The Long View: April 2025

Your Capital: Get Busy Living, Or Get Busy Dying

If you’ve ever felt fear, frustration, or regret during a market downturn—this message is for you. Not to shame you. Not to patronize you. But to tell you the unvarnished truth. Because this isn’t just about you—it’s about human nature. It’s about the way our brains are hardwired to sabotage us when stakes are high, and emotions take over.

We are all carriers of a disease. It’s not metaphorical. It’s very real. It’s the emotional virus that infects every investor at one point or another. Like the shingles virus, it's dormant—until stress activates it. And when it activates, it can wreak havoc.

Most people—most investors—have no idea they even carry it. They don’t know that the very wiring of their brain is designed to push them into exactly the wrong decision at exactly the wrong time. It’s fight-or-flight, but applied to markets. And markets punish that behavior every single time.

There is no vaccine. There’s no permanent cure. But there is a treatment. The antidote is exposure—a consistent, repeated, proactive dosing of perspective. Of education. Of accountability. Of what we call the unvarnished truth.

We refer to this as your vitamin C. And just like real vitamin C, your body can’t store it in excess. You don’t take a massive dose once and think you’re good for life. It needs to be in your system every day. Same with this. You need to be reminded of how investing works, what your GPS says, and why sticking to the plan matters—especially when things feel uncertain.

When you’re working with us, we’re not just managing your investments. We’re administering your behavioral immune system. That is the job.

In this issue

1. Your Capital: Get Busy Living, Or Get Busy Dying
2. If I Max Out My 401(k), Can I Still Contribute To An IRA?
3. The Benefits Of Speaking With Children (Of ALL Ages) About Money
4. Invest, Grow and Thrive: Financially Fit with Tammy and Beth
5. Welcome Our Newest Team Members
6. April Recipe: Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata

Ask An Advisor: “If I Max Out My 401(k), Can I Still Contribute to My IRA?

By Brian Wickett

Client Advisor - Salem, NH

April is tax month, though every month is a good month to be tax planning. We think so, at least. This month, we asked Brian Wickett, Client Advisor, a question from a client who wonders, “If I max out my 401(k), can I still contribute to my IRA?” In case this has been on your mind, too… here’s what Brian had to say:

The short answer is yes! Anyone with earned income can contribute to an IRA. However, whether your contribution is tax-deductible or if you’re eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA depends on your income level.

Traditional IRA Deductibility Limits

Your ability to deduct traditional IRA contributions is phased out based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI):

• Single filers: Deductibility phases out between $79,000 and $89,000.
• Married filing jointly: Deductibility phases out between $126,000 and $146,000.

If you earn above these limits, you can still contribute the full amount—$7,000 annually ($8,000 if you’re 50 or older)—and benefit from tax-deferred growth. However, your contribution will not be tax-deductible.

Roth IRA Income Limits

For Roth IRAs, income limits determine whether you can contribute directly:

• Single filers: Eligible for direct contributions if MAGI is below $150,000, with a phase-out up to $165,000.
• Married filing jointly: Eligible for direct contributions if MAGI is below $236,000, with a phase-out up to $246,000.

If your income exceeds these limits, direct Roth IRA contributions aren’t allowed. However, a backdoor Roth IRA strategy may still provide a way to contribute.

The Bottom Line

Maxing out your IRA contributions provides a tax-advantaged way to grow your retirement nest egg. The earlier you start, the more flexibility and financial security you’ll have—especially when you no longer want to wake up to that early Monday morning alarm!

If you have any further questions on this topic, please make sure to contact your Beck Bode advisor! Also, if you have a question you’d like to contribute to the newsletter, send it in. We’d love to hear from you.

April is Financial Literacy Month: Let's Talk About Money at Home

Financial literacy is really about something simple: feeling confident with your money decisions. And there's no better time than April to take a fresh look at your family’s financial habits.

Whether you’re saving for a family goal – a memorable vacation, teaching your kids about earning an allowance, or contributing to a college fund, being money smart makes life a lot smoother.

Talking about money management with your kids (and not just the younger ones!) has long-term benefits that go way beyond just dollars and cents. Here are some key advantages:

1. Builds Lifelong Financial Skills

When kids learn about money early—like saving, budgeting, and the value of work—they grow up more confident and capable with finances. It sets the stage for better decision-making as adults.

Research shows that children who receive financial education at home are more likely to save regularly and avoid high-interest debt later in life.

2. Reduces Money Taboos

Open conversations about money help kids see it as something manageable—not mysterious or stressful. It creates a healthy, transparent attitude toward earning, spending, and planning.

3. Encourages Goal Setting

When children learn they can save up for something they want, they understand patience and planning—valuable life skills, not just financial ones.

4. Prepares Them for the “Real World”

From managing an allowance to understanding how credit cards work, early lessons gives kids a head start on adult responsibilities like renting an apartment, buying a car, or handling student loans.

5. Strengthens Family Values Around Money

Talking openly lets you share your own values—like generosity, responsibility, or avoiding debt—and pass those beliefs along. It also creates a family culture of trust and openness.

6. Bonus: It Helps You, Too 

When you talk to your kids about money, it often makes you more mindful of your own habits—and more motivated to model positive financial behavior.

We’re Here to Help

Not sure where to start? Reach out to us. That’s what we’re here for. Whether it’s creating a plan, helping you navigate uncertainty, or talking about how to teach financial basics to your kids, we can help. Also, if you haven’t read Dancing with the Analysts, now’s the time to do so – ask us for your free copy. 

Welcome to Our Newest Team Members

Peter Kalianiotis – Associate Advisor

Peter Kalianiotis joins Beck Bode with a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, having held business development roles at national firms for many years. Over time, Peter was drawn to a more personal and values-driven approach—something he found reflected in Beck Bode’s philosophy and culture. A firm believer in long-term strategy and client-first relationships, Peter is excited to work in a highly collaborative environment where every detail is scrutinized for the benefit of the client. Outside the office, Peter, his wife Nicole, and their two boys coach a Special Olympics basketball team at Cardinal Cushing School in Hanover, MA.

Jaime Adams – Client Success Team

Jaime Adams’ journey to Beck Bode began with a chance meeting with Ben at a CrossFit event in Texas and grew through thoughtful conversations that revealed a values alignment too strong to ignore. With a background in client service and a passion for making people feel seen and supported, Jaime is driven by the same intentionality and care that defines the Beck Bode experience. She holds degrees in Economics and English, along with a Business Administration minor from the University of New Hampshire. A proud New Englander, Jaime adds heart, humor, and a fierce work ethic to everything she does.

Jack Casady – Director of Marketing  

Jack Casady joins Beck Bode as Director of Marketing. With a background that spans national investment firms and fintech startups, he’s led brand-building efforts and product launches that connect with clients in meaningful ways. Originally a mechanical engineering major at Boston University, Jack pivoted to communications after discovering a passion for problem-solving through story. He later found his niche in financial services marketing, where real-life stories matter most. Drawn to Beck Bode’s family-first culture and long-term vision, Jack is excited to help shape how the firm’s message reaches the world. Outside of work, Jack enjoys life with his wife and their two young kids—and still approaches every challenge with a builder’s mindset.

Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata 

Inspired by Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen

Light, flavorful, and easy to make ahead—this frittata is perfect for a spring brunch spread. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 bunch thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces  
• 8 large eggs  
• ⅓ cup milk or cream  
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled  
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or dill, chopped  
• Salt and pepper to taste  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter  

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté asparagus for about 3–4 minutes, until just tender.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, herbs, salt, and pepper. Pour over asparagus. Sprinkle with goat cheese.
4. Cook on the stove for 2–3 minutes until the edges start to set.
5. Transfer to oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until fully set and lightly golden.
6. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temp.

Serving Tip

Pair with a simple green salad and fresh fruit or serve alongside a crusty baguette for a more filling option. A glass of crisp white wine would go nicely with this. Enjoy!

Featured Podcast: Financial Control in an Uncertain world

That wraps up our April issue of The Long View. Until the next time, take a look at more of the latest articles on our blog. 

Thanks for reading, and for following us. If any part of this month’s topics suggests a question or concern you may have, or if you need anything else, please contact us — we look forward to speaking with you!

From all of us at Beck Bode.