How Do I Invest and Manage My Own Money? Just Like I Advise My Clients.

By Chad Chase, JD, CTFA

When you spend your days helping clients navigate their financial futures, it’s only natural for people to wonder, “How do you handle your own money? Do you follow the same principles you recommend to your clients?”

The short answer? Yes.

My wife and I are both business owners. She’s a physician who co-owns her practice, and I help run CGN Advisors. We have two kids, a mortgage, and all the usual financial responsibilities that come with being a dual-income family. Over the years, our financial strategy has evolved, but the core principles remain the same: build a strong foundation, invest for the long term, and make intentional choices that align with our values.

Here’s how we manage our money and how the same strategies can work for you.

Building a Strong Foundation: Cash and Emergency Fund

No matter your income level, having cash on hand for unexpected expenses is necessary. When we first started out, one of our biggest priorities was building an emergency fund. Even now, years later, we still maintain a healthy cash reserve because life happens; cars break down, appliances fail, and unexpected expenses pop up.

When I started CGN Advisors with my partners in 2016, this emergency fund became even more vital. Starting a business meant fluctuating income and increased financial risk, so we made sure to have enough cash to sustain us while the firm grew. The same principle applies to anyone experiencing financial transitions; whether you’re starting a business, changing careers, or preparing for retirement, having a safety net gives you options.

Maximizing Retirement Savings First and Foremost

One of the first things we do each year is max out our retirement accounts. Both my wife and I contribute the maximum to our 401(k) plans because we believe in the power of tax-advantaged retirement savings.

When we were younger and our incomes were lower, we prioritized contributing enough to get our employer match. As our careers progressed and we had the ability to contribute more, we gradually increased our savings rate. 

If you’re early in your career and can’t max out your contributions, don’t stress. Start where you can, take advantage of any employer match, and increase your contributions over time. Rather than putting off saving for retirement, build consistently over time.

Smart College Savings for Our Kids

Like many parents, we started 529 college savings plans for our children early on. Our goal was to put away enough to give them options, without overfunding the accounts at the expense of our retirement. We periodically reassess our funding levels as they get older and as their potential for scholarships becomes clearer.

College savings is a personal decision, and we always encourage clients to balance their own retirement security with their desire to help their children. For us, we wanted to give our kids a head start but also ensure they take ownership of their education.

A Balanced Approach to Lifestyle Spending

As a family, we’ve made conscious choices about our spending. We live in a nice home, but we don’t have the biggest or most expensive house on the block. That’s intentional. We’d rather spend money on experiences (traveling, creating memories, and enjoying life) than stretching our budget on a mortgage payment.

That being said, we don’t deprive ourselves. We’ve made room in our budget for the things we enjoy, whether it’s travel, hobbies, or entertainment. The key is making intentional choices.

One concept I often discuss with clients is the idea of “paying yourself first.” For us, this means setting aside money for retirement and savings before deciding how much to spend on discretionary items. We’ve built a lifestyle that aligns with our values, and we make financial choices that reflect what’s most important to us.

Business Ownership: Managing Risks and Rewards

As business owners ourselves, my wife and I have to think about cash flow, reinvestment, and financial stability in a way that’s different from someone with a steady paycheck.

When my partners and I began CGN Advisors, we each had a plan. My wife and I lived on her income for a while, knowing that building a business takes time. We also didn’t overextend ourselves; we planned for growth without taking on unnecessary financial risk.

As a firm, we keep enough cash in the business to manage expenses and future growth, much like the personal emergency fund we each maintain at home. Growth is intentional and calculated, so we don’t stretch too far or take on unnecessary debt. It’s a principle that has allowed us to expand CGN Advisors while maintaining financial stability.

Investing With a Long-Term Mindset

I firmly believe in a diversified, long-term investment approach. My personal portfolio looks just like what I recommend to my clients: stocks, bonds, and a diversified asset allocation that aligns with my risk tolerance and goals.

I don’t chase trends, and I don’t try to time the market. Investing is about consistency, not making big bets. If you have a solid financial plan, you shouldn’t need to panic during market downturns.

One thing I don’t do? Try to manage my own investments daily. I trust our CGN investment team to manage my portfolio the same way they manage client accounts. I firmly believe that having a structured investment approach—one that removes emotion from decision-making—is nonnegotiable for long-term success.

Planning for the Future: Not Just Retirement, but Financial Independence

When people ask about my retirement plans, I explain that rather than aiming for a specific age, the goal is having the option to slow down when the time is right—financial independence, not just retirement.

For my wife and me, that means structuring our finances so that, down the road, we have the flexibility to work less or adjust our schedules without stress. It’s not about picking an exact retirement date, but about making sure we’re financially secure enough to have choices.

Doing What I Advise My Clients to Do

Everything I recommend to my clients—building an emergency fund, saving consistently, investing for the long term, and being intentional with spending—are the same principles I apply in my own life.

There’s no magic formula to personal finance. It requires following sound, time-tested strategies and making thoughtful, deliberate choices with your money. Whether you’re early in your career, a business owner, or approaching retirement, the key is to stay disciplined and focus on what truly matters.

Are you wondering how to structure your financial plan or need guidance on making smart financial decisions? Let’s have a conversation. I’d love to help you build a plan that works for your life, just like we’ve built one that works for ours.

To schedule a meeting, call our Manhattan, KS, office at (785) 340-3434 or our Rogers, AR, office at (479) 335-1034.

About Chad 

Chad Chase, JD, CTFA is a Managing Principal - Senior Financial Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. CGN’s team of financial advisors is made up of native Midwesterners who are passionate about helping clients plan for the future. While prioritizing personal relationships with clients, Chad has a passion for financial education, helping them better understand their situation and why certain recommendations are made. He enjoys getting to know clients and their families and seeing how their partnership helps them realize their goals. To some extent, he’s also a nerd who really enjoys numbers and problem-solving.

Chad obtained an associate’s degree from Butler Community College, a finance degree from Kansas State University, and a Juris Doctor from University of Nebraska College of Law. He is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association Graduate Trust School and has obtained the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor certification from the Institute of Certified Bankers. Prior to entering the wealth management industry, Chad worked in commercial banking for four years in Kansas City and Derby, Kansas, and practiced law in Manhattan. Before co-founding CGN Advisors with his business partners, he served as Vice President & Trust Officer at The Trust Company of Manhattan, Kansas, providing his clients with financial advice, investment management, and trust administration services. 

Chad grew up on a 100-year old ranch in Butler County, KS, which he still helps manage and operate. His wife, Segen, is a Manhattan native, a fellow KSU graduate, and a local physician practicing in internal medicine. They have two children, Solveig and Gantt. Both Chad and Segen are accomplished musicians and very active in the local music and art scene. In addition to music, he enjoys golf, basketball, KSU athletics, and traveling. To learn more about Chad, connect with him on LinkedIn.

Investment advisory services are offered through CGN Advisors, LLC, a fee-only SEC registered investment advisor. Tel: (910) FEE-ONLY. 

Investing involves substantial risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. Before investing in any investment product, potential investors should consult their financial or tax advisor, accountant, or attorney with regard to their specific situation. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies.

The opinions expressed herein are those of certain CGN Advisors, LLC personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated.