Most people have one. 

That kitchen junk drawer is packed with old batteries, random cords, expired coupons, mystery keys, and things nobody remembers buying. 

According to Certified Financial Fiduciary® Owen Edwards, many of our finances are similar.  

“Over the years, people collect accounts, investments, old 401(k)s, insurance policies, IRAs, CDs, and stocks,” said Edwards. “Eventually, their financial life starts looking like a junk drawer. Everything’s somewhere…but nobody’s really sure what’s important anymore. Or how it all works together.”  

Edwards says the problem isn’t laziness. 

“Life happens. Jobs change. Markets change. Priorities change. Most people aren’t intentionally disorganized — they’re just busy.”  

The issue, he says, is that scattered finances can quietly create unnecessary stress, confusion, fees, tax inefficiencies, and missed opportunities. 

Some common examples include:

• Old 401(k) accounts left behind atpreviousemployers  
• Beneficiaries that were never updated 
• Overlapping investments doing the same thing 
• Cash sitting idle,earning little 
• Insurance products people no longer understand 
• Retirement income plans that were never actually written down  

“People have worked hard to build what they have,” Edwards explained. “But having money in multiple places is not the same thing as having a coordinated plan.”  

Edwards encourages individuals approaching retirement to periodically “clean out the financial junk drawer” by organizing accounts, reviewing beneficiaries, understanding fees, evaluating tax exposure, and building a written strategy designed around their actual goals. 

Owen shared: “It’s about clarity,” said Edwards. “Especially as retirement gets closer. The goal isn’t more accounts. The goal is understanding what you own, why you own it, and how all the pieces work together.” 

About Owen Edwards 

Owen Edwards, Certified Financial Fiduciary® serves individuals, families, and business owners throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and nationwide. 
Beginning his 30th year in financial services, Edwards is known for his educational, client-first approach and his dedication to helping clients gain the clarity and confidence they need to make informed financial decisions. 

 Learn more: https://royalfundmanagement.com/  

Owen Edwards is an Investment Adviser Representative of and investment services offered through Royal Fund Management, LLC, an SEC Registered Adviser. 401(k) Maneuver is another business name for Royal Fund Management, LLC. Royal Fund Management LLC only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Changes in investment strategies, contributions or withdrawals, and economic conditions may materially alter the performance of your portfolio. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client’s investment portfolio. There are no assurances that a client’s portfolio will match or outperform any particular benchmark. Insurance product guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. The adviser is paid commissions on the sale of insurance products only. Royal Fund Management and Owen Edwards are not engaged in the practice of law or accounting and any advice provided should not be construed as legal or accounting advice. The information discussed and presented herein is intended to serve as a basis for further discussion with your financial, legal, tax and/or accounting advisors. It is not a substitute for competent advice from these advisors. Content was prepared by a third-party, unaffiliated provider and is not the product of the adviser or Royal Fund Management LLC, and should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Language used by the third-party that appears promissory should be considered as mere marketing hype or hyperbole and the reader is reminded that there can be no guarantees or assurances or any particular outcome. Although we believe the content is reliable, it is not guaranteed as to accuracy and is not intended to be the primary basis for investment decisions. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your Investment Adviser Representative prior to implementation.