In a mountain community like Summit County, financial planning often looks a little different. Residents aren’t simply preparing for retirement — they’re building strategies that are intended to support the lives they’ve worked hard to create: ski seasons, family adventures, home purchases, career transitions and the freedom to enjoy what makes mountain living so rewarding.

“When I moved to Summit County in 2011, I was drawn here for many of the same reasons people still come today — the mountains, the sense of community and a lifestyle centered around experiences rather than possessions,” said Carly Nixon, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® at Capital Consulting & Asset Management (CCAM) in Frisco. “Fifteen years later, I’ve built my career here, started a family here and have had the privilege of helping local individuals and families navigate some of life’s biggest financial decisions.”

For Nixon, effective financial planning goes beyond investment returns. CCAM, an independent, registered investment advisory firm founded by Nixon’s father in 1996, provides personalized advice, comprehensive financial planning, and investment management designed to help clients align their financial goals and priorities. The firm’s family-run approach emphasizes long-term relationships, trust and individualized guidance.

“Living in a community like Summit County reminds us that life is meant to be experienced,” Nixon said. “Investments and portfolio performance are important, but they’re only tools. The real purpose of financial planning is to build confidence and flexibility to spend more time doing what matters most — whether that’s enjoying the mountains, being with family, supporting your community or pursuing new adventures.”

In Nixon’s experience, the strongest financial plans begin with open conversations about priorities, goals and expectations. Here are five every family should consider.

1. What does retirement look like for us?

Retirement is about more than reaching a certain account balance. Nixon recommends having a conversation around what retirement looks like with questions such as: Will you stay in Summit County? Travel more? Purchase a second home? Help children or grandchildren financially?

“Understanding your vision can help create a roadmap to get there,” Nixon said.

2. Are our estate plan and beneficiary designations up to date?

Many people spend years building wealth but never take the time to truly understand if it will pass efficiently to the people they care about most, Nixon said. Estate planning documents, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney and health care directives should be reviewed regularly, especially after major life events.

3. How would we handle a long-term care need?

“While it’s not always an easy conversation, planning ahead for potential health care or long-term care needs can help reduce financial and emotional stress on loved ones,” Nixon said.

Discussing options early often leads to more informed decisions and greater flexibility in the future.

4. What are our financial priorities?

Whether you’re planning for yourself, your family, or future generations, understanding your goals and values is key. In Summit County, that might mean retiring in the mountains, saving for a child’s education, paying off a home, supporting aging parents, navigating seasonal income, traveling, building a legacy or creating more financial confidence.

“Financial planning may be more effective when your money is aligned with what matters most to you,” Nixon said.

For individuals seeking professional financial guidance, Nixon encourages asking questions about an advisor’s qualifications, experience, compensation and standards of care. Working with a fiduciary — an advisor who is legally obligated to act in a client’s best interest — and considering a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional are two factors that may help individuals evaluate financial advisors. CFP® professionals have met education, examination, experience and ethics requirements established by the CFP Board.

5. Does our investment strategy support our goals?

A portfolio should be designed to support your life — not the other way around, Nixon said.

Whether someone is planning for retirement, purchasing a home or preparing for another major milestone, an investment strategy should reflect their financial  goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and tax considerations. As an independent registered investment advisor, CCAM has the flexibility to create customized strategies designed to help clients pursue both their short- and long-term objectives.

For Nixon, the ultimate measure of a financial plan isn’t simply portfolio performance — it’s how it can support clients in working toward the life they’ve envisioned.

“At the end of the day, building wealth is important,” Nixon said. “But building a life you love is what makes that wealth meaningful.”

This is for informational purposes only, is not solicitation, and should not be considered investment, legal, or tax advice. The information provided herein should not be construed as tax or legal advice, and individuals should consult their own tax and legal professionals regarding their specific situation. Investing involves risk, with the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Investment Advisory and Consulting Services are provided by Capital Consulting and Asset Management.

Capital Consulting and Asset Management, Inc. (“CCAM”), a Registered Investment Adviser (“RIA”), serves the investment and capital needs of individual, corporate and institutional clients. As an independent RIA, CCAM provides consulting and financial planning, portfolio manager evaluation and monitoring services and manages client portfolios. CCAM is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. CCAM is not affiliated with the money managers, mutual funds, banks or insurance companies it recommends. With no proprietary products, CCAM’s goal is to provide advice and support of its strategic alliances and client partner relationships.

Some individuals registered with Capital Consulting and Asset Management, Inc. (“CCAM”), a Registered Investment Adviser, may also be registered with Kovack Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. CCAM is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.