Category Archives: life

Episode 11: Using Life Insurance to “Insure Your Love” in Life and Retirement



Join host Bryan Bibbo, AIF, NSSA, BPC, and guest, Walter C. Young, MBA RICP, author, business development officer, and financial representative at JL Smith, in honor of February being Insure Your Love month, as they discuss the many benefits of life insurance. Using concepts from his book, The Fifth Option: Why Your Retirement Plan Won’t Work the Way You Think It Will, Young emphasizes the importance of life insurance and how it can be used as a versatile tool for retirement planning, estate planning, and more. Learn how life insurance can be tailored to your unique financial situation and help you achieve a safer, more predictable, and plentiful income for as long as you need it.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Challenges in Retirement Planning: Young delves into the evolving landscape of retirement planning, highlighting the challenges individuals face and the growing responsibility they have in ensuring their financial security during retirement.

2. The Value of Life Insurance: Using a parable from his book known as The “Desert Island Dilemma,” Young demonstrates the challenges retirees face trying to sustain themselves through retirement, particularly the need to make strategic decisions about income sources.

3. The “Fifth Option”: Young introduces the concept of the “Fifth Option” as a transformative approach to retirement income planning, suggesting that traditional options like stocks, bonds, and annuities may not be sufficient, and a new approach is needed.

4. Versatility of Life Insurance: Young discusses how life insurance can serve various roles in retirement and estate planning, including as an asset class, a risk management tool, and a source of tax-free income.

5. Living Benefits: Shedding light on how life insurance can provide financial protection and support not only in the event of death but also in cases of critical illness or long-term care needs.

6. Real-Life Success Stories: Examples of individuals who have effectively incorporated life insurance and innovative retirement income planning strategies to secure their financial futures.

7. The Importance of Financial Literacy: The growing need to educate oneself about financial planning and how improving financial literacy can positively impact the next generation.

Our priority is helping you take care of yourself and your family. We want to learn more about your situation, identify your dreams and goals, and understand your needs. Reach out to Us at JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management to see how we can help.

Resources · The 5th Option: Why Your Retirement Plan Won’t Work the Way You Think It Will book


Episode 9: Ed Slott’s Guide to Maximizing Retirement Savings



In this episode, host Jason L Smith, CEP®, BPC, sits down with “America’s IRA Expert:” Ed Slott, CPA. He is the founder and CEO at Ed Slott and Company and a professional speaker and author. Together they discuss various tax and retirement planning strategies and stress the importance of finding the right advisor to help make the most of your savings and minimize tax burdens. Tune in for valuable advice to make informed financial decisions, optimize your retirement nest egg, and safeguard your wealth for future generations.

Resources:

Fund Your Future: A Tax-Smart Savings Plan book

The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb: How to Take Financial Control, Avoid Unnecessary Taxes, and Combat the Latest Threats to Your Retirement Savings book

The Great Retirement Debate podcast with Ed Slott and Jeffrey Levine

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Having the right advisor: anyone who wants to make tax-smart decisions regarding their financial future benefits from an advisor with the right knowledge and skillset.

  • If you are a high-net-worth individual who has more complex financial needs, an advisor with expertise in tax management can make a big difference in your experience.
  • This podcast shares why understanding tax implications on wealth is important.

2. Proactive tax planning: taking strategic actions now can lead to long-term financial benefits.

  • Some decisions may temporarily increase your tax liability but can be more beneficial in the long run.
  • Planning is crucial to helping you keep more money for yourself and your beneficiaries.
  • It is wise to focus on what will help you have a steady future, rather than what may provide short-term financial gains.

3. Tax-efficient strategies: this episode describes ways to help maximize savings and minimize what you owe. Some examples include:

  • Roth conversions — These can help you manage their income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA) when they turn 65. By converting some of their traditional IRA funds into a Roth IRA, you can potentially reduce future Medicare charges for Medicare Parts B and D.
  • Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) — If you’re 70-and-a-half or older with an IRA and plan to make charitable donations, consider using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA. This allows you to exclude the distribution from income, providing a better tax benefit than a tax deduction.
  • Ongoing education: Stay Informed About Tax Law Changes: Tax laws are constantly changing. Stay informed about new tax laws and regulations, especially those related to retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s.
  • This knowledge can help you make informed decisions and potentially reduce your tax burden.
  • A holistic advisor can help you stay in-the-know.

If you’re unsure about your financial and tax situation, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning and tax-efficient strategies. The professionals at JL Smith can help you create a personalized plan to minimize your tax liability — schedule a free consultation today.

 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this “Holistic Wealth and Health Podcast” episode, “Getting a Leg up on Tax Season – Tips and Strategies for Proactive Tax Management with Ed Slott, CPA” is for general informational purposes only. While hosts Jason L Smith, CEP, BPC, and guest Ed Slott, CPA, share valuable insights, listeners are urged to consult with financial, tax, and legal professionals for personalized advice. The hosts and guests do not endorse specific financial products, and any actions taken based on this content are at the listener’s discretion. The hosts, guests, and producers are not liable for errors or consequences resulting from individual decisions. Always seek professional guidance tailored to your unique financial circumstances.


Episode 8: Balancing the Scales: The Positive Impact of Weight Loss And Good Health



In this episode, host Jason L Smith, speaks with Adam Freeland, CFF, President and OSJ Branch Manager at Harford Financial Group, on the importance of holistic health and wellness. Having recently prioritized his health and lost a significant amount of weight, Freeland shares his personal experiences since committing to a sugar-free diet and intermittent fasting, and how it’s helped improve his overall functioning personally and professionally. Their conversation touches on strategies for setting and maintaining goals including finding a coach or mentor who has achieved the desired results, making financial investments to stay accountable, and more.

Resources:

 

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Importance of Health and Wellness: Listeners are encouraged to prioritize their health and well-being to become better leaders and professionals in every aspect of life.

2. The Power of Commitment: The episode emphasizes the significance of making long-term commitments to health and wellness goals.

3. Accountability and Declaration: When a person vocalizes their health goals, it can help them stay committed and accountable.

4. Dietary Choices: Lifestyle tips are shared, including the positive effects of a low or no-sugar diet, highlighting the impact of dietary choices on overall health.

5. Intermittent Fasting: Adam shares his personal experience with intermittent fasting and how it has changed his mind and body’s relationship to food.

6. Seeking Professional Guidance: Consulting experts and professionals when pursuing health goals can help you stay on track.

7. Overcoming Setbacks: Jason and Adam acknowledge that setbacks are a normal part of the journey and encourage perseverance in the pursuit of better health and wellness.