As a small business owner in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the most important benefits you can offer your employees is access to a 401(k) plan. Not only does a 401(k) help attract and retain top talent, but it also provides tax advantages for both you and your employees. However, selecting the right 401(k) provider is crucial to ensure your plan runs smoothly, complies with regulations, and meets the needs of your workforce.

When it comes to managing your finances, making informed decisions can be the difference between achieving your goals and falling short. At Cool Wealth Management in Phoenix, Arizona, we understand that navigating the complexities of wealth-building, retirement planning, and financial security can feel overwhelming. That’s where a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), like our founder Grady Cool, CFA, CFP, comes in. Choosing to work with a CFP offers unparalleled expertise, personalized guidance, and a commitment to your financial success. Here’s why partnering with a CFP at Cool Wealth Management is a smart move for your financial future.

At Cool Wealth Management here in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the most common questions we get from new clients is, “Should I invest in ETFs or mutual funds?” While both are popular vehicles for diversification, there are key differences that can significantly impact your long-term returns—especially when it comes to fees.

At Cool Wealth Management, we believe that understanding risk is one of the most important steps in creating a financial strategy that works for you. Too often, financial advice is given in a one-size-fits-all format, but the reality is that everyone's risk profile is unique. Whether you're building wealth for the future, saving for a big purchase, or planning for retirement, defining risk to your personal circumstances and goals is essential. Here’s how we approach it.

In the digital age, countless budgeting tools and apps have come to market, offering a variety of ways to manage personal finances. However, one tool that remains a simple, effective, and flexible option is the humble spreadsheet. Whether you're an entrepreneur in the Phoenix area, a business owner, or simply looking to take control of your personal finances, spreadsheets—using platforms like Excel or Google Sheets—are still one of the best options for budgeting.

At Cool Wealth Management, we believe financial advice should be deeply personal. In a world full of noise, templates, and algorithms, we bring it back to what really matters—the person sitting right in front of us.

At Cool Wealth Management, we understand that tax season can bring stress, confusion, and frustration. Everyone wants to pay as little as possible in taxes, but it's important to remember that lowering your tax bill shouldn't involve taking risks with "sketchy" loopholes. The good news? There are plenty of legitimate, smart strategies that can help you reduce your tax liability while keeping you in the clear with the IRS.

Private equity (PE) can be a powerful tool for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and access higher returns. However, it’s not suitable for everyone, and understanding when to consider private equity investments is key to making informed financial decisions. This article explores the factors to consider when evaluating whether private equity is a good fit for your investment strategy.

At Cool Wealth Management here in Phoenix, we talk a lot about growing wealth—but knowing when to dial it back is just as important.

There’s a time to go on offense. But there’s also a time to play defense.

That shift doesn’t mean you’re giving up on growth. It means you're being strategic with what you've already built.

So, when should you consider getting less aggressive with your investment strategy? Let’s walk through the most common (and critical) moments:

As a business owner, you’ve worked tirelessly to build and grow your company. You’ve managed the ups and downs, the financial challenges, and the risks that come with being your own boss. One thing that shouldn’t add to your stress is the fees associated with managing your wealth and financial planning. That’s where fee transparency comes in—a crucial factor in ensuring you receive the value and clarity you deserve from your financial advisor.

At Cool Wealth Management, we believe that creating a robust financial plan is like assembling a championship team—it takes coordination, expertise, and a shared goal to win. While our role as your wealth management advisors is to guide you toward your financial objectives, we don’t work alone. Collaborating with attorneys, CPAs, and other specialists is essential to ensure every piece of your financial puzzle fits together seamlessly. Here’s why this teamwork matters and how we make it happen for you.

In today’s globalized world, wealth no longer stays in one place. Whether you're a U.S.-based business owner investing abroad, a foreign national living in the United States, or part of a family with assets and heirs spread across countries, cross-border wealth planning is no longer optional—it’s essential.

As a real estate investor, you’re always looking for ways to maximize your returns and grow your portfolio. One of the most effective strategies to achieve this is through a 1031 exchange, a tax-deferral tool that allows you to swap one investment property for another while postponing capital gains taxes. Named after Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, this strategy can help you reinvest your profits into bigger or better properties without losing a chunk to taxes upfront. In this article, we’ll break down what a 1031 exchange is, how it works, its benefits, and key rules to follow to ensure success.

Your credit score affects way more than just whether you qualify for a loan.

It can influence your interest rates, your ability to rent an apartment, your insurance premiums—and in some industries, even your job opportunities. Yet despite how important it is, most people are never really taught how credit works or how to improve it.

The good news? It’s not nearly as complicated as it seems.

Let’s break down what actually impacts your credit score and what you can do—starting today—to move in the right direction.

When it comes to building long-term financial security, one of the most important strategies is also one of the most misunderstood: diversification. While it may sound like industry jargon, diversification is simply the process of spreading your investments across different assets to reduce risk and increase the likelihood of more consistent returns.

It’s one of the most common — and most complicated — questions people ask:

How much money is enough?

It sounds simple, but it’s not. Because “enough” isn’t just a number. It’s a feeling. A mindset. A deeply personal target that shifts based on your values, goals, and lifestyle.

Let’s unpack what “enough” really means — and how you can define it for yourself.

A strong credit score is a game-changer for business owners. Whether you're looking to secure better financing, negotiate favorable supplier terms, or establish credibility, improving your business credit score can open doors to growth and stability. In this post, we’ll explore why your business credit score matters and actionable steps you can take to improve it.

As a business owner, you already know the importance of taking control—of your time, your income, and your future. But one area where many entrepreneurs fall short is retirement planning. If you're self-employed or run a business with no full-time employees (other than a spouse), the Solo 401(k) might be one of the most powerful tools you're not using.

As a business owner, your hard-earned income is the product of your dedication, risk-taking, and hard work. But once you’ve generated that income, the next crucial step is knowing how to make the most of it. Whether you're reinvesting in your business or planning for personal financial growth, making strategic decisions about your earnings can secure your financial future and help your business thrive.

Here are some key strategies for business owners to maximize their earnings:

In the world of investing, options contracts often get a bad reputation. Many people associate them with high-risk speculation, quick gains, and, unfortunately, devastating losses. But when used correctly, options are not a tool for gambling—they are a strategic way to manage risk.

At Cool Wealth Management, we specialize in helping business owners and investors navigate complex financial decisions, including how to use options effectively. In this post, we’ll break down why options are best used for hedging, not speculation, and how they can protect your portfolio.