What We’re Talking About This Week
Chris Hobart unveils what spousal Social Security benefits are – and how can they affect a couple’s retirement income. In this installment of The Wealthologist Weekly, I take a look at a few things you need to know about the role spousal Social Security plays in a retirement plan.
Hobart Wealth is a DBA of Hobart Private Capital, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through Hobart Private Capital, LLC, an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance services offered separately through Hobart Insurance Services, LLC, an affiliated insurance agency. Hobart Private Capital and its affiliates are not certified tax or legal advisors. Any reduction in taxes would depend on your specific tax situation. You are advised to seek the advice of a qualified tax or legal professional for such matters. This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide any investment advice or provide the basis for any investment decisions. Investing in securities involves risk, including potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Please see Item 8 of our ADV 2A Brochure for additional information on the risks associated with our services. By submitting your contact information, you consent to be contacted in the future regarding retirement income strategies that utilize insurance and investment products. Any references to protection of benefits, safety, security, or steady and reliable income refer only to fixed insurance products. They do not refer, in any way, to securities or investment products. Insurance product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company, and may be subject to fees, surrender charges, and holding periods which vary by insurance company. Insurance products are not FDIC insured. Our firm provides links to third party articles to assist users in locating information on topics that might be of interest to them. Linking to an article or web site does not constitute a representation of the services offered by our firm nor does it constitute an endorsement by the Firm of the sponsors of the site or the products presented on the site. Please consult your tax, legal, and/or financial advisor prior to making any decisions regarding these third-party articles. Hobart Wealth is not affiliated with the U.S. government or a governmental agency. No information contained within was approved by, endorsed by, or authorized by the Social Security Administration.
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Michaela Snook is a dynamic professional blending experience in veterinary care with a newfound passion for financial planning. With a year in a central NY veterinary office under her belt, she transitioned to the financial sector after earning a bachelor’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from SUNY Alfred State College. Internships at Syracuse Wealth Management and Ameriprise Financial enriched her understanding of the industry. Now, as a Paraplanner and Administrative Assistant at Hobart Wealth in Charlotte, NC, Michaela thrives on building personal connections and crafting tailored financial strategies. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, skiing, and quality time with her boyfriend Jake and their border collie, Ozzy. Michaela’s dedication to learning and her commitment to helping others achieve financial success epitomize the community spirit at Hobart Wealth.
Lead Investment Strategist
Investment Policy Committee
Jacob Woodrum’s career in financial services was inspired early in life by his father, a business owner and investor who spurred Jacob’s interest in financial markets and how they work. Jacob carries this passion into his role as our Lead Investment Strategist and guides the firm’s investment strategy focusing on macroeconomic factors, market analysis, and contributing his insights to the investment decision-making process of the firm.
Jacob is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and a 2023 CFA® Level III candidate and is guided by the philosophy of sowing, then reaping. “In investing, we know things go through seasons and cycles. There will be times when new buds of opportunity appear. Times for exceptional growth and times when we harvest from that growth.”
“There will also be seasons when the tree will look barren in its winter period. The key point is not to uproot the tree in the middle of January. We know the season will change, and new growth will eventually appear. These things are cyclical. Portfolios must be watered, harvested, fertilized, and pruned just like a growing tree. Ultimately, patience and persistence are key to a healthy and fruitful outcome.”
Jacob and his wife, Allie, love exploring Charlotte with Jade, their three-year old Golden Retriever. They are excited about adding another member to the Woodrum family in June 2023 and enjoy trying out new restaurants and walking or biking around the city. Jacob credits much of his success to family, and he and his wife love spending time with their families in Virginia and West Virginia
Chief Compliance Officer
Investment Policy Committee
Leadership Team
Thomas Hamilton joined Hobart Wealth in the summer of 2018. Having been in the financial services industry since 2005, his breadth of experience added immediate value to the team. Thomas balances his days by running the compliance program for the firm while assisting with the operations of the firm, from trading to database management. He also sits on the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.
Thomas chose to pursue a career in the financial services industry in 2005 when he learned his parents were hit with a massive tax payment in 1998 after their financial advisor misled them. As a result, Thomas made it his mission to help others avoid misguided decisions in their financial lives.
Thomas says the best thing about working at Hobart Wealth is its team-based structure. “It’s a close-knit firm with a small company atmosphere, but with the ability to do things on a large scale,” he said. “My opinion matters, and the absence of large corporate bureaucracy is refreshing. The work everyone does every day is clearly helping both the firm and its clients be successful.”
Thomas and his wife, Jessica, have two kids, Caleb and Shelby, and one dog, Albus. Thomas loves spending time with his family, cooking, gardening, listening to music, and tinkering with electronics. He also enjoys binge watching Netflix and YouTube with his wife and kids.
Chief Bark-eting Officer
Meet Winston, our furry friend with a nose for smart financial moves. As our Chief Bark-eting Officer, Winston is an ambassador of goodwill and welcomes all Hobart Wealth visitors with an enthusiastic tail wag.
This miniature dachshund is great at sniffing out good investments. He is currently bullish on Bully Sticks and enthusiastic about the bedding industry, seizing every opportunity to take long naps at the window on his comfy bed.
As the top dog of finance, Winston reminds our clients and team members that it’s good to work hard and play hard. And like the rest of our team, he’s loyal and always happy to serve – especially if it results in a belly rub or extra treats!
Wealth Advisor
Jock has worked as a financial advisor since 1971. He formed Navigator Financial, a financial advisory firm, in 2001 and merged with Hobart Financial Group in 2013. Jock serves high net worth clients and works with small business owners to implement 401(k) plans and key-employee benefit plans. Understanding a client’s unique needs is the core of Jock’s philosophy, and he focuses on building client relationships constructed on a foundation of trust and integrity. He stresses the importance of a long-term investment outlook before making short-term or individual investment decisions. Jock is a graduate of The University of The South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
He is a past trustee of the university and serves as his class annual fund chairman. He is also past president of the Chartered Life Underwriters (CLU) chapter in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jock resides in Charlotte with his wife, Anne, a retired teacher/librarian. They have two grown children, Drew and Stewart, and two grandchildren. Jock is an active member at Myers Park Presbyterian, where he served as a church officer. In his downtime, Jock enjoys a good book, gardening, and a game of golf.
Senior Wealth Advisor
Investment Policy Committee
As Senior Wealth Advisor, Andrew works closely with clients to develop customized financial strategies that incorporate asset allocation, financial management, retirement planning and succession planning. He also builds relationships with local CPAs and estate planning attorneys, enabling Hobart Wealth to give clients a truly comprehensive, individual and holistic financial plan.
From an early age, Andrew wanted to help people in a big way – and knew that he could truly make a difference through financial advising. “I get to help people live their Bucket List Retirement,” he said. “Early in my career, I had this sense that retirement was essentially a permanent vacation with nothing to worry about. I quickly found out that retirement is the most significant, fundamental shift you will ever experience with your money which can be incredibly scary. Every day, I have the privilege of helping wonderful people navigate through the unknown.”
Andrew has been with Hobart since 2010, and his favorite part of the firm is its character. “Our clients choose to work with us because this is where you go to be part of a family, not a file in the cabinet,” he said. “I love working here because of the same reasons someone would choose to become our client: family values, passionate professionals, fun loving, genuine and ethical.”
Andrew’s free time is immersed in activities with his wife, Leslie-Ann, and their children, Easton and Isla. He enjoys coaching Easton and Isla’s sports teams, backpacking and hiking, and rooting on the Carolina Panthers.
Finance Officer
Leadership Team
Renee is responsible for making sure the firm runs like a well-oiled machine with her work in office accounting. In addition, she is also focused on community outreach and philanthropy.
Prior to joining Hobart Wealth, Renee worked as an analytical chemist with Merck; she later transferred within the company to pharmaceutical sales educating doctors and nurses on Merck’s product lines.
Renee is excited to be part of the Hobart Wealth team. “Although I’m on the sidelines, I’m passionate about getting to know our clients and watching our team sincerely do the best for our clients,” she said. “I believe in the mission and vision of what we do. My favorite part of working here is feeling purposeful, that we’re making a difference in clients’ lives.”
Renee enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family and cheering on the Panthers. An avid fan of the theater, she is an active volunteer with the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte. Renee is married to Chris, and they have two daughters, Sloane and Blythe.
Director of Financial Planning
Senior Wealth Advisor
Leadership Team
In his role as Director of Financial Planning and Senior Wealth Advisor, Corey guides others in their financial lives and provides them with a better understanding of their financial picture. He
works with clients to develop tax, estate, beneficiary, and income planning strategies. Corey divides his time between meeting with clients and working behind the scenes to build retirement plans that stand the test of time.
Corey’s interest in the financial world was developed in college. During his first post-college job, he realized that managing finances took more dedication and effort than he had previously thought. “There were so many complexities that I hadn’t considered before,” Corey said. “I also realized that most people don’t understand the nuances associated with managing their money.”
While Corey enjoys teaching people about the process of saving, growing, and passing money on to future generations, his favorite part of working at Hobart Wealth is getting to know the
clients. “There is so much to be learned through listening to others,” Corey said. “We have a unique opportunity to hear stories of success, adventure, love, and grief. It is an honor to me that our clients open up that part of their lives to us.”
Corey loves to travel and hike, checking new destinations off his list. Corey has his camera with him everywhere, capturing pictures of his adventures.
CEO
Visionary
Investment Policy Committee
Leadership Team
Most financial planners follow a typical process, but Chris Hobart has never been one to do things the “typical” way. After all, 9-year-olds don’t typically start a restaurant in their parents’ basement. But entrepreneurship and hard work has always made sense to Chris – and that drive led him to create a financial planning and wealth management firm that does things a little differently.
Chris has always been one to dream big, for himself and others. He’s dedicated his life to helping people imagine and create for themselves that goes beyond typical. He’s also made it his mission to help clients make smart decisions for their future by providing honest, thoughtful advice and service that always exceeds expectations.
Chris even helps other advisors build their own better-than-typical practices, believing that every individual deserves access to trustworthy financial guidance. His wise counsel has been featured in national media publications, including CNBC, CBS, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
He’s also a recurring guest and sponsor on WCNC and WBT in Charlotte. As an avid supporter of his local community, Chris donates time and resources to Charlotte’s local organizations. He
and his wife, Renee, are avid supporters of the performing arts, and they have a joint passion for making arts education and musical theater accessible to all young people. Chris has also served on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas, a local organization that helps young people unleash their true potential with financial education.
Family means everything to Chris. He credits his hard work ethic and positive life outlook to his parents, who taught him valuable lessons about being a great husband, dad and leader. He spends most of his time outside of work with Renee and their two daughters, Sloane and Blythe, and he loves nothing more than traveling with his girls and seeing the world through their eyes. Chris is also an avid fly fisherman, enjoys hiking, spoiling the family dog, a miniature dachshund named Winston and tending to his hobby koi pond.
Executive Assistant
Leadership Team
As the executive assistant and event coordinator, Kim Collins juggles a variety of daily tasks. She’s charged with coordinating firm events, providing administrative support and making sure Chris knows exactly where he needs to be and when he needs to be there. Kim also oversees building management, ensuring the office’s physical environment is inviting for both clients and staff.
In 2018, Kim relocated to Charlotte from Sarasota, FL, where she spent four years working as the event coordinator for a wealth management firm. But her work experience hasn’t been limited to just financial services; in fact, you might describe her background as eclectic. “I have been a cosmetologist, cemetery manager, fire educator and fire instructor,” Kim said.
Kim and her daughter, Hannah, reside in the Ballantyne area. She can be found on the weekends enjoying time with her friends, exploring wineries throughout North Carolina and volunteering within her community.
Receptionist
When you walk in the front doors of Hobart Wealth or call our offices, you’ll likely be greeted by Amy. As our receptionist, she welcomes visitors and callers and assists with the daily operations of the office.
Amy believes in providing “service with a smile,” noting that a smile can go a long way in making someone’s day better.
Amy lives with her husband and their two chihuahuas, Gringo and Geraldo Rivera (yes, named after the talk show host). Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, socializing with friends, exploring new places and trying out new restaurants.
Client Service & Operations Specialist
Kelly got her start in financial services in 2012, working alongside her father. Upon her father’s retirement, Kelly joined the Hobart team and has since expanded her knowledge to included operations in addition to client service. As a client service & operaƟons specialist she handles a variety of tasks, including servicing client accounts, making sure new accounts are set up properly, handling portfolio updates and trading client accounts.
After graduating from college, Kelly saw an opportunity to help people and work with her father. “I enjoy knowing that we’re helping take some of the pressure off of people’s shoulders,” she said. “Retirement can be a very scary transition. I love having the opportunity to meet and talk to so many folks about their lives.”
Kelly holds her life and health insurance licenses in North Carolina and her Medicare Supplement and Long-Term Care licenses. She has also passed her Series 65 securities exam. She is a graduate of North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Fashion Textile Management.
Kelly lives with her cat, her dog, a ball python, and hundreds of houseplants. She’s an avid gardener and cook and loves to spend time checking out new breweries with friends. She can never get enough of the outdoors – doing everything from camping/hiking/backpacking to kayaking and paddleboarding. She also enjoys traveling when she can spare the time away from home.
Client Service Specialist
Doris brings more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry to her role as a Client Service Specialist. She spent the first decade of her career at Prudential. Prior to joining Hobart Wealth, she worked at CRUMP/Truist for 15 years, starting as a Sr. Case Manager in life insurance and was a Supervisor of Case Managers for the last 6 years.
During her long tenure, Doris has seen firsthand how life insurance can make a difference in clients’ lives. “The insurance industry exposed me to the importance of making sure families and businesses are financially taken care of in the event of a loss,” she said. “It opened my eyes to how important it is to save and plan for your future and retirement as soon as possible. I also believe in the importance of life insurance and how it is used for estate planning and wealth preservation.”
Doris is a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.
Outside of work, Doris loves cooking, interior design and going outdoors for a hike. She also enjoys spending time with her son, Justin, and her pug, Max.
Client Service Specialist
Nancy brings over a decade of financial industry experience to her role as Client Service Specialist. Before joining Hobart Wealth, she worked for another financial firm, where she set up investment accounts and assisted with financial planning.
“I’ve always been a numbers person,” Nancy said. “That’s one of the reasons I ended up in the financial industry.”
But it was the opportunity to serve clients that drew her to Hobart Wealth. “I enjoy meeting people, discovering their needs and helping to find a solution,” she said. As a Client Service Specialist, she will help advisors plan and prepare for meetings and assist clients when they call in with requests.
Nancy and her husband, Ken, enjoy spending time with their family: son David and his wife Shelby, daughter Joanna, and grandson Vincent. They also have a cockapoo named Finn. Away from work, Nancy enjoys playing tennis, traveling and finding ways to stay active.
Client Service Specialist
Dean has had a long career in financial services. He started as an entry-level cashier in 1985, accepting deposits and bonds. He then moved to become a wire operator, where he transmitted trades direct to the trading floor. The new role sparked a passion for learning more about investing and planning.
Dean worked his way through the ranks and eventually spent 12 years at Morgan Stanley as a registered service associate. While there, his duties included setting up new accounts, overseeing transfers and trading. Now, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role as Client Services Specialist at Hobart Wealth.
Dean and his wife, Tami, have a grown daughter, Lacey, and a granddaughter, Emmy. Dean and Tami enjoy cooking together and trying out new recipes. The two are also avid gardeners; they have planted several trees and love seeing the flowers bloom in their flower beds
Wealth Advisor
Nick Adkins is wired to serve others. He enjoys helping people in areas where he sees a great, underserved need, and he put these qualities to work first in the military before turning to a career in financial services.
Nick was previously a financial advisor with Raymond James, where he was in charge of planning, creating portfolios and servicing clients. Now he puts that experience to work as a Wealth Advisor at Hobart Wealth, helping clients realize their financial goals through dedicated service and ongoing planning.
As an advisor, Nick challenges his clients and himself to keep an open mind. “One of my favorite quotes is from George Bernard Shaw, who said, ‘Those who cannot change their minds cannot
change anything,’” Nick says. “I believe if you aren’t willing to always be learning and remain open to new ideas, you can’t have an impact on the world around you.”
Nick and his wife, Alex, have a daughter, Hazel, and a very dear dog named Salem. Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time with his family, weightlifting, fishing and any activities at the beach.
Director of Insurance Planning
As the Director of Insurance Planning, Jonathan helps clients understand the important role insurance plays in their retirement, tax and legacy planning. He partners with advisors to create tailored insurance plans to protect clients from potential risks they may face during both their working and retired years.
Jonathan brings more than 15 years of experience in insurance planning to the Hobart Wealth team. His passion in the field was spurred after watching three of his grandparents struggle with Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses and seeing the toll a long-term health crisis can take on family members. He was inspired to help other families protect against similar situations through proper insurance planning.
Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys swimming and biking with his bonus son Logan and wife Jen. Jonathan is into anything sports-related, particularly golf, and is an active leader of Freedom House Church in Cornelius. Traveling, working out, and playing cards are some of his and Jen’s favorite times together.
Chief Operating Officer
Investment Policy Committee
Leadership Team
Making sure the Hobart Wealth office runs smoothly is a big task – but Bob Barton is up for the challenge. As Chief Operating Officer, he oversees operations and makes sure all processes and systems create a first-class experience for our team members and clients.
Bob’s career has been an eclectic one: He’s worked in sales, management, finances, logistics training and operations. He had the honor of previously serving as an Army officer before becoming a pastor/teacher/church planter and entrepreneur. He also previously worked at Pfizer before joining the financial services industry.
Bob sees a common thread in all his work. “I have worked in areas where I cared for others spiritually and physically,” he says. “Now I do the same with their finances. Our wealth encompasses our most valuable and important physical resources. Caring for those things is a sacred trust.”
The “Hobart Ie” convinced Bob to join the team. “Our leadership, our vision, our heart for service … it’s all top shelf,” he says. “When great people are doing wonderful things for amazing clients – it’s a joy and I’m honored to be part of it.”
Bob and his wife, Pam, have a grown son, Billy, who lives in Concord, North Carolina. Bob continues to use his gift of speaking and teaching whenever he can. He also enjoys fishing, hunting, remodeling, golfing and a good game of Pickleball.
Fintech Administrator
Leadership Team
Wendy Casale believes preparation is the key to success in work and life—an outlook that makes her the perfect fit as Fintech Administrator. In her role, Wendy handles all things techrelated for the firm, including client and advisor support, system management, and process documentation. She’s always making sure we’re using the right tech tools to give clients the best experience possible when accessing and managing their accounts.
Wendy’s interest in the financial services industry was piqued during her very first college class, which led her to courses about economics, personal finance, and marketing. Discussions about the potential retirement crisis facing Americans today and the importance of taking charge of your own retirement inspired her to pursue a career helping people plan for their future and make a positive impact on their financial picture.
Before joining the Hobart Wealth team, Wendy gained a wealth of experience working at Vanguard and Wells Fargo. Hobart Wealth “feels like a family,” she said. “If a team member sees that a process can be done better, opinions and ideas are genuinely heard.” Wendy and her husband, Bobby, have three children, Victoria, Allison, and Mila. The family loves visiting Freedom Park/Carowinds in the summer, as well as trying new Charlotte restaurants and checking out live bands throughout the year.
Peter is charged with overseeing the Hobart Wealth Client Services team. In his role, he works directly with advisors to get answers to clients’ questions and makes sure every client request is handled quickly and accurately.
Peter brings more than a decade of knowledge and experience to his role. Before joining Hobart Wealth, he worked at Axos Advisor Services (formerly E*Trade Advisor Services), where he worked with six investment advisor firms with more than $2.5 billion in assets under contract. During that time, he gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in resolving client issues and cultivating strong client relationships.
The attention to relationships is what drew Peter to Hobart Wealth. “The relationships that exist here are amazing,” he said. “People care about their clients and coworkers, and it shows. I really enjoy how everyone works hard for our clients.”
Away from work, Peter enjoys outdoor activities like camping in the mountains and swimming at the beach.