Blog
You are in Growth Mode, we are build for Growth Mode. What does that mean? Growth comes in so many shapes and sizes. Whether you are starting or growing your business or you are trying to organize and take your personal planning to the next level, growth comes in so many shapes and sizes. From time to time, we'll try to address some of the topics that we come across with our clients, ourselves personally or anything else you may be interested in to help you achieve your goals.
2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook: Key Events and What May Be in Store
As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...
Read MoreTechnology Guide for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....
Read MoreFinancial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read MoreIdeas for a Virtual Holiday Party
Many of us have adapted to a world with remote team members and back-to-back Zoom calls with customers spread across the country, which certainly has its benefits. Nevertheless, one drawback is the difficulty of getting together in...
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The Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
Read MoreAI's Role in Shaping Our Tomorrow: A Look Ahead
While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...
Read MoreTop 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreUnderstanding the September Effect: What It Is and Why It Happens
If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...
Read MoreDon't Get Hooked: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing
As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...
Read MoreMoney Tips for Parents Sending Children Off to College
You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...
Read MoreAttention Parents and Grandparents of College-Bound Students: FAFSA Gets an Overhaul
Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).The Department of Education is calling it the “most...
Read MoreThe 6 Biggest Mistakes DIY Investors Make and How to Avoid Them
IntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me asking for a second opinion. Interestingly, almost every...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
Changes to 529 Plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...
Read MoreHealth Savings Accounts: Pros, Cons, and Retirement Considerations
What if your child needs braces? The cost may be as much as $6,000 for metal braces—more modern versions can run as much as $13,000. Your health insurance may cover only a portion of the cost. If you're well past the braces stage...
Read MoreDoes ESG Investing Actually Achieve It's Stated Goal?
One of the hottest topics in the investment world is ESG investing. It stands for Environmental, Social and Governance investing. The large firms are dedicating large resources towards creating funds and portfolios to meet what they...
Read MoreTop 7 Most Common Estate Strategy Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Getting your affairs in order and outlining what you want done with your estate after you’re gone is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. However, not preparing for the transfer of your assets can lead to...
Read MoreNavigating the Costs of Senior Care: Tips for Preparing for Long-Term Care
Senior care costs can be overwhelming, particularly when long-term care is required due to illness or medical conditions. With the number of seniors in the U.S. expected to rise exponentially by 2030, it's crucial to be prepared for...
Read MoreLiving Trusts: Understanding the Basics and Key Considerations
Estate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your wishes.One popular tool that can be used in estate strategies is...
Read MoreTrying to Time a Recession?
Economies move in cycles – always have, always willThe Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow the rate of inflation. Its efforts are yielding some results, although inflation remains...
Read MoreWhat Factors Have the Greatest Impact on Your Credit Score?
Fun fact: You probably have dozens of credit scores out there, and each one might be a different number.You’re probably familiar with a credit score, why it’s essential, and what it’s used for, but do you know how...
Read MoreImportant Financial Considerations to Make When Remarrying Later in Life
Discussing personal finances is important for any couple preparing for marriage. However, this topic can be more complicated for those who remarry later in life.If you’re remarrying later in life, one of your goals should be to...
Read MoreTop Considerations to Help Adult Children Be Better Prepared As You Age
As we get older, it’s important that our adult children are prepared to manage any aging-related situations that may arise. This includes everything from having to make medical and financial decisions to determining assisted...
Read MoreFed Decision—Aiming for Stability
Over the last two weeks, the banking system experienced stress not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. Today, the Fed raised the Fed Funds Rate by 0.25%. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized the resilience of the banking system...
Read MoreTips for Raising Financially Literate Children
Every parent wants the best for their children and strives to prepare them to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life. But, despite understanding the importance of financial responsibility, only 28 percent of parents speak to their...
Read MoreTransitioning to Medicare from Private Health Insurance Plans
Transitioning from Private Health Insurance Plans to MedicareAs you approach retirement age, you may be anticipating transitioning from your private insurance to Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program that provides...
Read MoreHealthy Business Practices for Entrepreneurs
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost Starting your own business can be like having a baby — a very...
Read MoreThree Takeaways from 2022 and Preparing for a slowdown
Last year was an exceptional year, and not in a good way. There was no shortage of worries during the year from COVID-19, the Ukraine war, and the most central story of all: inflation and interest rates. In this edition of...
Read MoreThe Path of Inflation—It's All About That Base
Whether it's the price of bread, gasoline, or rent, we all feel inflation. As consumers, we often feel inflation differently than the Fed measures inflation. As the Federal Reserve has risen interest rates at an unprecedented...
Read MoreMerited Wealth Market Conversations - November 2022
Merited Wealth Market Conversations. As plenty may know, financial markets have been a source of fear and frustration for many. If you’re struggling to understand the current moment or looking for a clear market update, then...
Read MoreThe Road to Independence
The Road to Independence The Steps To Starting Your Own RIA In the wealth management industry, the term “Independence” gets thrown around a lot. For the vast...
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Being a Non-Profit
What is a Non-Profit?Non-profits refer to organizations like public charities, foundations, churches, fraternal groups, and chambers of commerce, which are built to address a social purpose. They encompass a broad range of structures...
Read MoreUnderstanding Homeowner's Insurance
What's CoveredPurchasing homeowner's insurance is not only critical for protecting your home, your personal property and against any potential liability, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will require it.A homeowner's insurance...
Read MoreReady for a Recession
How To Prepare for RecessionWith fears of recession looming, everyone has the same thing on their mind: "how can I get through it?" If you're worried about what a recession may hold for you, then you're in luck because we're here to...
Read MoreChina's Macro Situation
Recently, I began writing a newsletter where I cover global financial markets and other important topics. In my 4th post linked below, I cover China and its current macroeconomic situation. We tend to get biased coverage here in the U...
Read MoreTime to Partner Up!
How a partnership can helpA partnership can be extremely helpful when starting up or running a business. Have you ever heard the expression "two heads are better than one?" Well, that's exactly what a partnership is for! A partner...
Read MoreKeeping Up with Crypto: Stablecoins
(6 minute read)You’ve probably heard the word stablecoin being thrown around lately, but what is it, how is it different than other cryptocurrencies, and why has it been the talk of the town lately? We’ll be giving you...
Read MoreTaking the Leap! – How Anyone Can Start Their Own Business
(4 minute read)Starting a business is no easy task, especially if you feel like you just don’t have the time. That’s why we’re here to help you get started.Anytime Can Be The Best Time To Start A BusinessThere is no...
Read MoreHow to Prepare to Sell Your Business, Stay on After the Sale, and Take Back Your Business When...
Selling your business can be very stressful. When considering selling, you need to think about not just the legal and financial aspects of a sale but also how it will affect you emotionally. After letting go of something you worked so...
Read MoreChanging Directions While Staying in the Same Profession
Regardless of how far along you are in your career, change is inevitable and sometimes even necessary. You might be considering changing professions altogether or just moving laterally. In recent years, many people have found the way...
Read MoreHealth Insurance for the Self-Employed
If you are currently self-employed or plan to be soon, you need to know about the types of health insurance available to you. Entrepreneurs often find it challenging to find affordable plans that meet their healthcare needs. Plus, when...
Read MoreYou Don’t Have to Sell Your Business to Be Financially Independent
Many people strive for financial independence. Being financially independent means, you can pay your expenses without having to work. Of course, you can still choose to work or not, but you can meet your financial obligations without...
Read MoreBeware of Investment Advice from Social Media "Fin-Fluencers"
When looking for financial advice and where to invest your hard-earned money, be careful about falling victim to the meme stock mania sweeping the financial markets right now.What is a Meme Stock?Meme stock mania was the start of...
Read MoreWhat is a Daily Money Manager and how can they help you!
No matter how old or young you are, and regardless of your financial situation, it is essential to learn how to manage your money correctly. Otherwise, you may end up in debt or more serious financial trouble.Money Management TipsOne...
Read MoreRaising an Entrepreneur
It’s never too early to learn about making money and being successful in business. By the time your kids reach the job market, the competition will be unimaginable; therefore, it’s essential to teach your kids how to be...
Read MoreAre You Taking the Time to Strategically Plan?
Business moves quickly, but if you aren’t taking the time to plan strategically, you could be missing out on vital opportunities or lose the gains you have achieved. Consider these steps to ensure you are doing the most to plan...
Read MoreEnd-of-Year Business Planning
Owning a business can be exciting but also stressful. The end of the year brings a lot of extra expenses such as bonuses, raises, and holiday gifts. In addition, clients tend to pay slower during the fourth quarter making things extra...
Read MoreTime to Think About Setting up a Retirement Plan at Work
To be competitive in today’s job market, you have to offer employees valuable benefits like a retirement plan to help them save for the future. Now is the time to think about setting up a retirement plan for your business.Why...
Read MoreThe Price You Pay for College
The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Roadmap for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever MakeSending your kids off to college is a journey fraught with difficult emotions. One of the most significant stressors...
Read MoreThe Education of an Entrepreneur
I remember when I was young my father used to take me with him to go make his weekly “collections.” We would drive to Dadeland and we would park right outside of the Dadeland Bank branch. Every 15 minutes or so, someone...
Read MoreI Had Five Days to Make One of the Most Important Decisions of My Life
By: Genna GrodinWith a new college application season fast approaching, I wanted to reflect on my rollercoaster experience as a high school senior. For background, I am a rising sophomore at The University of Florida (UF) who applied...
Read MoreWhat's Up With This Crypto Thing?
With the release of the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008—under the alias of Satoshi Nakamoto—sprung the idea of the first cryptocurrency.[i] On January 9, 2009, the first Bitcoin transaction took place and gave life to the idea....
Read MoreTo bring passion to your business does not require your business to be your passion.
It’s vital to figure out what your Life Passion is, but don’t let the flapping mouths say you need to build your business around it to find true happiness and reward. For me, my Life Passion is coaching, which comes in many...
Read MoreOpportunities and Strategies for Career Transition
I had the opportunity to sit down with my friend Wayne Hewett and give some thoughts and advice to those who may currently be going through a Career Transition. While there is a lot of uncertainty going on in the world right now, what...
Read MoreMid-Air Course Changes, how to navigate a Career change.
I remember the day vividly when I knew I had to change what I was doing. I sat in a chair in the middle of my house watching my wife make dinner and my kids run around me. For 3 days I had been involved in the most disheartening...
Read MorePotential Policy initiatives for 2021
Election 2020: Biden's Policy InitiativesPotential proposals and their legislative requirements.Now that several major news groups have projected Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election—and Congress appears divided with...
Read MoreMy Interview with JB and the Doctor!
I want to thank my friends over at JB and the Doctor for having me as the first guest on their show! I really enjoyed the time speaking with them and sharing some war stories and lessons learned from my years of doing it on my own. For...
Read MoreThe Business Case for Outsourced Investment Management
On September 25th, I was joined by two great professionals, Cammy Smith and Wayne Hewett, to discuss and make the case for Outsourced Investment Management. The utilization of investment partners to help enhance and grow Wealth...
Read MoreNavigating Turbulent times with Process and Planning.
On May 8th, I had the opportunity to make a presentation with my partners at Dimensional Fund Advisors to help discuss and put into perspective recent stock market volatility. Dimensional is known for the breadth and depth of their...
Read MoreHow much do you really know about Reverse Mortgages
My good friend Josh Blum and myself got a chance to sit down and present to the FPA of Miami on the the uses and importance of reverse mortgages.I personally learned a lot more about the topic and is truly something every single...
Read MoreNever Let a Good Crisis Go To Waste
I hope you are managing as well as you can through these tough times. While this current environment will pass and our new normal will appear, it's hard to know what to and not to focus on as relevant information to act on now and in...
Read MoreLive Without Judgment
My good friend Alex Almazan and myself sat down with Maria Sentmanat to discuss the challenges the Pandemic has presented to her business and what she’s doing to work through these new challenges. Her passion and positivity...
Read MoreNavigating the Cares Act. Today and 1 year from now.
On April 8th, I had the pleasure of presenting to the Worker’s Compensation Section of the Florida Bar on the new CARES act. I spoke to the new provisions regarding retirement plans and accessing qualified retirement savings,...
Read MorePerspective, Patience and Perseverance.
I hope you and yours are staying safe. This is truly an unprecedented time in our history. While anxiety and uncertainty have dominated our headlines and emotions, we can start to lose perspective. As lines become longer at the grocery...
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