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  • Planning for Parenthood: Financial Advising and Family Planning with Cody Niedermeier

    Planning for Parenthood: Financial Advising and Family Planning with Cody Niedermeier
    2025/06/05
    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s Diary of a Financial Advisor entry, we’re shining a light on one of life’s biggest transitions: preparing—personally and financially—for starting a family. I’m thrilled to be joined by Cody Niedermeier, who brings both professional and personal insights to the table. Not only has Cody been a trusted advisor to countless families over the past six years, but he’s also about to embark on his own journey into parenthood with his wife, Erika. In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Cody and I dove into what it really means to prepare for a growing family. We talked through how those early conversations with your partner set expectations and frame your future together, including important discussions about whether to have children, timing, and navigating shared dreams. As Cody prepares to welcome his first child, we unpacked all that goes into getting ready—from budgeting and nursery setups to making those often-daunting decisions about daycare, changing work schedules, and exploring school options. And because both Cody and I see parenting through the lens of financial planning, we addressed how being in this field shapes your preparedness for the unknown, the necessity of bolstering your emergency fund, reviewing insurance and estate plans, and leaning on professional help—even as an advisor yourself. Beyond the numbers, we delved into the real-life side of parenthood: the flood of unsolicited advice, the emotional weight of new responsibilities, the importance of boundaries with extended family, and the evolving dynamic between partners. Cody shared how this chapter is already making him a more empathetic advisor, ready to relate to his clients in even deeper ways. Here are 5 key takeaways from our conversation with Cody Niedermeier: Start the Conversation Early: Cody emphasized the value of discussing family planning with your partner from the start—making sure both parties are on the same page about having children, lifestyle goals, and their shared vision for the future. Financial Readiness is Ongoing: From daycare costs and household changes to adjusting work schedules, preparing financially for a family requires both planning and flexibility—plus an understanding that it might always cost more than expected. Don’t Neglect the “What Ifs”: Expanding your emergency fund, reviewing insurance coverage, and updating estate documents are crucial steps every family should take when expecting a child, no matter how uncomfortable those conversations might be. Leverage Your Network and Professional Resources: Even as financial professionals, Cody and I both agree on the benefits of seeking advice, collaborating with colleagues, and not hesitating to consult other advisors when preparing for major life changes. Being Present Matters Most: As Cody put it so well, his ultimate career and personal goal is to be a present father who supports and loves his family—and that’s at the heart of both sound financial planning and a fulfilling life. Join us for this open and inspiring discussion as Cody and I explore what it means to plan, adjust, and grow—both as a professional and a parent. If you’re considering starting a family or simply want to ensure your financial house is in order for life’s next big step, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share the show with friends and family who are looking to better their own financial journeys. Stay tuned for our next diary entry, and remember: Don’t retire… graduate! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 分
  • Blended Family, Missing Will: What Happens When You Don’t Plan for the Unexpected

    Blended Family, Missing Will: What Happens When You Don’t Plan for the Unexpected
    2025/05/29
    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s heartfelt and illuminating episode, we take a closer look at one of the most challenging—and often overlooked—topics in financial planning: preparing for the loss of a loved one, managing estates, and navigating the complexities of family and finances, especially in blended families. My guest is Katie George, a seasoned IT recruitment specialist for Liberty Personnel Services in the Philadelphia area, and, as I’m privileged to say, a dear friend of nearly thirty years. Katie generously shares her personal journey of handling her father and stepmother’s passing, the legal and emotional hurdles that arose, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. In this candid conversation, Katie and I talked about the realities that so many families face: blended relationships, unclear or absent estate documents, emotional strain, and the surprising challenges that come with digital legacies in today’s world. We go beyond the logistics to explore the kinds of communication and advance planning that can help families stay strong and harmonious in the face of loss. Katie recounts her experience of organizing her stepmother’s estate alongside her siblings and step-siblings, working through complex family trees, and dealing with the absence of a proper will—a situation that led to a year and a half of litigation. We also delve into making end-of-life logistics easier on loved ones, including the importance of clear directives, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, and involving adult children in conversations about accounts and digital access. Katie candidly reflects on the changes she and her husband made as a result of going through these experiences, the ongoing process of putting her own estate plan in place, and the value of open dialogue with her own parents about their wishes. On a lighter note, we talk travel dreams, the importance of taking the trip now rather than waiting for retirement, and even squeeze in a little good-natured football banter. 5 Key Takeaways: Estate Planning for Blended Families is Crucial: Katie’s experience highlighted how a lack of clear, legal documentation—especially in complex, blended families—can result in not only financial headaches but also prolonged legal proceedings and added grief. Designated Beneficiaries Simplify Transitions: Assets like retirement accounts and life insurance policies with up-to-date beneficiaries can bypass probate and provide quick, straightforward support to loved ones compared to assets tied up in litigation. Communication is Everything: Open, honest conversations with family members—before a crisis occurs—about wishes, assets, and who will take on which responsibilities can preserve harmony and prevent rifts. Organization Makes a World of Difference: Taking simple steps like compiling important documents, passwords, and account information in a clear, accessible place spares surviving family members unnecessary stress—and sometimes even legal trouble. It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Plan: Katie’s story serves as a wake-up call for anyone procrastinating on their own estate planning. Whether it’s updating your will, getting on each other’s accounts, or appointing a power of attorney, don’t delay—the peace of mind is worth it. Join us for this essential discussion about family, finances, and forging a purposeful path through difficult times. If you enjoy our show, please subscribe, rate, and share this episode with friends and family to help them on their own journey to financial confidence and independence! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 分
  • Networking, Leadership, and Impact: Andrew Harrell’s Role in the Future of Financial Advice

    Networking, Leadership, and Impact: Andrew Harrell’s Role in the Future of Financial Advice
    2025/05/22
    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the financial planning profession with our recurring segment, Diary of a Financial Advisor. I’m excited to welcome back Andrew Harrell—a second-time guest and a perfect example of what it looks like to excel and give back in the financial advisory field. Andrew’s journey is marked by involvement and leadership—not only within the firm but also as a newly minted board member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Maryland. He’s someone who truly believes in the collaborative spirit of financial planning, working to foster connections among advisors, drive awareness of legislative issues, and elevate the next generation of planners. In our discussion, Andrew and I dove into professional growth, the value of mentorship and collaboration amongst advisors, and the imperative of getting involved in advocacy through organizations like the FPA. We touched on why participating in these associations expands one’s perspective, and how collaboration trumps competition among advisors. Andrew shared his experience spearheading NextGen initiatives and explained how networking and community work not only benefit clients but enhance the profession as a whole. We also dove into the nuts and bolts of financial wellness, spotlighting BFG’s pioneering corporate financial wellness program—a benefit many don’t realize exists for employees at all levels, breaking the stereotype that financial advice is just for the wealthy. Andrew walked us through what it’s like to deliver hands-on guidance to folks navigating benefit packages, personal finances, and tough life decisions. And, of course, we chatted about the “wellness” aspect—what it means to equip clients with the tools and peace of mind they need to thrive not just financially, but holistically. Of course, I also had a little fun ribbing Andrew about his office nicknames, including “Young Protege” and “EJ” (Eric Junior), and we wrapped up with his vision for his future in the profession. 5 Key Takeaways: Collaboration Over Competition: Andrew emphasized that financial advisors can—and should—see each other as collaborators, not competitors. Networking with peers expands your perspective and helps everyone, including clients, succeed. The Value of Professional Associations: Being active in organizations like the Financial Planning Association provides community, advocacy, and professional development opportunities you won’t find working in a silo. Holistic Financial Wellness: Corporate financial wellness programs aren’t just about asset management; they’re about empowering employees of all levels to make informed decisions about their benefit plans, insurance, and other financial topics, bringing real peace of mind. Legislative Engagement Matters: The financial planning profession faces significant regulatory and legislative pressures. Advisors need to stay informed and get involved in advocacy to ensure their voices—and those of their clients—are heard. Impact Beyond the Numbers: Financial wellness means helping people feel good about their decisions, providing reassurance, and allowing them to focus on what matters most in life—without constantly worrying about money, assets, or benefits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 分
  • Lessons from Gaming: Building a Career with YouTube Skills in the Financial World

    Lessons from Gaming: Building a Career with YouTube Skills in the Financial World
    2025/05/15
    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today’s episode, we’re digging into the evolving world of content creation, self-directed IRAs, and the power of pivoting careers—especially when your passions and professional path take an unexpected but rewarding turn. I’m excited to introduce my guest, Jasmine Trocchia, former Marketing Manager for American IRA. Her journey is both fascinating and instructive—beginning as a YouTuber and content creator with over 200,000 subscribers as “Sally Green Gamer” and evolving into a digital marketing leader in the financial services sector. In our conversation, Jasmine walks us through her remarkable transition—how being a stay-at-home mom and playing Minecraft with her kids sparked a successful YouTube career and ultimately helped her acquire an impressive skill set. We discuss the nuances of building a personal brand, growing a social media following from scratch, and translating those hard-earned “YouTube skills” into a robust marketing toolkit. Jasmine shares what it took to monetize her online presence, the downsides and safeguards of being a family-friendly online creator, and what she learned about networking, SEO, and audience building. We then explore how Jasmine applied her grassroots expertise to American IRA, a self-directed IRA firm with over 20 years in the industry. She details the company’s growth, their new educational webinar series and podcast, and her passion for helping people invest in nontraditional assets like real estate through their retirement accounts. Jasmine’s candor about the challenges of marketing in a highly regulated financial services environment—especially compared to the creative freedom on her own channel—offers valuable insight for anyone navigating career pivots. Finally, Jasmine opens up about her vision for the future, her goals of becoming a Chief Marketing Officer, and her next creative adventure with a new lifestyle vlog channel that blends family, fun, and storytelling. Her story is an inspiring reminder that the skills and passions from one chapter of life are often the building blocks for the next. 5 Key Takeaways: Transferable Skills Are Invaluable: Jasmine’s experience as a YouTuber taught her everything from video editing and SEO to audience engagement, all of which she now leverages in her role as a marketing manager. No skill or job, no matter how unconventional, is ever wasted! Monetizing Your Passion Is Possible: Playing online games with her kids led to a profitable YouTube channel—proof that with consistency, strategy (and a little algorithm savvy), creative pursuits can become significant income streams. Community and Safety Matter: As a prominent family-friendly YouTuber, Jasmine implemented strict boundaries to protect herself and her audience, reminding us that digital success must be accompanied by careful online safety and ethics. Pivoting Is a Superpower: Jasmine’s transition from content creator to marketing leader underscores how adaptability and a willingness to learn can open unexpected doors—even in vastly different industries. The Financial World Needs Creative Thinkers: Jasmine’s marketing approach brings fresh energy to American IRA, leveraging social media, webinars, and podcasts to demystify self-directed IRAs and inspire broader financial education. Join us as Jasmine’s journey fires up your imagination about what’s possible in your own career. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with family, friends, and anyone who might be looking to turn their creative passions into meaningful work—or anyone curious about new frontiers in retirement planning! Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we help you graduate to your best financial future with purpose and passion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 分
  • Building Financial Wellness and Community: Kobe Bolanos' Journey at BFG Financial Advisors

    Building Financial Wellness and Community: Kobe Bolanos' Journey at BFG Financial Advisors
    2025/05/08
    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m delighted to bring you another entry in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, where we dive deep into the journeys, motivations, and unique perspectives of professionals in the financial planning world. Today, my guest is Kobe Bolanos, an Investment Operations Associate turned Financial Advisor at BFG Financial Advisors, and a dedicated advocate for financial literacy and community empowerment. I first met Kobe during his time at Stevenson University, and I’ve watched with pride as he’s grown from a recent graduate—overwhelmed by the complexities of investing—into a rising star at BFG. In our conversation, Kobe and I explore his transition from corporate finance to wealth management during the COVID era, and how an early reading of “Don’t Retire... Graduate!” first introduced him to the world of personal financial planning (even if it went way over his head at the time!). Kobe shares candidly about why he chose to join BFG over other opportunities, especially valuing our firm’s apprenticeship-style model that prioritizes education and mentorship over sales quotas. We discuss his hands-on experience with investment operations, associate work, and now advisory client meetings, and how this 360-degree perspective has deepened his appreciation for the emotional and behavioral elements of financial advice. We also talk about the importance of representation in the industry. Kobe recounts his experience attending his first large industry conference, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities that come with being an outlier in a room—and how that drives his passion for empowering others in his community. We dig into his specific interest in estate planning, the critical (and often overlooked) area he’s eager to champion for families and high earners alike. Throughout our conversation, Kobe emphasizes his holistic vision for the advisor role, blending financial guidance with conversations around wellness and life coaching. His ultimate goal? To help people become the best versions of themselves—financially, personally, and beyond. 5 Key Takeaways: The Power of Mentorship and Education: Kobe’s positive experience at BFG underscores the value of an apprenticeship model in building true advisory skills and prioritizing client relationships over sales targets. Financial Planning is Not One-Size-Fits-All: Every client’s goals and life situation are different, requiring truly personalized planning and a team-based approach for optimal outcomes. Emotional and Behavioral Finance Matter: Kobe notes that success in financial planning is about more than numbers—it’s about understanding the unique motivations and concerns of each client, and easing the emotional burden money often brings. The Neglected Importance of Estate Planning: Kobe is passionate about raising awareness for estate planning, pointing out that even high earners tend to overlook this crucial aspect of financial wellness—one that can have lasting generational impact. Representation and Community Impact: As a young advisor of color, Kobe is actively building his network through organizations like the Baltimore Estate Planning Council and QuadE. He sees himself as both an advocate and a role model, working to create a more inclusive and supportive industry for all. Join us on this episode as we celebrate the journey of a financial advisor who’s making a tangible difference—one client and one community at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast with anyone looking to graduate into retirement with purpose, passion, and a solid plan! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 分
  • Shifting the Prism: Karyn Polak on Impact Investing and Doing Good with Your Money

    Shifting the Prism: Karyn Polak on Impact Investing and Doing Good with Your Money
    2025/05/01
    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of values-driven finance and social impact investing—a topic that blends doing well financially with doing good in the world. I’m joined in the studio by Karyn Polak, founder and Chief Activator of Shift the Prism. Karyn is a lawyer by training and a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion through finance. With a career spanning major law firms, financial institutions like Citigroup, PNC, and Transamerica, and now her own advisory work, Karyn is on a mission to mobilize capital for the greater good, investing for people, planet, and place. Karyn and I had an engaging conversation about the often-blurry line between philanthropy and impact investing. We talked through the realities of working for “big finance” on Wall Street and the motivations that drive individuals and communities to use their money as a tool for positive change. Karyn shared insights about how the large, profit-driven financial institutions can sometimes disconnect from the communities they’re meant to serve, and why it matters where “your money sleeps at night.” We discussed the barriers Main Street investors face in navigating both traditional and alternative investments, the rise of crowdfunding, and the crucial differences between philanthropic giving and investment for social return. We also addressed the challenges posed by regulation and compliance, how most advisors are limited in recommending private impact opportunities, and why it's so important for people to ask the right questions about where their dollars go—even when working with community foundations or donor-advised funds. Karyn outlined practical steps for everyday investors interested in creating both wealth and societal impact, introduced valuable resources for further exploration, and spoke from the heart about her career transition from big law and finance to social entrepreneurship. Karyn concluded by sharing her “why”: the belief that everyone deserves access and opportunity, and the desire to see the real humans behind the numbers. If you’ve ever wondered how to align your money with your values—or how to create lasting impact while building your own financial independence—this episode is a must-listen. 5 Key Takeaways: Understanding the Spectrum: There’s a world of possibilities between pure philanthropy (giving money away) and profit-maximizing investment. Investors can aim for both financial return and social good, using vehicles like community banks, impact funds, and recoverable grants. Where Your Money Sleeps Matters: Where you choose to keep your money—whether in a big bank or a community institution—can profoundly affect the local community. Community banks use deposits to support local businesses, whereas large institutions often circulate funds globally. The Power of Crowdfunding: Recent innovations in crowdfunding allow individuals to invest in local businesses and projects, often with modest amounts, blurring the lines between customer and investor and increasing neighborhood-level impact. Ask the Right Questions (and Resources to Help): Investors need to be proactive—ask community foundations and donor-advised funds how their dollars are invested. Resources like As You Sow, US SIF, and Invest for Better can empower you with knowledge and confidence. Align Risk, Return, and Impact: When evaluating any investment, consider not only the traditional financial return and risk but also the social and environmental impact. The most sustainable companies manage all three—benefiting investors and society alike. Join us and get inspired to use your finances as a force for positive change—without sacrificing your own financial goals. As always, please subscribe, rate, and share Don’t Retire… Graduate! with your friends and family, and let’s keep transforming the way we think about retirement, purpose, and impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 分
  • Behind the Scenes at BFG: Beth Nori on Tax Planning and Financial Advisor Life

    Behind the Scenes at BFG: Beth Nori on Tax Planning and Financial Advisor Life
    2025/04/24
    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode takes you behind the scenes of the financial planning world with an in-depth look at what it means to be a financial advisor dedicated to serving clients’ best interests—sometimes from out of the spotlight. I’m joined by Beth Nori, a talented and detail-oriented CFP practitioner from BFG, who has been with our team for over eight years. While Beth isn’t always sitting across the table from clients, her impact is felt in every plan we create through her commitment to preparation, tax strategy, and precise behind-the-scenes work. In our discussion, Beth and I explored her unique career journey, from her early days in big financial firms in the D.C. area, to her move to the Baltimore region, and ultimately, to her embrace of the tight-knit culture at BFG. We dove into the differences between working at large firms and smaller, family-feel companies, and Beth shared how the close relationships and personal growth opportunities here propelled her forward—especially in taking on some of the technical aspects of planning that many advisors shy away from. One of the highlights of our conversation was Beth’s focus on tax planning. As someone who thrives on details and enjoys crunching numbers, she’s leaned into the challenge of collaborating with CPAs, reviewing tax returns, and seeking new educational opportunities to bridge the gap between financial planning and tax expertise. Her journey serves as a testament to the value of playing to your strengths and finding your niche within the advisory profession. Beth’s story is not only about technical excellence, but also about purpose, passion, and finding fulfillment by helping others succeed—even if that means you’re supporting from behind the curtain. Whether you’re an aspiring advisor, a planner seeking your specialty, or simply intrigued by what happens “backstage” in financial planning, Beth’s insights are sure to resonate. 5 Key Takeaways: Behind-the-Scenes Excellence: Beth’s work in meeting preparation and plan analysis ensures every client interaction is informed, meaningful, and personalized, proving that vital contributions don’t always happen in the limelight. Finding Your Niche: By embracing the detail-oriented, technical side of planning—especially in areas like tax analysis—Beth illustrates the importance of discovering and thriving in your professional “lane.” The Value of Small-Firm Culture: Beth emphasizes the family atmosphere at BFG, where close relationships and ongoing growth are possible, highlighting how firm size and culture can shape advisory careers. Tax Planning as a Differentiator: Tackling areas like tax planning not only brings immense value to clients (everyone loves saving on their tax bill!) but also sets planners apart, especially when they’re willing to work collaboratively with CPAs. Continuous Learning: Beth’s commitment to additional tax education, through specialized courses for accumulators, retirees, and end-of-life planning, underscores the importance of lifelong learning in serving clients’ evolving needs. Join us as we pull back the curtain on financial advising, uncover new career possibilities, and celebrate the professionals who make financial independence possible for so many families. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode to help others discover their own path to financial freedom and fulfillment! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 分
  • Multifamily Real Estate Investing: Risks, Rewards, and Getting Started with Veena Jetti

    Multifamily Real Estate Investing: Risks, Rewards, and Getting Started with Veena Jetti
    2025/04/17
    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of real estate investing, with a special focus on multifamily properties. Joining us is Veena Jetti, founding partner of VIVE Funds, a commercial real estate firm known for curating conservative investment opportunities. Veena's expertise in driving corporate strategy and leveraging cutting-edge technologies makes her a leading voice in this complex field. Throughout our conversation, Veena and I explore the intricacies and challenges of real estate investing, particularly for financial advisors who often lack specific expertise in this area. We explore the dichotomy between professional investors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts, highlighting the expertise required to navigate real estate successfully. Veena shares her journey from working in corporate real estate to managing a billion-dollar multifamily portfolio and offers insights into the risks and rewards of the industry. One of the key insights from our discussion is Veena's perspective on whether real estate always appreciates in value. Despite market fluctuations, she argues that real estate trends upward over long periods, emphasizing the importance of understanding market cycles and being prepared for downturns. We also touch on ethical concerns, with Veena expressing the significance of being a responsible investor while discussing the potential impact of large corporations owning substantial property segments. 5 Key Takeaways: Real Estate as a Long-Term Investment: Veena asserts that while the real estate market experiences cycles, it generally appreciates over long periods. Successful investors must have the patience and resources to weather downturns. The Role of Expertise: Investing in real estate, particularly multifamily properties, requires significant expertise and active management. Veena emphasizes that it's a full-time endeavor, not a side hobby. Ethical Real Estate Investing: Veena highlights the importance of ethical practices in real estate, pointing out the responsibilities of investors to prioritize community revitalization and provide quality housing. Opportunities for Passive Investors: While active investment in real estate is complex, there are opportunities for those seeking passive income through firms like VIVE Funds, requiring accreditation and significant initial investment. Impact of Large Corporations: The growing trend of large private equity firms owning multiple single-family homes poses a challenge for individual homebuyers, potentially reshaping the housing market landscape. Join us as we uncover the nuances of real estate investing with Veena Jetti. Subscribe, rate, and share this episode as we empower you to achieve a purposeful and prosperous retirement! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 分