Introduction - Goals

[Dawn Bergeron]

Hello! My name is Dawn Bergeron and I currently live in Bloomington, IL but I am looking to make a huge change in my life as empty nester and that is divorcing and moving to the Provo Utah area - specifically the Saratoga Springs or Eagle Mountain area. I am also looking to get into real estate in some fashion and would love advice on what is best to do at my stage in life? I absolutely love Utah and the Provo area and that is why I want to go there and I see there is a lot of potential in the area. My question is if I want to get a certification in something to add to my toolbox, what is the best route to take right now? Get a Utah Real Estate License? I think I want to be a property or leasing manager? Going out on my own I am thinking a lot about cost of living and how I can manage that. Once all things are said and done, I will have equity from a home I have lived in for 20 years in Illinois as my 1/2. I want to look into getting into real estate investing and perhaps buy a townhome and start out with a 3 or 4 bedroom that I could do an Air BNB with and then eventually have it all Air BNB as I build a portfolio? I do not have past experience other than moving around from Colorado to Washington to Hawaii back to Washington and then Illinois and buying and selling homes I lived in. I want to learn about the Self Directed IRA options as well to see if there are ways to use my 401k? I want to start learning something now as I go through this process. My goals is to move in 3 to 6 months to Utah - even rent an Air BNB for a month so I can look around for what to rent for 6 months until I have better idea of liquidity of my money to buy? I would love to find an accountability partner or mentor that is willing to take me under their wings and teach me? I have been a Functional Medicine Health Coach for 9 years and also plan to launch my corporate wellness program there as well. I would love to own an Air BNB that is health conscious and I have ideas on what that would look like. I know this is long, but I am so motivated now. I have had an account for awhile here but never did much with it. Now I want to learn all I can. I am 55 and feel like I still have a lot of energy, drive and motivation in my for the next 30 years to make something of this. I would love any feedback or advice if anyone has anything:). Happy Monday!

[E.J. McCaffrey]

Welcome to the group!

No matter what type of investing you specialize in, two essential, yet frequently underestimated, foundations for lasting success are tax planning and asset protection. While it’s tempting to focus solely on finding and closing deals, overlooking these areas can put your growth and financial security at risk.

A thoughtful tax strategy allows you to maximize deductions, utilize favorable tax structures, and keep more of what you earn. Planning ahead can reduce your overall tax liability and give you more freedom to reinvest and scale effectively.

Just as vital is safeguarding the wealth you’re working so hard to build. Whether in real estate or other ventures, investing carries inherent risks, from lawsuits to creditor claims. Without the right legal framework, both personal and business assets could be vulnerable. A solid asset protection plan helps you manage risk, shield your holdings, and stay resilient in the face of legal or financial threats.

To build a strong foundation in these areas, partnering with knowledgeable professionals is key. Seek out a tax advisor well-versed in real estate and an asset protection attorney aligned with your long-term vision. Establishing these relationships early can help you sidestep costly mistakes and give you greater peace of mind as your portfolio grows.

Wishing you success on your investing journey!

Disclaimer: This message is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. No attorney-client, fiduciary, or advisory relationship is created by this communication. Always consult with qualified professionals familiar with your specific situation before making any decisions.