May 2026 – Newsletter

Don Named On Forbes List of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors

Our founder and president, Don Hershberger,

has been named on the Forbes list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors — marking the 8th year of recognition among the top advisors in the nation.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE:

  • FORBES RECOGNITION
  • CALENDAR
  • PAPER SHREDDING EVENT
  • FRAUD PREVENTION – 15 TIPS
  • MAKE LIFE EASIER WITH AI
  • GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM

“This achievement reflects the dedication, care, and expertise of the entire Paramount Wealth Management team. Every day, we strive to provide exceptional service, build meaningful long-term relationships, and help our clients make confident, informed decisions about their financial future. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and the impact we continue to have.

Most importantly, this recognition would not be possible without you. Your trust and partnership mean everything to us. It’s a privilege to walk alongside you and help you pursue a life inspired by your goals and values.

Calendar

May 11 – 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Complimentary Paper Shredding at our office in Jackson

May 25 – Financial markets and Paramount Wealth office closed for Memorial Day

June 19 – Financial Markets closed for Juneteenth. Paramount Wealth office will be open.

Paper Shredding Event

Monday, May 11

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

 Paramount Wealth is hosting our 5th annual Shred Event, exclusively for our clients.

The Shred Truck will be in the parking lot of our office located at 420 South Brown Street in Jackson. Stop by anytime between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm and enjoy complementary paper shredding.

  • No need to remove staples
  • Cardboard like file folders and the back of a checkbook can be shredded
  • No cardboard boxes
  • All shredding is recycled

Keeping Your Information Secure

Following our recent client event on fraud prevention and cybersecurity, we wanted to share some of the most practical and impactful steps you can take to better protect your personal and financial information.

Cyber threats continue to evolve, but the good news is that many of the most effective safeguards are simple habits you can start today.

Below are 15 key actions to help reduce your risk and stay one step ahead:

  1. Use two-step authentication wherever possible. Visit turnon2fa.com to find step by step instructions for any site.
  2. Create strong passwords with a combination of letters and numbers.
  3. Be careful what information you share on social media.
  4. Keep all software up to date.
  5. When shopping online, choose https sites.
  6. Physically secure laptops and mobile devices at all times.
  7. Don’t click on unknown links or open suspicious attachments.
  8. Do not use public computers for sensitive information.
  9. Be cautious of unknown flash drives.
  10. Be cautious when using wireless networks; use VPN connectivity when accessing sensitive data.
  11. Don’t fall victim to “your computer is infected” messages or messages making unrealistic threats or demands.
  12. Use encryption for all sensitive data on computers and removable media.
  13. Password protect all computers and smartphones, and keep your username/password safe.
  14. Back up your data regularly.
  15. Ensure all your PCs use antivirus software.

Simple Ways To Make Life Easier With AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s quickly becoming a helpful tool that many people are already using in their everyday lives—often without even realizing it.

The good news? You don’t need to be “tech-savvy” to benefit from it. Think of AI as a smart assistant that can help save time, answer questions, and make daily tasks a little easier.

A Few Easy AI Tools to Get Started

If you’re curious, here are a few common places to try AI. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone:

  • ChatGPT – Great for everyday questions, writing help, and general advice. One of the most user-friendly options.
  • Microsoft Copilot – Especially helpful if you use Microsoft products like Word, Excel, or Outlook. It can assist with emails, documents, and more—often within programs you already use.
  • Google Gemini – Works well with Google tools like Gmail and Google Search.

Each of these works like a conversation—you simply type a question, and it responds. Here are some examples.

1. Get Quick Answers to Everyday Questions

Instead of searching through multiple websites, AI tools can give you a clear answer in seconds.
You can ask things like:

  • “What’s a good substitute for buttermilk?”
  • “How do I remove a coffee stain from white carpet?”
  • “Explain Medicare changes in simple terms.”

It’s like having a knowledgeable helper available all the time.

2. Help with Writing and Communication

AI can make writing easier—whether it’s a text, email, or even a social media post.
For example, you can ask it to:

  • Write a birthday message
  • Help respond to an email
  • Create a thank-you note 

You can even say, “Make this sound more friendly,” and it will adjust the tone for you.

3. Plan Meals and Grocery Lists

Stuck on what to cook? AI can suggest meal ideas based on what you already have at home.
Try asking:

  • “Give me a simple and healthy dinner idea for two using chicken thighs and butternut squash”
  • “Make a shopping list based on a menu of chicken soup, spaghetti, and tacos.”

6. Travel Planning Made Simple

Planning a trip? AI can help you:

  • Build a travel itinerary
  • Suggest restaurants, attractions, or where to find parking
  • Remind you what to pack

7. Tech Help Without Frustration

If you ever feel stuck with your phone, computer, or TV, AI can walk you through it step by step in simple terms. Just type in your question like you ask a friend.

  • “My iPhone is doing this—how do I fix it?” and get step-by-step help in plain language.

8. Get Help Decorating or Refreshing Your Home

Thinking about updating a room but not sure where to start? AI can act like a personal decorator. You can even upload a photo, and AI can suggest furniture arrangements, color palettes, or décor ideas. It’s a great way to get fresh inspiration without hiring a designer.

A Few Tips to Keep in Mind

  • Double-check important information, especially for financial or medical topics
  • Never share personal information like account numbers or passwords
  • Start small—try one or two uses and build from there

The Bottom Line

AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about making everyday life a little easier. Whether you’re writing a note, planning dinner, or solving a small problem, it’s a tool that can save time and reduce stress.

If you’re curious, try one of the tools above—you might be surprised how helpful it can be. In fact, this article was written with the help of AI!

This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (Al). While efforts have been made to ensure the quality and reliability of the content, it is important to note that Al-generated content may not always reflect the most current developments or nuanced human perspectives.

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We Asked The Team…

What is the most memorable place you’ve ever visited?

Don & Mary Anne: The Serengeti.  Words cannot begin to describe how many animals you see when witnessing the wildebeest migration.

Candace: Þingvellir National Park in Iceland—an incredible, rugged landscape where we walked between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Brennan: The Alta Lakes in Colorado. My grandfather took my dad, uncle, cousin, and me up a single-track road to a remote mountain lake for a fishing trip. 

Carrie: Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins in Mexico. It is amazing how such an ancient culture mastered acoustics and incorporated knowledge of astronomy and calendar systems into their architecture.

Donald: Hawaii – worst sunburn of my life!

Krystal: Going to Thailand to attend a friend’s traditional Thai wedding. It was so memorable because of its deep cultural, spiritual, and sacred traditions. The event matched the hospitality that we experienced when we were in the country itself.  The food was wonderful, the local people were kind, and the county offered a jungle, city, and tropical experience.

Holly: St. John in the U S Virgin Islands. We stayed in an oceanfront penthouse, chartered a private boat, visited an uninhabited island, and even ate at a floating taco restaurant. Incredible beaches, great food, and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet.  

Gordon: The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. The historic architecture and lore of the venue made it very memorable to visit in-person.

The Paramount Wealth Management Team
The Paramount Wealth Management Team

420 South Brown Street
Jackson, MI 49203
517-787-4444
517-795-2530 (F)
www.paramountwealth.com

Don Hershberger CFP®, AIF®, CRC®, Founder and President, PWM, was named on the 2024 Forbes Top Wealth Advisor Best-in-State list.

The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2024 ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based upon the period from 6/30/2022 to 6/30/2023 and was released on 4/3/2024. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 44,990 nominations, roughly 8,500 advisors received the award. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for obtaining this award/rating. Compensation provided for using the rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please visit https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors for more info.

Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.  Paramount Wealth Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

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