WIB-RTP: Financial Wellness – Am I Saving Enough for Retirement?

On Thursday, March 20, WIB-RTP hosted its first financial wellness conversation with local Certified Financial Planner Florence Smith. Florence walked attendees through a six-step process to assess and improve their retirement readiness, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to financial planning. Florence brought the energy, clarity, and real talk we all need when thinking about our financial future. Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but Florence broke it down into a simple, six-step journey—helping us think through how much we’ll need, when we want to retire, and how to make our savings work smarter. From decoding Social Security benefits to understanding the magic of compound interest, she covered it all with practical tips and relatable examples (shoutout to “Sallie”!). Florence also delivered an empowering message for women: even though we often feel less confident about investing, research shows we’re naturally great at it! With the right mindset and a little guidance, we can absolutely own our financial futures.

Attendees left feeling informed, inspired, and empowered to take control of their financial futures. Whether you’re just getting started or already saving, there’s always something you can do today to move closer to financial freedom. Final Takeaway:
"What is the one thing you are going to do differently starting today to take more control of your financial future?" For follow-up questions or a personal financial review, you can reach Florence at florence.smith@raymondjames.com.

Submitted by Julianne Bove