Episodes

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...

In this episode of Your Investment Partners, hosts Paul and Garrett explore how to offer financial help to others—particularly family members—without compromising your own stability. They discuss the emotional and practical aspects of giving, sharing cautionary tales and personal anecdotes. The conversation includes strategies for standing on solid financial ground before offering assistance, alternative non-monetary ways to support loved ones, and the importance of boundaries to avoid enabling ...

In this episode of Your Investment Partners, hosts Paul and Garrett explore when and why it might be time to revise your financial goals. They discuss the importance of flexibility in financial planning and identify key moments that could prompt change—such as life transitions, shifting values, or changes in market conditions. They also stress the importance of avoiding knee-jerk reactions, regularly reassessing your goals, and focusing on one priority at a time. Whether you're ahead of schedule...

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...

In this episode of Your Investment Partners, hosts Garrett and Paul discuss essential financial planning steps to start the year off strong. They emphasize the importance of setting financial goals, reviewing cash flow, and making strategic adjustments to investments. The conversation covers inflation’s impact on savings, maximizing tax opportunities, and reviewing insurance and estate plans. They also highlight key considerations for Roth conversions, debt management, and identity protection. T...

In this episode of Your Investment Partners, hosts Garrett and Paul discuss practical steps to prepare for a market downturn while the economy is thriving. They explore strategies like reviewing emergency funds, optimizing portfolio allocations, and managing debt to maintain financial resilience. The conversation also highlights the importance of aligning investments with personal goals, maintaining a diversified portfolio, and using strong markets as an opportunity to enhance savings and genero...

In this episode of "Your Investment Partners," hosts Paul and Garrett examine the concept of a 351 Exchange and how it applies to taxable accounts with highly concentrated positions. They delve into strategies for achieving diversification while deferring taxes, exploring how this specialized section of the tax code allows investors to reallocate portfolios without realizing immediate tax liabilities. The conversation highlights the process, benefits, and limitations of using 351 ETF exchanges t...

In this episode of "Your Investment Partners," hosts Paul and Garrett explore the complexities of paying off low-interest debt, focusing on considerations like cash flow, liquidity, inflation, and tax implications. They address when it might make sense to hold onto low-interest debt while earning higher returns elsewhere and the peace of mind that comes with eliminating debt. The conversation highlights balancing financial optimization with life quality, especially as retirement nears. Whether i...

In this episode, Paul and Garrett discuss the differences between public and private investments, shedding light on the unique challenges and benefits of each. They explore the key factors that distinguish these types of investments, such as liquidity, time horizon, and the complexities of tax reporting. The hosts also explain how these elements play into overall financial strategy and long-term planning. From considering when you'll need access to funds, to navigating the additional paperwork a...

In this episode of "Your Investment Partners," hosts Garrett and Paul address a challenging yet crucial topic: what to do if you lose your job. They explore practical steps to manage health insurance, income, and budgeting during this difficult time. The discussion covers essential actions like securing medical coverage through COBRA or the health insurance exchange, finding immediate employment, and prioritizing debt management. They also explore opportunities that may arise, such as Roth conve...

In this episode of "Your Investment Partners," hosts Garrett and Paul explore the critical role of emergency funds in financial planning. They discuss the key factors to consider when establishing and maintaining an emergency fund, including the appropriate size, where to keep it, and common pitfalls to avoid. The conversation highlights the importance of an emergency fund as the foundation of financial security, providing flexibility during uncertain times and preventing the need to take on deb...

In this episode of "Your Investment Partners," hosts Garrett and Paul discuss the critical period known as the retirement danger zone, highlighting key considerations for a successful transition into retirement. They address the importance of preparing for unexpected expenses and market fluctuations, ensuring emotional readiness, and the benefits of easing into retirement. The conversation covers strategies for managing healthcare costs, the significance of knowing your financial numbers, and th...

In this episode of "Your Investment Partners," hosts Garrett and Paul address the complexities of family dynamics in financial planning. They explore the challenges of involving family members in financial decisions, whether it be parents, children, or other relatives. They discuss how to handle these situations, offering insights on maintaining open communication, setting expectations, and planning for different scenarios. The conversation covers the importance of updating trusts, clarifying ro...

In this episode of "Your Investment Partners," hosts Garrett and Paul explore the concept of tax loss harvesting, detailing what it is, how it works, and the types of accounts it applies to. They discuss the benefits of tax loss harvesting, especially in non-qualified accounts, and provide insights into how it can reduce taxable income by offsetting gains with losses. The conversation includes strategies for managing non-qualified accounts, the flexibility these accounts offer, and the importanc...

In this episode, Paul and Garrett dive into the intricate topic of taxes, specifically focusing on the upcoming expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the end of 2025. They discuss the potential changes, planning opportunities, and strategies to prepare for this major shift. Key points include the importance of regular tax planning, the impact on retirement accounts, Roth conversions, estate taxes, and considerations for business owners. Listen in for valuable insights on how to handle your...

In this episode, hosts Paul and Garrett explore the fundamentals of investing, offering guidance on managing cash flow, understanding tax considerations, and making informed investment choices. They stress the importance of saving consistently, diversifying investments, and balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. The discussion includes practical tips for increasing savings, mitigating risks, and navigating complex market conditions. Importantly, they underscore the significance of adap...

In this episode, hosts Paul and Garrett provide practical insights into financial planning for business owners. They underline the practicality of separating personal finances from business finances and delve into the real-world challenges and strategies of investing outside one's business. The conversation covers various practical considerations, including tax and legal implications, the significance of seeking professional advice, and the practicality of building a diversified investment portf...

In this episode, hosts Paul and Garrett explore the prudent management of lump sums, such as inheritances, bonuses, or significant investment returns. They discuss the emotional and financial ramifications of sudden wealth and offer strategic advice on handling such funds responsibly. Emphasizing the importance of patience, the hosts suggest parking newfound wealth in a high-yield savings account to buy time for careful planning. This conversation is essential for anyone facing the complex decis...

Join hosts Paul and Garrett as they explore the important topic of healthcare expenses in retirement. They discuss the financial challenges and decisions surrounding healthcare as we age, outlining the options available for managing these costs. From government programs like Medicare and Medicaid to the details of long-term care insurance and self-funding, Paul and Garrett provide a clear overview of the pros, cons, and strategies to effectively handle healthcare expenses in retirement. This epi...