Episodes

Our personal lives have become so entwined with the internet with online banking, online shopping and much more! This means our personal information is much more vulnerable to identity theft. Last year, over 14 million people were victims of identity theft––are you next? In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share some cyber security tips you can implement to keep your sensitive information safe and secure. Jeff and Lauren discuss: How to protect yourself against cybersecurity threats ...

No matter their age, your children will always look to you for advice and to learn those essential life skills that everyone should know before they’re on their own. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith discuss some of the life skills, and financial knowledge you should be teaching your kids that will set them up for life. They share advice and their personal experience with teaching and learning these essential skills for life. Jeff and Lauren discuss: Why you should teach your child...

The team at Green Financial Group is passionate about helping those in the oil and gas sector take command of their finances. But each team member has their distinct role and specific passion, and we want you to get to know them! In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith are joined by Claire Holmes, Marketing & Strategy Consultant and founder of Double H Design Co. and Mama Collaborative. Claire discusses how she helps the Green Financial Group team with productivity, time management, accoun...

The biggest mistake you can make is to wait to start planning for your college savings. The process may be much more complicated than you expect, and it’s important to have time on your side. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share their insights about the college planning process and what you should keep in mind as you save money for your child’s education. Jeff and Lauren discuss: The average fees and tuition costs for college students The variety of sources your college money c...

We’ve gotten a taste of the post-COVID life. What are you planning to do, as the restrictions continue to lift? In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith take a look at the recovery of the economy with high-frequency data numbers. They also share some of the effects of supply, demand, and inflation right now for consumers. Jeff and Lauren discuss: High frequency data comparing numbers from the box office, hotel occupancy, TSA checkpoint data The rising cost of flights for consumers What ...

“Tax codes are written in pencil.” Taxes never go away but the rules and regulations around them are not set in stone. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share what you can potentially expect for the tax changes in the coming year under the Biden Administration. They share the little things to consider along the way for your tax planning. Jeff and Lauren discuss: The potential increase in top ordinary income tax rates The potentially high jump in capital gains What the elimination...

Children are not getting the financial education in school that they need before they enter adulthood. But there are a few things you can do as a parent to help prepare your children for financial success before they are on their own. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share some tips to help parents get into the mindset of preparing their children before they enter the financial world. Jeff and Lauren discuss: Why your children need to build a credit history The importance of teac...

We all have those burning questions about planning for retirement. One of the most commonly asked questions that people want to know is, “Should I pay my house off before I retire?” In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith talk with Jim Chaplin, vice president/senior mortgage loan originator at Elite Lending Group to get his perspective on the topic. Jim Chaplin discusses: The items to take into consideration before deciding to pay off your mortgage before retirement The backseat figures...

How will you step up when the time comes to fully support an aging relative? This is a question that will face more and more people as science and medicine continue to extend human life expectancy. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith hit a few of the hot points to help you begin having these tough conversations with family members about their wishes and plans. We discuss: How to start thinking about the recipient’s needs Why it’s important to make decisions and have documents in pla...

Spring is finally here! And do you know what that means? It’s spring cleaning time! In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith are joined by Carroll Cartwright and Paige Ebanks of Neatly Houston to discuss how they put a fresh perspective on organizing, styling and moving to clean and tidy your home. Rudy Vierra of SteaMyCar joins in on the conversation to share how your car can get the best wash and interior clean it has ever had. We discuss: The process for having Neatly come clean your ...

In a world full of technology, there are many tools and apps that can help make your life easier and more entertaining. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith take a little break from finance and explore the world of technology. In this fun-packed episode, they discuss many different types of apps they find useful and explain the functionality of each one of the apps. We discuss: Two business-related tools to help you at work Two travel-related tools to use when you’re planning your ne...

Change can be a good thing. However, the uncertainty of moving forward can spark fear and create stress. This is especially true with major transitions, like retirement. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Cindy Wylie, a career and life transition coach, to explore how coaches can make this transition easier for you as a new retiree. They reveal how a coach can help you identify your values early on and ways they can help ease you into retirement. In this episode, we di...

Tax season has rolled around once again! Get ready to kick-off your tax season with this information-packed episode with Jeff Green and Lauren Smith. They discuss some of the recent tax changes you might want to be mindful of this year while breaking down the tax strategies clients are asking about most these days. In this episode, we discuss: The new IRA contribution age limit Why you need to know about spousal IRAs Updates to IRA contribution limits this year Qualified charitable distrib...

Most people don't realize they don't have insurance coverage until it’s too late! We don’t want you to be one of those people. To help you get a jump start on your insurance know-how, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith welcome Marissa Sweet from Sweet Insurance Services for today’s episode. In this insightful discussion, Marissa reveals ways you keep insurance top of mind so that you’re protected in the case of the unexpected. In this episode, we discuss: Marissa’s services and why Green Financial ...

Setting up your future takes time, knowledge, and expertise. This is especially true when planning for retirement. However, when you hire a financial advisor, figuring out how and when you can retire becomes a lot easier. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith reveal the tools they use to help clients answer the question, “When can I retire?” Plus, they discuss their answers to other commonly asked wealth planning questions and share ways you can start preparing for retirement today. In...

As we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic and see a new administration enter the White House, what might investors see in 2021 when it comes to the stock market? In this episode, join Jeff Green and Lauren Smith as they share an open conversation around their thoughts about the coming year based on the current economic, political, and social climate. They chat about pressing demands for more COVID-19 relief for consumers and businesses and reveal the impact this year might have on various in...

Along with a new year comes a new administration in Washington. What will the arrival of a Biden White House mean for investors across America? In this episode, explore this and more with Jeff Green and Lauren Smith. Join them as they discuss and assess the current economic and political outlook and share what investors could expect to see in 2021. In this episode, we will discuss: The possibility and impact of a split congress Effects of high corporate taxes About Biden’s green agenda Wha...

Have you taken some time to reflect on what you are thankful for as this hectic year comes to a close? In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith take some time to speak about what they are thankful for as this year comes to an end, and share with you some of the things that make them so happy to be a part of the team at Green Financial Group. In this episode, we will discuss: Jeff’s feelings of gratitude toward his team Jeff’s role as being a leader to his team How technology has been pr...

Are you prepared to take your next luxury trip? How might COVID-19 impact your travel plans? In this episode Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Maddy Foxx Moffitt, a travel advisor with MFM Luxury Travel. Together, they explore the new travel challenges and restrictions that have come with COVID-19 and discuss the rapid changes the travel industry has seen in 2020. In this episode you will learn: The current state of travel in the United States and abroad Why RV rentals are becoming ...

One of the best tools you can use to achieve the retirement you want is a comprehensive retirement plan. This is especially true when it comes to making the most of your retirement tax picture. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith outline ways retirement planning can make all the difference when it comes to your taxes. They discuss retirement tax planning strategies and share ways you can update your retirement plan to optimize your financial future. In this episode, you will learn: ...

With 2021 quickly approaching, many are ready to say goodbye to 2020 and all of its ups and down. But before you start celebrating the new year, there is still some planning to do — especially around your IRA accounts and the tax advantages they offer! In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith break down some of this year’s big changes to IRA accounts and how they might impact you. They also share ways you can take advantage of retirement account tax strategies to end the year with your bes...

No matter the outcome of this year’s contentious national election, it’s important to look after your financial future with a calm and reasonable attitude. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith will serve as your guides for your post-election investing. Together, they share tips for navigating investing after the election and share how the markets tend to react under different presidential administrations. In this episode, you will learn: How previous elections have impacted the market...

With more and more of our personal information living online, how can you keep your essential information safe and secure? In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith review strategies and techniques to help you protect your information and identity online. Together, they also share key steps you can take to guard yourself, and your finances, from harm. In this episode, you will learn: How to create and set up a strong password What a password template is — and how to develop one How you c...

Are you worried about the current state of the market — or where it could be heading as we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic? To address some common investor concerns around the market, Jeff Green sits down with Brian Wesbury for today’s episode. As First Trust’s chief economist, Brian lends his insight and expertise to answer some of your market questions and to provide a 2021 market prediction. In this episode, you will learn: Why tech stocks won after the recent market volatility Mar...