Episodes

In a world plagued by rising prices, inflation, and interest rates, you can’t help but wonder: How will these factors impact the stock market and our financial stability? In this episode, Tim Scannell introduces Michael Shea, the Managing Director of the Investment Solutions Group at Hightower. Michael shares his investment style focused on value and capturing dividend flow, the importance of managing against benchmarks, and staying current with market information. Learn about Michael’s views on...

What’s your take on the importance of infrastructure investment and onshoring for supporting the economy? In this episode, Tim Scannell invites Stephanie Link, Chief Investment Strategist and Head of Investment Solutions for Hightower, to delve into the services provided by Hightower’s asset management business, the importance of research and staying informed about global markets, and Stephanie’s thoughts on inflation. They also touch on topics such as infrastructure investment and onshoring, an...

Successfully exiting your business isn’t easily done without the help of other professionals, credible resources, and other business owners who have “been there, done that!” In this episode, Tim Scannell discusses the value of strategic business planning for business owners. They outline the steps involved in valuing and preparing a business for exit, including estimating the equity value of the business using tools like Biz Equity. Tim discusses: The 4 steps of long-term business planning: Dis...

Understanding the complexities of Social Security and effectively planning for taxes can significantly impact your finances during retirement. What factors should we consider and know before that phase? In this episode, Tim Scannell explores tax planning related to Social Security and when to elect it. He delves into the complexity of Social Security, the many options available, and the factors to consider when electing Social Security. Additionally, Tim also addresses the importance of partneri...

How do you measure success in your business? There isn’t one definitive way of measuring the success of your business, however, there are strategies and benchmarks you can use to get an accurate idea of how it is performing. In this episode, Tim Scannell discusses some of the most reliable metrics you can use as a business owner to gauge the value of your business and maximize the return you receive when you decide to exit. Tim discusses: How to measure growth and success using benchmarks How t...

Many financial advisors express great admiration for fiduciaries, while some undermine their significance in the financial industry and argue against their necessity. However, by the conclusion of this episode, you will attain a thorough comprehension of fiduciaries and gain the ability to appreciate the immense value they bring to your financial planning endeavors. In this episode, Tim Scannell invites returning guest, Don Stellin, onto the podcast to discuss the role, purpose, and value fiduci...

When someone mentions “taxes” or “tax season”, it may cause you to tense up and feel a wave of stress. This usually happens when people aren’t confident in their tax strategies and worry they may be losing more money than they have to. In this episode, Tim Scannell delves into the world of tax strategies and explores some practical tips and tricks for individuals and businesses to maximize their tax savings. Tim discusses: The difference between tax deferral and permanent tax savings The pros a...

Lifelong relationships aren’t just created outside the workplace. These types of relationships are created with colleagues and clients all the time! In this episode, Tim Scannell discusses how he curates his professional relationships as well as how he helps others find and maintain meaningful relationships, including accountability partners, both in and out of the financial world. Tim discusses: The relationship he has had with a client since 1990 and how he maintains it Financial accountabili...

Step into the shoes of a CEO turned retiree who has made the most of his golden years! Join Tim Scannell as he welcomes Scott Bening, the retired CEO of Monosol, LLC and Amazon Best Selling Author, to the show. Discover how Scott expertly navigated his retirement journey and transitioned into a productive and satisfying next chapter in life. Don’t miss out on valuable insights and inspiration to plan your own successful exit strategy. Scott discusses: How he, as a retired CEO, curated his perso...

There’s no escaping the dreaded tax season, so you might as well learn how to navigate it efficiently! In this episode, Tim Scannell discusses some of the ways he helps people minimize their taxes during tax season. This includes tax loss harvesting, staying up to date with tax law changes, and so many more of Hightower’s wealth enhancement strategies! Tim discusses: How you can apply our wealth enhancement strategies during tax season How to enhance your tax loss harvesting strategies Transfer...

As a business owner, there may come a time when you start to think about who will replace you and when they will replace you. Whether you have thought about this before or this is the first time you are thinking about it, this episode can help make your transition into retirement much smoother! In this episode, Tim Scannell covers the steps business owners can take to ensure a smooth transition into retirement by identifying and selecting the right candidate to take over their role. He shares hi...

Are you looking for ways to ensure financial stability for yourself and your family in the upcoming year? Now that we have discussed how to create a year-end financial plan for your business, it’s time to discuss how to make a plan for you as an individual! In this episode, Tim Scannell highlights practical strategies for setting you and your family up for success as you enter into the new year. He covers the latest developments in the financial industry and their potential effects on decision-m...

2022 has come to a close, meaning Hightower Great Lakes has received many calls about end-of-the-year financial planning. So what is a year-end plan and how can you create one for your business? In this episode, Tim Scannell discusses some financial tips you should use at the end of each year and how they can help you make more informed decisions for your retirement. Tim discusses: Some of the key features of the SECURE Act Law changes that can impact business owners Why 401K auto-enrollment wa...

COVID made a mark on just about everything, even business owners. It’s time to get your quality of life back. In this episode, Tim Scannell talks about helping business owners plan for 2023 and set a new years resolution to get their lives back. He dips into why money is important for different people, and the change of business owners’ workloads from the pandemic, and then shares three steps business owners can take to reshape their company and finances so they can get their exit plan rolling. ...

We’ve hit our 100th episode of The Wealth Stream Podcast! Today, we’re discussing the impacts inflation can have on business valuations. In this episode, Tim Scannell talks about how to avoid costly mistakes that impact and delay business owners’ ability to become financially independent and make work optional. He focuses on ways to help business owners maximize what they keep as they exit into financial independence and enhance their wealth to live a full life. Tim discusses: What inflation is...

Inflation is a topic that you can’t seem to escape nowadays. Everyone has an opinion on the topic, whether it’s the news, your relatives, or someone else. In this episode, Stephanie Link, Chief Investment Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Hightower, joins us to help break down inflation and interest rates. We advise you to turn off your TV and listen to a trusted financial advisor about how you can combat inflation’s effects on your bank account. Stephanie discusses: Her journey of becoming t...

Salary increases are great, but not increasing your savings after one could be hurting you. So what are some of the steps you should take after receiving a raise? This is part two of our two-part episode with Samantha Pietruszynski! Samantha discusses the importance of reallocating your money once you receive a raise so you can look forward to a fulfilling retirement experience! Samantha discusses: How to get to your financial ‘freedom point’ faster How to allocate your finances after you recei...

You’ve worked hard to create the retirement of your dreams, but if you don’t know the right strategies to minimize your taxes in retirement, you might not be as well-off as you think. So, how can you maximize the amount of money you keep in retirement? In this episode, fellow Financial Advisor at Hightower, Samantha Pietruszynski, is on the show to explain some of the ways you can maximize your wealth in retirement through tax loss harvesting. Samantha discusses: Year-end estate planning and ho...

Being empowered as a woman in the male dominated financial industry is easier said than done. In this episode Tim Scannell chats with coaching leader Dawn Rowley, CoFounder of BenchStrength Coaching and Women Rising. They discuss “Women Rising ” a program created to help women recognize and achieve their highest potential and pursue higher levels of leadership. He also brings on his colleague, Samantha Pietruszynski, who shares the reasons she chose Women Rising as her next venture and how she a...

Business owners like you should always be looking for ways to enhance and modernize their skills. But if you don’t want to go back to school, how can you do that? In this episode, Tim Scannell is excited to introduce the upcoming launch of his new business owner program and workshop! He then goes on to highlight how it can help you enhance, expand, and when the time comes, exit your business. Tim discusses: His new program built to help you run, exit, and expand your business What activities an...

Everybody has a reason for why they are in the field they are in. What’s yours? In this episode, fellow Hightower employee Gina S. discusses the journey that shaped her and her skills into the professional that she is today and how you can strengthen your abilities in your profession as well. Gina discusses: How college helped her discover her strengths and prepared her career What she would tell her high school self How sociology courses greatly enhance the skills of future business administra...

Everyone handles their money differently and everyone has different priorities with their money. These are called “money personalities”. In this episode, Tim Scannell discusses how to discover and focus on what is important to you with your money by highlighting the different money personalities he has worked with in his career. Tim discusses: Money personalities – how to focus on what is important to you about money What questions he asks people to discover what money personality they possess ...

Consulting is a path you may consider when you retire or exit your business. So what should you take into consideration before committing to the role? In this episode, Tim Scannell discusses what you need to know prior to becoming a consultant post-exit of your business and describes both the pros and cons of the role. Tim discusses: Tax liabilities and other financial considerations for business owners The pros and cons of self-employment Wealth enhancement – how to maximize what you keep as y...

Part two of “how to create recurring revenue for your business” is here with additional tips and tricks about how you can adopt the subscription-based business model! In this episode, Tim Scannell highlights some well-known companies who have adopted the subscription model and how it changed the landscape of their business. Tim discusses: Major benefits of adopting the subscription billing model How to integrate recurring revenue models into your business Finding your business niche and the pro...