decades in the corporate environment, Todd "retired" in 2015, assuming the CIO role at OM USA. Since joining, he's helped to transform and modernize the IT ecosystem, replacing nearly every IT application and process.

Cindy Shinabarger grew up in Upland, Indiana. She attended Taylor University, majoring in physics systems, and discovered her passion for manufacturing during an internship at AVX Ceramic. Throughout her career in electronic manufacturing—spanning roles in failure analysis and wafer fabrication—Cindy balanced raising children while navigating a male-dominated industry. Known for her persistence and courage, she earned respect by "earning the right to be heard" and mentoring others to observe, adapt, and thrive in challenging professional environments. In Cindy's "retirement" or Life 2.0 as she and Todd call it, she now serves at OM USA, a global non-profit by using her scientific and failure analysis background to help grow the organization and launch sustainable projects.

Todd and Cindy especially enjoy time with their 5 grandchildren, ages 3-12, and always make time for their annual Cousin Camp with all 5 grandkids (and no parents!).

Connect with Todd Shinabarger: Todd's LinkedIn About SYM Financial and the Executive Decisions Podcast:

Executive Decisions is a podcast designed for current and aspiring business leaders, offering an in-depth look at the evolving nature of executive roles. Hosted by SYM Financial Advisors Principal and Senior Financial Advisor Sarah Delahanty, the show delves into the personal and professional journeys of its guests, exploring the challenges they've overcome and the learning experiences that have shaped their paths to success. The podcast provides insights into how executives manage the increasing complexity of both their professional and personal lives. Featuring a range of guests from diverse industries, each episode aims to enlighten listeners on the continuous state of learning and adaptation necessary for effective leadership. Whether discussing career progression, leadership strategies, or personal growth, Executive Decisions is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of executive leadership.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.