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Are you looking for a way to diversify your retirement savings and protect your hard-earned money against market volatility and economic uncertainty? Converting 401k to gold could be the answer.
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Gold has long been regarded as a safe-haven asset and a store of value. When the value of the US dollar decreases, investors often turn to the stability of gold, driving up its price.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of converting your 401k to physical gold without penalty, highlighting key steps, benefits, and considerations along the way.
At its core, the 401k to gold IRA rollover is the process of transferring funds from an existing 401k account to a self-directed IRA account that invests in physical gold for retirement purposes. To do this, you must first ensure that you are eligible for the rollover, and then decide which transfer option suits you best.
There are two primary options for executing a 401k to gold IRA rollover: a direct and indirect one.
In a direct gold 401 rollover, funds are moved directly from your 401k to your self-directed gold IRA without you ever taking possession of the funds.
In an indirect rollover, you receive a distribution from your 401k plan and must deposit the funds into your gold IRA within 60 days to avoid penalties. It is crucial to comply with the 60-day rule to avoid being classified as a withdrawal, which would subject you to taxes and penalties.
If you want to open a gold IRA but don’t know where to begin, start by downloading a free wealth protection kit. This kit contains all the valuable information you need about transferring funds from a 401(k) retirement account into physical gold assets.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has specific regulations in place concerning precious metals investments in Gold IRAs, including those related to their setup and management, as well as the type of investment assets that can be held in the account. Adhering to these regulations is vital to ensure your gold IRA remains compliant and offers the intended protection and diversification benefits.
Therefore, it’s essential to work with a reputable gold IRA company to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
Working with the best gold IRA company will ensure that the conversion process goes smoothly and that you receive the proper guidance and support from start to finish. Here are the most trusted companies that specialize in facilitating 401k to gold IRA rollovers and transfers.
Goldco is a market leader when it comes to investing in precious metals for retirement. Its precious metals specialists will help you with all the paperwork involved in moving funds from your 401k to your gold IRA account, as well as choose profitable gold products.
The company is trusted by Sean Hannity and has more than 4000 five-star reviews on reputable platforms like TrustPilot, ConsumerAffairs, Better Business Bureau and Business Consumer Alliance.
This is another popular company that specializes in precious metals investments. Augusta’s dedicated managers will guide you through every step of the way of moving funds from your 401k to a self-directed IRA and help you purchase gold or silver products.
Augusta Precious Metals is endorsed by hall of fame quarterback Joe Montana and boasts thousands of positive reviews with only a couple minor complaints in over a decade of doing business.
Before embarking on the conversion process, it’s important to know your options and understand the steps involved. Working closely with your chosen gold IRA provider and your 401k plan administrator will help ensure a smooth transition and compliance with IRS regulations.
By converting a 401k to gold, you can safeguard your retirement assets and mitigate the risks associated with market volatility, inflation, and economic uncertainty.
Gold has historically held its value and even appreciated during times of economic instability, providing a hedge against potential losses in other investments. Furthermore, precious metal IRAs offer a distinct opportunity to diversify your retirement savings, reducing your overall risk exposure and increasing the potential for long-term growth and wealth preservation.
401k gold investing can also provide tax benefits, as distributions from a self-directed gold IRA are tax-free. Physical gold is also a tangible asset that cannot be hacked or stolen online, providing an additional layer of security for your retirement savings.
Converting 401k into gold involves several key steps, including choosing a gold IRA company, opening a self-directed IRA account, initiating the rollover process, and purchasing physical gold.
Start by researching and comparing reputable gold IRA companies, taking into consideration factors such as customer service, investment options, and fees. The most recommended option is Goldco, a true market leader endorsed by Sean Hannity and trusted by thousands of satisfied customers
Next, open a self-directed gold IRA account by completing the necessary paperwork, submitting the required documents, and funding the account. It is important to work collaboratively with a gold IRA company. This will help ensure a successful setup of your account.
Initiate the rollover process by notifying your current 401k custodian and completing all necessary paperwork. Collaborate with your gold IRA company during this process to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
Finally, purchase IRS-approved gold coins and bars for your gold IRA with the help of a reputable gold dealer. Consider diversifying your investments with other precious metals, such as silver, platinum, or palladium, to further enhance your retirement savings.
By following these steps, you can successfully convert your 401k to gold, providing valuable diversification and protection for your retirement savings.
Choosing the right company is a critical step in the conversion process, as it will directly impact the quality of service and support you receive. When selecting a gold investment company, it’s essential to read gold IRA reviews and consider factors such as customer service, investment options, fees, and their dedication to providing educational resources to clients.
A trusted company can offer various services, such as assistance with paperwork, facilitating rollovers, and providing investment advice. They can also help you purchase silver and other precious metals, depending on your investment objectives.
It’s crucial to do your research and compare multiple gold IRA companies, including those offering silver IRA options, to find the best fit for your needs. Take the time to read client reviews, compare fees, and speak with company representatives to get a feel for their level of expertise and commitment to client satisfaction.
A self-directed IRA is a retirement savings account that allows you to invest in a wide range of alternative assets, including physical gold. Opening an account with a gold IRA company is a crucial step in converting your 401k to gold, as it will enable you to hold physical gold within a tax-advantaged retirement account.
Choose a company and complete the necessary paperwork to open an account. Submit the required documents and fund the account. This is part of the 401k to gold IRA rollover process, so it’s essential to work with one of the top gold IRA companies to ensure each step is properly navigated.
The main distinction between a self-directed Roth IRA and a self-directed Traditional IRA is the tax treatment of contributions and distributions. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, but distributions are tax-free, making it an attractive option for those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket during retirement.
To initiate a rollover from your 401k to a gold IRA, you must first notify your current 401k custodian and complete all necessary paperwork. Working closely with your dedicated precious metals specialist is critical. They can help you make sure everything goes smoothly and is compliant with the law. The documents required to effect a rollover without incurring penalties or paying taxes will be provided by your custodian.
If you’re opting for a direct rollover, your 401k custodian will transfer the funds directly to your self-directed individual retirement account, and you must deposit the funds within 60 days to avoid penalties. Whether you choose a direct or indirect rollover, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines and timelines set forth by the IRS to avoid unnecessary taxes and penalties.
Once your account is set up and funded, you can begin purchasing physical gold for your retirement savings. To do this, you’ll need to work with a reputable gold dealer who can provide IRS-approved gold coins and bars. Gold coins, such as the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, South African Krugerrand, and Austrian Philharmonic, are widely recognized and accepted as investments within precious metals IRAs. Gold bars, which come in various sizes and weights, are another option for your gold IRA.
When selecting gold coins or gold bullion bars for your IRA, ensure they meet the purity standards set forth by the IRS. Collaborating with a reputable gold dealer guarantees that the gold coins and bars you purchase are of the highest quality and adhere to all applicable regulations.
In addition to gold, you may also consider investing in other precious metals, such as silver, platinum, or palladium, to further diversify your retirement savings. Consult with your gold IRA provider to determine the best mix of precious metals for your unique investment objectives.
Gold IRAs allow for various forms of gold investments, including coins and bars. Gold coins are legal tender coins made of pure gold. Their weight and purity is validated by a country’s government. Gold bars are a physical form of gold used for a variety of purposes. They can be used by individuals and governments to preserve wealth, diversify portfolios or balance sheets, and even serve as a reserve currency.
Gold and silver coins have been a popular form of investment for many years. Some of the most widely recognized are the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, South African Krugerrand and Austrian Philharmonic. These coins are popular choices for gold IRA investments due to their widespread acceptance and recognition. Gold bars, available in various sizes and weights, are another option for gold IRA investors.
Investing in gold and silver coins offers advantages such as efficient diversification of your portfolio and protection against inflation. Gold bars, on the other hand, often feature serial numbers for authentication and verification purposes, providing an additional layer of security.
When selecting gold investments for your IRA, it’s important to work with a reputable gold dealer and ensure the gold coins and bars meet the purity standards set forth by the IRS. This will guarantee that your gold IRA remains compliant and offers the intended protection and diversification benefits.
The IRS requires that a third-party custodian hold the precious metals in a self-directed IRA to ensure secure storage and proper management of investments. When selecting a gold IRA custodian, consider factors such as their reputation and experience in managing gold IRAs. IRS-approved custodians typically offer services such as account setup, asset management, and secure storage of your gold investments. It’s essential to work with a custodian that complies with all IRS regulations and has a proven track record of providing excellent service to gold IRA clients.
In addition to selecting a custodian, you’ll also need to choose a secure storage facility for your gold investments. The storage facility should be IRS-approved and provide a high level of security to protect your valuable assets. Consult with your gold IRA company and custodian to determine the best storage option for your needs.
Converting your 401k to a gold IRA can provide tax benefits, such as tax deferral until retirement and increased control over tax liabilities. However, it’s important to be aware of potential tax penalties that may be associated with gold IRA investments. For instance, withdrawals before the age of 59 1/2 are subject to income tax and a 10% penalty. A 28% capital gains tax could be applicable on any profits generated if the metals increase in value when held in the gold IRA. This is in addition to other taxes which may have to be paid.
Some gold investments, such as gold mining stocks and gold ETFs, may not be eligible for tax benefits when investing in a gold IRA. It’s crucial to understand the tax implications of your gold IRA investments and manage your investments accordingly to minimize tax liabilities. Consult with a financial professional to ensure you’re making the most of your gold IRA’s tax advantages while avoiding potential pitfalls.
To buy gold with 401k, you have to roll over funds from your 401k plan into a gold IRA by opening an account with a gold IRA company and transferring the funds.
Please mind that it is not advised to take money out of a 401k, it’s better to do a trustee-to-trustee transfer (when distribution is not paid to the account holder in cash).
Rolling over your 401k to a gold IRA is simple. Find a precious metals IRA company that specializes in gold investments, fill out the necessary paperwork, and transfer a portion of funds from your 401k to physical precious metals. Precious metals specialists will help you with all the paperwork involved.
Moving an IRA to gold offers a number of benefits, but it’s up to you to decide whether gold is a good investment option for you. Benefits of investing in gold for retirement include tax-deferred growth, the ability to diversify your portfolio, and the potential for long-term capital appreciation.
You can transfer all or part of your 401k funds to a gold IRA with a direct rollover, which is the best way to ensure the transfer is completed without any incurring penalties. If you choose to withdraw funds from your 401k and do an indirect rollover, make sure to deposit funds into your gold IRA within a 60-day period, otherwise you will have to pay a distribution tax.
A 401k to gold IRA rollover is the process of transferring funds from an existing 401k to a self-directed IRA account that invests in physical gold, enabling investors to benefit from the potential growth and stability of these precious metals.
Gold has long been seen as a safe haven asset, and many investors are turning to gold as a way to diversify their retirement portfolios and protect their savings from market volatility. With a gold IRA rollover, investors can take advantage of the potential growth and stability of gold while still enjoying the tax benefits of a traditional IRA.
Converting 401k into gold can provide significant benefits. By understanding the conversion process, selecting the right gold IRA company, opening a self-directed account, and purchasing physical gold, you can safeguard your retirement savings and secure your financial future.
Don’t leave your retirement savings vulnerable to market fluctuations and economic uncertainty – take control of your financial destiny by converting your 401k to gold today.
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This month, the 2026 San Diego Business Impact Awards recognized local businesses making an impact in clean energy, biotech, hospitality, and beyond
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”

Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”

Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”

While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”

Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.

San Diego aesthetic medicine providers help you look—and feel—your best
San Diego is home to world-class aestheticians, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists who can help turn back the hands of time and revitalize tired, damaged skin. Enhancing your look is a spectrum. Treatments range from noninvasive procedures like lasers or injectables to the big guns, like a deep-plane facelift—many with better results and less downtime than ever thanks to advanced techniques and technology. Whether you’re a Botox beginner or an aesthetic medical care veteran, San Diego aestheticians and aesthetic medicine providers can help you look and feel like the best version of yourself.

Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa is San Diego’s premier destination for aesthetic surgery, led by world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Rossi. Celebrated for his artistry, precision, and natural-looking results, Dr. Rossi is known for creating customized Mommy Makeovers that help women restore confidence and reclaim their bodies after pregnancy. His expertise also extends to comprehensive post-weight loss body contouring, addressing excess skin and skin laxity with sophisticated surgical techniques tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. From breast and body rejuvenation to deep plane facelifts and eyelid surgery, every treatment plan reflects Dr. Rossi’s commitment to surgical excellence, personalized care, and transformative results that look as beautiful as they feel.

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, the board-certified, internationally acclaimed team has the power to erase 10+ years of aging in a single treatment. The center’s 60+ laser, light, and energy devices do it all—refining texture and tone, calming acne, minimizing pores, and erasing that ill-advised spring break tattoo of yesteryear. Their dermatologists take it further by stacking multiple devices in one session for synergistic results—the philosophy behind their signature Take5 and Take10 treatments, the latter capable of removing a decade-plus of aging in just one visit. Add a full suite of injectables, body sculpting, and vein treatments for every skin type and tone, and it’s no wonder the practice’s medical director was named the #1 cosmetic dermatologist in America by Newsweek two years running.

If it’s subtle, lasting results you’re after, Cultivé Medical Aesthetics has you covered. Cultivé purposely combines aesthetics and wellness. The Bankers Hill practice offers a full menu of services designed to improve skin health and support the three pillars of aesthetic aging: skin tone and texture, volume loss, and laxity. Cultivé offers a wide range of aesthetic treatments, including collagen boosting powerhouse Morpheus8, biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse, PRP therapy, laser hair removal, VI peels, and regenerative skincare treatments. They also provide wellness-focused services such as hormone replacement therapy, IV therapy, and medical weight management programs.

Starlite Aesthetics and Wellness focuses on enhancing natural beauty through science-backed treatments tailored to each client’s goals. Michelle Langston, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, founded Starlite on the principle that aesthetic medicine should be precise, personal, and rooted in wellness. The boutique aesthetic practice in La Jolla combines modern medical aesthetics with holistic wellness principles for refined results personalized to each patient. Langston has spent more than a decade honing her skills in advanced injectables, regenerative therapies, and anti-aging care. Starlite offers regenerative therapies rooted in science, promoting skin rejuvenation using a multiple modality approach. Service offerings include RF microneedling, wrinkle relaxers, facial balancing and more.

In the rapidly advancing field of aesthetic medicine, it can be hard to tell what’s worth the hype. Here are some of the latest, most advanced, and most popular options out there.
Morpheus8: This combination of microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy activates your skin’s own collagen and elastin without the downtime associated with some
laser treatments. It can be used to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, improve skin tone, contour the jawline, and minimize acne scars.
Exosome Therapy: This cutting-edge treatment uses protein-packed nanoparticles to trigger repair and rejuvenation at the cellular level. Often used post-microneedling or lasers, exosomes penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production.
Post-GLP-1 Skin Removal: Rapid fat loss prompted by GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide, can leave users with sagging skin. Skilled surgeons can remove excess skin and reshape the figure.
Treatment Stacking: Sometimes it’s the more the merrier when it comes to aesthetic procedures. Combining multiple non-surgical treatments in a single session allows users to address several issues efficiently, with less downtime.
It’s a Self-Care Summer. Because your best self is our favorite self.
If you’re anything like us, it can be easy to get so caught up in taking care of everyone else, that your own needs get lost in the ether. But while this may be a cliché, that doesn’t make it any less true: You can’t give your best self to other people unless you’re taking care of yourself.
Sometimes, that looks like stopping in for your regular acupuncture or chiropractic appointment. Other days, it means giving your body the fresh, organic fuel it needs to truly feel and function at its best. And some other times still, it involves leaving your responsibilities behind for a weekend to pamper yourself at an incredible resort and spa.
Only you can decide what your truly need. We’re just here to help you find the best ways to get it.

Island living meets desert luxury at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. When you step onto the 11-acre property, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping view of the Santa Rosa Mountains with olive trees and fragrant citrus groves decorating the grounds. In other words, everything about this relaxed but refined resort is primed to help you let go of the stress from home and enjoy easy sun-soaked days and gorgeous starry nights.
The rooms blend calming, woven textures with Tommy Bahama’s signature tropical prints and feature private lanais, making it easy unwind the moment you walk in the door. If you book one of the four Villa Suites, you’ll be treated to exclusive Tommy Bahama furniture and unique personal touches to further that feeling of instant ease.
At the award-winning Spa Rosa, the expert team will help reset and recharge your body and mind using methods and rituals inspired by the desert. The 12,000-square-foot retreat includes outdoor soaking pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, and outdoor cabanas, as well as massages, facials, and body masks—all aimed at creating a day dedicated to you. We’re particularly partial to the Day Long Escape, an indulgent all-day affair of CDBs soaks, renewing scrubs, life changing massages, and transformative facials.
Following your treatment, continue the experience with a meal on the patio at Grapefruit Basil. We love the Hamachi Crudo, a light, citrus-forward dish featuring premium yellowtail, house-made ponzu, creamy avocado, and fresh seasonal garnishes.
Whether you’re strolling the gardens, relaxing beside its saltwater pools, or indulging in a restorative treatment, you’ll be able to escape in style and relax in luxury at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa.

There’s no shortage of ways to stay active in San Diego—but if you really want to enjoy everything the city has to offer, you’ve got to make sure you’re giving your body its tune-ups. Enter: Healcove Chiropractic. The board-certified chiropractors and wellness professionals at Healcove are experts at addressing that stage where you’re not injured, exactly, but you’re not at 100%, either. Maybe you’re feeling a bit tense or stressed out. Or it could be that you’re not quite moving the way you want to. Sometimes, it’s just that the accumulation of days, weeks, or even years of daily strain is starting to take a toll. No matter what stage you find yourself at, the Healcove Chiropractic team can provide integrated, preventative care centered on long-term, science-backed approaches that ensure you can always stay active and live the life you want to live pain-free.
This starts by providing truly individualized care. Every patient can expect a thorough 60-minute consultation session that includes a posture and movement screening. This allows the team to develop a completely personalized plan. That plan might include chiropractic care, acupuncture, or massage therapy, as well as functional fitness training, vibration and sound therapy, and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, a clinical rehabilitation method that retrains the body’s stabilization systems. Whatever the team recommends, you can be sure that it’s tailored to meeting your body’s needs today and the future.
There’s a reason that San Diego Magazine named Healcove the “Best Chiropractor in San Diego”—don’t wait until you’re struggling with an injury to find out why. Book an appointment today for holistic, integrated care that helps ground and heal your body before it reaches a crisis point.

West Coast wellness culture meets the community feel of Southern Appalachia at Juice Holler. Juice Holler’s menu consists of made-to-order smoothies and smoothie bowls, as well as grab-and-go cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, salads, and more. It operates from the blissfully simple premise that fueling up with food and drink that’s guilt-free and good your body should be simple, accessible, and, above all else, delicious. And if you haven’t yet made it out to the Encinitas café, which opened just this year, let us be the first to tell you: Juice Holler delivers on each and every of these fronts.
We love the Supercharger smoothie, a mood-lifting and body-fueling option made with banana, almond butter, blue spirulina, maca, grass-fed whey protein, raw cacao nibs, medjool dates, and coconut milk. We’re also partial to the Thrive Alive smoothie bowl, where avocado, mango, sea moss, spirulina, mint, coconut milk, and agave are mixed and topped with coconut, chia seeds, strawberry, mango, and chocolate drizzle. The wellness shots include the Detoxifier, a cleansing blend of kale, cucumber, lemon and spirulina, plus a shot specially designed to fight inflammation (named, fittingly, Anti-Inflammation). Probiotic overnight oats, lemon turmeric bars, and strawberry shortcake chia pudding are other standouts on the grab-and-go menu.
Much of the vibe feels beachy North County chic—think green tile with orange and pink accents, grounded with greenery and natural wood—but Juice Holler founder Kelly Sergott, a longtime Encinitas local, has also enfused the space with her Kentucky roots. In Appalachia, a holler is small valley between hills and mountains, where nature reigns, community is king, and nourishment comes right from the land. At Juice Holler, Sergott has created a holler for the busy modern times, using local ingredients to create a spot for people to come together and enjoy fresh, fast, feel-good fuel for their day.

We’ve all had that experience with a medical professional where we’ve felt rushed, ignored, or misunderstood—and ultimately, like we didn’t get the answers that we needed. But at Everwell, the holistic acupuncture practice located in Solana Beach, the care team wants to transform your understanding of what healthcare can look like.
Patients at Everwell experience care rooted in intentional listening and radical empathy—and trust us, those aren’t just corporate buzzwords. This place actually puts those ideas into practice. You will always be given the time you need to tell your story— initial in-take appointments are two hours long—and you can rest assured that your story will be believed. Every single question and concern will be addressed by a dedicated practitioner who wants to find the specific solutions that work best for you, and you’ll receive care that’s aimed at healing the body, mind, and spirit.
Everwell’s highly trained, doctorate-level practitioners blend evidence-based acupuncture with the practice of classical Chinese medicine. (If you’ve never tried acupuncture before or aren’t sure if the team will be a fit, we’d highly recommended Everwell’s complimentary 20-minute consultations.) Research shows that by stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture activates a natural healing response in the body, helping to restore balance, regulate the nervous system, and improve overall wellbeing. This allows the practice to address an incredibly wide range of conditions from chronic pain and autoimmune disorders to digestive issues, from stress and burnout to headaches migraines, fertility and postpartum struggles, hormonal imbalances, sleep concerns and more.
At Everwell, you can expect to feel heard, trusted, respected, and cared for. This is a space that doesn’t want to be just another healthcare provider you visit; it wants to provide patients with dedicated partner who will be there for their entire health journey.
The Unconscious Moderation app is helping health-conscious professionals take an honest look at their drinking, without pressure, and without quitting as the only option.
San Diego runs on optimization. Early mornings, clean eating, training logs, sleep scores. The people here take their health seriously and the results usually show. Most of them also have two drinks most nights, not because anything is wrong, but because the day was long and the glass is right there and it has always been right there.
That routine doesn’t get the same scrutiny as the rest of the stack. It doesn’t feel like something to examine. It feels like a reward.
Which is exactly what your brain has decided it is. When something reliably moves you from one state to another, your brain files it under things to repeat. Do it consistently enough and the cue stops requiring a decision. It’s 6pm, the laptop is closed, and some part of your brain has already placed the order.
Most habit-change tools work on the number. They count drinks, set weekly targets, send check-in texts. That’s useful for seeing what the pattern looks like. It doesn’t tell you where the pattern came from, or change it at that level.
Unconscious Moderation works underneath the habit. The app uses guided hypnotherapy sessions, structured journaling, and daily movement to address the subconscious associations that make reaching for a drink feel like the obvious next thing. The journaling isn’t a diary. It’s built to surface what your brain is actually reaching for, so you can meet that need directly rather than through a substitute.
The program runs 90 days. At day 30, you choose your own direction: cut back, drink more intentionally, or stop altogether. The app treats both as equally valid outcomes. The point isn’t to follow a rule you set on a Sunday. It’s to understand the pattern well enough that whichever path you choose, you’re choosing it clearly.
The people who tend to get the most out of it are not in crisis. They’re the ones who have tried tracking apps and found the count drifting back up regardless. They know exactly how much they drink and why. The awareness just hasn’t moved the habit. At some point, the work needs to happen somewhere the count sheet can’t reach.
San Diego’s wellness culture already knows that surface numbers tell only part of the story. What you eat matters, but so does why. How much you sleep matters, but so does the quality. The same logic applies here.
Learn more at um.app, or download the Unconscious Moderation app on the App Store or Google Play.
Innovative treatment could offer cancer patients new options with fewer side effects
Chemotherapy and radiation have long been considered gold standards of cancer treatment, but they can cause severe side effects. A promising new approach called theranostics—a combination of “therapeutics” and “diagnostics”—could offer patients with certain types of metastatic cancers new hope. It’s a two-step process that uses a drug that binds to specific receptors on cancer cells. Advanced imaging detects this radioisotope, allowing doctors to then use a second radioisotope that binds to the cancer cells and destroys them. Click here to learn more about how specialists at Scripps Cancer Center are using theranostics.
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Discover San Diego’s Top Lawyers — the region’s most trusted legal professionals across diverse practice areas.
Daniel A. Kaplan is a founding partner of Panakos LLP with more than three decades of civil litigation experience in both state and federal courts. Mr. Kaplan pursues and defends legal claims on behalf of companies, entrepreneurs, and business owners in high-stakes disputes. He focuses on business disputes including breach of contract, unfair competition, trade secret theft, securities disputes, fraud/misrepresentations, and employment matters.
“The best advocacy combines preparation, perspective, and a client relationship built on trust and candor.” — Daniel A. Kaplan
His clients include real estate investors, private and public corporations, and individuals seeking sophisticated legal counsel. Known for practical judgment and strategic advocacy, he works closely with an experienced and diverse legal team to protect, enforce, and defend his clients’ interests.
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