Category Archives: Uncategorized

Episode 192 – The Cornerstone of Communication and Holistic Planning with Mike Harris & Todd Zeidenberg



Mike Harris, Senior Advisor Consultant with the Alliance for Lifetime Income, hosts an episode in conversation with Todd Zeidenberg, a Senior Financial Advisor affiliated with Allied Wealth Partners and Sutera Wealth Management. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Todd specializes in holistic planning as well as accumulation, preservation, and income distribution, all through comprehensive investment, retirement estate, and business planning, as well as life health and disability insurance programs.

 

In this podcast, Mike and Todd explore the dynamic world of financial advisory, tackling communication gaps, holistic planning, and the keys to fostering trust for meaningful client interactions.

 

They also discussed:

  • Communication challenges in financial services, highlighting gaps between advisor discussions on protection and client perceptions.
  • Todd’s practice evolution, transitioning from a focus on protection to a holistic approach covering accumulation, preservation, and distribution.
  • Todd’s communication process, emphasizing the Four F’s (Family, Fun, Fitness, Finances) and the importance of trust in building client relationships.
  • Introduction to The Family Meeting Tree concept, encouraging discussions on wills, family agendas, and future scenarios for enhanced communication.
  • Four Transitions of Aging discussed: financial management, healthcare, living arrangements, and transportation.
  • The ethical will as a tool for clients to communicate values, wisdom, and legacy to their loved ones.
  • Clients seeking both financial and psychological balance in retirement, incorporating lifestyle aspects into financial planning.

 

Click here to view The Family Meeting Tree

 

Resources: 

Alliance for Lifetime Income

Allied Wealth Partners

 


Episode 191 – Your Guide to Year-End Philanthropy & Charitable Giving with Fred Kaynor



Fred Kaynor is the Managing Director of Relationship Management, Marketing & Partnerships at Schwab Charitable. Schwab Charitable is an independent 501(c)(3) with a mission to increase charitable giving in the U.S. by providing a tax-smart and simple giving solution to donors and their investment advisors.

In this episode, Fred walks us through how you can maximize your philanthropic impact, all guided by financial advisors, to empower your charitable planning decisions, especially as we near year-end.

They also discussed:

  • Year-end charitable giving, featuring Fred Kaynor from Schwab Charitable.
  • The simplicity and efficiency of donor-advised funds for charitable giving, emphasizing their flexibility and tax benefits.
  • Financial advisors crucial role in helping clients incorporate charitable planning into their overall financial strategy.
  • The impact of market conditions on charitable giving and highlights the resilience of donor-advised fund solutions.
  • Year-end considerations for tax strategies include encouraging early giving, utilizing non-cash assets, and prioritizing donations based on taxable events.
  • The resources Schwab Charitable offers, such as the Giving Guide and online tools, to help donors and advisors maximize the impact of their philanthropy.

 

Resources: Schwab Charitable

 

A donor’s ability to claim itemized deductions is subject to a variety of limitations depending on the donor’s specific tax situation. Consult your tax advisor for more information. 

Schwab Charitable FundTM is recognized as a tax-exempt public charity as described in Sections 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions made to Schwab Charitable Fund are considered an irrevocable gift and are not refundable. Please be aware that Schwab CharitableTM has exclusive legal control over the assets you have contributed. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is correct, Schwab Charitable cannot guarantee its accuracy. This information is not provided to the IRS. 

Schwab Charitable is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund™, an independent nonprofit organization. 

©2023 Schwab Charitable Fund. All rights reserved. (1123-3E4E)


Episode 190 – Transforming Lives Through Accessible Genetic Testing with Dahlia Attia-King



Join us as Panacea Founder and CEO, Dahlia Attia-King, explores the transformative potential of clinical genetic testing, and how Panacea is breaking down barriers and revolutionizing healthcare accessibility to empower individuals in taking control of their health with disease prevention.

They also discussed:

  • The technology of next-gen sequencing, its power in identifying hereditary disease risks, and the value of genetic information.
  • Challenges in genetic testing adoption: Lack of insurance coverage and doctors’ reluctance.
  • Panacea’s approach to bypass barriers by working with specialized physicians, genetic counselors, and certified genetic laboratories.
  • Comparison between Panacea and companies like 23andMe, emphasizing the focus on clinical genetic testing for life-saving information.
  • Process after purchasing a test from Panacea.
  • Challenges with obtaining genetic testing from traditional healthcare providers.
  • Addressing data privacy concerns in genetic testing and Panacea’s commitment to respecting users’ data.

 

Resources: 

Panacea


Episode 189 – Financial Literacy Amongst an Information Overload with Grace Salvino



In this episode, we are joined by Grace Salvino, a Wealth Manager at the multi-generational independent RIA firm, Performance Wealth. Grace brings her insights into the misinformation the next generation of clients receives daily, working to promote accurate financial literacy and informed investment decisions.

They also discussed:

  • The misconception of becoming experts in finance through social media exposure.
  • Performance Wealth and its emphasis on transparency and hands-on involvement in investment decisions.
  • Compounding interest and the significance of starting investments early.
  • Grace’s personal motivation to see clients reach their financial goals at a younger age.
  • The importance of proactive financial planning, living within one’s means, and investing early.
  • Communication with next-gen and the need for open dialogues, face-to-face interactions, and personal contact over technology.

 

Resources: 

Performance Wealth


Episode 188 – The Changing Face of Cybersecurity Threats with Kurt Long



Kurt Long is the Chair and Co-Founder of BUNKR, an app empowering individuals and their families to organize and secure the most important information in their lives.

In this episode, we uncover the hidden world of cyber threats and vulnerabilities, revealing invaluable insights on protecting your personal and financial data in an increasingly exposed, digital world.

Also discussed:

  • Kurt’s background of founding software companies that protected patient records and wealth, as well as complying with various regulations.
  • The range of features BUNKR offers, including messaging, password management, and secure file storage.
  • Common types of scams like wire fraud, loyalty points breaches, and imposter attacks.
  • The increasing use of AI by cybercriminals, making scams more sophisticated and users more vulnerable.
  • The education that wealth advisors should be offering clients about protecting their financial information.
  • How financial advisors can protect themselves and take actions like securing communications, managing passwords, and using digital vaults to store sensitive information securely.
  • How the SEC has imposed fines for using non-compliant communication methods, emphasizing the importance of secure communication for wealth advisors and their clients.

 

Resources: 

BUNKR


Episode 187 – From Campus to Corporation: Athletes’ Financial Futures with Chase Johnson



Chase Johnson is the Wealth Director of Fiduciary Trust International, a wealth management firm founded with a singular focus on growing and protecting your wealth through generations.

In this podcast, Chase walks us through the changing landscape of college sports with the implementation of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) regulations, allowing athletes to profit from their image and endorsements.

They also discussed:

  • The impact of NIL on athletes, including high-profile examples like Caleb Williams and Shedeur Sanders in commercial deals.
  • The need for financial guidance in this new era for athletes.
  • The nature of NIL activities, including endorsement deals, sponsorships, social media promotions, and appearances for college athletes.
  • Tax implications for NIL income, with a focus on self-employment taxes and the importance of tracking expenses.
  • The importance of partnering with the right advisors and setting up a financial plan for athletes and their families.
  • The evolution of athletes into entities themselves, crossing over into business and corporate ventures.
  • The importance of financial literacy for athletes and their education about building financial security.
  • The uncertain regulatory landscape and challenges faced by athletes and the NCAA in navigating NIL deals.

 

Resources: 

Fiduciary Trust International


Episode 186 – Rising Rates and Resilient Markets with Amber Williams



Amber Williams is the Chief Sustainability Officer & Head of Client Investment Strategies at Lincoln Financial Group: a firm that has been helping millions of people plan, protect, and retire for over a century. 

In this podcast, Amber talks us through the key themes that are currently on the minds of investors, while also sharing her expertise on investment strategies and market trends.

They also discussed:

  • Amber’s role at Lincoln Financial Group and her career in investments and insurance.
  • How investors are feeling about market performance and rising interest rates.
  • Why higher interest rates haven’t caused a more significant economic slowdown.
  • Potential headwinds in the economy, including consumer trends, job markets, and inflation.
  • The current state of interest rates and expectations for the future.
  • The return of value propositions for fixed income in portfolios and considerations for retirement income.
  • The importance of guaranteed income solutions and their potential benefits in the current interest rate environment.
  • The current stage of the market cycle, with Amber’s perspective on the late stages and a potential future recession.

 

Resources: 

Subscribe to Lincoln’s Market Intel Exchange, the chartbook that keeps you informed on the most notable economic and market insights from the quarter.

 

Insurance products are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so.

Contracts sold in New York are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

Affiliates include broker-dealer/distributor Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., Radnor, PA, and insurance company affiliates The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY.

The views expressed are those of the speaker and not necessarily of any Lincoln Financial Group affiliate or the broker-dealer, or any affiliates. These views are not based on any particularized financial situation, or need, and are not intended to be, and should not be construed as, a forecast, research, investment advice or a recommendation for any specific strategy, product or service. Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

 


Episode 185 – Legacy, Longevity, and Lincoln Financial: Safeguarding Your Wealth with Melissa Brandt



Melissa Brandt is the Vice President of Annuity & Funds Management Marketing at Lincoln Financial Group: a firm that has been helping millions of people plan, protect, and retire for over a century. 

In this podcast, Melissa and Doug discuss the significant shift of financial assets into the hands of US women. This exposes the need for financial advisors to build trust and assist women in securing their financial futures with solutions pointing to Lincoln Financial Group’s diverse portfolio of protection options. 

They also discussed:

  • Melissa’s personal experiences and lessons learned from the strong women in her family.
  • The evolution of the relationship with financial aspects across generations, including the need for preparedness in the face of longevity.
  • The economic strength of women and the opportunities for financial advisors to serve female clients.
  • The importance of planning for clients to live longer, possibly up to 100 years, and the implications for income planning.
  • Key attributes women value in financial professionals, emphasizing the need for a personal connection and trust-building.
  • The three important areas where advisors can assist women and gain their trust.
  • The significance of income planning and the rising interest amongst women in guaranteed lifetime income strategies.
  • How Lincoln Financial Group offers a diverse portfolio of protection options, including fixed, indexed, and variable annuities with protected lifetime income, to meet the unique needs of clients.

 

Resources: 

Lincoln Financial Group

 

Annuities are long-term investment products that offer tax-deferred growth, access to a lifetime income stream, and death benefit protection. There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan.  All investing involves risk.

Lincoln annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and in New York are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.


Episode 184 – The Cash Resurgence: Advisors’ Secret Weapon with Frank Bonanno



In this podcast, Frank Bonanno, Managing Director at StoneCastle Partners, LLC, provides insight into the importance of cash management for advisors and the unique advantages offered by StoneCastle’s solutions.

Topics also discussed:

  • The resurgence of cash as a favored asset class and how advisors are using it to grow assets under management.
  • The impact of recent market developments on cash strategies and advisors’ approach to managing client cash.
  • The factors driving the renewed interest in cash, including competitive interest rates and safety concerns.
  • The benefits of addressing clients’ held-away cash
  • The opportunities for advisors to expand their client base by addressing the cash needs of businesses, boards, nonprofits, and other organizations.
  • How StoneCastle’s approach to cash management, with FDIC-insured deposits and competitive rates, sets it apart from other options available to advisors.

Resources: 

advisor.cash by StoneCastle


Episode 183 – Uncovering Hidden Pain Points in RIA Practices with Lincoln Ross



Lincoln Ross sits as the President & CEO of CircleBlack: the all-in-one wealth platform for the relationship-focused advisor.

Lincoln and Doug talk through the challenges RIAs encounter when striving to provide top-notch client experiences while also managing portfolios effectively.

They also discussed:

  • The common hurdles faced by RIAs throughout their professional journeys.
  • Real-world examples highlighting how these challenges impact the day-to-day operations and long-term growth of RIAs.
  • Less talked about pain points, such as managing small accounts, billing complexities, and establishing brand identity, are examined for their significance.
  • Strategies employed by RIAs to overcome these challenges, including technology adoption and communication methods.
  • Data security concerns in the financial sector and how RIAs are adapting to shifts in technology to ensure the safeguarding of client data.

 

Resources: 

CircleBlack