Your Financial Advisor Questions, Answered
- 22nd State Bank
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Senior Vice President / Private Wealth Management
We asked you to send us your most pressing financial advisor questions, and you delivered.
In this blog, our Senior Vice President of Wealth Management, Lee Dzwonkowski, tackles your real-world concerns with practical insights, expert guidance, and a no-nonsense approach to growing and protecting your wealth. Here’s what you wanted to know, and what Lee had to say.
Q: What's one thing I can do today to get started growing my wealth?
Start by automating a weekly or monthly transfer into a high-yield savings or money market account—even $25 makes a difference over time. If your employer offers a 401(k) with matching, contribute enough to get the full match. Not sure where to start? Set a 15-minute calendar reminder at the beginning of the week to review your budget and identify one unnecessary expense (maybe your daily coffee run) that you can redirect into savings instead. The goal is to build savings habits, not just your balance.
Q: What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when they're planning for retirement?
One major mistake is not calculating your post-retirement expenses, especially health care and inflation. Start by estimating your monthly retirement income needs, then compare that to your current savings trajectory using a retirement calculator. Another common issue is not adjusting asset allocation as you age. Rebalance your investments annually based on your risk tolerance and goals. Retirement planning isn’t one and done; it’s a moving target.
Q: How can I protect my assets so I can pass them down to future generations?
Begin with three essentials: a will, a living trust, and adequate life insurance. These tools ensure your wishes are honored and your heirs avoid costly delays or taxes. Consider naming beneficiaries directly on your accounts. And if you own a business or property, talk to a 22nd State Bank advisor about asset titling strategies to protect ownership. A small investment in estate planning now saves your family stress later.
Q: What do you enjoy most about helping people manage their wealth?
The most rewarding part is translating abstract goals into concrete financial steps—whether that’s mapping out a college savings plan or helping a client transition to retirement. It’s also about education: I love helping people understand their finances so they can make confident, informed decisions. Watching someone realize they can reach their goals is always rewarding.
Q: What kinds of wealth management tools and support would I have access to with 22nd State Bank?
We offer tools like personalized investment portfolios, retirement and estate planning, insurance analysis, and online banking tools so you can track your progress in real time. More importantly, you’ll have a dedicated financial advisor who checks in regularly to answer any questions, not just once in a while.
Whether you need to rebalance a portfolio, plan for long-term care, or transfer wealth to the next generation, 22nd State Bank is here to help. Reach out to one of our experienced advisors today and get started securing your financial future.
