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Your wealth plan shouldn’t sit still. Neither do we. That’s why our advisors have access to an in-house team for all things wealth management. Because when advisors have access to a more collaborative approach, you get access to more sophisticated solutions.
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The Retirement Tax Podcast is your place to learn how to sand the rough edges off your 6 or 7 figure income tax bill the IRS expects you to pay over the course of your retirement. Hosts Benjamin Brandt, CFPⓇ , and Steven Jarvis, CPA bring you tax topics you can take action on. Leveraging their combined decades of experience in the financial planning and accounting worlds they share their insights and answer your questions.
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What would a law firm built by the founders of Disney, Four Seasons, Amazon, and Zappos look like? Lawyers (and other professionals) aren't in the same "service" industry as those companies, but that doesn't mean we can't benefit from employing their rigorous service mindsets. We give you inspiration and tactics to smooth out your processes, bolster your reputation, and increase your revenue - every episode of Five Star Counsel has actionable tips for you to build the firm that clients rave ...
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In this episode of Your Life Simplified, host Whitney Reagan, senior wealth advisor, and Christina Lynn, director, wealth strategist, dive into the different approaches to blended family finances. They discuss how to navigate conversations around combining finances or keeping things separate, managing child expenses and setting up a long-term plan …
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Teach Your Child to be Financially Independent
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Most parents’ goal for their children is to be financially independent once they leave the nest. So, how do they get there? Whitney Reagan, senior wealth advisor, and Christina Lynn, Ph.D., director, wealth strategist, share strategies and tips for helping your child learn how to be financially savvy and independent as they approach adulthood.…
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Want to raise children who are not just financially literate but are financially savvy? Whitney Reagan, senior wealth advisor, and Christina Lynn, Ph.D., director, wealth strategist, share their advice for teaching your kids about money. They’ll cover the impact of the parent's relationship with money and when to start having these conversations.We…
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Navigating and Controlling the Sale of Your Business
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In this episode of Your Life Simplified, Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, and Tom Tilley, managing director, mergers & acquisitions, discuss the aspects of navigating the sale of your business and exercising as much control as possible. Tune in for valuable insights on preparing your business to go to market, navigating exit strategies as wel…
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Lead With Confidence: Leadership and Mentorship Advice
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In this episode of Your Life Simplified, host Whitney Reagan, senior wealth advisor, sits down with Jennifer Hanau, national managing director, independent advisors, for a deep dive into the essential qualities of leadership and mentorship. Together, they explore how to advocate for yourself and why it's crucial to lead yourself first before guidin…
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On this episode of Your Life Simplified, Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, is joined by Jessica Nelson, senior wealth consultant, to discuss estate planning strategies for different net-worth levels. Estate planning impacts everyone, whether you have $1 million or $100+ million net worth. They cover different strategies, what you may need to i…
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In this episode, Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, sits down with Breanna Seech, senior wealth advisor, to explore the strategy of portfolio income buffers. Together, they discuss how these buffers can safeguard against market volatility, enhance cash flow flexibility and support long-term financial goals. Whether you're navigating uncertain m…
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Join hosts Whitney Reagan, senior wealth advisor, and Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, as they discuss direct indexing. This episode unpacks how direct indexing works, its potential tax advantages and its ability to align investments with individual values and goals. Whitney and Daniel share practical strategies to help implement this portfol…
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Behind the Scenes With a Chief Investment Strategist
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On this episode of Your Life Simplified, Whitney Reagan, senior wealth advisor, is joined by Jeff Krumpelman, chief investment strategist. He shares his journey to becoming a chief investment strategist, what he does outside of work and his life advice.By Mariner
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Encore episode: Understanding Your Tax Return: Part 1
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This throwback takes us to the most listened-to episode of the year! In this episode, resident "Least Boring CPA" Steven Jarvis takes listeners through the first part of 1040, providing insights and information to help you understand your tax return. Steven dived into both technical details and key reminders on what’s most relevant, along with impo…
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In this episode, Michael MacKelvie, wealth advisor, breaks down the potential dangers of an overly concentrated investment portfolio and shares actionable strategies to help you achieve the right balance between growth and protection. He’ll share valuable insights into the risks of putting too much weight on a single investment or sector, how diver…
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Throwback: The worst two words when planning for the future Ep.78
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This week’s throwback takes us to one of our most popular episodes from last year, originally released on December 1st, 2023! In this episode, Ben and Steven had a less technical discussion and instead focused on the importance of mindset and perspective when it comes to planning. The words we use can make all the difference on the success of a pla…
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In this episode, Ben peppers Steven with questions about a recent IRS audit he participated in. Steven shares the ins and outs of going through an IRS audit, best practices for the actual process, and why it's so important to take the "straight face" approach to taxes whether you ever get audited or not. Listen in as Ben asks questions you've proba…
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On this episode of Your Life Simplified, Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, is joined by Sandy Pourcillie, head of fixed income. They unpack common misconceptions of fixed income and bonds, strategies and how you may want to think about them as part of your portfolio.By Mariner
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In this episode Ben and Steven talk about the weather (it was only a quick tangent, we promise), the upcoming election and the kind of tax planning that will get a professional sued. As always they are focused on helping people consistently do the little things over time that add up to a big difference and help listeners tune out the noise and conf…
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Do these financial mistakes have you spooked? They don't have to. Whitney Reagan, wealth advisor, and Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, share four scenarios that often scare people and strategies to overcome that fear. From investing to required minimum distributions, we simplify these common scary financial situations. They also share three t…
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Scott Luhnau, vice president of multi-generational wealth planning, joins Dan Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, on this episode of Your Life Simplified to share what you need to know before the 2025 estate tax exemption. Scott shares a few strategies to prepare for this extate tax exposure.By Mariner
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The One Episode On Politics (Sort of) Ep.75
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With only a few weeks until the election, Ben and Steven share their thoughts on how you should change your tax planning based on who wins. Spoiler Alert: regardless of the outcome of the election, you are most likely going to keep doing the same foundational things. Tax laws change; it's normal. The people who do their best to minimize their lifet…
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Why the SECURE 2.0 Act Matters More Than Ever
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On this episode of Your Life Simplified, host Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, is joined by Scott Luhnau, vice president of multi-generational wealth planning, to discuss the SECURE 2.0 Act. They’ll cover what has changed in government legislation, how it impacts 401(k), Roth IRA and other retirement accounts, and why it matters more than eve…
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91 days left of 2024; what's on your tax to-do list? Ep.74
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Ben and Steven are back and in this episode they are helping you get ready for the end of the year. With 91 days until 2025 there are still actions you can take but it pays to get started and avoid the end of the year crunch. In addition to sharing tax planning strategies you should be thinking about Steven shares some of the most common "bumps" he…
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Set Your Family Up for a Successful Family Meeting
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On this episode of Your Life Simplified, hosts Whitney Reagan, wealth advisor, and Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, continue their discussion on making financial meetings with your family successful. They’ll share tips for making family meetings successful, including getting everyone’s buy-in, making it a singular event, being intentional in …
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Inherited IRAs - what you need to know Ep.73
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The dynamic duo are back together to discuss the IRS's latest "change" to tax rules. This isn't a new topic but the IRS has recently "finalized" the rules originally proposed years ago around inherited IRAs. Ben and Steven provide insight for how to think about inherited IRAs, the the 10 year rule, the value of long term planning and the requiremen…
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Family meetings may sound daunting and challenging but they don't have to be. Hosts Whitney Reagan, wealth advisor, and Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, discuss making these financial meetings with your broader family productive. They'll cover what is a family meeting, why you should have them regularly and what topics are important to includ…
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The real math on owning real estate Ep.72
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In this episode Ben is generous enough to share a personal tax experience to help all our listeners better understand a confusing topic: real estate. Listen in as Ben and Steven talk through the details of Ben's real estate journey including the taxes along with other pieces people don't always think about when they are trying to decide if an inves…
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My CPA has no idea...what do I do next? Ep. 71
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In this episode Ben and Steven share stories about everyone's favorite Office couple "Jim and Pam" and some of the tax situations they can find themselves in. More specifically they talk about what you can do when you have a CPA who is unwilling or unable to help you. They both share examples of how this situation can come about and what you can do…
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College is expensive, so you should never pay full price. Hosts Michael MacKelvie, wealth advisor, and Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor, discuss ways to reduce college costs. They’ll cover more well-known strategies, like 529 plans, and some lesser-known tactics.By Mariner
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Whatcha gonna do when they come for you? Ep.70
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Steven and Ben are back sharing their insight on real world tax situations they have personally helped clients deal with. First, they discuss the unfortunate (but all too common) scenario when two professionals are providing you with different opinions. Ben shares his first-hand experience dealing with this as one of those two professionals and wha…
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In this episode Ben and Steven share insight on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) specifically prompted by listener questions. In addition to covering the basics of what everyone should know about contributing to, investing in and using an HSA, the guys also cover some more unique situations that come up with HSAs. In particular they give you the run …
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Young Professionals: Now that you're past the basics of financial planning, what should you be thinking about as you continue building your wealth? Host Michael MacKelvie, wealth advisor, is joined by Jinger Pajestka, senior wealth advisor, to discuss goal setting, employer benefits, real estate investing, estate planning and insurance, all to help…
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Once again (this is their third year!) Ben and Steven are giving you the highlights of the IRS Dirty Dozen, an annual list of frauds, schemes and scams to be on the look out for. This episode is not meant to scare, just make you aware. Steven and Ben share insight on what's out there and what you can do to help protect yourself from bad actors and …
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Summary: In this episode Steven and Ben are back together and answering questions sent in by great listeners like you. Covering a variety of topics Ben and Steven take the time to give specific answers to these situations along with broader insight that will benefit everyone listening in. Stay tuned to the end as Steven and Ben talk about tax filin…
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In 2024, Should You Rent or Buy Your Home?
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Should I rent or buy my home? On this episode, we'll dive into several studies and look at your return on investment, time, taxes, cost of home renovations and more. Host Michael MacKelvie, wealth advisor, shares historical data, where we're at today and what you should consider as you weigh the pros and cons of homeownership.…
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It's on my return, but what does it mean? Ep.66
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Continuing the theme of sharing lessons learned from recent client conversations, Steven and Ben share common things they see on tax returns that are just as commonly areas for confusion and questions. The tax code can feel like a mystery but with a little help it can be less intimidating. The guys share some of the things they regularly see, like …
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Tax season may be over, but that doesn't mean we're done tax planning. Jennifer Kohlbacher, director of wealth strategy, joins Michael MacKelvie, wealth advisor, to share the importance of year-round tax planning and what you should be thinking about.By Mariner
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I haven't filed my taxes...now what? Ep.65
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In this episode our dynamic duo is back for more tax fun as Ben wrapped up his spring surge and Steven is passed the tax filing deadline. Fresh off of so many client meetings they both have stories to share and questions to answer. This episode's discussion focuses on what to do if you (or someone you know or are responsible for) haven't filed your…
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Cash balance plans are often understood but can be a win-win for tax savings and retirement planning. On this episode of Your Life Simplified, Valerie Escobar, senior wealth advisor, is joined by Daniel Sharkey, senior wealth advisor. They dive into what they are, how they're run and who they may be right for.…
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What the heck is "tax resolution"? with Kristine Stevenson Ep. 64
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In a special episode this week Steven is joined by a tax professional who doesn't do any tax preparation. Kristine Stevenson is an Enrolled Agent who previously worked for the IRS and now specializes in tax resolution work. Steven and Kristine talk about what tax resolution work includes and when it might be something a taxpayer needs to pursue. Th…
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How Parents Can Teach Teens About Investing
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Want to teach your child about investing? It can be difficult to know where to start and even how to answer their questions. Hosts Michael MacKelvie and Valerie Escobar share their advice for parents looking to teach their child or teen about investing including compounding interest, investment accounts, retirement plans and more…
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Psychology and Taxes with Ashley Quamme Ep.63
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This week's episode is a special one in that Steven is not being joined by a CPA or CFP. Steven's guest this week, Ashley Quamme, is actually a Fractional Financial Behavior Officer (don't worry, they talk about what that is) and specializes in helping financial planning firms go beyond the numbers and understand how their clients think, feel and d…
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Why Working With a Wealth Advisor Is Important
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It's not just about the numbers. There is value beyond the data that a wealth advisor can offer. They work to solve complex challenges and guide people during transitions. Hosts Michael MacKelvie and Valerie Escobar share their perspectives on the field before getting into wealth management and what they've learned since.…
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It's April! What should I be doing about taxes? Ep.62
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Benjamin Brandt is back on the join this week and rejoins Steven Jarvis to talk tax topics that are relevant in April. Whether you've already filed your return or still need to get it across the finish line the guys have some great information for you. They also dive into what it means to file an extension and when it makes sense to do just that (s…
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Understanding Your Tax Return: Part 3 Ep.61
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In this episode resident "Least Boring CPA" Steven Jarvis wraps up his walkthrough of a 1040 providing insight and information to make sure you understand your tax return. Steven covers both technical details as well as reminders on what might be most relevant to you and changes to watch out for from year to year. This is as "hands on" as a podcast…
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Tax Implications of Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s
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IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s are among the very basics of building a financial plan, and they apply to just about everybody. On this episode of Your Life Simplified, Valerie Escobar, senior wealth advisor, is joined by Jodi Robinson, vice president of tax services. They discuss the differences between Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s, required minimum distri…
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Understanding your tax return: Part 2 Ep.60
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In this episode resident "Least Boring CPA" Steven Jarvis continues taking you through the first part of a 1040 providing insight and information to make sure you understand your tax return. Steven covers both technical details as well as reminders on what might be most relevant to you and changes to watch out for from year to year. This is as "han…
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Estate Planning: Protect Your Legacy & Avoid These Mistakes
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No one likes planning their mortality, but this is not time made but time spent. The challenges and financial strain without proper planning can, unfortunately, leave a stain on someone’s legacy. On this episode of Your Life Simplified, Michael MacKelvie, wealth advisor, is joined by Michelle Cross, senior wealth advisor. They discuss ways to avoid…
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What is it that people get wrong about retirement? On this episode of Your Life Simplified, Michael MacKelvie, wealth advisor, is joined by guest, Keith Lawrence, retired P&G executive & co-author of "Your Retirement Quest". They discuss ways to be happy and healthy during one of the largest transitions in your life.…
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Understanding your tax return: Part 1 Ep.59
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In this episode resident "Least Boring CPA" Steven Jarvis takes you through the first part of a 1040 providing insight and information to make sure you understand your tax return. Steven covers both technical details as well as reminders on what might be most relevant to you and changes to watch out for from year to year. This is as "hands on" as a…
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Having a new child can bring immense amounts of joy, but it can also bring stress, especially when it comes to being financially prepared. This week, Valerie Escobar, senior wealth advisor, is joined by Whitney Reagan, wealth advisor. They’ll discuss aspects like the Family Medical Leave Act, short-term disability and preparing your team for your l…
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The internet wouldn't lie to you, would it? Ep.58
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In this episode your favorite "least boring" tax podcast hosts are back to sort out the truth on the internet. Sharing some recent tax articles they read, Steven and Ben dive into a specific example of when the internet gets it wrong and some general advice on how to make sure you know what is actually true online. This isn't about dragging anyone …
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The one constant in life is change, and the markets are no exception to this, which leads to a familiar question for many investors. When should you rebalance your portfolio, if at all? On this episode of Your Life Simplified, Michael MacKelvie, wealth advisor, is joined by Brad Rollins, vice president of investments. They discuss what rebalancing …
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