Episodes

In this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am joined by Jennifer Stott, a CPA, to discuss effective financial strategies for those nearing or already in retirement. We cover Roth conversions, explaining the process of converting pre-tax IRA funds to a Roth IRA, the tax implications, and when it might be beneficial. The conversation continues on to cover considerations such as the impact on Medicare premiums, the taxability of Social Security benefits, and the importance of planning for required...

In this episode of ‘Roadmap to Retirement’, I am talking with health insurance professional R. Cole Craven. We delve into effective health and Medicare insurance planning for both aspiring entrepreneurs and those nearing retirement. Cole shares his journey and passion for health insurance, focusing on the complexity many people face in understanding their healthcare plans. The discussion touches on the challenges and options available for health coverage both pre and post-retirement, including C...

On this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am talking with Chet R. Bennetts, PhD, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®,CLF® today, assistant Professor of Financial Planning and Program Director at the American College of Financial Services. We discuss the importance of earning professional designations for both credibility and confidence in the financial planning industry. Chet shares his journey from being a young professional seeking credibility to becoming an academic and veteran advocate. The conversat...

In this episode of ‘Roadmap to Retirement,’ I am joined by Jason Grover, founder of Grover Financial Services. Jason shares his journey starting in the financial industry during the 2007-2008 Great Recession and emphasizes the importance of behavioral management in financial advising. We discuss investment strategies, the significance of setting financial goals, and managing market volatility. The conversation touches on topics such as asset allocation, the bucket approach to retirement planning...

On this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am joined by CPA, Catherine Tindall to talk about the importance of tax planning and strategic outsourcing for business owners, specifically those in financial advisory firms. Catherine emphasizes that while basic tax returns can be managed by individuals with simple finances using software like TurboTax, complex financial situations, such as owning a business, require professional tax planning to identify opportunities and avoid costly mistakes. The c...

Time for a change! For this episode, I am the one being “interviewed”. Take this as my announcement for my departure from Six Point Financial Partners after seven years to join a retiring advisor’s practice. I am having this conversation with John Howe-Wemett to discuss the decision-making process, the importance of finding the right professional fit, and the value of independence in the financial advisory field. Key topics include the differences between independent financial advisors and those...

During this very short episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am joined for a third time by John Howe-Wemett, CFP®, MS to talk about the importance of staying the course with one’s investment strategy during market downturns. We emphasize the value financial advisors offer in preventing clients from making emotionally driven, poor financial decisions. The conversation covers key principles of investment management, including time horizon, liquidity needs, and risk tolerance. We also highlight the p...

On this episode of ‘Roadmap to Retirement’ I am joined by Hannah Cannon, an associate in the Trust and Estates department at Woods Oviatt Gilman. We discuss various aspects of estate planning with a specific focus on what to do if you don’t have an obvious beneficiary. The conversation covers options like charitable donations, setting up scholarship funds, 529 accounts for educational purposes, and the intricacies of gift taxes. Hannah and I also delve into the complexities of long-term care pla...

In this episode of ‘Roadmap to Retirement,’ we have another Q&A with Marshal! We start by answering questions on Roth IRA conversions, explaining the timing, tax implications, and strategies during market downturns. Then moving onto answering questions like evaluating the benefits of buying annuities, the strategy of tax-loss harvesting, and the timing for claiming Social Security benefits. We dive into the pros and cons of making investment portfolios more aggressive, particularly in the curren...

In this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, please welcome Colin Miller to discuss various aspects of Medicare. Colin shares his journey from life insurance sales to becoming a Medicare expert and founding Medicare Plan Partners. We delve into the nuances of Medicare versus Medicaid, explaining the significant differences between the two. Key topics include the benefits and drawbacks of Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, the importance of making informed choices at the start, and the ...

On this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am joined for a third time by Nick Savas, a financial advisor with me at SixPoint Financial Partners. We discuss the impact of political and economic uncertainties on retirement planning. We address common concerns from clients, including market volatility, the effects of political administrations on investments, and fears regarding changes to Social Security. Nick and I both want to emphasize the importance of understanding historical market trends an...

On this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am joined by Ashley Quamme, a certified financial therapist and behavior specialist, to discuss the intersection of mental health and financial management. Ashley details her transition from being a marriage and family therapist to specializing in financial therapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding money dynamics in relationships. We explore how financial attitudes and behaviors are influenced by upbringing and experiences, the significance ...

In this episode of Roadmap to Retirement Podcast, I am joined by Lucas Wennersten CFA, CFP®(Canada), CFP®(U.S.A.) of 49th Parallel Wealth Management to discuss the complexities of cross-border financial planning between the US and Canada. Lucas shares his journey from the mortgage business to becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) specializing in cross-border financial planning, highlighting the unique challenges and strategies involved. We delve into topics such as the deemed disposition ...

In this episode of the ‘Roadmap to Retirement’ podcast, this week, I am joined by Broc Buckles, co-owner of BC Brokerage, to talk about his journey in the financial planning and insurance industry. Broc shares insights from his early career experiences at Northwestern and the evolution of his business, which now serves over a thousand advisors nationwide by handling their insurance needs. We discuss the shift in financial advisors moving away from life insurance, the potential conflicts of inter...

In this episode of the Roadmap to Retirement podcast, we are discussing tax planning strategies with CPA, Steven Jarvis. We cover the importance of proactive tax planning, especially for W2 employees nearing retirement, and delve into complex topics like backdoor Roth contributions and the implications of the Secure Act 2.0 on inherited IRAs. Jarvis highlights the necessity of understanding the tax impact of financial decisions and advises staying knowledgeable about relevant tax codes or hiring...

In this episode of ‘Roadmap to Retirement’, I am joined by Matt Sommer from Janus Henderson Investors. We delve into protecting investors from sophisticated financial scams using AI and examples like the ‘grandparent scam’. We cover the psychology of investing, referencing Daniel Kahneman’s book ‘Thinking Fast and Slow’, and the role of financial advisors in helping clients navigate emotional decision-making. Matt also touches upon the implications of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire...

In this episode of ‘Roadmap to Retirement,’ Mashal is back for another Q&A. We discuss common tax planning mistakes, such as not planning for lump-sum distributions and the benefits of using Roth accounts for young professionals. The conversation also covers tax planning for inherited money, integrating charitable giving into estate planning, and practical advice for budgeting and tracking expenses. Additionally, we touch upon the pros and cons of employer-sponsored life insurance versus private...

In this episode of the Roadmaps Retirement Podcast, I am joined by Jamie Hopkins Esq., LLM, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, Chief Executive Officer at Bryn Mawr Capital Management, LLC and Chief Wealth Officer at WSFS Bank . Jamie shares his professional journey, highlighting his roles and multiple designations. He discusses the importance of financial education, recommending the CFP and RICP designations, and provides insights on the state of financial planning education. The conversation covers care...

In this episode of the Roadmap to Retirement podcast, I am joined by Jon Sheldon to discuss the importance of authenticity in the financial advisory profession and the value of effective coaching. Key topics include overcoming self-consciousness, like concerns about tattoos, by embracing one’s true self, and the significance of genuine client relationships. I expand on the challenges and benefits of dressing casually versus formally and the impact of transparency with clients. The conversation t...

In this episode of the Roadmap to Retirement Podcast, I am joined by Yitzchak Eilenberg, a CPA specializing in tax strategy and planning. Yitzchak provides insightful financial advice aimed at small business owners, including the importance of tax avoidance (not evasion) and various methods to maximize tax savings. We discuss the intricacies of compensating children within businesses for tax benefits, the balance between paying off debt and saving for retirement, and altering retirement strategi...

In this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am joined by David Shaffer, Chair of the Family Wealth and Estate Planning Group at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP. David shares his journey from aspiring sports writer to estate planning attorney. The discussion covers essential aspects of estate planning, including wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies. David emphasizes that everyone, not just the wealthy, needs an estate plan. We explore scenarios involving young professionals, long-term care, ...

In this episode of the Roadmap to Retirement podcast, I am joined by Matthew Jarvis to discuss strategies for efficient financial advisory, particularly focusing on surge meetings. Jarvis shares insights on time-blocking, balancing work and personal life, and the importance of intentionality in business practices. We also touch on the value of continuous learning and mentorship in the financial advisory field. The conversation highlights the significance of tracking performance metrics to achiev...

And with that, the 2024 season comes to an end and to celebrate, here is the top episodes of Roadmap to Retirement. Thank you to all the guests who have joined me and all the listeners for your support! 2025 has some fun guests lined up. Top Episodes: Episode 2 Episode 6 Episode 15 Episode 17 Episode 24 Episode 28 Episode 29 Episode 31 Episode 37

In this episode of ‘Roadmap to Retirement’, I am joined by Alex Wesdorf to discuss the often-overlooked topic of disability insurance. The conversation covers the importance of disability insurance as part of comprehensive financial planning, contrasting it with life insurance. Alex shares personal stories to highlight the necessity of disability insurance, debunks common myths, and explains the shortcomings of group policies provided by employers. The discussion also includes advice for young f...