Page 29 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2026

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supporting organizations that assist children and foster families along the Coast. The couple emphasizes giving locally and modeling gratitude for their own children by showing that not every family begins with the same opportunities.
Ardis often shares a phrase from her former pastor, Dr. Rick Carter: “It is better to be able to be a giver than to have to be a receiver.” She said that message continues to shape the way she views generosity, gratitude, and community responsibility.
Agape Wealth operates with a small, close-knit team, and many clients have been with Ardis for more than eight years, most new business comes by referral. That continuity has shaped Agape into a personal, relationship-driven firm where financial planning is also life planning.
Ardis also hosts a weekly program, Love Your Retirement, airing on 104.9 and streaming on Spotify, Apple, and online. The show offers guidance on retirement strategies, tax-efficient planning, and decisions that shape a secure financial future.
As a new year unfolds, Ardis said
she hopes people take a moment to appreciate what they already have and approach the future with gratitude
rather than apprehension. Because if Agape Wealth teaches anything, it is that financial planning is not about dreading tomorrow—it is about building a life worth celebrating, one thoughtful step at a time.
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Meanwhile, Clinton Ardis spent 20
years with DuPont before bringing his leadership and operations experience into the financial realm. Today, the two balance each other naturally—her analytical approach paired with his logistical strengths.
Community involvement also plays a key role for Agape Wealth, especially
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graduate work and a future teaching history. But the experience changed her direction almost overnight. “I decided I could never allow someone else to control my money again,” she said. She shifted course, entered financial services, and quickly discovered a passion for helping others avoid similar situations.
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LEFT TO RIGHT: Katie Melton, Sabrina Olszewski, Clinton Ardis, Heidi Ardis and Ali Kopper
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
January 2026 | 29