Category Archives: holistic wealth and health

Episode 21: Grasping your Financial Needs, Step 2: Design



Join our hosts Jason L Smith and Bryan Bibbo with special guest, Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC, President and Founding Partner of C2P and Alison Wealth Management, as they continue breaking down The Bucket Plan® financial planning process step by step.  

This episode covers step two of The Bucket Plan® process, known as the “Design” phase, where we analyze all your assets and how they come together to formulate your holistic plan.  

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Overview of The Bucket Plan® Process: A recap of the previous episode on “Discovery,” phase and each step of the planning process: Discovery, Design, Deliver, Dedicated. 
  • Document Analysis: Carefully reviewing your financial documents to gain a complete understanding of your current situation. 
  • Organization: Helping you structure your financial information using our Family Estate Organizer, ensuring everything is accessible and clear to preserve your legacy.  
  • Risk Assessment: Using our proprietary Volatility Tolerance Analysis to determine your comfort level with risk across different time horizons. 
  • Asset Categorization: Introducing you to our Bucket Plan philosophy, showing you how to categorize your assets for Now, Soon, and Later needs. 
  • Investment Education: Guiding you through our Pyramid of Risk, helping you understand various investment types and reflect on your past experiences. 
  • Visual Planning: Creating a personalized sketch of your Bucket Plan, giving you a clear visual representation of your financial strategy. 

Discover how our Design phase creates the blueprint for your customized holistic plan and sets the stage for the next phase of the process.  


Episode 20: Elevate your Life & Consciousness – Hal Elrod on the Miracle Morning



In this episode of the Holistic Wealth and Health Podcast, guest host Matt Seitz, Chief Marketing Officer at JL Smith, sits down with Hal Elrod, the renowned author, keynote speaker, and creator of The Miracle Morning book and philosophy.  

Hal shares his inspiring journey, from overcoming personal tragedies to developing The Miracle Morning routine. They discuss the transformative power of morning rituals and how starting your day with intentional practices can elevate your consciousness and set a positive tone for the rest of your day. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Hal Elrod’s Inspirational Journey: Overcoming personal tragedies and the creation of The Miracle Morning. 
  • The Power of Morning Routines: How starting your day with intention sets the tone for success. 
  • SAVERS Acronym: Breakdown of Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing. 
  • Personal Development Techniques: Enhancing productivity, mindset, and overall well-being. 
  • Impact on Relationships: How morning routines positively influence personal and professional relationships. 

Tune in to discover practical strategies and motivational insights that can help you transform your mornings and your life. 


Episode 19: Managing Wealth Wisely: Insights from Tax & Estate Planning Whiz, Chris Woehrle



In this episode of the Holistic Wealth and Health Podcast, host Jason L Smith is joined by esteemed tax planning professional and professor, Christopher P. Woehrle, JD, LL.M (Tax).  

With a background in tax and estate planning and as a professor at Villanova Law School and former chair of the tax and estate planning department at the College of Financial Planning, Chris shares his expertise on holistic wealth management and the critical role of tax planning. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Holistic Wealth Management: Understanding the comprehensive approach to financial planning that integrates all aspects of your financial life. 
  • Importance of Tax Planning: Exploring the critical role of tax strategies in holistic wealth management. 
  • Effective Tax Strategies: Discussion of specific tax planning techniques, including the 83(b) election, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), and the benefits of gifting appreciated securities to charity. 
  • Navigating Retirement Planning: Strategies for ensuring a secure and comfortable retirement, including the importance of having a diversified income stream. 
  • Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals: How to save for immediate needs while planning for future financial stability. 
  • Risk Management: Understanding and mitigating risks such as mortality, longevity, and disability. 
  • Behavioral Finance: The importance of behavior modification in investment decisions and financial planning. 
  • The Role of Financial Advisors: How professional guidance can help you stay on track and make informed financial decisions. 

Tune in to learn how to manage your wealth holistically, make informed tax decisions, and plan effectively for your future. Whether you are preparing for retirement or looking to optimize your current financial strategy, this episode offers valuable insights to help you achieve your goals. 


Episode 18: Safeguarding Your Wealth & Wellbeing: Carrie Kerskie’s Identity Theft, Fraud, & Cybersecurity Protection Tips



In this episode, host Jason L Smith interviews Carrie Kerskie, a certified identity fraud investigator, speaker, author, and consultant on identity theft, privacy, and cybersecurity. 

Carrie shares her expertise on protecting against identity theft, fraud, and cyber threats in the digital age. Jason also discusses the stress and financial impacts these crimes can have on victims. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Common Mistakes Leading to Identity Theft: Not securing online accounts, failing to ask for help with technology, and believing one is safe from threats by avoiding the internet. 
  • Best Practices for Prevention: Getting credit freezes, using privacy-focused browsers/search engines, enabling two-factor authentication, and validating information from supposed official sources. 
  • Evolving Threat Landscape: How identity theft, fraud, and cyber threats have converged, with criminals using sophisticated tactics like remote access malware. 
  • Recognizing Scams: Red flags like unsolicited requests for sensitive data, urgency to transfer money, and implausible scenarios crafted with convincing details. 
  • Securing Mobile Devices: Using longer passwords/passcodes, being cautious about app installations, and adjusting privacy settings on smartphones. 
  • Approach to AI Tools: Maintaining prudence by fact-checking outputs, as AI models can perpetuate misinformation based on their training data. 

Learn how understanding your body and incorporating proactive holistic health habits can lead to a richer, more productive life.


Episode 17: Arthritis Wellness and Wisdom from Dr. Elaine Husni



In this episode, host Bryan Bibbo is joined by the distinguished guest, Dr. Elaine Husni, MD, MPH Vice Chair of Rheumatology and Director of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Center in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Dr. Husni shares her passion for helping patients with arthritis while Bryan shares his personal experience living with the condition. Tune in for a comprehensive conversation on the different types of arthritis, the latest treatment modalities, and strategies for living well with these conditions. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Dr. Husni’s Background: Dr. Husni shares how she became interested in rheumatology, her current role, previous clinical trials she’s led, and her longstanding involvement with the Arthritis Foundation. 
  • Importance of Proper Arthritis Diagnosis: The critical need for proper diagnosis of the different types of arthritis, as treatment paths vary significantly between conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. 
  • Holistic Wellness Strategies for Arthritis: Beyond medication, Dr. Husni discusses integrative wellness strategies that play a role in arthritis management, including diet, exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. 
  • Weather Impacts on Arthritis Symptoms: How changes in weather and barometric pressure can affect arthritis symptoms and the perception of pain and swelling in joints. 
  • Genetic Factors in Arthritis Susceptibility: The role of genetics in increasing susceptibility to different types of arthritis.  
  • PRECISION Trial on Cardiovascular Risks: Dr. Husni shares insights from her groundbreaking PRECISION clinical trial, which examined the cardiovascular risks associated with various anti-inflammatory medications used in arthritis treatment. 

Learn how understanding your body and incorporating proactive holistic health habits can lead to a richer, more productive life.


Episode 16: Planning Your Financial Future, Step 1 – Discover Part 2



Join us for part two of our in-depth discussion on holistic planning with hosts Jason L Smith and Bryan Bibbo along with special guest Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC, President and Founding Partner of C2P and Alison Wealth Management.

This episode continues the group’s discussion of step one of The Bucket Plan® planning process, known as the “Discovery” phase. You’ll learn how during this initial meeting we have with all our clients; we focus on identifying your concerns, priorities, and goals to determine what matters most to you before we can begin developing your personalized plan.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Understanding Holistic Wealth Management: Discover the five pillars of holistic wealth management and how they work together to create a secure financial future for you and your family.
  • Client-Centric Approach: Learn what it means for your advisor to adopt a fiduciary role and the importance of focusing on client needs rather than representing the firm’s interests.
  • The Bucket Plan® Explained: Learn more about our unique Bucket Plan® strategy, which simplifies your financial landscape into manageable segments, ensuring immediate stability and long-term growth.
  • Enhancing Your Financial Strategy: Gain insights into how a holistic plan that includes advanced asset management, tax planning, and legacy planning can tailor your portfolio to meet your specific needs and goals.
  • Real-Life Benefits: Hear real-life examples of how integrated planning strategies have helped others secure their financial futures.
  • Your Path to Financial Confidence: Understand the importance of continuous education and expert guidance in maintaining and adapting your financial plan over time.

Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing assets, or setting long-term goals, tune in to see how holistic financial planning can help you navigate your financial journey with confidence.

Learn how understanding your body and incorporating proactive holistic health habits can lead to a richer, more productive life.


Episode 15: Grasping Your Financial Needs, Step 1 – Discover Part 1



Hosts Jason L Smith and Bryan Bibbo along with special guest Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC, President and Founding Partner of C2P and Alison Wealth Management, explore the intricacies of the holistic wealth management process through the widely acclaimed financial process, The Bucket Plan®.

Their discussion offers a comprehensive look into the first, crucial step of financial planning called the discovery phase. This episode is a must for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of what to expect during the discovery phase of holistic wealth management and the value of holistic, personalized financial planning.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Introduction to the Discovery Process: Smith opens with the purpose of the discovery step in understanding clients’ financial goals and preparing a personalized plan.
  • Role of Prosperity Capital Advisors: How the Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm JL Smith and Alison Wealth Management use, Prosperity Capital Advisors, offers support to advisors’ compliance, trading, reporting, and portfolio management to focus on client service.
  • Importance of Tailoring Financial Plans: Alison emphasizes how personal finance is more personal than finance and should focus on the client’s specific needs, goals, and personal circumstances for effective planning.
  • Navigating the Discovery Meeting: Alison discusses how he sets the agenda for discovery meetings, ensuring alignment of goals, and establishing a comfortable environment for open communication about financial aspirations and concerns.
  • Pre-Discovery Consultation: Alison and Smith discuss the precursor to the discovery meeting, where advisors evaluate how they can serve potential clients and determine the appropriateness of proceeding to the discovery phase.

Stay tuned for future episodes describing each step of the holistic wealth planning process!

Learn how understanding your body and incorporating proactive holistic health habits can lead to a richer, more productive life.


Episode 14: Beyond the Bone: Navigating Joint Health



Join host Bryan Bibbo as he sits down with Trevor Murray, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, who specializes in lower extremity joint replacements. Together, they discuss their shared passion for helping others, advancements in joint replacement technologies, as well as the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle for joint health. Tune in to hear practical advice on prevention, treatment options, and the profound difference a dedicated healthcare professional can make in improving patients’ quality of life.

Key topics discussed:

  • Murray’s Orthopedic Surgery Background: Trevor Murray discusses his unique journey into the field of orthopedic surgery, tracing back to his interest in athletics and desire to help people, at a young age.
  • Murray’s Extensive Training: Murray sheds light on the rigorous and lengthy process of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
  • Advances in Joint Replacement Technology and Practices: Murray details how technological advancements have significantly increased the lifespan of hip replacements.
  • Activities To Maintain Joint Health: Emphasizing the multifactorial nature of joint health, Murray highlights the critical role of maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in low-impact exercises as preventive measures to stave off the need for joint replacement surgery.
  • Post-Surgical Recovery and Rehabilitation: Murray emphasized the importance of early mobilization, physical therapy focused on range of motion initially and then strength and endurance, and the overall timeline for achieving peak outcomes.
  • Addressing Fears and Misconceptions About Surgery: Murray debunks the adage of delaying surgery as long as possible and instead focusing on the patient’s quality of life and symptom severity.

Learn how understanding your body and incorporating proactive holistic health habits can lead to a richer, more productive life.


Episode 13: Welcome Seth Meisler! Get to Know our Newest Advisor



Join hosts, Jason L Smith and Bryan Bibbo, as they welcome the newest advisor to the JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management team, Seth Meisler, CFA, CFP®, CPA. The episode delves into Seth’s journey in the financial industry, highlighting the importance of the holistic approach, the Bucket Plan® philosophy, and the impact of philanthropy and community service on his career. Learn how Seth’s diverse expertise as a principal, chief investment officer, financial advisor, and auditor, makes him a valuable addition to the JL Smith family.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Introduction to Seth Meisler: Seth Meisler joins JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, enhancing the firm’s financial planning and investment strategies with his diverse expertise.
  2. Seth’s Diverse Background: With a rich educational and professional background, including CPA, CFP®, and CFA credentials, Seth brings a multidisciplinary approach to wealth management.
  3. The Importance of a Holistic Approach: The episode underscores the necessity of a holistic wealth management strategy, integrating all financial aspects to support clients’ overarching goals.
  4. The Bucket Plan® in Retirement Planning: Seth and the hosts discuss the Bucket Plan® philosophy, a structured retirement planning approach that aligns assets with future needs and goals.
  5. Philanthropy and Community Service: Highlighting philanthropy’s role, Seth shares how community service and giving back are integral to his personal and professional ethos.

Learn how understanding your body and incorporating proactive holistic health habits can lead to a richer, more productive life.


Episode 12: Healing from Within: The Power of Pursuing Holistic Health



Join host, Jason L Smith and special guest, Kasia Hrecka, a functional medicine practitioner, as they discuss the transformative power of understanding and nurturing our bodies through functional medicine practices. Smith shares his health challenges and how incorporating functional medicine principles into his daily life under Kasia’s guidance helped him heal his gut, strengthen his immune system, and improve his day-to-day functioning and overall well-being. Tune in to learn how to incorporate these principles into your life, with a focus on nutrition, stress management, toxin reduction, and maintaining a healthy microbiome.

Key topics discussed:

1. Importance of Gut Health: Insights into the critical role of the microbiome in overall immunity and well-being, emphasizing dietary impact on gut health and its systemic effects on the body.

2. Jason’s Health Transformation: Jason shares his personal experience of overcoming health challenges through dietary changes and gut health optimization, showcasing the significant impact of functional medicine practices.

3. Holistic Health Defined: Exploration of holistic health as a state of vibrant physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, underscored by the necessity of a purposeful life for true health.

4. Incorporating Functional Medicine: Practical advice on how to integrate functional medicine principles into everyday life, focusing on good nutrition, stress reduction, minimizing toxin exposure, and supporting detoxification and mitochondrial health for overall vitality.

Learn how understanding your body and incorporating proactive holistic health habits can lead to a richer, more productive life.

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