Your Investment Partners With Paul & Garrett

In this episode of Your Investment Partners, hosts Paul and Garrett discuss the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the transition to new legislation often referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” They examine what changes and what remains in place for federal tax brackets, estate tax limits, and state and local tax deductions. The conversation also covers planning opportunities that arise from this clarity, including capital gain strategies and Roth conversions. Paul and Garrett wal

In this episode of Your Investment Partners, hosts Garrett Smith and Paul Norman examine the Social Security Fairness Act and what it means for retirees and government employees. They break down the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), explaining how the changes may impact individuals who worked in both government and private-sector roles. The conversation also addresses how retroactive legislation can affect financial plans and what investors c

In this episode of "Your Investment Partners," hosts Garrett and Paul examine the critical question of when to begin collecting Social Security benefits. They discuss the key ages—62, full retirement age, and 70—and what each milestone means financially and personally. From evaluating your highest earning years and understanding reduction penalties to factoring in health, flexibility, and lifestyle preferences, they explore how to approach this decision beyond just the numbers. Whether you're th

In this episode of Your Investment Partners, hosts Paul and Garrett explore the evolving world of cryptocurrency—what it is, how it works, and where it might fit in an investment portfolio. They discuss the history and mechanics of Bitcoin, the volatility of speculative assets, and the psychological factors that influence investment decisions. The conversation covers strategies like dollar cost averaging, the importance of portfolio sizing, and balancing risk with diversification. Paul and Garre

In this episode of "Your Investment Partners," hosts Garrett and Paul explore the foundational concept of diversification—what it is, why it matters, and how to approach it thoughtfully. They break it down into three main categories: tax diversification, time diversification, and type diversification. The discussion touches on how each helps manage risk, maintain flexibility, and prepare for the unknowns of both markets and life. With practical examples and long-term perspective, they guide list

In this episode of Your Investment Partners, hosts Garrett and Paul explore security-backed lending—how it works, when it makes sense, and the risks involved. They discuss the strategy often referred to as "buy, borrow, die," highlighting how high-net-worth individuals leverage their investment portfolios for liquidity without triggering taxable events. The conversation covers practical use cases, including funding real estate purchases, managing cash flow for businesses, and handling large expe