As we step into May, the warmer days and longer evenings invite us to embrace the sun, sand, and surf. With Memorial Day just around the corner, we take a moment to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Located in the heart of Delaware beaches, we believe that just like planning for a perfect beach getaway, successful financial management requires the right strategies and insights. This month, we’ll dive into ways to help you navigate your financial waves and make the most out of your financial summer, ensuring that you’re ready to enjoy every moment on and off the shore, including the cherished gatherings and activities that Memorial Day brings.

Every month, we host live, in-person or virtual educational workshops throughout the local community. We welcome you to attend these events and share them with those in your circle who may benefit from these no-cost seminars and workshops! Click the registration link for more details.  Feel free to send us any topics of interest at communications@bdfsmail.com.

June 23, 2025 at 11:00am

at Lewes Public Library & via Zoom | No Cost

Estate planning isn’t just about wills and trusts—it’s about ensuring your loved ones are cared for, your wishes are honored, and your legacy is protected. Join us in person or virtually with Zoom to learn how taking proactive steps now can bring peace of mind and financial security for you and your family.

In-Person Registration | Zoom Webinar Registration 

July 21, 2025 at 9:30am

at Lewes Public Library & via Zoom | No Cost

Caregiving for an aging loved one is one of life’s most significant challenges, but with the right tools and strategies, you can navigate it with confidence. Join us in person or virtually with Zoom for an empowering workshop that provides actionable steps to manage the personal, medical, legal, and financial aspects of caregiving.

In-Person Registration | Zoom Webinar Registration 

About the Presenters:

Join Kenneth Reese, MSFS, CPWA®, CFP®, CIMA®, CLU®, ChFC®, EA, Partner and Financial Advisor at Black Diamond Financial Solutions, for a valuable educational experience.

Instructor with Delaware's The Money School, Kenneth  brings a wealth of expertise to his presentations.

Kenneth, a Penn State graduate with over a decade in wealth management, specializes in tax-centered financial strategies that empower clients.

Ken offers practical insights to help you navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence.

Estate planning isn’t just about creating a will; it’s about making sure everything you’ve worked hard for goes as planned. That can get complicated when you have multiple accounts, insurance policies, properties, or even a family business. That’s where Asset Map comes in. It pulls together your entire financial picture onto a single page, so you can clearly see what you own, how it's titled, and who’s set to receive it.

This kind of visual tool helps uncover details that often get overlooked, like whether your assets are properly aligned with your trust, or if your beneficiary designations are out of date. It also highlights opportunities to reduce taxes, make gifts to loved ones, or support causes you care about. You can even map out “what-if” scenarios to better understand how your legacy would play out across different situations.

Most importantly, Asset Map makes estate planning feel less like legal paperwork and more like a personal conversation about your goals. It gives you and your advisor a shared understanding of your full financial picture and makes it easier to bring in your attorney or tax professional when needed. Whether you're just getting started or fine-tuning an existing plan, Asset Map helps bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Austin Carter, MBA

Associate Advisor

Hopefully you've had the chance to meet Katie Ehrick, our new receptionist.  Katie just graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in Cybersecurity! Congrats, Katie, and we are so happy to welcome you to our team! 

Congratulations to our very own Austin Carter for completing his Masters Degree at University of Delaware.  His knowledge and expertise will serve his clients well!

Derrick and the other Associate Advisors represented Black Diamond at the Spring Home Expo.  Maybe you even saw our booth!

Joe and Wes have premiered Black Diamond's first podcast, Smart Money Moves, Fresh Minds, where they leverage their education and experience to explore real-world financial topics from a unique viewpoint. Tune in to the current episodes on your favorite podcast platform now and keep an eye out for new content arriving in the coming weeks!

Rose snapped this photo of a Gold Finch enjoying a snack from her bird feeder

Chances are, you've met Rosalie "Rose" Whitehouse if you've visited Black Diamond Financial Solutions before.  In addition to excelling as our Senior Account Representative and Office Manager, she is an excellent photographer.  While some of our clients are her biggest fans, we love supporting her hobby by sharing some of her photos from time to time.  Enjoy!

Rosalie M. Whitehouse

Office Manager & Senior Account Representative