2025 Q3 Quarterly Newsletter

Keeping it Chill!

As we dive into the heart of summer, we hope you’re soaking up the sunshine and making time for the people and activities you love most. Whether that’s family cookouts, beach trips, evenings on the porch, or simply slowing down a bit—summer reminds us to pause and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Here at Three Creeks, we’re also celebrating a season of growth and renewal. We’re excited to welcome Charles Wan to the team as our new Registered Professional! Charles is a proud OSU graduate who brings valuable experience from Merrill Lynch. He’s currently preparing to sit for the CFP® exam this November and has already hit the ground running. Outside the office, you’ll likely find Charles on the golf course, working out, watching sports or spending time with his girlfriend Jessie and their dog Jersey.

Charles will be working closely with Todd during his training, helping with streamlining operations so that Todd can devote more time to what matters most: connecting with you. Last year brought exciting progress—73% growth—but it also meant long hours and missed moments. This year, with Charles’ support, we’re focusing on balance, responsiveness, and deepening the personal relationships that are the heart of this firm.

We’re honored to walk alongside you in your financial journey. Here's to a joyful summer, a stronger team, and an even brighter future—for all of us.

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OPE Pension Updates

STRS Ohio

• Retirement eligibility eased: Starting June 1, 2025, unreduced retirement is now available with 32 years of service under the Defined Benefit Plan—good news for many long-term educators.

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• COLA  boost ahead: In FY 2026, eligible STRS retirees will receive a cost‑of‑living adjustment, helping benefits keep pace with rising living costs.

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• Governance shake-up: New state budget changes the makeup of the STRS, reducing elected educator voices and adding political appointees over several years. The STRS board currently includes seven elected teachers (five active and two retired). Under the new budget amendment, that number will be reduced to three – two active teachers and one retiree. Four of the existing seats will not be filled as the terms expires. The roles vacated by educators will be replaced with appointed positions: additional designees from the state treasurer (two), the legislative leaders (jointly), the higher education chancellor, the governor, and the Education & Workforce Director.

OPERS

• Legislative updates in progress: Several House bills are under consideration—HB 94 (service‑credit transfers with OP&F), HB 261 (adding EMS to Public Safety division), HB 257 (remote attendance for trustees), HB 296 (employer contribution increases), HB 492 (DROP for public safety).

OP&F

• Consolidation efforts still active: Lawmakers are considering further proposals to align OP&F’s employer contribution rates with police and fire pension modernization efforts; OP&F is actively engaged in the discussion orsc.org+3op-f.org+3op-f.org+3.

 What does this mean to you?

• If you're near retirement (especially STRS), the lowered service requirement and COLA increase are immediate positives—no action needed, benefits will automatically adjust.
• Changes in board composition may influence STRS policy decisions—stay informed on how representation evolves.
• For OPERS and OP&F members, pending legislation could affect employer contributions, benefit options, and service credit transferability—your future pension may shift depending on these outcomes.

We’re keeping a close eye on these updates—if any of them impact your plan, we’ll reach out directly with guidance tailored to you.

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The Timing of Returns Matters More Than You Think

You may be living longer than previous generations, so your investments need to last longer than ever. To demonstrate how market fluctuations may impact your portfolio when you begin to take income, let’s look at two hypothetical portfolios with the same initial $200,000 investment amount and a 20-year period (1989–2008) of the S&P 500® index with an average rate of return of 10.36%. The difference is that Investor A experiences market declines in the last half of a 20-year period, and Investor B has a market decline immediately after retiring and in three of the next eight years.

👉Read the full article: “Understanding the Sequence of Returns” (PDF)

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Client Spotlight: Jerry and Judy Lima

We’re proud to shine this quarter’s client spotlight on Jerry and Judy Lima — longtime clients, valued members of our Three Creeks community, and truly remarkable people. Jerry retired at age 66 after a successful career in the private sector, where he spent years contributing to Social Security through a variety of roles. Judy has dedicated over three decades to helping others through her work at the OSU Medical Center and will soon retire from OPERS after 32 years of service.

Jerry and Judy have been clients of ours for over twelve years, and in that time, we’ve come to deeply appreciate their thoughtful insight, family-centered values, and forward-thinking approach to retirement. Judy also serves on our Client Advisory Board, offering valuable feedback that helps us improve the experience we provide for all our clients.

Together, they’ve raised three sons and now delight in spending time with their two grandchildren. With retirement on the horizon for both, they’re looking forward to more peaceful days at their cabin in Hideaway Hills — a favorite getaway where they plan to make even more memories with their growing family. Their story is a testament to hard work, love for family, and the rewards of planning ahead.

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Staying Compliant & Connected

We’re excited to share some of the technology we’ve implemented and will be integrating soon to enhance your experience and keep us ahead of compliance standards in our industry. These updates allow us to operate more efficiently, communicate more securely while staying incompliance, and deliver an even better planning experience.

We’ve recently added a few tools to make that happen:

Jump: Our secure and compliant email platform, helping us deliver timely, personalized summaries and updates straight to your inbox.

MyRepChat: A complaint calling and texting tool that lets you reach the team quickly and securely. This is a dedicated business line for asking a quick question or scheduling a deeper conversation or meeting.

Our YouTube Channel: We’re continuing to build out our library of short, helpful videos on your pension, retirement strategies, other financial education content, and common questions we hear from clients. “Click here to subscribe” and stay connected with the team with content designed just for you.

We’re excited about where we’re headed and grateful to have you with us on the journey!

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