Tag Archives: family

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 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 2: Get to Know Co-Host, Bryan Bibbo



Welcome to the Holistic Wealth and Health Podcast, your gateway to a prosperous, balanced, and purpose-driven existence!

We dive deep into co-host Bryan Bibbo’s life, motivations, and philosophies he swears by to live well, including his desire to live every day like its last and focus on the true riches in his life — his relationships. Founder and CEO of JL Smith, Jason L Smith, CEP, BPC, introduces listeners to his friend, co-host, and business partner, making it easy to see why they work so well together.

Get to know Bryan Bibbo, AIF, NSSA, & BPC, Partner, Accredited Investment Fiduciary and National Social Security Advisor at JL Smith, as he discusses his humble Cleveland upbringing, how he entered the financial industry, his family and their influence on his life, and the importance of gratitude.