Episodes

David and Goliath is a simple story about a small man overcoming an impossible battle with a giant. How do smaller and larger financial planning companies reflect these differences? In this episode, Michael Labos explores the Davids and Goliaths of the financial planning industry. He focuses on what smaller businesses provide that larger companies tend to ignore and how those differences impact the client experience. Michael discusses: Why larger financial institutions appeal to potential clien...

When planning your retirement, long-term care needs will also play a role in future spending. Planning for it today could save you money in the future. In this episode, Micheal Labos dives further into accepting mortality and preparing aging parents for long-term care needs. He shares the advice he gives to clients on balancing costs while preparing a legacy for beneficiaries and some solutions that couldn’t be considered 20 years ago. Micheal discusses: What to consider when planning for long-...

With rising costs for future education, preparing for college tuition is a concern for many parents. How can they build an abundant and secure financial plan for their childrens education? In this episode, Micheal Labos speaks with Ann Garcia, CFP and Owner of Independent Progressive Advisors, on the cost of college and creating a budget to include personal contributions, scholarships and government funded financial aid for your childs future education. Ann discusses: When should parents start ...

Mortality is something that catches up to everyone eventually. What will you leave behind afterwards? In this episode, Michael Labos is joined by Sandra Hunter, a Life Coach and Founder of Wild Women Leaders Of Color, in discussing moving aging parents into the next stage of life and creating a legacy through sharing experiences. Sandra discusses: The cultural impacts on the understanding of mortality How to start the discussion of mortality with aging parents How her mentorship program provide...

Preparing for education beyond high school has become a struggle between increasing costs and student competition. How can your child optimize their chances of entering and affording their dream school? In this episode, Michael Labos dives into college planning, starting from the early financial strategies to the benefits of different application periods to increase your child’s chances of getting into and affording their dream school. Michael discusses: Early financial planning strategies for ...

When choosing a credit card, what do you look for? Interest rates, miles or cash back? Or do you choose a company you are familiar with? In this episode, Michael Labos dives into the world of credit card choices, revealing the additional benefits gained by choosing the right credit card for the right purchase and how to optimize incentives. Michael discusses: How the budget impacts which credit cards provide the most benefits Why understanding brand and provider preferences is essential to choo...

After your death, life insurance provides your beneficiaries with financial security. Or does it? In this episode, Michael Labos shares why the government’s lack of love for life insurance makes him love using it in financial planning. He dives into how governments view life insurance, how to avoid its pitfalls and create a plan for you and your beneficiaries. Michael discusses: Two main benefits of life insurance How governments restrict the returns granted by life insurance policies Where lif...

A traditional portfolio has 60% stocks and 40% bonds to balance the ups and downs of the market. But how can you increase your returns when stocks and bonds are down? In this episode, Michael Labos shares his knowledge on stocks and bonds within portfolio division and the alternatives to boost a portfolio when the 60/40 split doesn’t work. Michael discusses: Why bonds are traditionally a good investment within a portfolio How alternative investments compared to bonds What is the role of alterna...

It’s hard to know where to start when creating a financial plan. You have so many options, and it’s tough to know which one is right for you. You’re not alone in this struggle. In this episode, Michael Labos explains how to stop putting off your finances and start thinking about them instead. Michael shares ten small steps that will make you start thinking about financial planning. Michael discusses: Why effective budgeting is the number one step to financial success How debt can grow each year...

When scrolling through Facebook, you may have seen posts for GoFundMe’s asking for money to cover anything from charities to surgeries. Overreliance on these types of financing has created what can be called ‘The GoFundMe Dilemma’. In this episode, Michael Labos dives into the unfortunate connection between GoFundMe fundraising and financial planning, the downsides to using GoFundMe as an emergency fund and three types of insurance benefits for avoiding stressful financial situations. Michael di...

In financial planning, no one knows everything. But specialized advisors provide a focus for your specific situation. In this episode, Michael Labos is joined by Evon Mendrin, founder of Optometry Wealth Advisors and host of The Optometry Money Podcast. Together, they unpack the role of specialized financial advisors within the financial services industry as well … Continue reading The Power of Working Alongside Niche Advisors with Evon Mendrin (Ep. 13) →

There are always questions asked upon learning someone’s profession. What about you? What are you getting asked? Now, what about financial advisors. Are you wondering about the top questions they are getting asked? In this episode, Michael Labos shares some of the questions people ask when finding out about his profession as a financial advisor. … Continue reading Here are the Top 5 Questions Financial Advisors are Getting Asked (Ep.12) →

It’s no secret that bear markets can be terrifying. However, with effective strategies and knowledge, there are hidden opportunities. In this episode, Michael Labos dives into how Gen Xers can increase their investment confidence during a bear market. He reveals how long bear markets last, why they aren’t as scary as many believe, and the … Continue reading Here’s How To Thrive In a Bear Market (Ep.11) →

Having a driver’s license means freedom of exploring without relying on family and friends. However, a driver’s license also leads to fear and uncertainty around insurance premiums. In this episode, Micheal Labos is joined by Tim Rogers, president and owner of Rogers Driving School. Tim shares tips of the trade for new drivers and teens … Continue reading Ensuring The Future of Drivers with Tim Rogers (Ep.10) →

Many people want to put off budgeting, complaining about how boring or depressing it is. What many don’t consider are the gains granted from understanding your spending habits. In this episode, Michael Labos discusses the importance of creating a budget, understanding your financial goals and avoiding lifestyle drift. He reveals the wasted financial opportunities through … Continue reading Avoiding Lifestyle Drift (Ep. 9) →

Are you constantly keeping up with the planet’s environmental and societal impact If you are, remember, your investments should equally reflect your views. In this episode, Michael Labos is joined by the senior investment strategist at Northern Trust, Chris Huemmer. Expanding on each letter within the acronym, Chris dives into the diverse topic of ESG … Continue reading The World of ESG Investment Opportunities with Chris Huemmer (Ep. 8) →

Gen Xers tend to push themselves, whether they say yes to everything or try to complete every task by themselves. But remember, this mindset can eventually lead to some unnecessary burnout. In this episode, Michael Labos is joined by Patty Kreamer, certified professional organizer, productivity coach, and owner of Productivity Uncorked. Patty shares her tips … Continue reading 7. Time Management Tips You Need To Get Work Done Now with Patty Kreamer →

When planning your retirement, long-term care needs will also play a role in future spending. Planning for it today could save you money in the future. In this episode, Micheal Labos dives further into accepting mortality and preparing aging parents for long-term care needs. He shares the advice he gives to clients on balancing costs … Continue reading Adding Long Term Care To Retirement Planning (Ep.22) →

Everyone wants to stay healthy. The problems come when you start making excuses not to exercise and eat healthy. In this episode, Michael Labos is joined by Susan Ceklosky, weight loss coach, licensed sports nutritionist, and owner of Positively Fit U. Susan shares her tips and tricks for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. From stopping excuses … Continue reading 6. Eliminate Excuses For Not Exercising with Susan Ceklosky →

Since its first appearance in 1913, the concept of the Joneses has become more prevalent with the rise of social media. If you need a refresher, this alludes to wanting to own the same expensive objects and do the same things as your friends do and own. How to beat the Joneses? Michael Labos and … Continue reading 5. The Truth About Wanting To Keep Up With The Joneses with Pete Piotrowski →

Open enrollment can provide great options at a low cost for employees at large companies. But, how can smaller companies and those who are self-employed also gain a deduction? In the second part of this open enrollment miniseries, Michael Labos explains the importance of taking the time to focus on all things open enrollment, 401k … Continue reading 4. The Season Of Open Enrollment — Part 2 →

Holiday season, sports season — everyone loves the different seasons of the year. But open enrollment season doesn’t get the same kind of love. In this episode, Michael Labos explains open enrollment for employee benefits. He shares the importance of taking the time to review your options and how to optimize these benefits for your … Continue reading 3. The Season Of Open Enrollment — Part 1 →

Your schedule is already packed. How can you find the time to create your financial plan? In this episode, Michael Labos discusses the Gen X Wealth Partners financial planning process. Michael shares what it was like to build his firm while revealing how he leverages technology to provide a virtual experience to clients, saving them … Continue reading 2. From The Ground To A Digital Space: The Foundation of Gen X Wealth Partners →

There are over 65 million Gen Xers. Yet, few financial advisors focus on this group. Are you a Gen Xer — looking for a financial advisor to help you out? If yes, Michael Labos, CFP®, CCFS® from Gen X Wealth Partners, is here for all your planning needs! Welcome to The Gen X Money Advisor. … Continue reading 1. Meet Your Generation X Advisor, Michael Labos, CFP®, CCFS®! →