The Confident Retirement

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

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Ep 146: Roth vs. Traditional IRA Oct 03, 2024

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

When planning for retirement, understanding the differences between traditional and Roth IRAs is crucial, as each has unique tax advantages and withdrawal rules that could significantly impact your financial future. Kris Flammang and Collin Habig both underscore the importance of these distinctions, with Flammang noting that traditional IRAs offer tax deductions on contributions but require taxable withdrawals and mandatory distributions, while Roth IRAs feature tax-free growth and more flexible withdrawal options. Both experts agree that choosing the right type of IRA depends heavily on individual circumstances, such as one's expected tax bracket in retirement and long-term financial goals. They strongly advocate for personalized advice from financial advisors and tax accountants to ensure that retirement strategies are tailored to meet specific needs and objectives.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals in the future, unlike traditional IRAs where withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.

Consideration of current and future tax brackets can impact the decision between traditional and Roth IRAs.

Required Minimum Distributions start at age 73 for traditional IRAs, while Roth IRAs provide tax-free growth and withdrawal flexibility.

Why is it important to consider current and future tax brackets when choosing between traditional and Roth IRAs?

Connect with Collin Habig

Connect with Kris Flammang

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Ep 145: Tax Saving Tips 101 Sep 19, 2024

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

Collin Habig is a renowned expert in maximizing retirement contributions, particularly for self-employed individuals who face unique financial challenges. His approach emphasizes the significant tax advantages of SEP and Solo 401(k) plans, which allow for higher contribution limits compared to traditional IRAs, alongside advanced strategies like defined benefit plans for high-income earners. Collin advocates for the strategic deduction of expenses such as home office, business travel, and meals to further bolster retirement savings. He strongly encourages collaboration with tax professionals to uncover additional strategies and navigate the complexities of tax laws, helping individuals minimize their tax liabilities while maximizing their retirement funds.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Maximizing retirement contributions can help reduce taxable income and defer taxes until retirement.
Self-employed individuals have deduction options such as home office expenses and contributions to retirement accounts to lower tax liabilities and increase retirement savings.
Working with a tax professional is important for uncovering tax-saving strategies and maximizing available deductions for individuals with complex financial situations.

Connect with Collin Habig

Connect with Kris Flammang

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Ep 144: Budget Basics Lead to Bliss Aug 29, 2024

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

This episode's guest co-host, Collin Habig, an advisor at LPF Advisors, specializes in making budgeting basics accessible and effective for individuals seeking financial stability. He emphasizes treating a budget as a living document, requiring regular reviews and adjustments to reflect changes in one’s financial situation. Advocating for monthly budget assessments, he believes that tracking income and expenses accurately allows individuals to make informed financial decisions, thereby reducing unnecessary stress. By breaking down complex financial concepts into simple steps and promoting the 50-30-20 rule, he empowers individuals to take control of their finances and pursue their financial goals with confidence.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Budgeting is a tool for managing money, tracking income, and expenses to achieve financial goals.

Setting short-term and long-term financial goals is crucial for attaining stability, peace of mind, and preparing for retirement.

The Confident Retirement podcast offers valuable information on financial topics to help improve financial literacy.

Connect with Kris Flammang

URL: https://legalbrains.com/our-attorneys/michael-vater-esq/

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Ep 143: Aviation Travel Delay Compensation Under International Law Aug 15, 2024

Episode Summary:

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

Michael Vater is the managing partner of Ticket and Law Group in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where he specializes in personal injury and business litigation, among other areas. Recognized as a rising star by Super Lawyers for four consecutive years, Michael has garnered a reputation for excellence in his field. He believes that his firm's strength lies in their comprehensive litigation background, proactive planning, and focus on client education, empowering clients to make informed decisions about their cases. Vater is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services while navigating the complexities of the legal system, with a future vision centered on public education through their website, social media, and blogs.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

· Michael Vater transitioned from mortgage foreclosure defense to personal injury law due to the changing economic landscape.

· Michael Vater shares a memorable case involving the application of European Union standards in connection with aviation travel and Icelandair.

· Michael Vater emphasizes communication, creativity, and cost-effectiveness as core values in his legal practice.

· Michael Vater emphasizes the importance of working with financial advisors and utilizing different investment vehicles for personal injury settlements, especially in cases involving minors.

· In Florida, minors receiving settlement amounts above $50,000 require a court-appointed third party called a Guardian at Lytem to oversee the funds and ensure the child's best interests are protected.

· Staying updated with changing laws and regulations poses a challenge for law firms to adapt quickly and ensure compliance with new legal requirements.

Connect with Michael Vater

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ticktin-law-group-p.a./

Connect with Kris Flammang

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Ep 142: Moderna RSU Stock Options Workshop Aug 08, 2024

URL: https://www.lpfadvisors.com/

Episode Summary:

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

Collin Habig, a certified financial planner with LPF Financial Advisors, specializes in Moderna stock options and RSU planning. He emphasizes the importance of aligning stock option and RSU decisions with clients' values and long-term goals, providing expert guidance on equity selection, awards vesting, and strategic financial planning. Habig explains that stock options and RSUs are both long-term incentive plans, with stock options allowing employees to buy shares at a fixed price and RSUs being performance-based awards. He stresses the necessity of making these decisions based on financial goals rather than emotions, highlighting the need for a balanced financial plan to avoid common pitfalls and achieve long-term financial security.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Understanding the differences between stock options and RSUs is crucial for informed decision-making.

Stock options and RSUs vest over time, with exercise prices and tax implications playing key roles.

Tax implications for stock options and RSUs differ, affecting financial planning and outcomes.

Retirement planning is essential, and advisors like LPF specialize in guiding clients through stock options and RSU planning.

Connect with Collin Habig

Connect with Kris Flammang

(5) Kristopher Flammang CRPC®AIF®BFA® | LinkedIn

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Ep 141: Moderna 401K Workshop Aug 01, 2024

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations”

In this workshop titled "Smart 401K Decisions" for Moderna employees, Kris Flammang and Collin Habig of LPF Advisors provided a comprehensive overview of Moderna's 401K plan. They began by explaining eligibility and contribution guidelines, including age and service requirements, company match details, and the options for Roth 401K contributions. They discussed the importance of diversifying investments, utilizing target date funds, and the flexibility within the plan. The session covered distribution options upon retirement or changing jobs, potential tax implications, and ways to avoid penalties. Common mistakes, such as failing to update beneficiaries or not maximizing contributions, were highlighted. The workshop emphasized the importance of aligning 401K strategies with overall financial goals and offered further resources and personal consultations to help employees optimize their retirement planning. The advisors encouraged participants to take advantage of auto-escalation features and consider a comprehensive approach that includes stock options and RSUs. They concluded by inviting attendees to contact them for personalized advice and future workshops on related topics.

Takeaways

Understanding Eligibility and Contributions: Employees become eligible for the Moderna 401K plan at 21 with one month of service. Contributions can be adjusted anytime, and setting an auto-increase is recommended for better savings.

Maximizing Company Match and Roth 401K Options: To maximize the company match, employees should contribute at least 6% of their eligible earnings. High-income earners can benefit from the Roth 401K option, which allows for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Diversifying Investments: The plan offers various investment options, including target date funds and individual funds, emphasizing the importance of diversification and matching investments to one's risk tolerance and time horizon.

Distribution Options and Tax Implications: Upon retirement or changing jobs, employees have several distribution options, including lump sum withdrawals and direct rollovers to IRAs. They should be aware of tax implications and potential penalties for early withdrawals.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Listeners are reminded to regularly update their beneficiaries, increase contributions as income rises, and ensure their investments align with their risk tolerance and retirement timeline to avoid common mistakes in managing their 401K.

Connect with Kris Flammang:

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Ep 140: Supporting Clients' Goals with Tailored Financial and Emotional Guidance Jul 25, 2024

Episode Summary:

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

Collin Habig is a certified financial planner and a recent addition to the LPF advisor family, bringing a wealth of expertise in financial planning issues related to equity compensation. With a strong background in risk management and corporate retirement planning, Collin is dedicated to tailoring strategies that meet each client's unique financial needs. He emphasizes the importance of understanding when to sell stock options based on individual goals and the tax implications involved, rather than merely focusing on market price. Fueled by a passion born from personal family financial struggles, Collin is committed to building long-term relationships with clients, offering both financial and emotional guidance to help them achieve stability and independence.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Colin Habig is a certified financial planner with expertise in risk management, corporate retirement planning, and equity compensation.

Colin values independence in his work, providing unbiased and personalized financial guidance to his clients.

The team approach in financial planning ensures clients have access to a wide range of professionals, creating a supportive environment for confident decision-making.

Building long-term client relationships involves understanding goals, providing emotional support, and guiding clients through various life stages beyond just financial advice.

Connect with Collin Habig

Connect with Kris Flammang

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-gordon-7860b83/

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Ep 139: Digital-First Journalism in Evolving Landscape May 16, 2024

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

Mark Gordon is a seasoned journalist with an extensive background that includes work in newspapers, magazines, and now, the Observer Media Group. His career journey began in Philadelphia, taking him to New York and ultimately leading him to Sarasota, where he serves as the managing editor of the Business Observer. Before embarking on this journey, Gordon worked as a juvenile probation officer in Philadelphia, an experience that, along with his geographic transitions, has informed his unique perspective. Gordon's attitude towards his career is shaped by his love for the dynamic nature of journalism and the various challenges and growth opportunities it presents. Despite journalism's lack of instant gratification, he finds fulfillment in the continuous flow of projects, working with a dynamic team, and the opportunity to create engaging content. His dedication to storytelling and the industry's constant evolution are evident in his work and leadership style.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Mark Gordon transitioned from journalism to juvenile probation officer to business writing, finding his niche after 9/11

• Gordon emphasizes the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and seeking help in transitioning to business writing

• He manages the Business Observer print edition, coordinates website stories, and writes leadership columns and strategy stories

• Gordon discusses the need for media professionals to continuously learn and adapt to meet modern audience demands

• The shift towards a digital-first approach in journalism is crucial to align with changing reader preferences

• Successful entrepreneurs highlight the significance of perseverance, sticking to vision, and effective communication in leadership

• Small businesses relocate to areas with better job markets and living conditions to attract talent, supporting business growth and driving economic development

Connect with Mark Gordon

Connect with Kris Flammang

https://www.ladenburg.com/investment-banking/ladenburg-thalmann-co-inc-

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Ep 138: 2024 Economic Outlook Mar 14, 2024

Episode Summary:

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations”

Phil Blancato, the highly respected President and CEO of Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, has almost 35 years of experience in the investment management industry. Phil's viewpoint on investment management and macroeconomic theory has been shaped by his personal journey and background, having grown up in a blue-collar family. His primary focus is helping the everyday person achieve financial success instead of working exclusively with high-net-worth individuals, such as hedge fund leaders or private equity firms. Blancato underscores the importance of grasping macroeconomic trends and how they shape investment decisions, underlining the need to adjust portfolios based on shifting economic environments. With his pragmatic and relationship-oriented approach to investment management, Blancato is devoted to helping his clients attain their financial objectives and retire in comfort.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Analyzing global economic trends is crucial for making informed investment decisions regarding where to invest.

• Investment strategies involve analyzing global growth, currency strength, and sector performance to inform portfolio decisions on a micro level.

• ETFs, mutual funds, and individual stocks offer unique advantages for investors based on factors like diversification, cost, and tax efficiency.

• What are the unique advantages of ETFs, mutual funds, and individual stocks for investors?

Connect with Phil Blancato

Connect with Kris Flammang

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-georgiou-esq-97ab4851/

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Ep 137: Building Trust: The Foundation of Client-Attorney Relationships Mar 07, 2024

Episode Summary:

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

Kristina Caballero is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer, boasting over a decade of experience in the field and a Bachelor's degree in Law from a prestigious university. Specializing in cases related to car accidents and slip-and-fall incidents, she has a firm belief in the importance of personal injury law as a means to protect individuals who have suffered due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. Her perspective is shaped by her extensive experience in representing numerous clients and securing substantial settlements and verdicts for them. Caballero views personal injury law as a tool for seeking justice and providing support for those who have been wronged, and she emphasizes the importance of legal representation to navigate the complexities of personal injury cases and uphold the rights of victims.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Establishing a strong client-attorney relationship is crucial in the legal process.

• Specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases requires navigating complex legal issues and providing support to clients during challenging times.

• Financial planning includes guiding clients in post-settlement financial planning, such as setting up annuities, trusts, and investments for long-term sustainability.

• Navigating strict court timelines and handling severe injury cases can be emotionally challenging for legal professionals.

Connect with Kristina Caballero

Connect with Kris Flammang

https://www.lpfadvisors.com/team/kristopher-flammang

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Ep 136: Secret Systems to Strategic Planning Feb 15, 2024

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.”

Bruce Willey JD, CPA, has served as an accountant, tax and wealth-building specialist for individuals and business owners for over three decades. The founder of American Tax & Business Planning, LLC. Bruce is also an author, sought-after speaker and influential resource for tax law, application knowledge and strategic advisement.

Bruce is focused on creating partnerships with his clients; his specialties include tax minimization, comprehensive and ongoing wealth and tax guidance as well as legacy planning and transition management for individuals and business owners. To reach those goals, Bruce and his team invest in thoroughly understanding each client’s business as well as their needs and objectives; then finding opportunities and creating a master plan for financial choices designed to maximize outcomes while minimizing negative obligations.

Bruce and his team have saved their clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes and costs, helping them build their financial foundation, legacy and options.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Bruce Willey about secret systems to strategic tax planning.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Why Bruce is a tax preparer and not a planner.
How Bruce picked the services his firm offers.
The difference between reactive vs proactive tax planning
Americans view tax refunds incorrectly.
The amount of retirement from the IRS is alarming.
What is an outsourced CFO and who is a good candidate?
What is the Secret System?

Connect with Bruce:

Americantpb.com

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Ep 135: What Are Your Options For Excess Cash with Kris Flammang Feb 08, 2024

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

Looking to invest excess cash? Look no further than this episode of The Confident Retirement, hosted by Kris Flammang. Kris discusses your options for overflow cash in this new solo episode. Kris has been in the financial services industry

Flammang breaks down the pros and cons of savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and money market funds. Learn about the benefits of having easy access with lower interest rates through savings accounts, or higher interest rates with flexible check-writing through money market accounts. And don't forget about CDs, which offer even higher interest rates with a laddering strategy. But for those seeking the highest interest rates of all, riskier money market funds may be the way to go. Flammang emphasizes the need to carefully weigh the options and choose the right account based on individual priorities and needs.

Don’t just leave your extra funds in a low-interest savings account! Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Kris Flammang about what to do with your excess cash.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Maximizing excess cash in savings accounts and more
Pros and cons of different account types
Considering your individual priorities and needs

Connect with Kris:

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Ep 134: In Tax Disputes, Experience Matters Feb 01, 2024

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

In this installment of The Confident Retirement podcast, featuring Kris Flammang, we delve into the intricate realm of tax litigation, emphasizing the pivotal role of seasoned expertise. Karen Tenenbaum, a distinguished tax attorney with a remarkable tenure of 39 years, bolstered by an LL.M. in Taxation and credentials as a Certified Public Accountant. As the visionary founder of Tenenbaum Law, P.C., based in Melville, NY, Karen has dedicated the past quarter-century to advocating for individuals and businesses ensnared in the complexities of IRS and New York State tax disputes.

Renowned for her profound acumen in tax law, Karen Tenenbaum is a venerated figure on the lecture circuit, imparting her extensive knowledge on IRS and NYS tax matters to esteemed professional groups such as the NYS Society of CPAs, the NCCPAP Accounting and Tax Symposium, AAA-CPA, and the New York State Society of Enrolled Agents, among others. In her current roles as the Chair of the Suffolk County Bar Association Tax Law Committee and the Vice Chair of the NYS Society of CPAs Relations with IRS Committee, she continues to shape the discourse in tax law, while her firm steadfastly champions the resolution of tax dilemmas for a myriad of clients.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of The Confident Retirement with Karen Tenenbaum for a discourse replete with sophisticated insights into the nuances of tax law.

Highlights of this week's episode include:

An exploration of the circumstances under which the government may initiate the withdrawal of funds from personal accounts.
A discussion on the strategic significance of carving out a specialized niche in the vast landscape of professional practice.
Prudent strategies to mitigate the risk of triggering a tax audit.
An overview of New York's commendable initiative for voluntary disclosure, a program exemplary in its approach to tax regulation.

Connect with Karen:

https://www.litaxattorney.com/

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Ep 133: Estate Plans for Medical Pros and Families Who Want to Avoid Time Clocks Jan 25, 2024

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.”

Born into a medical family, Trish Butcher has dedicated her professional career to advocating for and assisting physicians and other healthcare professionals. After having her own son, she transformed her passion into a modern law practice that focuses on helping guide young families and the medical community to protect their hard-earned assets and family with personalized and comprehensive life & legacy planning. Whether her clients are just starting their career or looking to protect their medical legacy, married or single, have babies or children who are grown, Trish helps her clients craft a plan that achieves their goals for their legacy and loved ones today and for years to come.

Trish graduated from the University of Georgia followed by the Emory University School of Law in 2013. While studying at Emory, she interned with the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) and later transitioned into the role of Legal Counsel. After MAG, Trish transitioned to private practice and assisted healthcare professionals with a wide variety of legal matters while working with Hamil Little PC. After advanced training with the New Law Business Model, Trish became a licensed Personal Family Lawyer and Family Business Lawyer® in order to step away from the antiquated billable hour and ensure that she can become the trusted advisor for her clients to look to for a lifetime of guidance, protection, and love.

Trish is an avid University of Georgia fan, a wife, and proud mother of Max (and two fur babies).

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Trish Butcher. Her honesty and care for people is on top. There are a lot of things that she imparted. The most important thing is that whatever the practice area she focuses on, she shares her passion in making a difference in an individual’s life and know that she was able to help.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

·Trish shares the story behind how she chose to be a lawyer, what’s her original plan when she entered law school, and why she opened up her own law firm.

·Learn more about estate planning by knowing Trish’s firsthand experience on an estate plan that gone bad.

·What is Trish’s motivation for specializing in special needs planning and what does this plan do?

· “Making a difference in people’s life.” This is what Trish loves most about the business.

·Trish clarifies the misconception that attorneys are intimidating to talk to.

·Trish tells us a story of a recent satisfying experience that includes covering the blind spots of her client. Learn more about Trish’s, what she loves to do, her personal stories.

· Learn more about Trish’s, what she loves to do, her personal stories, and experiences, achievements, and things that she is looking forward to.

Connect with Trish Butcher/Butcher Health Law

www.butcherhealthlaw.com

Connect with Kris

Website:https://www.lpfadvisors.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 132: Maximizing Your Retirement Confidence Jan 18, 2024

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.”

Looking to secure your financial future? Tune in to The Confident Retirement hosted by Kris Flammang. On today’s episode, Kris Flammang interviews Carolina Nunez, a first-generation American attorney.

After graduating law school, Carolina opened her solo practice in Winter Park, Florida and expanded recently to Daytona Beach, Florida. The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A. also expanded offices in satellite locations in Gainesville and Stuart. The goal of her firm is to provide personalized service while delivering big firm results. Their boutique office focuses on client communication to not only provide full understanding of legal strategy to their clients, but also to ensure that the client knows that they are not just another case. They value people and view each case from the eyes of our clients.

On today’s episode, Carolina shares her journey with Kris from her beginnings in real estate to eventually becoming a lawyer. She discusses the importance of ambition and drive over education, and the ins and outs of personal injury and estate planning (regardless of wealth status). Plus, learn how Carolina helps her clients navigate the complex world of insurance policies and recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Stay up to date with the latest legal updates and tips from Carolina's blog. Don't miss this engaging and informative episode of The Confident Retirement about maximizing your confidence for retirement. Listen now!

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

How Carolina moved from real estate to law
The relatable side of boutique law firms
Essential estate planning documents
Navigating personal injury cases
The importance of adequate insurance coverage
Medical billing challenges for boutique law firms
The importance of an online presence for law firms

Connect with Carolina:

https://www.cnunezlaw.com/

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Ep 131: Complex HNW Family Law Jan 11, 2024

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.”

Eliana T. Baer, Esq. is a Partner at the national law firm, Fox Rothchild, LLP, where she focuses her state-wide practice on representing clients on issues relating to divorce, equitable distribution, support, custody, adoption, domestic violence, premarital agreements and Appellate Practice. Ms. Baer, I received her undergraduate degree from Yeshiva University, magna cum laude. She is a 2009 graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law and is admitted to practice in the New Jersey and New York. She is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Ms. Baer is member of the New Jersey State Bar Association - Family Law Section and Family Law Young Lawyers Section. She has been named a Rising Star by New Jersey Monthly Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine for 2014 through 2023. In 2016, Ms. Baer was named a Trailblazer in Divorce by The National Law Journal. In 2018, Ms. Baer was named New Leader to the Bar by the New Jersey Law Journal. She has been inducted as one of the Ten Leaders, Family Law, Age 45 & Under from 2018 through 2023. Ms. Baer currently serves on the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Family Law Executive Committee

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Eliana Baer about high-net-worth divorce complexities.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Eliana chose this type of law because of the impact that it can have.
Every day is different with family law.
Mark Segal was a mentor of Eliana’s.
What is nuance support and what are the New Jersey guidelines?
What is the three-pony rule in family law?

Connect with Eliana:

https://www.foxrothschild.com/eliana-baer

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Ep 130: Three Biggest Retirement Mistakes to Avoid Jan 04, 2024

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

In this episode of the "Confident Retirement Podcast" host Kris Flammang discusses the common mistakes people make when planning for retirement. Flammang highlights three key mistakes observed during his two decades of experience working with individuals and business owners. He emphasizes the universality of these mistakes, regardless of the state of the economy or government. The first mistake is ignoring the risks associated with retirement, regardless of one's financial preparation. Flammang stresses the importance of acknowledging and preparing for the "certainty of uncertainty" in life and retirement plans. He introduces the concept of three types of retirees: overfunded, underfunded, and constrained investors, with most people falling into the latter category. These investors must be especially mindful of longevity risk, inflation risk, and timing risk in their investment strategies.

Flammang then delves into specific retirement planning strategies to address these risks. He critiques the traditional total return method for retirement planning, pointing out its shortcomings in addressing the risks for constrained investors. Instead, he proposes an income plan or strategy that segments funds according to the timeframe of usage. This approach allows for more aggressive investment of funds not needed for a long time, while ensuring that immediate income comes from stable sources. Flammang also emphasizes the importance of not taking the Social Security claiming decision lightly, as it can have a significant financial impact over a person's lifetime. He advises considering factors like marital status, health, family history, and financial need when making this decision. The episode concludes with Flammang urging listeners to not overlook these common mistakes and to adopt a well-thought-out income strategy that prepares for the uncertainties of retirement.

Highlights from today's episode:

Three Types of Retirees: Learn about the classification of retirees into three categories: overfunded, underfunded, and constrained investors.

Critical Retirement Risks: The importance of being aware of and preparing for three major retirement risks: longevity risk, inflation risk, and timing risk.

Income Planning Strategies: The traditional total return method of retirement planning and advocates for an income planning strategy. This strategy involves segmenting retirement funds based on when they will be used, allowing for tailored investment approaches based on time horizons.

Social Security Claiming Decision: The significance of the Social Security claiming decision. Consider various personal factors like health, marital status, and financial needs before deciding when to claim Social Security, as this decision can greatly impact long-term financial stability.

Embracing Uncertainty: The concept of the "certainty of uncertainty" in retirement planning. Flammang advises listeners to prepare for unpredictable changes and uncertainties in life and the economy.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 129: Divorce Advocacy Done Right Dec 28, 2023

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

Vicky Townsend is the founder and President of Divorce Right, Inc. an Employee Assistance Program company serving companies and government agencies in the US and abroad. She is also the co-founder an former CEO of the National Association of Divorce Professionals, a professional association consisting of the licensed and certified professionals that serve families going through a divorce.

Vicky is revolutionizing the divorce process by training HR professionals and company supervisors about the issues facing their divorcing employees, signs an employee may be experiencing or even contemplating a divorce, and the issues that they may be facing by way of international culture issues, religious matters, and more. Vicky is a proud FSU alum, and looks forward to the day that the divorce process doesn’t destroy families financially or emotionally. Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Vicky Townsend about divorce and the work place.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

The labyrinthine system of divorce is designed by the people you hire to get you out of it.

Divorce the number one business disruptor other than death.

Average employee loses 40% of productivity for 4-5 years.

The biggest effect of a divorce on the business is productivity.

What is a win-win for everyone?

Why 5% of your divorcing employees quit.

What is a post-nuptial agreement and how does it work?

Connect with Vicky:

https://divorcerightinc.com/about-us/meet-the-founder/

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Ep 128: What does a Great Benefits Offering Entail? Dec 21, 2023

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendation.”

In this fan favorite episode, we feature a conversation with Nancy Hendrickson. Nancy Hendrickson started with CAN Community Health in July of 2016 working as a temp where she was responsible for processing Payroll and general HR duties. Shortly thereafter, she was hired and currently is the Total Rewards Manager where she manages all aspects of the employee benefits program. This includes health and welfare plans, retirement plans, life insurance, wellness programs, and any other employee benefit plans offered.

Prior to moving to Sarasota, Florida, she lived in Baltimore, Maryland where she was a licensed Life/Health Insurance agent and worked with other brokers, brokerage firms, clients, and Third-Party Administrators. Her final position was the Enrollment Department Supervisor for BenefitMall where she and her staff maintained a zero-error report with CareFirst.

In our conversation, we discuss several topics, including:

Why Nancy loves working for her company.

Why communication and honesty are important traits when challenges at work surface

Why you always have to listen to your employees

How benefits help employees

How understanding benefit packages can be overwhelming for employees

What part of benefit packages gets the most positive feedback

Connect with Kris:

https://schillingsilvers.com/jeremy-t-schilling-esq/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 127: Straight Forward Injury and Insurance Claim Advocacy Dec 14, 2023

Episode Summary:

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.”

Jeremy T. Schilling is a civil litigator, with his primary practice in the area of first-party property insurance and personal injury. He spent the first six-plus years of his career defending insurance companies, along with general civil litigation for both defendants and plaintiffs. It is his experience defending insurance companies that enables Jeremy to best serve the injured and policyholders as he now dedicates his practice to helping the injured and homeowners obtain the benefits to which they are entitled.

In this episode Jeremy Schilling talks about his journey with work in an insurance company, providing him a unique understanding of the industry. His law firm, described as a consumer advocacy group, is dedicated to helping injured individuals and homeowners navigate insurance claims. The podcast touches on challenges in the Florida insurance market, particularly unresolved hurricane claims, and highlights the impact of changes in tort reform laws on property and personal injury cases. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of personal connections with clients, the challenges posed by misconceptions about attorneys, and the need for clients to actively participate in decision-making. Despite changes in the legal landscape, the firm's goal remains rooted in doing things the right way and helping people, expecting financial success to follow.

In the interview, Jeremy shares insights into his legal background, the challenges and misconceptions in the legal profession, and the specific hurdles presented by recent changes in Florida law. He articulates the firm's commitment to being a consumer advocacy group, fostering personal connections with clients, and navigating the complexities of insurance claims, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of Jeremy Schilling's legal approach, the firm's mission, and the evolving legal landscape in Florida.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Jeremy's Unique Legal Background: Learn about Jeremy Schilling's unconventional start in the legal profession, having worked for an insurance company, which provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of insurance companies.

• Consumer Advocacy: Jeremy's law firm is described as a consumer advocacy group, and he emphasizes the firm's commitment to helping injured individuals and homeowners navigate insurance claims, dispelling misconceptions about lawyers being solely profit-driven.

• Challenges in the Florida Insurance Market: The episode discusses the challenges faced in the Florida insurance market, particularly regarding unresolved hurricane claims, shedding light on the complexities involved in such cases.

• Impact of Legal Changes: gain an understanding of how recent changes in Florida's tort reform laws have affected property and personal injury cases, shaping the way legal professionals approach certain claims.

• Personal Connection and Decision-Making: Jeremy highlights the importance of personal connections with clients, setting realistic expectations, and the active involvement of clients in decision-making, emphasizing that the financial situation of clients is considered irrelevant in the initial stages of evaluating a case.

Connect with Jeremy Schilling

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Ep 126: From Doubt to Confidence: A Guide to Stress Free Legal Processes Dec 10, 2023

The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.

Jana Chebat is a highly dedicated and hardworking attorney, recognized for her exceptional legal acumen in handling cases involving severe personal injuries, medical malpractice, products liability, and wrongful death in South Florida. Originating as a law clerk at Goldberg & Rosen while simultaneously preparing for the bar and maintaining a full-time role, Jana is celebrated for her hands-on approach and passionate advocacy for her clients. With roots in both Miami-Dade and Broward County, she graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Florida International University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Jana continued her educational journey, obtaining a Paralegal Certificate from Boston University and pursuing law school at Loyola University College of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana. During her legal education, she clerked for Chief Magistrate Judge John J. O'Sullivan, interned with the Endress + Hauser Group in Switzerland, and achieved a top 5 ranking in the Southern Classic Trial Advocacy Competition as an active member of the Danny and Mary Becnel Trial Advocacy program. Fluent in Spanish, admitted to practice in Florida, and a member of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Jana takes pride in her impactful legal work and meaningful client relationships.

This episode features Jana Chebat, a legal professional specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases at a Florida-based legal firm. Jana discusses her journey from a psychology degree to law school, highlighting her background as a tutor and preschool teacher. She dispels misconceptions about personal injury attorneys, emphasizing the firm's commitment to helping clients rather than being solely driven by financial gain. The interview delves into the evaluation process for cases, covering liability, insurance, and damages. Jana stresses the importance of communication in alleviating clients' stress during the legal process and managing their expectations. Looking ahead, Jana shares her goal of becoming one of the best personal injury attorneys in Florida, expressing gratitude for the support of the firm's partners.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Career Transition and Passion for Law: hear about a unique journey from a psychology background to pursuing a law degree.

Dispelling Misconceptions about Personal Injury Attorneys: challenge common misconceptions about personal injury attorneys, with an emphasis on the goal of genuinely assisting clients rather than being solely motivated by financial gain.

Key Aspects of Case Evaluation: insights into the crucial elements of evaluating personal injury cases, emphasizing the importance of assessing liability, insurance coverage, and damages to determine the course of action.

Client Communication and Stress Management: The interview underscores the significance of communication in the legal process, particularly in managing clients' stress and expectations.

Future Goals and Professional Development: discussing the continuous learning and improvement inherent in her professional journey.

Connect with Jana Chebat

https://www.goldbergandrosen.com/our-attorneys/jana-chebat/

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Ep 125: Sticking Together as You Are Coming Apart Nov 30, 2023

For Sara Horowitz, practicing Family Law and Collaborative Divorce is a calling. Her North Star is helping families and children through divorce and adoption with kindness, education, and integrity. Sara has built a reputation for results by focusing her legal efforts on uncontested and collaborative dissolutions of marriage, child and spousal support, child timesharing, property division, paternity, and stepparent, relative, and foster care adoptions.

Sara graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida in Gainesville with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Minor in Criminology. She went on to receive her JD from UF Levin College of Law, with honors.

In this episode, Kris Flammang talks to Sara Horowitz about her transition from traditional litigation to collaborative and uncontested divorce resolutions. She shares her decade-long experience in family law, emphasizing the emotional toll of litigation on families, particularly children. Sara discusses the benefits of collaborative divorce, a non-adversarial process involving a professional team working together to help spouses reach resolutions outside of court. She encourages clients to consider alternatives to the traditional adversarial process, promoting open communication, collaboration, and a focus on the well-being of the family unit.

Sarah highlights her commitment to directly working with clients, providing care, compassion, and dignity throughout the process. She manages expectations and emotions by collaborating with a neutral facilitator in the collaborative process, ensuring transparent communication and avoiding surprises. The podcast delves into misconceptions about divorce, Sarah's passion for educating clients about collaborative and uncontested options, and her vision for the future, which includes growing the collaborative process in her practice.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

· Alternative to Traditional Litigation: Listeners will gain an understanding of how collaborative divorce involves a professional team working together to help spouses reach resolutions outside of court, with a focus on reducing emotional and financial stress.

· Navigating Emotional Challenges: Explore the emotional toll of litigation on families, especially children. Learn about the role of a neutral facilitator in managing emotions, promoting open communication, and ensuring that both spouses are well-prepared for discussions during the collaborative process.

· Benefits of Uncontested Divorce: Insights Into the benefits of this approach, which involves negotiations between spouses or attorneys and may include pre-suit mediation, ultimately streamlining the divorce process.

· The Solo Practitioner Approach: Emphasizing direct involvement with clients, which provides personalized legal services with care, compassion, and dignity, creating a supportive environment for clients going through significant life transitions.

· The Shifting Paradigm within the Legal Community: Getting more attorneys to embrace collaborative divorce principles. A glimpse into the potential future of family law resolutions.

Connect with Sara Horowitz

https://horowitzlawpa.com/

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Ep 124: From Prosecutor Dreams to Trial Lawyer Nov 16, 2023

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations.”

In this episode host Kris Flammang welcomes Katherine Neal, a board-certified civil trial lawyer and managing partner of a Florida-based firm specializing in representing injured clients and their families. Katherine shares her unconventional journey to becoming a personal injury lawyer, emphasizing her initial intention to be a prosecutor and the financial challenges she faced after law school. Over the years, she worked her way up in the legal field, eventually becoming the managing partner of her current firm.

Katherine discusses common misconceptions about personal injury lawyers, addressing the negative stereotypes associated with the profession. She highlights the importance of caring for clients and the genuine commitment her firm has to their well-being. She reveals her accidental entry into personal injury law and the fulfillment she finds in helping clients navigate challenging times. She emphasizes the transformational aspect of her work, witnessing clients recover from significant injuries and achieve justice.

The conversation delves into clients' fears and concerns, particularly the anxiety around case values and the duration of the legal process. Katherine reassures clients by providing realistic expectations and aims to alleviate their stress. Katherine also shares her affinity for working with good-hearted clients, particularly those facing anxiety, and discusses the prevalent misconceptions people have about personal injury lawyers. She emphasizes the importance of setting expectations, under-promising, and over-delivering in order to build trust with clients.

Katherine expresses frustration regarding the lack of public awareness about board certification for lawyers, and the challenges posed by the recent implementation of tort reform. The conversation concludes with insights into the law firm's efforts to contribute to the reduction of DUI incidents and information on how interested individuals can learn more about the firm through its website and social media platforms.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Highlighting the financial challenges often faced by law school graduates and the surprising paths that can lead to a successful legal career.

Addressing the misconceptions associated with personal injury lawyers.

The transformative nature of personal injury legal work. The emphasis is on the positive impact personal injury lawyers can have on the lives of those experiencing challenging circumstances.

Alleviating Client Stress: how providing clear communication, managing expectations, and demonstrating competence can naturally alleviate client stress.

Challenges in Legal Industry Awareness: The frustration many lawyers have about the lack of public understanding regarding board certification for lawyers.

Connect with Katherine Neal

https://careyandleisure.com/

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Ep 123: Proactive Financial Planning for a Secure Future Nov 09, 2023

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations”

In this podcast episode, Kris Flammang talks with guest Sylwia Nazar. Sylwia is a partner of the firm Friedman and Huey, where she brings a wealth of experience and expertise in financial management. With a passion for making an impact in the women and finance space, Sylwia aims to educate and empower women to take control of their finances. She actively builds a network of professionals who can provide services to women in need, and she is particularly interested in addressing the cultural differences in financial involvement between countries. Sylwia's leadership initiative involves mentoring at her firm, and she has a strong background in working with high net worth individuals and client services. She thrives on collaboration and teamwork, finding satisfaction in achieving clients' financial goals through proactive planning and collaboration.

On this podcast episode, learn how proactive planning involves assessing financial situations, maximizing tax benefits, and avoiding future problems. Discover the power of collaboration with professionals, especially in high net worth cases, to provide comprehensive solutions. Explore the challenges in financial management, including tax compliance. Nazar's personal journey highlights the role of advisors in empowering clients.

Join Kris Flammang and Sylwia Nazar to learn how proactive planning and collaboration empowers individuals to secure their financial future.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Proactive financial planning

• Complexity-driven collaboration for financial goals

• Tax return review and future planning guidance

• Concierge financial management services

• Transformative growth through overcoming shyness and imposter syndrome

Connect with Sylwia Nazar:

https://fhassoc.com/sylwia-nazar

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Ep 122: There’s No Substitute for the Right Business Attorney Nov 02, 2023

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations”

In this podcast episode, Kris Flammang talks with guest Michele Diglio-Benkiran. Michele is a seasoned attorney with a strong background in business law and over two decades of experience. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family and owning her own businesses, she has developed a unique perspective on the importance of personalized legal advice in business law.

Kris and Michele discuss Michele’s belief that generic forms from online platforms like LegalZoom often lack state-specific provisions and may not adequately protect the interests of businesses. Michele emphasizes the importance of hiring an attorney with experience in both business law and practicalities, as this combination allows for a more holistic approach to assisting clients. She also advises businesses to invest in proper legal setup to avoid future legal complications and litigation.

The episode also touches on the often-overlooked aspect of continuity planning in business. Many business owners fail to consider what would happen if the owners or key individuals were to pass away or become disabled. Diglio-Benkiran stresses the importance of addressing this issue and having a plan in place. Whether it involves learning all aspects of the business or hiring someone else, having a continuity plan can prevent a crisis situation and ensure the business can continue to operate smoothly.

While technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is rapidly advancing in various industries, including law, Michele and Kris discuss the limitations of AI in providing personalized legal advice. While AI can provide information and knowledge, it lacks the wisdom and human touch required to understand individual circumstances and provide tailored legal protection. This highlights the irreplaceable value of human attorneys who can apply their expertise and experience to each unique situation.

Looking ahead, Michele expresses her goal of helping people and assisting them in growing their businesses. She emphasizes the importance of engaging with clients who share the same values and objectives. However, she also acknowledges the challenges that AI technology may pose to the legal profession in the future. The impact of AI on the legal field remains uncertain, but it is a topic that legal professionals need to monitor closely.

Join Kris Flammang and Michele Diglio-Benkiran on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast to learn more about why there’s no substitute for the right business attorney.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• The importance of personalized legal advice

• Avoiding generic legal templates

• Continuity planning

• AI’s limitation in providing personalized legal advice

• The importance of mentorship

Connect with Michele Diglio-Benkiran:

https://legalcounselpa.com/attorneys/michele-diglio-benkiran/

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Ep 121: Getting Paid for the Work You Do Oct 26, 2023

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations”

In this podcast episode, Marco Brown gives a presentation as part of LPF’s Divorce Summit. Marco Brown, owner of the Brown Family Law Firm in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a seasoned expert in family law and has helped countless individuals navigate through divorce. His perspective on improving financial stability in the divorce industry is rooted in his belief that professionals should change their mindset about money and implement a system to ensure they are fully compensated for their work. Drawing from his extensive experience, Marco emphasizes the importance of financial stability, criticizing traditional teachings that prioritize pro bono work over financial success. He suggests that professionals should prioritize their own financial well-being to provide for their families and teams, and advocates for setting rules and boundaries to maintain financial stability.

Join Marco Brown on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast as they delve deeper into financial stability after a divorce.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Shifting the mindset about money

• Seven steps to financial stability

• Specialization and its effect on earnings

• Firing the worst clients

• Tradeoffs and challenges

Connect with Marco Brown:

https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/

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Ep 120: Estate And Incapacity Planning After Divorce Oct 20, 2023

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations”

In this podcast episode, Renee Decker gives a presentation as part of LPF’s Divorce Summit. Renee Decker is a seasoned lawyer with a specialization in estate planning, serving as a reliable advisor to families during difficult times. Renee's passion for this field was ignited by witnessing the unfortunate outcomes of inadequate planning, especially in cases where minor children lost their inheritance due to the lack of a proper plan. She underscores the significance of post-divorce planning, guiding clients to update beneficiary designations, select temporary guardians for their children, and ensure their assets can be accessed by their family members in the event of their passing. Renee's perspective emphasizes the comprehensive and personalized approach needed for estate and incapacity planning for divorce clients, highlighting the importance of considering the beneficiaries and guardians for minor children in the absence of a spouse, and the need to plan for incapacity.

Join Renee Decker on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast as they delve deeper into estate and incapacity planning after divorce.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Planning for incapacity and protecting assets
The crucial role of legacy planning
Long-term success in business planning
Probate process: transferring assets and protecting beneficiaries
Flexible and private asset management for divorce clients
Strategies for transferring property without probate

Connect with Renee Decker:

https://deckerlegacy.com/renee-decker/

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Ep 119: Overcoming Common Divorce Mistakes Oct 12, 2023

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations”

In this episode of "The Confident Retirement" podcast, host Kris Flammang discusses key financial considerations in divorce, emphasizing the importance of avoiding common mistakes. Topics covered include joint debt responsibilities, tax implications, updating legal documents, retirement planning, and college financial aid changes. Seeking professional advice is vital for making informed decisions and ensuring a fair and secure financial outcome during divorce.

Divorce requires meticulous financial consideration. Rushing decisions, neglecting professional advice, and making short-term choices can lead to costly errors. Understanding shared debt obligations, tax implications, and long-term planning are all essential aspects of a successful divorce process. Seeking professional guidance ensures a fair and financially secure outcome

Join Kris Flammang on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast as he shares his insights and strategies for avoiding the common financial pitfalls of divorce proceedings.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• The importance of avoiding hasty decisions

• Understanding joint debt obligations

• Considering tax implications

• Updating legal documents and beneficiary designations

• Planning for the future

Connect with Kris Flammang:

https://www.lpfadvisors.com/team/kristopher-flammang

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Ep 118: Taking Financial Control After a Divorce Oct 05, 2023

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations”

On today’s episode of The Confident Retirement podcast, financial expert Kris Flammang shares his comprehensive approach to financial recovery and empowerment post-divorce. Flammang's method centers on resilience, adaptation, and aligning financial decisions with personal values. He begins by addressing emotional scars and detrimental financial habits that may linger from the marriage, helping individuals recognize and change these patterns to enable personal growth and financial control. Flammang believes that regaining control over finances can provide stability and purpose during a challenging time, achieved by setting both short and long-term financial goals tailored to individual needs and interests.

Moreover, Flammang underscores the importance of discovering personal values during this process, ensuring that financial decisions align with one's priorities and aspirations. To bolster financial literacy, he tailors his guidance to accommodate varying levels of interest and comprehension. Recognizing that tradeoffs are unavoidable in financial recovery, Flammang encourages individuals to make decisions based on their personal values, which can help maintain motivation and commitment to their financial goals. Lastly, he highlights the significance of updating estate documents post-divorce to accurately reflect individuals' wishes and ensure the proper distribution of assets to future generations. In essence, Kris Flammang's holistic approach equips individuals with the tools and mindset needed to regain control over their finances, fostering confidence and independence as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

Join Kris Flammang on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast as he shares his insights and strategies for financial recovery and empowerment post-divorce.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Addressing emotional and financial scars

• Regaining financial control

• Values-driven approach

• Financial literacy

• Tradeoffs and estate planning

Connect with Kris Flammang:

https://www.lpfadvisors.com/team/kristopher-flammang

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Ep 117: Advocating for Injured Clients: A Unique Perspective Sep 28, 2023

“The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations”

In this podcast episode, Kris Flammang talks with guest Emanuel Galimidi. Emanuel is a dedicated personal injury advocate with a unique background in defense law, having spent over a decade defending insurance companies and manufacturers. Galimidi Law was founded on the idea that everyone should have access to the same level of representation that insurance companies and other large corporations enjoy. After having been hired by some of the world’s largest companies for nearly twenty years, Emanuel made the decision to bring his expertise and experience to those who need it the most, the injured and their families.

Galimidi's perspective on his transition to personal injury advocacy was shaped by his experiences as a defense lawyer. He saw firsthand the positive impact that proper representation could have on the lives of injured individuals and their families. This, coupled with his observation that many individuals were not receiving the full compensation they deserved when dealing with large firms, motivated him to switch sides and represent plaintiffs exclusively. Despite the challenges of scaling his own firm and ensuring the best possible client care, Galimidi is passionate about his decision and has no regrets.

Galimidi highlights the qualities of an ideal personal injury client, emphasizing patience, transparency, and responsiveness. He stresses the importance of selecting the right advocate for personal injury cases, noting that experience alone is insufficient; lawyers should also set reasonable expectations, maintain transparency, and provide responsive communication. Galimidi delves into the complexities of scaling a personal injury practice while ensuring top-notch client service and discusses how recent tort reform in Florida has impacted the personal injury landscape. Ultimately, his commitment to making a positive impact on clients' lives remains at the forefront of his legal career.

Join Kris Flammang and Emanuel Galimidi on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast to learn more about Emanuel’s transition to personal injury advocacy.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Emanuel’s transition to personal injury advocacy

• Ideal client qualities

• Choosing the right advocate

• The challenges of scaling a practice

• Impact of tort reform

• Referring complex cases

Connect with Emanuel Galimidi:

https://galimidilaw.com/

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Ep 116: Divorce’s Impact on the Workplace Sep 21, 2023

In this podcast episode, Vicky Townsend gives a presentation as part of LPF’s Divorce Summit. Vicky is is the President and founder of Divorce Right, a professional development and employee assistance program company. Vicky is also the co-founder of the National Association of Divorce Professionals, an association for all the licensed professionals that work with clients before, during, and after divorce. Vicky has worked for years in the divorce industry, but also knows first hand how painful and frustrating the divorce process is. After going through it herself in 2013, Vicky experienced a labyrinthe system that is costly, filled with errors and difficult to navigate. Realizing there needs to be radical change to improve a broken family law system, Vicky decided to revolutionize the divorce process by founding Divorce Right. Divorce Right caters to Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies to help their employees through this grueling process.

Vicky’s presentation centers on divorce as a challenging and often overwhelming process that can have a significant impact on individuals and their families. However, it is not just a personal crisis; it also affects the workplace and can cost companies billions of dollars each year. Divorce Right aims to make the divorce process easier on families and mitigate its impact on the workplace. Townsend highlights the staggering cost of divorce to companies, which can reach up to $150 billion annually according to a study by the Harvard Business Review. This cost includes lost productivity, decreased effectiveness, and increased employee turnover. Divorce Right offers products and services to support employees going through divorce, including specialized divorce coaches and divorce awareness and sensitivity training for HR managers.

Townsend also highlights the importance of considering the impact of divorce on employees when making decisions. More than 50% of employees will go through a divorce during their careers, primarily between the ages of 35 and 54. These are often the employees in upper and middle management positions who are on a trajectory for career advancement. However, divorce can diminish their productivity and effectiveness by about 40% for three to five years. This not only affects the individuals going through divorce but also impacts their coworkers, management, and the company's bottom line.

To address these challenges, Divorce Right offers divorce coaching, which is a flexible and goal-oriented process to support individuals going through divorce. Divorce coaches provide guidance, motivation, and assistance in making the best possible decisions for the future based on each individual's unique needs and concerns. This personalized approach helps individuals navigate the complex divorce process and find the support they need.

In addition to divorce coaching, Divorce Right offers a suite of digital divorce solutions called "Plan Right." This includes a book, a workbook, and a ten-hour video course that covers various aspects of divorce, from deciding if the marriage is truly over to understanding different divorce options. By providing comprehensive resources, Divorce Right empowers individuals to make informed decisions and navigate the divorce process more effectively.

Join Vicky Townsend on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast as they delve deeper into divorce’s impact on the workplace.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Divorce Right’s mission

• The mental health impact of divorce in the workplace

• Divorce’s career impact

• Divorce Right’s holistic approach to support

• The financial impact of divorce

Connect with Vicky Townsend:

https://divorcerightinc.com/

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Ep 115: Where Injury, Bankruptcy and Estate Planning Intersect Sep 14, 2023

In this podcast episode, Kris Flammang talks with guest Carmen Dellutri. Carmen is the Founder and President of The Dellutri Law Group, PA. He is certified by the American Board of Certification Consumer in Bankruptcy Law. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court and Family Law Mediator and a Qualified Arbitrator. He has multiple degrees and is licensed to practice in multiple states. Carmen is a distinguished attorney and advocate in the field of personal injury law, with a reputation for relentless determination and compassionate representation. As the founder and president of Dellutri Law, he has dedicated his career to assisting individuals who have suffered from car accidents, slip and falls, and medical procedures. His perspective on his legal career and advocacy in personal injury cases is driven by a strong desire to help people and make a positive impact. He expanded his practice to include bankruptcy law and estate planning, recognizing the need to help clients navigate financial difficulties and protect their assets. His approach is shaped by his own experiences and mistakes, and he uses this knowledge to provide effective legal representation and support to his clients.

Kris and Carmen discuss the importance of work ethic in the service industry. Work ethic and the service industry go hand in hand, as seen in Carmen's upbringing in his parents' gas station. From a young age, Carmen learned the importance of providing exceptional service to customers. His father taught him to go above and beyond, checking customers' cars regardless of the weather. This dedication to service shaped Carmen's work ethic and laid the foundation for his successful legal career. Carmen's father also emphasized the significance of working with both the head and heart, which inspired Carmen to pursue law and make a difference in people's lives.

They also discuss personal injury cases in Florida, bankruptcy, financial planning for the elderly, flaw firm culture, and the topic of the “personal why”.

Join Kris Flammang and Carmen Dellutri on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast as they delve deeper into the importance of exceptional service.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• The importance of a strong work ethic and commitment to service

• Advocacy in personal injury cases

• Expertise in multiple legal areas

• The importance of continuous learning and improvement

• Mentorship and knowledge sharing

Connect with Carmen Dellutri:

https://www.dellutrilawgroup.com/

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Wp 114: Empathy and a Sounding Board for Injured Clients Sep 07, 2023

In this podcast episode, Kris Flammang talks with guest Marie Banks. Marie Banks is a personal injury attorney based in Gainesville, Florida, known for her unique approach and community engagement. With a background in TV production, Marie initially worked for ABC Network's primetime show 20/20 in New York City. However, after taking a telecom law and regulation class, she became intrigued by the legal process and decided to pursue a career in law. Graduating in 2008 during a presidential election, Marie faced the challenge of name recognition in a field dominated by big firms. Determined to provide a personal, service-oriented experience for her clients, Marie and her firm have implemented a marketing campaign to establish their place in the community and differentiate themselves from other personal injury attorneys.

Kris and Marie discuss Marie’s journey to becoming a personal injury attorney, which was not a straight path. Originally studying TV production, she had a change of heart after experiencing the high demands and costs of the entertainment industry. Kris and Marie get into the challenges of name recognition in the personal injury field and competition with larger firms. They also discuss the importance of educating the public about the value of personal injury attorneys. Additionally, Marie is actively involved in mentoring college women and has spoken to law students about work-life balance. She values work-life balance herself and chose her current firm because they prioritize family life and have a lower volume of cases. Marie's ultimate goal is to give back to the community by offering free planning sessions and creating a more community-focused law practice.

Join Kris Flammang and Marie Banks on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast as they delve deeper into Marie’s passionate approach to personal injury law.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• The challenges of name recognition for smaller firms in personal injury industry

• Marie’s unique path to becoming a lawyer

• The importance of prioritizing work-life balance

• Educating the public about insurance policies and dispelling misconceptions about personal injury attorneys

• Focusing on community engagement and digital marketing

• Mentoring college women

Connect with Marie Banks:

https://www.lawschack.com/attorneys-staff/marie-banks/

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Ep 113: A Commitment to Client Justice Aug 31, 2023

In this podcast episode, Kris Flammang talks with guest Chad Hastings. Chad Hastings is a highly experienced attorney with a focus on personal injury and commercial litigation cases. With over two decades of experience, Chad has built a strong reputation for his expertise in navigating medical care, insurance, and legal challenges. After graduating with a finance degree from UCF, Chad interned at a personal injury law firm in South Florida, which ignited his passion for helping individuals in difficult situations. As a partner at a Florida-based law firm with a history spanning over 95 years, Chad and his colleagues specialize in handling catastrophic injury cases, nursing home cases, product liability, and aviation crashes. They prioritize excellent client service and maintain open communication, relying on word-of-mouth referrals rather than billboard or television advertising. Chad is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Georgia and is actively involved in nonprofit work within the community.

Kris and Chad discuss the importance of guiding clients through the health system, ensuring they receive quality medical care, and alleviating the financial burden of medical bills that are not their fault. Chad also discusses compensating his clients for their lost time, work, pain, suffering, and emotional distress, and remains optimistic despite the challenges posed by recent changes in tort reform laws. Chad sheds light on the various insurance coverages that come into play. He explains that in the state of Florida, there is a no-fault insurance called PIP, which provides up to $10,000 in health insurance coverage. However, there are other options like health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid that can partially or fully cover medical expenses. Hastings emphasizes the importance of understanding the insurance coverages of the defendant as well, as it affects the compensation available. He also highlights the challenges of finding doctors willing to deal with personal injury cases and the need to protect clients from potential future liens.

Join Kris Flammang and Chad Hastings on this episode of The Confident Retirement podcast as they delve deeper into Chad’s commitment to client justice.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• The importance of medical care

• Dealing with insurance coverage

• Common fears and concerns amongst personal injury attorneys

• The importance of making good business decisions

• The biggest challenges facing a personal injury attorney today

Connect with Chad:

https://lesserlawfirm.com/our-lawyers/chad-hastings/

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Ep 112: Finding Sustainable Solutions: Navigating Divorce Aug 24, 2023

In this podcast episode, Kris Flammang talks with guest Lori Barkus. Lori is a Florida native and divorce lawyer, founder and owner of Sustainable Family Solutions. With over 20 years of experience, she helps women have a successful divorce in Florida and Colorado. Lori grew her firm from scratch to significant revenue and is now rapidly expanding with a virtual team of mostly women, including military spouses and mothers.

Kris and Lori discuss Sustainable Family Solutions, a family law and mediation practice that focuses on finding cost-effective solutions for clients. Lori's diverse background in family law and her certifications as a mediator, collaborative law practitioner, and guardian ad litem are highlighted. The importance of clients understanding the entire process from the beginning is emphasized, as it can make a significant difference in navigating the court system. Lori's intentional focus on helping income-earning women in divorce cases is discussed, along with the firm's approach to fees. The conversation also addresses common concerns and misconceptions about divorce proceedings, as well as the challenges and emotional toll of divorce. The recent changes in Florida alimony laws are mentioned, providing clarity and certainty for individuals involved in divorce cases. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of support, education, and reform in achieving fair outcomes in family law.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Specializing in Helping Income-Earning Women

• Divorce and Estate Planning Services

• Changes in Florida Alimony Laws

• Challenges in Divorce Proceedings

• Lori’s Firm, Sustainable Family Solutions

Connect with Lori:

https://sustainablefamilysolutions.com/

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Ep 111: Passionate Advocacy: Demystifying Personal Injury Law Aug 17, 2023

Are you familiar with the factors involved in an injury case? Liability and damages play a crucial role. But have you ever wondered how the courts handle these cases? Join host Kris Flammang and guest Mitchell Panter as they discuss the ins and outs of injury cases on the latest episode of The Confident Retirement podcast. Discover the importance of liability and fault, the role of insurance coverage, and the challenges of navigating the judicial system. Whether you've been involved in an accident or simply want to learn more about the legal process, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and gain valuable insights from these legal experts!

Mitchell J. Panter is the Managing Partner of Panter, Panter & Sampedro, a personal injury law firm in Miami consisting of 5 attorneys and 11 full time staff members. The firm not only advocates for injured individuals but also for keeping the community at large safer through law changes and holding negligent parties accountable for correcting hazards. In addition, both Mitchell and the firm have been a pilar in the community for more than 30 years. As past president of several legal and community organizations, Mitchell continues to actively participate in various causes throughout South Florida. He has lectured and taught for associations including Bar Associations, high schools and business groups.

Mitchell primarily practices in the areas of Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Product Liability, Medical Malpractice and Premises Liability cases. Early in his career, he argued the case of American Aerial Lift v. Jose Perez in the Florida Supreme Court addressing the issue of Strict Liability and Product Liability. This precedent setting case involved the award of a $1.7 million dollar verdict obtained by the firm in the trial court for Mr. Perez as a result of injuries he sustained due to a defective scissor lift. Mitchell has secured several million-dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients and continues to represent individuals injured due to the negligence of others.

Together, Kris and Mitchell discuss discuss the misconceptions about personal injury law, emphasize the role of communication between lawyers and clients, and explain the steps involved in an injury case. Panter emphasizes the need for effective communication, managing client expectations, and providing realistic outcomes and compensation amounts. They also discuss challenges in personal injury law, such as educating clients on structured settlements and navigating changes in the political and regulatory landscape. Ultimately, the podcast highlights the importance of finding passion in your career, specializing in areas you enjoy, and advocating for clients in the legal field.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Mitchell’s legal career
Specializing in personal injury law
The importance of liability and fault
Managing client expectations
Community advocacy
Navigating the judicial system
The role of insurance coverage

Connect with Mitchell:

https://panterlaw.com/staff-member/mitchell-j-panter/

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Ep 110: High Touch Family Law in the Low Country Aug 10, 2023

Today on the show, host Kris Flammang brings guest Jeff Schreiber onto the show to discuss his family law practice. Jeff graduated from Auburn University in 2000 with a BA in Journalism. After working in print journalism for the better part of a decade, during which time he also attended and graduated from Rutgers Law School in tropical Camden, New Jersey, Jeff returned south -- relocating to Summerville, South Carolina along with his family in June 2010. Following the move, Jeff practiced Family Law in Charleston, South Carolina before opening up Lowcountry Divorce & Family Law, LLC in Summerville in August 2012. Jeff built a busy and successful Family Law practice, and over the past few years he has transitioned that practice from a focus primarily on litigation to a focus almost exclusively on mediation. Jeff specializes in taking inherently oppositional and adversarial couples and guiding them through the settlement of complicated custodial and financial issues.

Together, Kris and Jeff discuss the intricacies of a family law practice, including misconceptions about divorce attorneys and the importance of managing expectations and providing support to clients. They also delve into the challenges and opportunities in family law, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasize the need for financial planning in changing times. Jeff shares his transition from journalism to law and his focus on mediation, and they highlight the satisfaction of reaching agreements through mediation and the opportunity to provide undivided attention to clients. Overall, this conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of family law and the importance of adapting to the changing landscape.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

The evolution of Jeff’s family law practice
Misconceptions about divorce attorneys
Managing client expectations and relieving stress
Challenges and opportunities in family law
Financial challenges in changing times

Connect with Jeff:

https://www.lowcountrydivorceandfamilylaw.com/about-jeffrey-m-schreiber/

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Ep 109: Perspectives on Personal Injury Law, Estate Planning & Litigation Jul 27, 2023

Today on the show, host Kris Flammang brings guest Patrick Barnes onto the show to discuss personal injury law, estate planning, and Patrick’s experiences as a lawyer. Patrick is a licensed attorney in Florida and Colorado, focusing on the practice areas of personal injury and estate planning. Patrick obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology from Florida State University and his juris doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law. After graduating from law school, Patrick moved to Denver, Colorado, where he practiced personal injury and workers’ compensation until moving back to Florida in 2018. Patrick understands firsthand how traumatic personal injury can be, and he considers himself trauma-informed, implementing empathy and compassion in his practice. In addition to practicing law, Patrick writes and speaks nationally on the topics of trauma-informed legal practice and attorney well-being.

Together, Kris and Patrick discuss Patrick’s history and background as a Florida native, advice Patrick would give to his younger self, and the importance of self-care for lawyers. They also discuss Patrick’s ideal client, common obstacles they face, and some misconceptions people might have about what he does. They discuss the process of making a client “whole”, and address the general or non-economic damages they might face. Moving forward, they also get into the biggest opportunities and obstacles Patrick sees in the future.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Patrick’s background and history
The ideal client for Patrick’s firm
Misconceptions about what a personal injury lawyer can deliver
Making a client ‘whole’ in regards to non-economic damages
Self-care for lawyers

Connect with Patrick:

https://spinnerlawfirm.com/patrick-a-barnes/

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Ep 108: The Confidence to “Come Back Stronger” Jul 20, 2023

Host Kris Flammang brings guest Dana Brooks onto the show to discuss her firm, retirement, and some of the most notable cases she has come across. Before Dana Brooks became an attorney, she was a paralegal, law firm administrator, mental health counselor and Florida Supreme Court certified family law mediator. Her experience and reputation as a medical malpractice defense paralegal combined with her law school performance provided the basis for the exceptional opportunity Dana was offered while still in law school. Dana was sworn in as an attorney in the morning and made a named partner of a thirty-year-old revered plaintiff’s law firm that same afternoon. Brooks represents people in all walks of life and aims to give her clients the best and fastest resolution possible with the least amount of intrusion into their lives.

Together, Kris and Dana discuss the psychological phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome, and how to create an ideal client avatar and manage expectations with outcome-based client care. Dana also discusses her experience working in law firms since she was in high school. The two compare car accident attorneys and injury attorneys, and discuss the limitations of medical malpractice attorneys. They also note that it’s important to see a doctor within 14 days due to the PIP laws in Florida and discuss some of the challenges facing Dana’s firm.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Overcome imposter syndrome
The ideal client avatar
Managing client expectations
Outcome-based client care
Law firm growth challenges
Retirement planning

Connect with Dana:

dana@fasigbrooks.com

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Ep 107: Roth IRAs, 401ks & Conversions 101 Jul 06, 2023

Are you looking for a way to save for retirement and potentially reduce your taxes in the future? If so, you may want to consider a Roth IRA or Roth 401K. Join Kris Flammang on "The Confident Retirement" as he discusses Roth IRAs and Roth 401Ks, which both offer a unique opportunity to save for retirement with after-tax dollars, allowing for tax-free growth and withdrawals in the future.

A Roth conversion is a strategy that allows you to convert funds from a traditional retirement account into a Roth IRA, potentially providing tax advantages and savings in the future. It is important to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to determine which strategy is best for you, as a Roth conversion can eliminate or reduce future required minimum distributions (RMDs) and make sense if you anticipate being in a lower tax bracket now than you think you will be in the future in retirement.

Tune in to learn the difference between Roth IRAs and Roth 401ks and secure your retirement!

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

The difference between Roth IRAs and Roth 401ks
Roth conversions
When a Roth conversion might be advantageous
How to potentially reduce your taxes in the future

Connect with Kris:

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Ep 106: Revisiting Retirement Income Jun 29, 2023

Looking for ways to secure your financial future? Join Kris Flammang on "The Confident Retirement" as he discusses tried-and-tested strategies to help you generate income long after retirement. From Social Security benefits to rental property and side hustles, Kris explains how to maximize your income sources so you can enjoy the retirement lifestyle you've always dreamed of. Plus, he highlights the reliability of certain income sources such as pensions and annuities, which can provide a stable base during times of economic uncertainty. With personalized financial advice and valuable insights, "The Confident Retirement" is the podcast you never knew you needed. Tune in today and get on track for your golden years!

Tune in to learn how to optimize your Social Security benefits and explore different strategies to generate income during retirement.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Retirement planning and income generation.
Assessing one’s current financial situation before considering different retirement income sources.
Understanding fixed and variable income sources, health care costs, assets, liabilities, and expenses.
Social Security benefits as a crucial source for retirement income, and different claiming strategies that can help optimize these benefits.
The benefits and risks associated with a total return approach, diversification, rental properties, and side hustles.

Connect with Kris:

https://www.cnunezlaw.com/

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Ep 105: Resolving the Unsolvable Conflicts Jun 22, 2023

As a divorce attorney and mediator with over two decades of experience, Gabrielle shares her valuable insights on how to mitigate unsolvable conflicts by focusing on a productive way forward. Gabrielle's unique ability to resolve high-conflict divorces by keeping children out of trial is a must-listen for anyone undergoing a divorce. Need tips on how to consistently communicate with clients? Want to create an amicable divorce online? Or are you looking for ways to resolve conflicts in business partnerships or friendships? Gabrielle's book "The Secret to Getting Along" introduces her unique approach and stresses the importance of self-care during stressful times. Tune in and hear Gabrielle talk about the benefits of combining mediation with legal expertise and the importance of informed decisions. Whether you're going through a tough divorce or just want to improve your communication skills, The Confident Retirement will give you the tools you need.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Gabrielle Hartley’s career journey

● The benefits of choosing mediation over litigation

● Combining mediation and legal expertise

● Making informed decisions in mediation

● Effective communication during stressful divorces

● Controlling emotions and changing the conversation around divorce

● Boundaries and selectivity in legal practice

● Mediation tips for couples

Connect with Carolina:

gabrielle@gabriellehartley.com

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Ep 104: Maximizing Your Retirement Confidence Jun 08, 2023

Looking to secure your financial future? Tune in to The Confident Retirement hosted by Kris Flammang. On today’s episode, Kris Flammang interviews Carolina Nunez, a first-generation American attorney.

After graduating law school, Carolina opened her solo practice in Winter Park, Florida and expanded recently to Daytona Beach, Florida. The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A. also expanded offices in satellite locations in Gainesville and Stuart. The goal of her firm is to provide personalized service while delivering big firm results. Their boutique office focuses on client communication to not only provide full understanding of legal strategy to their clients, but also to ensure that the client knows that they are not just another case. They value people and view each case from the eyes of our clients.

On today’s episode, Carolina shares her journey with Kris from her beginnings in real estate to eventually becoming a lawyer. She discusses the importance of ambition and drive over education, and the ins and outs of personal injury and estate planning (regardless of wealth status). Plus, learn how Carolina helps her clients navigate the complex world of insurance policies and recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Stay up to date with the latest legal updates and tips from Carolina's blog. Don't miss this engaging and informative episode of The Confident Retirement about maximizing your confidence for retirement. Listen now!

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

How Carolina moved from real estate to law
The relatable side of boutique law firms
Essential estate planning documents
Navigating personal injury cases
The importance of adequate insurance coverage
Medical billing challenges for boutique law firms
The importance of an online presence for law firms

Connect with Carolina:

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Ep 103: Options For Excess Cash Part 2 May 25, 2023

Are you worried about where to put your excess cash? Tune in to The Confident Retirement with host Kris Flammang for essential tips on safe investment options with high-interest rates on this new solo episode. Kris discusses different investment options like T-bills, virtually risk-free investments backed by the US government’s full faith and credit, and I-Bonds, which are savings bonds that protect you against inflation. He also talks about municipal bonds and municipal bond funds, which offer tax-free income for high tax bracket individuals.

With professional management, diversification, and liquidity, municipal bond funds can be a great investment option. Kris advises consulting an advisor before investing and emphasizes that each investment has its own advantages and disadvantages. Learn how to raise your retirement confidence level and subscribe to The Confident Retirement!

Don’t just leave your extra funds in a low-interest savings account! Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Kris Flammang about safe investment options for your extra cash.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Safe investment options for excess cash
Different types of bonds for investors
Pros and cons of municipal bond funds
Tips to consider if you are thinking of investing in T-bills or I-Bonds

Connect with Kris:

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Ep 102: What Are Your Options For Excess Cash? May 18, 2023

Looking to invest your excess cash? Look no further than this episode of The Confident Retirement, hosted by Kris Flammang. Kris discusses your options for overflowing cash in this new solo episode. Kris has been in the financial services industry since 1999. He currently carries the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designations.

Flammang breaks down the pros and cons of savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and money market funds. Learn about the benefits of having easy access with lower interest rates through savings accounts or higher interest rates with flexible check-writing through money market accounts. And don't forget about CDs, which offer even higher interest rates with a laddering strategy. But for those seeking the highest interest rates of all, riskier money market funds may be the way to go. Flammang emphasizes the need to carefully weigh the options and choose the right account based on individual priorities and needs.

informative episode ofDon’t just leave your extra funds in a low-interest savings account! Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement with Kris Flammang about what to do with your excess cash.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Maximizing excess cash in savings accounts and more
Pros and cons of different account types
Considering your individual priorities and needs

Connect with Kris:

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Ep 101: A voyage into the mind of a Social Security Jedi Master (Fan Fave) May 11, 2023

In this fan-favorite episode, Kris Flammang talks with Martha Shedden.

When Martha Shedden read and learned about Social Security options available to retirees, she was shocked at the choices one could make that have long-term negative consequences. Today, she considers it a privilege and reward to help people understand and make personalized choices to get the most from their benefits.

She is on a mission to educate financial professionals and retirees on the details of Social Security income planning, the foundation and first step to creating a financially secure retirement plan. Today, Martha is President and Co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, NARSSA, which provides online education and training for financial professionals to become Registered Social Security Analysts.

The training program provides professionals with a thorough knowledge of the Social Security program and trains them how to analyze clients’ claiming options to get their maximized Social Security income by filing for benefits at the optimal time. The modules provide CE/CPE units for NASBA, the CFP Board, and the IRS.

Martha is the absolute go-to expert who understands all the details of how and when to claim benefits. Highlights of our conversation include:

Explaining the misconceptions of how much money is at stake.
It’s a personalized decision based on one’s working situation, health and so much more.
Understanding survivor benefits and when to claim.
Qualifications for being able to collect.
Using software to better understand the numbers.
The future of Social Security.

Enjoy the this fan-favorite episode!

Connect with Martha:

Website: https://www.sheddensocialsecurity.com

Connect with Kris

https://www.thomaspmiller.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 100: Fan Fave: Retirement Plan Considerations in Divorce May 04, 2023

An experienced Chicagoland area family law mediator and litigator and immigration law practitioner. Graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Psychology and Political Science, and completed Juris Doctor degree at the DePaul University College of Law in 2000. Practicing law for 22 years, including mediation, contested divorce litigation, preparing prenuptial (premarital)/postnuptial, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO’s) and Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Orders (QILDRO’s). Serving as court appointed Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and Child Representative. Immigrated from Poland as a child, married with 3 children. Fluent in Polish and conversational in Spanish. Tom is licensed to practice by the State of Illinois.

Listen to this classic episode of The Confident Retirement with Thomas Miller about retirement plan considerations in divorce.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

How did Thomas decide on what areas of law to focus on.
What is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order?
What is the ideal client?
What is a divorce decree?
Pre and post nuptial agreements.
What’s happening with the public divorce rate?

Connect with Thomas:

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Ep 099: Fan Fave: Medicare Straight Talk From MedicareDave Apr 27, 2023

Fan Favorite

Dave Silver had invested in real estate and when the markets crashed, he looked for a new career. His strength in sales comes from being knowledgeable in the product he represents, Medicare Insurance Plan options. Dave is a licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare for almost 10 years.

In our conversation, we discuss all things Medicare from Parts A and B, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D Drug plans. This is an episode you’ll want to listen to more than once for yourself or for helping your parents.

Highlights from our conversation include:

The challenge of getting the correct, honest information from clients.

The misinformation clients received about Medicare because it doesn’t apply to their individual situation.

Explaining Medicare, parts A and B.

The complications of Medicare part B if still employed.

Medicare Supplement Plans from A through N.

How people are penalized when not applying in the correct time and age periods.

Medicare Advantage Plans are not Supplement Plans.

How Plans and drug benefits vary from State to State.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with David:

Website: https://www.davesilverinsurance.com/

Connect with Kris:

http://www.sachsfamilylaw.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 098: Riding the Flat Fee Estate Planning Wave Apr 20, 2023

Ashly Guernaccini founded atCAUSE Law Office because she knows good legal representation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Her practice is focused on business law, specifically contract law, business transactions, dispute resolution, business formation, and labor law. Ashly received her B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and went on to receive her Doctor of Law Degree from Duquesne University School of Law. She spent over ten years as in-house counsel for large, nonprofit healthcare providers, managing their legal departments and overseeing regulatory compliance, trademark protection, labor and employment law administration, contract management, and many more legal and business functions.

While Ashly is already a member of the Pennsylvania Bar, she joined the Florida Bar in 2020 to start helping small business owners in Pinellas County with all of their legal needs. Ashly can explain complex legal matters in a way that those who know nothing of the law can understand. She's very efficient and great at time management, which saves clients money on legal fees. Ashly takes pride in really getting to know the people and businesses she services, and firmly believes that building a strong relationship is the foundation from which the magic happens. atCAUSE Law Office is here to make Florida business law affordable and easy to understand.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Ashly Guernaccini about estate planning.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Why having a comprehensive estate plan is important.
The biggest blind spot in estate planning.
The importance of funding a trust.
Misconceptions about the legal profession.
Why Ashly decided to go into law, and advice to her younger self.

Connect with Ashly:

https://www.atcauselaw.com/

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Ep 097: Family Law Georgia Style Mar 30, 2023

Dodie is the owner of Sachs Family Law, PC located in Suwanee, Georgia. Dodie has been practicing in Gwinnett County, Georgia since she graduated from Tulane Law School in 2004. Dodie loves being a divorce attorney. Family law is one of the few areas of the law where we work to build a better future for our clients and the parties in a case, instead of focusing only on problems that occurred in the past.

Dodie is committed to helping the legal profession and the local community. She is a Past President of the Gwinnett County Bar Association and was the Secretary for the Gwinnett County Chapter of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. She has been an active volunteer with Gwinnett Legal Aid since 2004. She is the recipient of the 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award for the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, which is an award selected by all of Atlanta Legal Aid that serves the seven metro Atlanta counties, and the 2015 Volunteer of the Year for Gwinnett Legal Aid. She developed the Family Law Information Class, in partnership with Gwinnett Legal Aid, to teach people how to represent themselves in their family law cases. In 2015, she was selected to participate in the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) Leadership Academy Class, and the 2021 GAWL Leadership Academy 2.0. She has served as a mentor for the Transition into Law Practice Program and is a frequent speaker at Continuing Legal Educations Classes on trial advocacy and family law issues.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Dodi Sachs about family law.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

What led Dodi to where she is today.
Working with clients who are going through a divorce.
Managing client expectations and emotions during the divorce process.
Enforcement of a court’s orders.
Helping with the adoption process.
Changing your legal name.

Connect with Dodie:

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Ep 096: Core Estate Planning For All! Mar 23, 2023

Jeffrey Katz started his law practice in 2000 after working as a solo tax accountant and CPA. Now, he's recognized by SuperLawyers as amongst the Top 5 percent of tax and estate lawyers in Maryland and Washington, DC. Over the last 20 years, he’s prepared over 5,000 estate plans and has administered over $100 million in estates and trust assets. He also runs an estate planning software company (which he founded), writes for Bloomberg and has appeared on several news shows and legal podcasts.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Jeffrey Katz about his estate planning practice.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

What led Jeffrey to where he is today.
Determining the core focus of his firm’s services.
How simple estate plans can be complicated.
Identifying your assets and liabilities.
Managing client expectations and emotions.
The biggest obstacles for the future of the practice.

Connect with Jeffrey:

https://www.jdkatz.com/

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Ep 095: A Divorce Discussion Mar 16, 2023

Cary Jacobson, Esquire is the founder and managing partner of Jacobson Family Law. Cary has been practicing law for nearly a decade, having successfully represented clients in all facets of family law proceedings including separation, divorce, custody, child support, post-divorce enforcement, and other family law related matters.

Through her experience litigating family law matters, Cary has found that the conflict associated with litigation often tears a family apart making it toxic for children and their parents. However, as a certified mediator and collaborative divorce attorney, Cary has also seen how these forms of alternative dispute resolution can lead to and foster successful co-parenting arrangements.

Cary has chosen to dedicate her practice to working with clients who wish to resolve their family disputes without court intervention. She assists clients in choosing between mediation, collaborative divorce or separation agreements in order to keep drama out of their divorce.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Cary Jacobson about Cary’s commitment to keeping the drama out of divorce.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

How did Cary decide to pursue a law career?
What made her pursue family law?
What are the biggest fears surrounding divorce?
What does alternative dispute resolution mean?
How do you prepare a separation agreement?
What are collaborative professional’s groups?

Connect with Cary:

https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/

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Ep 094: Fairness vs Legality in Divorce Mar 09, 2023

Ronald R. Petroff was born in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated high school from the University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. He attended Vanderbilt University as an undergraduate where he earned a bachelor’s degree and double majored in Political Science and American History. He graduated cum laude and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Mr. Petroff then attended The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law where he earned a certificate in Alternate Dispute Resolution and was a member of the National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Team. Mr. Petroff also was a member of the National Trial Competition Team. Mr. Petroff earned a CALI Excellence for the Future Award for his perfect score in the class, Criminal Law in the Boardroom.

In 2017, Mr. Petroff was named as a Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 Honoree, an honor bestowed upon members of the business community who have achieved great professional and personal milestones.

Mr. Petroff is fluent in Russian and is passionate about giving back to the community. After several years living in the Arena District, Mr. Petroff settled in New Albany with his family. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, S.C.U.B.A. Diving, theater, tennis, and cheering on all of Cleveland’s professional sports teams. Mr. Petroff is also passionate about his two alma maters, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Vanderbilt Commodores.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Ronald Petroff about being a second-generation immigrant and his path to success.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Culture shock, politics, and language barrier.
Deciding whether to do the big firm path.
Misconceptions about no fault divorce.
The difference between fairness and legality.
The importance of setting expectations.
Unique challenges of minor kids involved in divorce.

Connect with Ronald:

https://www.mcnairpetroff.com/

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Ep 093: With Divorce, There’s a Better Way Mar 07, 2023

Wendy practiced family law exclusively for 15 years. In that time, she became a partner in 5 years, a managing partner in 10, and then “went solo” at 13. However, she knew there was something more for her. In true Wendy fashion, she applied some sparkle & GRIT to her own life and made a leap of faith to become a certified life coach so that she could help her professional comrades beat the burnout, feel heard, and find success in a way that feels good to them. Women who life coach with Wendy say that she “transforms their habits and outlook on life.”

Today you will see Wendy coaching clients 1:1, coaching small firms; running her group sparkle & GRIT; speaking at events; and mediating family law disputes.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Wendy Meadows about divorce collaboration.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

What’s the difference between litigation and mediation?
How to de-stress the mediation process.
Trust your instincts.
Life after divorce.
How to overcome self-limiting beliefs.
Being done is better than being perfect.

Connect with Wendy:

https://www.wendymeadowslaw.com/

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Ep 092: Kid’s Protection Plans for Guardianship Feb 23, 2023

Renee Decker practices law as a trusted advisor to families, to help them stay out of court and out of conflict during the difficult time after an injury, death, or disability of a loved one. She enjoys cultivating relationships with her clients to help guide them through the often-confusing puzzle of financial and legal decisions that come with creating estate plans, seeing a loved one’s assets through probate, or helping a loved one through guardianship to protect their financial, physical, and mental well-being. Her practice includes estate planning, special needs planning, probate and estate administration, guardianship, trust administration and business succession planning.

Renee is a member of Wealth Counsel, Elder Counsel, and the Hillsborough County Bar Association. She is also a member of the Florida Bar Speaker’s Bureau, through which she provides education to the public on the importance of estate and incapacity planning.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Renee Decker about improving the estate planning process.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

What is special needs planning?
Guiding clients through the process of probate.
The true cost of not planning.
The kids protection plan.
What happens to digital accounts after death?
Beneficiary designation education.

Connect with Renee:

https://barthattorneys.com/our-team/attorneys/renee-decker-esq/

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Ep 091: Tax Attorney Talk You Can Understand Feb 16, 2023

Yvonne R. Cort is a Partner at Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld LLP, where she focuses her practice on resolving Federal and New York State tax controversies.

Yvonne has been selected to New York Metro SuperLawyers, a designation given to only 5% of the lawyers in the state. She has served as Chair of the IRS Downstate New York Practitioner Liaison Group and Chair of the Business Law, Tax and Accounting Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the NYS Bar Association Tax Section, where she has contributed to policy papers.. Yvonne has been honored as a Long Island Business News Top 50 Women in Business, and is a recipient of the Long Island Power Women in Business award from Long Island Press.

Yvonne received her B. A. magna cum laude from the University of Rochester, and her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Yvonne is admitted to the Bar in New York and Pennsylvania, and admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court.

She is a Steering Committee Member for Women Owned Law.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Yvonne Cort about tax law controversy and how to handle.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Misconceptions about tax law.
What is a residency audit?
Misconceptions about being audited by the IRS.
It’s important to get a professional involved ASAP.
What about interest and penalties on the taxes?
Who makes decisions on how money is spent?

Connect with Yvonne:

https://cbmslaw.com/team/yvonne-r-cort/

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Ep 090: The Human Aspect of Divorce Feb 09, 2023

Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney who advocates for his clients in all divorce and family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009 after working for many years at another family law firm in Chicago. Through his hard work and unwavering dedication to his clients, Jonathan has quickly grown the firm to become one of the premier divorce and family law firms in the Chicagoland area.

Jonathan has a great deal of experience in obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients in multi-million dollar marital estates and contested custody suits (custody is now known as the allocation of parental responsibilities in the State of Illinois). His ability to settle heated divorces and custody disputes has gained him a great deal of respect from fellow attorneys and judges within the Chicagoland legal community. When settlement is not a viable or reasonable option, Jonathan’s experience as a zealous litigator in the courtroom has produced outstanding results for his clients.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Jonathan Merel about connecting, risks and culture.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Why you must take more risks.
Common fears people have when working with attorneys.
Communication is the reason people feel connected.
The importance of establishing a personal connection with clients.
Misconceptions about divorce and the legal process.
The challenges of working remotely from home.

Connect with Jonathan:

https://www.merelfamilylaw.com/

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Ep 089: A Distinctly Different Divorce Approach Feb 02, 2023

Katherine Eisold Miller is is an attorney on a mission to change how people divorce and help them divorce with dignity. She is the founder of the Miller Law Group and a directora and Trainer with the Center for Understanding in Conflict. She has been working in the field of family law for more than 35 years as a mediator as well as an advocate. She hosts the radio show/podcast Divorce Dialogues and is co-author of the #1 Amazon bestseller “A Cup of Coffee with 10 of the Top Divorce Attorneys in the United States” and the author of the “New Yorker’s Guide to Collaborative Divorce.” Her many media accolades include interviews on CBS New York, NBC New York, as well as features in New York Times (2), ABC News, Newsday, Money Magazine, Splitopia, TheStreet.com, Huffpost, and BravoTV.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Katherine Miller about divorce mediation.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Don’t be afraid to make money. The business of law is still business.
Katherine uses the divorce metaphor of a kitten playing with a basket of yarn.
Lack of education and the media cause misconceptions about divorce.
95% of divorces settle before a judge makes a decision.
High conflict between parents in divorce is an indicator of problems for the kids future.

Connect with Katherine:

https://www.instagram.com/millerlaw_ny

https://www.facebook.com/MillerLawGroupNY/

https://twitter.com/MillerLaw_NY

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSyPGfbJh9clN0oGxUzBomQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/millerlawgroupny/

https://miller-law.com/

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Ep 088: Proactive vs Reactive Accountancy Jan 26, 2023

Mel was born and raised in Simpsonville, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Louisville in 2006 with a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Mel has been in public accounting since 2007, and became a CPA in 2010. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Florida Institute of CPAs.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Mel Sams about being a CPA an owner of firm.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Every year there are changes that your tax professional knows about.
When Mel gets new clients, he has them sign an agreement to meet at least four times a year.
Mel enjoys hunting in his “free time”.
2022 saw a decline of 17% of accountants in the space.

Connect with Mel:

https://www.samscpa.com/

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Ep 087: Complex HNW Family Law Jan 19, 2023

Eliana T. Baer, Esq. is a Partner at the national law firm, Fox Rothchild, LLP, where she focuses her state-wide practice on representing clients on issues relating to divorce, equitable distribution, support, custody, adoption, domestic violence, premarital agreements and Appellate Practice.

Ms. Baer, I received her undergraduate degree from Yeshiva University, magna cum laude. She is a 2009 graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, and is admitted to practice in the New Jersey and New York. She is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Ms. Baer is member of the New Jersey State Bar Association - Family Law Section and Family Law Young Lawyers Section. She has been named a Rising Star by New Jersey Monthly Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine for 2014 through 2023. In 2016, Ms. Baer was named a Trailblazer in Divorce by The National Law Journal. In 2018, Ms. Baer was named New Leader to the Bar by the New Jersey Law Journal. She has been inducted as one of the Ten Leaders, Family Law, Age 45 & Under from 2018 through 2023. Ms. Baer currently serves on the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Family Law Executive Committee

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Eliana Baer about high-net-worth divorce complexities.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Eliana chose this type of law because of the impact that it can have.
Every day is different with family law.
Mark Segal was a mentor of Eliana’s.
What is nuance support and what are the New Jersey guidelines?
What is the three pony rule in family law?

Connect with Eliana:

https://www.foxrothschild.com/eliana-baer

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Ep 086: Laser Focus on Family Law Jan 12, 2023

Scott Kimberly owns and operates the Law Office of W. Scott Kimberly, located on the Historic Public Square in Murfreesboro. His practice primarily focuses on criminal defense, family law, and personal injury.

Scott is committed to making the community a better place to live. He currently serves as the Chairman of The Kimberly Family Foundation, which he founded in 2016 to encourage philanthropy in Rutherford County and Middle Tennessee. He also serves as President of Murfreesboro Young Professionals and has served in various nonprofit roles throughout his career.

Scott and his wife Denise live in Murfreesboro with his two children, Henry and Julia. They attend Mother Theresa Catholic Church in Nolensville, Tennessee.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Scott Kimberly about being a family law attorney.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

A good client is one that will listen to advice.
The feeling of making an impact in the lives of others.
Setting expectations w/ a client is a must.
The fear of the unknown and what you don’t know.
Advice to Scott’s 20 year old self would be to cultivate relationships.

Connect with Scott:

https://murfreesborolawyer.com/

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Ep 085: Top 4 Thoughts from 2022 Dec 29, 2022

Kris has been in the financial services industry since 1999. He currently carries the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(CRPC) Accredited Investment Fiduciary(AIF) and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designations. He has co-authored a book on personal financial planning.

Outside of work, Kris enjoys family, golf, music, reading and exercise. He and his wife, Meg, live in Bradenton with their four children.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Kris Flammang about the top 4 thoughts from 2022.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Have a war chest. 6-12 months of cushion.
Have a financial plan. Think through your ‘what-ifs’, a pre-mortem.
Control the controllables.
Remember what’s important. Know your why.

Connect with Kris:

https://www.brownfamilylaw.com

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Ep 084: A Proven Process to De-Stress Divorce Dec 22, 2022

Marco owns Brown Family Law in Salt Lake City, Utah. Brown Family Law specializes solely on family law and helps more people through divorce than any other law firm in Utah.

Marco’s path started a long way from Salt Lake. He grew up in Cold Bay, Alaska, a tiny village of 85 people. His dad ran a salmon hatchery and his mom was an air traffic controller. Eventually, Marco made his way to Anchorage to attend high school before he left out early to attend college. Alaska formed Marco’s personality in profound ways and has given him the ability to be fiercely independent and persist in no matter the challenge.

Marco lived in Italy for a couple years before graduating college at BYU, which is where he met his beautiful wife, Demaree. Demaree is an opera singer and college professor, and she and Marco have three kids. After graduating law school with honors, Marco made his way back to Salt Lake and opened Brown Family Law in 2010 with no money, no connections, and no clients. It took years of work and mistakes for Marco to build a law firm that worked both for his family and for his clients.

Now, Marco leads Brown Family Law and the legal teams in order to ensure all clients are served exceptionally well. In his spare time, Marco spends time with Dem and the kids, cooks, reads, and travels to Italy as often as possible.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Marco Brown about his path in family law and how he forges ahead.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

The financial house needs to be in order if you’re going to grow your business.
From high school dropout to law school honors.
An effort on consistent communication and a roadmap helps alleviate client stress.
Thinking about your law firm as a job vs a wealth creation machine.

Connect with Marco:

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Ep 083: Strategic Planning in Family Law Dec 15, 2022

Jamie Berger is a Co-founder of Jacobs Berger, LLC, a Divorce and Family Law Firm in Morristown, New Jersey. Her career focuses exclusively on all areas of family law including an emphasis on appellate matters. She is a NJ Qualified Mediator. Her firm’s core value is taking Divorce from “Distress” to “De-Stressed” and every member of her firm practices with that value at the forefront of their representation.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Jamie Berger about being strategic with divorce.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

What’s the difference between a traditional consultation and strategic planning sessions?
Every difficult situation there is potential value. You need to look for it.
Approach each case creatively and uniquely is Jamie’s recommendation her younger self.
Her perfect client doesn’t let emotions get involved and can look into the future.
Financial security and your kids are the biggest divorce fears.
Hiding money and changing beneficiaries will damage your divorce case.
Setting expectations and strategic partnerships help Jamie reduce her clients stress.

Connect with Jamie:

https://jacobsberger.com/

@JacobsBergerLLC

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Ep 082: Family Law and Adoptions Done Right Dec 08, 2022

Diana C. Schimmel, Esq. has been practicing family law for over a decade. She works with families in the Greater Philadelphia area, South and Central New Jersey. In addition to guiding families through the difficulties divorce and custody matters can cause, she also focuses her practice on building families through the adoption process.

Diana earned her Juris Doctorate from the Widener University Commonwealth School of Law in Harrisburg, PA. As a law student, she was a member of the Student Bar Association as well as an associate staff member and then a senior staff member of Widener Law Journal. Diana earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government & International Politics with a minor in Dance from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

Diana served as the interim law clerk to Judge Donna M. Woelpper in the Family Court of Philadelphia, Juvenile Dependency Branch. She also worked as a child advocate attorney for the Defender Association of Philadelphia in its Child Advocacy Unit. She opened Schimmel Family Law in 2013 and worked as a solo practitioner for almost four years before partnering with two other local family law attorneys.

She is the co-founder of the Young Professionals Council of The Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice and Research and of the Adoption Professionals Council of HelpUsAdopt.org. She is a member of the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Burlington and Mercer County Bar Associations, all in their family law subdivisions. She also volunteers with the Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program, The Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, The Support Center for Child Advocates and The Women’s Resource Center.

She has been selected for inclusion in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers’ annual Rising Stars List since 2014, and she was named a Lawyer on the Fast Track by The Legal Intelligencer – a prestigious award she earned as one of its youngest recipients. Diana was also listed as a Top Family Law Attorney by Philadelphia Life Magazine every year since 2014, and she was named Best Overall Advocate by the Widener Intensive Trial Advocacy Program.

She lives in New Jersey with her husband and daughter.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Diana Schimmel about family law and adoptions.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

The biggest takeaway from Diana’s time as a clerk.
What is Diana’s exact ideal client for the practice?
Important things to guide you through an insurance process
The biggest opportunity for her and the firm.
The grey divorce group is the fastest growing.

Connect with Diana:

https://familylawmks.com/diana-c-schimmel-esq/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-c-schimmel-57045a63/

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Ep 081: Retirement Plan Considerations in Divorce Dec 01, 2022

An experienced Chicagoland area family law mediator and litigator and immigration law practitioner. Graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Psychology and Political Science, and completed Juris Doctor degree at the DePaul University College of Law in 2000. Practicing law for 22 years, including mediation, contested divorce litigation, preparing prenuptial (premarital)/postnuptial, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO’s) and Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Orders (QILDRO’s). Serving as court appointed Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and Child Representative. Immigrated from Poland as a child, married with 3 children. Fluent in Polish and conversational in Spanish. Tom is licensed to practice by the State of Illinois.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Thomas Miller about retirement plan considerations in divorce.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

How did Thomas decide on what areas of law to focus on.
What is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order?
What is the ideal client?
What is a divorce decree?
Pre and post nuptial agreements.
What’s happening with the public divorce rate?

Connect with Thomas:

https://www.thomaspmiller.com/

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Ep 080: Family Law from the Heart Nov 24, 2022

Daryl has lectured and taught classes around family law for 25 years. She is managing partner at her law firm. Ms. Weinman is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. She is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2000, and was awarded her Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 1994, and with a background in economics from Colgate University.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Daryl Weinman about family law and the divorce process.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Daryl’s background and how she landed in Austin.
Don’t forget about what your kids are going through.
Ideal client for Daryl would be…
Common fears that people get wrong in the process.
When emotions get involved the price goes up and process drags out.
What is Divorce Resort?
Daryl’s advice on resolving conflict in our own lives.

Connect with Daryl:

https://www.weinmanfamilylaw.com/attorney/daryl-g-weinman/

DivorceResort.com

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Ep 079: Divorce Done Differently Nov 17, 2022

Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach, Lawyer, Author and Speaker who is committed to helping people make the best, most effective choices during one of life’s most turbulent times. She is the author of When Happily Ever After Ends: How to Survive Your Divorce Emotionally, Financially, and Legally. Karen is also a former adjunct law professor, former Chief of the Civil Actions Bureau for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and former trial lawyer at Querrey & Harrow. Karen graduated from Western Michigan University and the University of Notre Dame Law School. She is a member of numerous bar and professional associations, including the American Bar Association, the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts, EPWNG, WESOS and NAWBO. She has also been a member of the Chicago Bar Association, The Illinois State Bar Association, The Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. Karen is a popular speaker and has been featured on the Channel 7 News, WCIU You and Me This Morning, and on numerous radio shows and podcasts.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Karen Covy about divorce done right.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● How a divorce coach is different than utilizing an attorney.

● Coaching is about 3 things…

● Common fears working with a divorce coach.

● How does Karen help people make better decisions?

● How to decide whether you want to divorce or not.

● Karen’s biggest opportunity in her business.

Connect with Karen:

https://karencovy.com/divorce-blog/

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Ep 078: Conflict Resolution and Mediation Nov 10, 2022

Dori Goikhman is an attorney and mediator based in Silicon Valley. As founder of Off the Record Mediation Services LLC, Dori assists clients in complex and high asset divorces. Dori also focuses a large portion of her practice on pre-marital and post-marital agreements. Dori is licensed in California, New York and New Jersey.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Dori Goikhman about divorce insights.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● The Importance of finding your focus.

● What’s an ideal mediation client?

● The types of areas that Dori specializes in.

● What’s the biggest misconception about mediation?

● Why some people can’t confront their shadows.

● Dori’s proudest moments in mediation.

● If Dori wasn’t a mediator, what would she be doing?

Connect with Dori:

www.OTRmediation.com

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Ep 077: Secret Systems to Strategic Planning Nov 07, 2022

Bruce Willey JD, CPA, has served as an accountant, tax and wealth-building specialist for individuals and business owners for over three decades. The founder of American Tax & Business Planning, LLC. Bruce is also an author, sought-after speaker and influential resource for tax law, application knowledge and strategic advisement.

Bruce is focused on creating partnerships with his clients; his specialties include tax minimization, comprehensive and ongoing wealth and tax guidance as well as legacy planning and transition management for individuals and business owners. To reach those goals, Bruce and his team invest in thoroughly understanding each client’s business as well as their needs and objectives; then finding opportunities and creating a master plan for financial choices designed to maximize outcomes while minimizing negative obligations.

Bruce and his team have saved their clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes and costs, helping them build their financial foundation, legacy and options.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Bruce Willey about secret systems to strategic tax planning.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Why Bruce is a tax preparer and not a planner.

● How Bruce picked the services his firm offers.

● The difference between reactive vs proactive tax planning

● Americans view tax refunds incorrectly.

● The amount of retirement from the IRS is alarming.

● What is an outsourced CFO and who is a good candidate?

● What is the Secret System?

Connect with Bruce:

Americantpb.com

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Ep 076: Family Law, Divorce and Foreclosure Options – The Confident Retirement Oct 27, 2022

Rajeh A. Saadeh leads a team of attorneys at The Law Office of Rajeh A.Saadeh, L.L.C., and devotes a substantial portion of his litigation practice to matrimonial and family law. In connection with his family law background, Rajeh served as an appointee to the Supreme Court of New Jersey’s Family Practice Committee and is a trained family law mediator.

Prior to private practice, Rajeh served as the Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Hany A. Mawla, a former Presiding Judge of the Family Part in three New Jersey counties and current Judge of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. Rajeh graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School where he was elected Class Officer by his peers. At Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, Rajeh was an Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar, a member of the Rutgers College Honors Program, and a frequenter on the Dean’s List.

Rajeh is licensed to practice law in the States of New Jersey and New York and authorized to appear before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Rajeh Saadeh about legal family matters.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● An ideal client is one who is responsive and realistic.

● Why it’s necessary to have representation when considering a divorce.

● What makes a divorce complex?

● What is a foreclosure?

● What’s the biggest future opportunity for Rajeh’s practice?

Connect with Rajeh:

Website: https://www.rajehsaadeh.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajehsaadeh

Firm's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rajehsaadeh/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rajehsaadeh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rajehsaadeh/

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Ep 075: IRAs, Incapacity and Veterans Estate Planning Oct 20, 2022

Gary Altman, Esq. is the Founder and Principal Attorney of the estate planning law firm, Altman & Associates, a Division of Frost Law since January 2021 where he has been serving the Washington metropolitan area, practicing law and estate planning since 1980.

A nationally recognized estate, legacy and business planning authority, Gary’s “outstanding expertise, trustworthiness, and commitment to his clients’ needs” has earned him repeated recognition by Washingtonian magazine and Bethesda magazine as among the DC, Maryland region’s “Best Estate Planners”. He has also been repeatedly honored as a “Top 100 Attorney” by Worth magazine and likewise recognized as a Maryland and Washington, DC “Super Lawyer”.

As a trusted legal analyst, Gary has lent his expertise and authored articles for a wide range of media outlets including The Washington Post, The NY Times, The Journal of Financial Advisors, The Wall Street Journal, Boomer-Living.com, FOX News, and more. He writes an estate planning blog, Altman Speaks, which can be found via the firm’s website.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Gary Altman about estate planning and specifically veterans.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Negative consequences occur when you don’t ask the right questions.

● Why do people procrastinate estate planning?

● Why is estate planning so important?

● What is incapacitation?

● What is a revocable living trust?

● Important things for veterans planning their estate.

● It’s better to plan early and often.

● The biggest opportunity and challenge for Gary’s practice going forward

Connect with Gary:

https://altmanassociates.net/

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Ep 074: In Tax Disputes, Experience Matters Oct 13, 2022

Karen Tenenbaum has been a tax attorney for 39 years with an LL.M. in tax and she is also a CPA. She founded Tenenbaum Law, P.C., in Melville, NY, 25 years ago. The firm helps individuals and businesses facing IRS and New York State tax problems. Karen is a frequent speaker on IRS and NYS tax issues for numerous professional organizations, including the NYS Society of CPAs, the NCCPAP Accounting and Tax Symposium, AAA-CPA, New York State Society of Enrolled Agents and more. Presently, she serves as the Chair of the Suffolk County Bar Association Tax Law Committee and the Vice Chair of the NYS Society of CPAs Relations with IRS Committee. Her firm has successfully helped many individuals and businesses resolve their tax problems.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Karen Tenenbaum about tax law advice.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Reasons the government can withdraw money from your account.

● The importance of being in a niche.

● Tips to avoid being put in a tax audit.

● Phenomenal program in NY for voluntary disclosure.

Connect with Karen:

https://www.litaxattorney.com/

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Ep 073: Divorce Sensei: People Have Options Oct 06, 2022

Anthony J. Diaz, Esq, is a Family Law and Collaborative Divorce attorney and Florida Certified Family Law mediator specializing in resolving disputes easily, effortlessly and amicably. He previously practiced as a CPA in New York for many years. .Anthony has been Collaboratively trained since 2009, taken numerous advanced training and collaborated on many cases. In his practice, Anthony is known as The Peacemaker and guides families through the divorce process reducing conflict toward a more peaceful and amicable outcome to move forward with their lives. He works with those who want their divorce done differently, with dignity, and without court. He believes how one moves through divorce is how they move into their next chapter living the life they deserve and desire beyond their wildest dreams.

Anthony was selected as 1 of 21 Collaborative professionals from around the world for the IACP Leadership Academy 2021-2022. Anthony is also a co-chair of the Outreach Committee and a member of the Practice Group Committee with the FACP. He continues his support of the Collaborative practice by appearing on numerous podcasts and interviews.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Anthony Diaz about divorce mediation.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Anthony’s path to becoming an attorney and how he got started.

● Being approachable is helpful for the clients and the other attorney as well.

● What is a post-nuptial agreement?

● What is the difference between an attorney and a mediator?

● The collaborative process is confidential. It’s a peaceful process.

● How to manage client expectations and emotions.

● The biggest opportunity for the future of his practice.

Connect with Anthony:

http://www.anthonyjdiaz.com/

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Ep 072: Divorce Advocacy Done Right Sep 29, 2022

Vicky Townsend is the founder and President of Divorce Right, Inc. an Employee Assistance Program company serving companies and government agencies in the US and abroad. She is also the co-founder and former CEO of the National Association of Divorce Professionals, a professional association consisting of the licensed and certified professionals that serve families going through a divorce.

Vicky is revolutionizing the divorce process by training HR professionals and company supervisors about the issues facing their divorcing employees, signs an employee may be experiencing or even contemplating a divorce, and the issues that they may be facing by way of international culture issues, religious matters, and more. Vicky is a proud FSU alum, and looks forward to the day that the divorce process doesn’t destroy families financially or emotionally.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Vicky Townsend

about divorce and the work place.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● The labyrinthine system of divorce is designed by the people you hire to get you out of it.

● Divorce the number one business disruptor other than death.

● Average employee loses 40% of productivity for 4-5 years.

● The biggest effect of a divorce on the business is productivity.

● What is a win-win for everyone?

● Why 5% of your divorcing employees quit.

● What is a post-nuptial agreement and how does it work?

Connect with Vicky:

Links Mentioned:

https://divorcerightinc.com/about-us/meet-the-founder/

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Ep 071: Calm in the Chaos Sep 22, 2022

Jason S. Weiss is a litigator who handles all aspects of business and commercial litigation. He was recently appointed as a Board Member of Benefits Specialist Inc. and voted President of Leadership Coral Springs Class of 2011. Jason is also a former adjunct professor of Sports Law at Nova Southeastern School of Law, a former adjunct professor of the graduate level course Sports Law at St. Thomas University and a former judge for the Broward County Teen Court Program.

He serves as a legal advisor to professional athletes, performers and entertainers in all aspects of their professional and personal activities. Jason has been selected by Super Lawyer magazine as a Rising Star in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

His areas of concentration include Commercial/Business Litigation, Sports and Entertainment, Business Transactions, American’s with Disabilities Act cases, Consumer Protection, Landlord/Tenant Matters, Medical Marijuana, Personal Injury and Real Estate Litigation.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Jason Weiss

about being calm counsel in chaos.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Common misconceptions people have about Jason

● Jason’s passion outside of law

● Unique factors in dealing with sports & entertainment clients

● What is elder abuse?

● Jason’s biggest challenge and obstacle

Connect with Jason:

https://www.jswlawyer.com/

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Ep 070: Tax Resolution from the Heart Sep 15, 2022

Maryam Golbarg is a tax resolution attorney and an Enrolled Agent and is authorized to represent taxpayers in all 50 U.S. States before the IRS and state tax authorities with years of experience negotiating with the Internal Revenue Service and State taxing authorities

Prior to the Law Offices of Maryam M. Golbarg, P.C., Maryam spent more than seven years working with two large tax resolution companies and a law firm specialized in tax resolution.

Her practice is solely tax resolution, and she has represented hundreds of clients before the IRS and State taxing authorities.

Maryam grew up in Iran and graduated from the University of Tehran in 1999. After moving to the United States, she received her LLM (Master degree) in Civil and International Human Rights Law from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 2005. Maryam spent a few years in the human rights field before transitioning into the tax industry. Maryam’s passion for human rights has travelled with her and is now a big part of her tax resolution philosophy.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Maryam Golbarg about legal tax issues.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● How to walk a client through the process of being audited.

● How to help a client deal with the emotional rollercoaster.

● How do you know if you’re getting an incomplete return?

● What is a tax lien and what can it be used for?

● Simple things a US citizen can do to make filing easier.

Connect with Maryam:

Links Mentioned:

https://mytaxreliefattorney.com/

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Ep 069: How Does Business Intersect with Estate Planning? Sep 08, 2022

Clayton Cruse is the Managing Partner of The Estate, PLLC, a family-owned and operated tax law practice located in Houston, Texas.

Taking a holistic, family-first approach, Clayton assists families, small businesses, and families with small businesses to live and operate more tax efficiently, plan for the future, and build a family legacy through careful estate, business, and tax planning. Clayton is also heavily involved in the world of cryptocurrency from a legal and business perspective. So that they may better serve their clients, Clayton teaches tax professionals the basics of cryptocurrency and blockchain transactions, regularly consults on complicated cryptocurrency-related tax matters, and advises integrating cryptocurrency into estate plans and businesses.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Clayton Cruse

about estate planning and blockchain.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Clayton went from athletic trainer to attorney.

● How to handle a husband and wife dynamic.

● Clients shouldn’t be treated as transactions. Each case is different.

● Clayton tells us about blockchain and cryptocurrency.

● His biggest hurdle is implementing and understanding new tax laws.

Connect with Clayton:

Links Mentioned:

https://www.theestateesq.com

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Ep 068: Changing Lives through Tax Strategy Sessions Sep 01, 2022

Dr Courtney Epps, EA is a tax strategist, international speaker, and author of the Best Selling books More Relaxing Less Taxing & What’s Your Plan B?. She owns a full-service accounting firm in South Carolina and serves clients in every state. She has owned her practice for nineteen years. What sets their firm apart is the tax strategy that it offers to clients as the focus is not just to prepare returns but to free up money legally, morally and ethically. She has developed a broad expertise in industries including traditional, home-based, and network-marketing businesses. She works with clients from start up to $100 million companies. Courtney's Mission: To Teach more people on how to free up money through tax strategy, so that we can help more, have more, so that they can live more, and give more so that we can feed more children, free more children and provide more safe drinking water. Courtney has figured out a way to combine your passion with your profits as she truly believes that by creating a social business entrepreneurs can change the world.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Courtney Epps

about confessions of a tax strategist.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Originally, Courtney wanted to be an anesthesiologist

● At heart she is a serial entrepreneur with past investments in retail, wholesale, and an insurance agency

● Courtney is also a public speaker

● The biggest misconception is that their accountants are supposed to save them money

● Once you hit $15,000 NOI you need to be an S-corp

● Her thoughts on the 87,000 new IRS agents just hired

● The reason for her mission

Connect with Courtney:

Links Mentioned:

https://otbtax.com

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Ep 067: Ins & Outs of Family Business Formation & Continuity Aug 25, 2022

Brent W. Nelson is a partner at Rimon, P.C., practicing in Arizona and Colorado. A select group of U.S. and international individuals, families and financial institutions work with Brent on their complex tax, estate planning, and family business matters. Collectively, Brent’s clients live, invest, or have family on every inhabitable continent in the world. Brent is an ACTEC Fellow, the former Chair of the State Bar of Arizona, Probate and Trust Section, an author for Thomson Reuter’s Arizona Estate Planning and Probate Handbook, and the host of the Wealth and Law Podcast.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Brent Nelson

about family business topics.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Raised on a farm in the sweltering heat motivated Brent to pursue law.

● Be patient is his advice to younger self

● What happens to a business when the principal becomes incapacitated?

● Finding the right staffing is Brents biggest challenge

Connect with Brent:

Links Mentioned:

@WealthAndLaw

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Ep 066: Property Taxes, HOA Disputes and Estate Planning 101 Aug 18, 2022

Lauren Cadilac owns and operates Cadilac Law, PLLC, based in Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas: www.CadilacLaw.com Cadilac Law, focuses on real estate, probate, and estate planning. Additional services include business planning, bookkeeping, audits, and bankruptcy. In 2019 Cadilac Law, was chosen by the City of Dallas to develop and manage their title clearing program which has reached over one-hundred applicants in its first six months (May-Oct., 2020).

Lauren is a native Texan who was raised in Arizona and came back as fast as she could. Since 2012, she’s been a proud citizen of Oak Cliff, Dallas.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Lauren Cadilac

about her business workings, the good and bad.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● A horrific accident changed the course of her life

● Being a business owner allows her freedom

● Biggest misconception is that an attorney will coddle their client

● Her favorite clients are entrepreneurs and elderly

● Property tax protest insights

● Lauren doesn’t love HOA’s

● Your power of attorney is CRITICAL

Connect with Lauren:

https://cadilaclaw.net/

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Ep 065: When Business Change is Necessary but not Easy Aug 11, 2022

Patricia Mathews, Principal Consultant with Workplace Experts, LLC, has over forty years of experience in Human Resources management and consulting. Her clients have included union and non-union, for profit and nonprofit, and public and private sector organizations.

Pat served as Vice President of Human Resources for the Argosy Gaming Company in Illinois; and Human Resources Director for Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. She received her MBA in Operations Planning and Controls from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Pat was recognized as 2020 HR Professional of the Year by the Sarasota-Manatee HR Association. She served on the Board for the Manatee County Habitat for Humanity for six years, was a 2013 and 2014 Sarasota Woman of Influence, served on the grant committee for the Sarasota Arts and Cultural Alliance, and was the 2011 President of the Sarasota-Manatee Human Resources Association during which time the association received the Gold Award from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) for outstanding achievements in chapter operations.

A published writer on HR topics, she has appeared as an HR expert in the media and has been a guest speaker locally and nationally.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Patricia Mathews

about human resources from decades of experience.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● How working for fortune 100 firms exhausted Pat to the point of starting her own business and that she wish she did it earlier.

● Pat enjoys HR audits and organization development the most.

● Her ideal business to work with is 100 – 300 employees.

● Employee retention starts with proper recruiting.

● Incentives for employees work for motivation.

Connect with Patricia:

https://workplacexperts.com/

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Ep 064: When the IRS comes knocking. What to do next? Aug 04, 2022

Drawing on 25 years of experience, Brian focuses his practice on representing clients in IRS tax controversies and tax litigation opposite the IRS and the Department of Justice, advising nonprofit organizations on tax and governance matters and helping businesses navigate state and federal appeals.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Brian Bernhardt

about dealing with the IRS and tax issues.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- Former trial attorney with IRS.

- The people you work with are more important than you think

- Older Brian knows the benefit of a broader brush stroke.

- Why Brian gives estimates upfront to help both parties.

- Covid caused and established long delays with IRS.

- IRS employees are people too. The nicer you are the better.

- Third party bookkeeping is a must.

-Crypto currency is a big opportunity for legal in future

Connect with Brian:

https://www.foxrothschild.com/

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Ep 063: Three Biggest Retirement Mistakes to Avoid Jul 28, 2022

Kris has been in the financial services industry since 1999. He currently carries the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(CRPC) Accredited Investment Fiduciary(AIF) and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designations. He has co-authored a book on personal financial planning.

Outside of work, Kris enjoys family, golf, music, reading and exercise. He and his wife, Meg, live in Bradenton with their four children.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Kris about the three biggest retirement mistakes to avoid

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- Reasons to begin or wait on your social security payments

- Three types of retirees

- Risks constrained investors have

Connect with Kris:

Links Mentioned:

https://www.alkon-levine.com

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Ep 062: When Picking an Attorney is like Hitting the Lottery Jul 14, 2022

Matthew Eyet received his law degree from Widener University School of Law, where he graduated first in his class and received the prestigious Valedictorian Award. During law school, he participated in the Moot Court Honor Society and was a member of the Law Journal. As a member of the Moot Court Honor Society, his team received the Best Brief Award at the Jerome Prince Evidence Competition at Brooklyn Law School. Following his law degree, Matthew earned his Masters of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Matthew Eyet about life as a tax attorney and his relationship with clients.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- Matts Masters in Tax law journey

- Mimicking his biz model as a concierge doctor

- Pro bono work is very satisfying

- Ideal client is a business owner

- Being a younger attorney doesn’t mean inexperienced

- Biggest questions for clients

Connect with Matt:

Links Mentioned:

https://eyetlaw.com

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Ep 061: The Tax Therapy 101 Jul 07, 2022

Jeff Levine is a partner with A&L since 1983, serves as “Chairman of the Board” and oversees the firm’s strategic planning. He got his undergrad degree from Boston University and loves penguins.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Jeffrey Levine.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- What Jeff would do if he started over

- What is a financial therapist?

- Importance of having a good bookkeeping system

- Big issues for small businesses

- How to set up a succession plan

- Things not to do before filing taxes

Connect with Jeff:

Links Mentioned:

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Ep 060: Elder Care & Asset Protection Basics Jun 30, 2022

Michael Mortellaro received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix in 2003. He received his Juris Doctor from Florida International University and graduated with honors in 2006. Mr. Mortellaro’s practice areas include: Estate Planning, Probate, Medicaid Asset Protection, and VA Benefits. Mortellaro Law helps families with their estate planning, probate, and elder law legal needs.

Michelangelo services clients in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and throughout the adjoining counties. With 14 years of experience in elder law, Michelangelo devotes his time and resources to educate the community and his clients on elder law affairs and estate planning.

Listen to this informative The Confident Retirement episode with Michael Mortellaro

about elder care & asset protection basics. Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- How he would have done things differently when starting out

- One of the largest elder law firms in central Florida

- Common misconceptions for clients

- His Legacy Care program

- Difference between estate planning and elder care

- Veterans Administration partnership

- Asset Protection

Connect with Mike:

Links Mentioned:

https://www.mortellarolaw.com/

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Ep 059: MEDICARE: Understanding the Options Jun 30, 2022

Aaron Arenbart is an insurance broker in 23 states. He has been working with Medicare insurance plans since 2008. He helps demystify Medicare for his clients by taking a solution-based approach to understanding their health, lifestyle, and budget. He meets his clients where they are at with their Medicare understanding and tailors his consulting to their needs and desires. His goal is to place his clients in a better place than when he found them. Aaron is a husband, father, and advocate for healthy living.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Aaron Arenbart

about Medicare benefits.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Different counties have different Medicare plans

● Why does Medicare exist?

● What is an advantage plan?

● What do all the letters with Medicare mean?

● Medicare supplement vs Medigap

● Can I switch between plans?

Connect with Kris:

Website: https://www.lpfadvisors.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 058: Must Know Medicare Info Jun 09, 2022

Scott Sims is a licensed insurance broker focused on helping boomers transition into Medicare. Now 8 years in the business, Scott has taken his knowledge of the Senior health insurance business and started making Medicare educational videos online in 2019. With over 133K followers on TikTok and almost 4,000 YouTube subscribers, it’s obvious people want to be educated before they choose or buy a product. Scott is married to Kelly and they have 2 young children, Ava (9) and Zoe (3).

In our conversation, we discuss several topics, including:

The challenges of the business

The issues with not preparing for retirement

The supplemental and high deductible plans of Medicare

How advantage plans differ from supplemental plans

Options for people retiring who need coverage

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 057: Leading with a Servant's Heart Featuring Jair Espinoza Jun 02, 2022

J. Jair Espinoza currently holds the position of Group Benefits Manager for the City of Miami in the City’s Risk Management Department, under the leadership of Director, Ann-Marie Sharpe, ARM-P. Jair has been with the City since March 2011 and hired as Supervisor of Payroll, in the Finance Dept. He was promoted to current position in October 2012. He is also a member of the State and Local Government Association (SALBGA) and has served as a Board Member as a Director since 2019. In addition, he is also a member of the Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value, as well as the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade and the Cigna Wellness Council of Florida.

Prior to joining the city, Jair was the Director of Payroll Services for Devcon Security Services where he successfully managed payroll and group benefits functions. During the company’s expansion phase, he was responsible for synchronizing disparate group benefits plans, payroll schedules and for standardizing acquired companies’ paid time off accrual grants.

Jair’s career spans over two decades of increasingly rewarding and responsible positions managing large multi-state employers, both public and municipal. He offers a diversified set of skills covering payroll, group benefits and project management with the ability to provide cost-effective solutions derived from a continued-process improvement approach. Jair is known for strategic, operational and tactical proficiency aimed at optimizing internal operations.

In our conversation, we discuss several topics, including:

Why you need to think about your health and retirement

Why communication is key

The importance of fully understanding your benefits

The benefits employees want most

The challenges of getting clients to take action

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 056: International Relocation Law and Expatriation May 26, 2022

Prior to launching Global Tax Law PLLC, Christine worked at Deloitte Tax LLP, DLA Piper LLP, and McDermott Will & Emery LLP in the international tax and private client groups. During law school, Christine interned at the Office of Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service in the Large Business and International (LB&I) Division.

Christine earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business and French Literature from The Florida State University, a Master of Arts in International Business from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Northwestern University.

Christine also studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain, the Linguistic University of Nizhny Novgorod in Russia, and both La Sorbonne and Sciences Po in Paris. She is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese and has studied several other languages.

In our conversation, we discuss several topics, including:

What led Christine to becoming an attorney

The steps of relocating internationally

What an accidental citizen is

Who an ideal client is

The biggest obstacles she is facing with her law firm

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 055: What Does a Great Benefits Offering Entail? May 19, 2022

Nancy Hendrickson started with CAN Community Health in July of 2016 working as a temp where she was responsible for processing Payroll and general HR duties. Shortly thereafter, she was hired and currently is the Total Rewards Manager where she manages all aspects of the employee benefits program. This includes health and welfare plans, retirement plans, life insurance, wellness programs, and any other employee benefit plans offered.

Prior to moving to Sarasota, Florida, she lived in Baltimore, Maryland where she was a licensed Life/Health Insurance agent and worked with other brokers, brokerage firms, clients, and Third-Party Administrators. Her final position was the Enrollment Department Supervisor for BenefitMall where she and her staff maintained a zero-error report with CareFirst.

In our conversation, we discuss several topics, including:

Why Nancy loves working for her company

Why communication and honesty are important traits when challenges at work surface

Why you always have to listen to your employees

How benefits help employees

How understanding benefit packages can be overwhelming for employees

What part of benefit packages gets the most positive feedback

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 054: How Does Fashion Influence Group Benefits Programs? May 12, 2022

Episode 054 How Does Fashion Influence Group Benefits Programs? Featuring Jessica O'Leary, HR Professional

Jessica O’Leary is a well-rounded and resourceful HR Professional with working experience in the education and municipal sectors. Jessica is skilled in benefits package design, strategy, risk management, training and development, recruitment, and compliance. Jessica has strong Human Resources skills with Certificate focused in Human Resources Management from Collin County Community College and MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Capella University.

In our conversation, we discuss several topics, including:

What led Jessica into the HR field

The emotional roller coaster that comes with dealing with benefits and insurance

The important skills needed when dealing with employee relations

The benefits employees sought after the most

The challengers of providing benefits for employees

Why you should consider a career in the HR field

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 053: Estate Planning and the Gift Tax May 05, 2022

Azriel Baer’s practice focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administration at Farrell Fritz Attorneys based in Uniondale, NY. Azi advises clients on wealth preservation, estate, and gift tax planning. He helps his clients achieve their estate planning objectives by preparing wills, revocable and irrevocable trust instruments, and advance directives.

The favorite part of Azi’s practice is how he gets to interact with his clients, often acting as a family counselor who can make a real difference in their lives. Azi believes it’s a very personal part of the law that is a privilege to be a part of.

Azi admits that he really enjoys tax law even though keeping up with the changing US tax law is a constant challenge.

In our conversation, we discuss several topics, including:

Estate planning is not just for the rich.

The options available to those who have a taxable estate.

An explanation of revocable and irrevocable trusts and how they are used.

The three crucial documents every client should have.

How estate planning and estate administration go hand in hand.

The specialty of his practice includes gift tax planning.

How his clients benefit from the firm’s knowledgeable and collaborative colleagues.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Azriel:

Website: https://www.farrellfritz.com/attorney/azriel-baer/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 052: The Challenges In The Current Real Estate Market. Apr 28, 2022

For over 20 years, Bev Murray has worked as a realtor in Sarasota, Florida. She is responsible for over $400 million of real estate bought, sold, and built in the area. Bev specializes in residential and vacant land purchasing and development sales and is ranked in the top one-half of one percent of over 50,000 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services agents nationwide.

Bev is a certified real estate negotiation expert (RENE), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Global Business Council.

The real estate market has unique challenges for both sellers and buyers and Bev points out that people need to rely on experts to help them through these especially challenging and stressful times.

In our conversation, we discuss:

Bev’s journey from the corporate world in London to self-employment in Sarasota.

The challenge of the current market.

The need for a seller to have an expert in the sales process.

How labor shortages and supply chain issues are affecting the market.

The importance of technology in the sales cycle.

Future real estate trends.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Bev:

Website: https://www.murraygroupusa.com/about-bev-murray

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 051: Contested Wills, Trusts and Estates-Oh my! Apr 21, 2022

Taso Milonas is a Florida Bar Board Certified Tax Lawyer where fewer than five percent of all attorneys admitted to practice in Florida are Board Certified. Taso also holds a Master of Laws in Taxation. His practice today is primarily in trust and estate litigation.

Along with his practice, Taso is passionate about giving back to the community. He is currently serving on the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Foundation Planned Giving Committee and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, North Florida, Central Florida and Southwest Florida Chapters as a Board Member, Executive Board Member, and Co-Chair of the Planned Giving Committee.

For anyone who doesn’t understand the complexity of trust and estate litigation, Taso helps his clients understand with straightforward explanations.

In our conversation, we discuss:

The challenge as an estate planner and the need for knowing who to add to the team for knowledge of other areas of the law.

What the probate process really entails and how it’s a more public process than before.

When one contests a Will or Trust, you’re challenging a document.

An explanation of what is undue influence.

A discussion on tortious interference.

A case study of when someone takes advantage of a person with dementia.

The importance of clients organizing their paperwork and critical documents.

One of the biggest obstacles facing the industry in Florida.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Taso:

Website: https://www.wealthlawgroup.com/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 050: Solving the Retirement Income Conundrum Apr 14, 2022

Episode 050 Solving the retirement income conundrum. Featuring David Macchia, Tech Entrepreneur

David Macchia is an entrepreneur, a thought leader, and a public speaker focused on communication and tech solutions for retirement income distribution planning. David writes frequently on the retirement income for consumers and financial professionals, and is the author of Lucky Retiree, how to keep your retirement income and create it using the Income for Life Model.

In 2004, David realized that there were 76 million baby boomers approaching retirement who didn’t know how to turn accumulated savings into retirement income. In the US, we don’t educate people how to turn a nest egg into retirement income.

David likes to focus on American women through his Women and Income™ program developed for female investors who are approaching retirement or recently retired.

David makes this complicated subject easy to understand. We discuss:

The difference between financial planning and retirement income planning.

The problem with the commonly used traditional approach called the total return strategy.

The three labels of retirees-under-funded, over-funded and the constraint strained.

How to mitigate risks.

A balanced strategy includes safe investments and paychecks, ongoing exposure to equities and stock market participation.

Nobel Prize winner Robert C. Merton’s quote, “In retirement, it’s your income, not your wealth, that creates a standard of living.”

The bucket strategy.

How men and women think differently about investing.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with David:

Website: https://davidmacchia.com/about/

Website: https://wealthpop.com/retirementinvestor

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 049: Careful Planning for Special Needs and Medicaid Apr 07, 2022

Stuart Schoenfeld is a Partner with Capell, Barnett, Matalon and Schoenfeld, with offices in NY City, Long Island and Florida. Stuart specializes in elder law, estate planning, asset preservation, Medicaid, and property transactions. He’s also a published author and frequent speaker on planning for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Stuart enjoys giving back to the community and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rehabilitation Institute, which provides vocational, educational, and therapeutic services to individuals with disabilities. He previously served as President of the Association for Children with Down syndrome.

Part of the inspiration for serving in these aspects of the law comes from having a daughter with special needs and watching her needs change throughout the years and the importance of dealing with the legal issues.

Highlights of our conversation include:

People need to plan better to make their finances work in their later years.

Not every elder care attorney does estate planning.

The unique challenges when you are assisting someone who’s chronically ill or developmentally delayed.

Understanding the supplemental needs trust and the ABLE account.

The difference between a supplemental needs trust and a third-party supplemental needs trust.

The difference between Medicare and Medicaid.

Clients need to seek help long before they run out of money.

Business advice including considerations in a Buy Sell agreement.

Don’t choose an attorney on price alone.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Stuart:

Website: https://cbmslaw.com/team/stuart-h-schoenfeld/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 048: Benefits abound! One Administrator’s take on what's Trending Mar 31, 2022

Naomi Wood

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 048 Benefits abound! One administrator’s take on what's trending. Featuring Naomi Wood, Benefits Specialist at Abt Associates.

Naomi G. Wood is a Benefits Specialist at Abt Associates, where she counsels employees and Abt’s HR Staff on the various benefit plans offered at her organization.

Prior to her current role, Naomi spent 15 years working in various roles, ranging from Retirement Support Specialist, Customer Service Representative, Senior Financial Processor, Account Manager, Benefits Administrator, and Retirement Benefits Specialist.

Naomi earned a B.S. in Business Management and Human Resource/IT Management from Carlow University and an MBA in Human Resource Management from Strayer University. She is enrolled in the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist course to earn her designation.

Naomi has a talent for taking complex employee benefit issues, turning them into easy-to-understand language.

We discuss:

Comparing salary to what benefits are available to an employee.

The complexity of the Affordable Cares Act.

Doing extensive research to find the correct information for employees.

Understanding Roth accounts.

Get into the habit of saving for retirement and using automatic withdrawals from a paycheck.

How FSA and HSA dollars work.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Naomi:

Website: https://www.abtassociates.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-wood-mba-3b291443/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 047: Solving the "Medicare wordle" in one episode? Done! Mar 24, 2022

Danielle Roberts

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 047 Solving the "Medicare wordle" in one episode? Done! Featuring Danielle Roberts, Founding Partner, Boomer Benefits

Danielle Roberts always knew she wanted to work with the elderly, but she didn’t know how. Now she serves that group exclusively. It started when her insurance clients kept asking if she could help their parents with the Medicare maze of options and complexities.

Danielle is a founding partner at Boomer Benefits, a national insurance agency specializing in Medicare since 2005. She is also the author of the best-selling book 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make and is often a featured guest for CNBC, FOX, Yahoo Finance, Kiplinger, and MarketWatch.

Danielle also serves on the NAHU Medicare Advisory Group, where she advocates for Medicare beneficiaries at a national level to government organizations, including CMS.

Highlights of our conversation include:

The challenge of working in the insurance industry and lessons learned.

The joy of handholding clients through the Medicare journey.

Research Medicare at least six months before you turn 65 when enrollment is mandatory.

Understand Election Periods when you can or can’t get insurance.

What to know about the “supplementals.”

Catastrophic limits set by Medicare each year.

Understanding the ACA, Affordable Care Act, and the health insurance exchange.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Danielle:

Website: https://boomerbenefits.com/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/kflammang?

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Ep 046: A Calm Voice in the face of an Unpredictable Mortgage Sky Mar 17, 2022

Marci Walker

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 046 A calm voice in the face of an unpredictable mortgage sky with Marci Walker, a Co-Founder, Blue Skye Lending

Marci Walker changed her career from auto finance to joining the mortgage industry. She enjoyed the career switch and with colleagues, co-founded Blue Skye Lending almost 20 years ago.

Marci and her partners have a firm belief that if they put clients first, the business will take care of itself. She loves assisting first-time homebuyers achieve their goals of homeownership and saving money for someone refinancing their home.

There’s so much to learn from our conversation. Highlights include:

The misconception of thinking all loan officers work in the same way.

Why one should avoid online lenders.

The advantages of working with a lending team.

The complications of underwriting and what it means.

The difficulties of getting a loan when self-employed.

How a down payment should be calculated or considered.

Refinancing considerations.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Marci:

Website: https://www.blueskyeloans.com/marci-walker/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

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Ep 045: A CPA Turning the Industry on its Head - Really! Mar 10, 2022

Marie Torossian

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 045 A CPA Turning the Industry on its Head - Really! with Marie Torossian, CPA

Marie Torossian, a Chartered Global Management Accountant, auditor, CFO, and author, has the passion to help clients succeed in their business, increase their business value, and live the life they want. She firmly believes in living in God’s grace to help those in need and to make a difference in people’s lives.

She has authored two books, A Business Owner’s Guide to Operational Accounting and The Complete Guide to Business Growth. She actively promotes accounting education through her social media channels and her weekly live show, Coffee Time with Marie Torossian CPA.

Marie is a progressive accountant who builds her practice in an advisory model and uses the value-pricing model for her services. She also actively creates CPE classes for the FICPA North Dade/South Broward chapter.

Highlights of our conversation include:

In the private sector, there’s an opportunity to be involved in every part of the business.

62 percent of all businesses fail in the first two years.

The importance of being a lifelong learner.

Scaling up a business and finding the extra value adds.

The challenge of finding the clients that are a right fit to work with.

The business model of how she works and educating clients on how CPAs work.

Understanding the options for retirement investments.

Take Marie up on her offer for a free strategy session and enjoy the show!

Connect with Marie:

Website: https://www.marietorossiancpa.com/

LinkedIn: https://www. linkedin.com/in/marietorossiancpacgma

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

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Ep 044: Protection planning. Lead with a WHY Mar 03, 2022

Mark Fontanella

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 044 Protection planning. Lead with a WHY

with Mark Fontanella, Health Insurance Professional, Hanson and Ryan

Mark Fontanella is a health insurance professional at Hanson and Ryan, a family-owned insurance company operating for over 140 years. Based in New Jersey, the company works to identify and simplify the insurance process for individuals and businesses.

Mark is a firm believer in honing his craft every day and enjoys the personal satisfaction he gets when he can present clients with options to best suit their needs.

Our conversation covers several issues and challenges that a client needs to learn and think about when getting proper coverage for their health and personal needs.

We discuss:

Explanations of the term open enrollment.

What happens when people hear the Joe Namath donut hole commercial?

The Medicare scam cards.

A case study of an employer giving improper Medicare information.

The misconceptions of life insurance.

Understanding the various types of personal insurance.

The future of private health insurance.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Mark:

Website: https://www.hansonryan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fontanella-54066483/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

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Ep 043: Helping Clients Diversify Self-directed IRA investments Feb 24, 2022

Brandon Hall

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 043 Helping clients diversify self-directed IRA investments with Brandon Hall, President Midland IRA

Brandon Hall started at Midland Trust 19 years ago with the purpose of starting an IRA side of the accounting business. Today, Brandon is the President and COO of the company that only operates on IRAs and 1031s as the firm’s primary practice.

Brandon knows every aspect of IRAs, helping clients diversify investments portfolios with self-direction on alternative assets. Brandon has a Certified IRA Service Provider designation, and has degrees from the University of Alabama, Florida Gulf Coast University and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.

Brandon generously shares his wealth of knowledge to explain the complex world of IRAs. Highlights include:

The responsibilities of a custodian.

The four types of IRAs.

An explanation of what is an alternative asset.

Midland does not work as a fiduciary or advisor.

What to know if you have a self-directed IRA that holds alternative assets.

The 1031 section of the tax code explained and misconceptions.

The company’s goals for scalable growth and continuing great customer service.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Brandon:

Website: https://www.midlandtrust.com/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

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Ep 042: Finding A Calling to Help Others Leave their Legacy Feb 17, 2022

Alisa Heedy

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 042 Finding A Calling to Help Others Leave their Legacy with Alisa Heedy

Alisa Heedy is a Trusts and Estates Attorney at Williams Parker in Sarasota, Florida. After graduating from the University of Florida, she studied law at Stetson University. She also has a LL.M degree in Taxation from the University of Florida, which she believes gives her the advantage of knowing how to prepare and work with tax preparation in the realm of estate planning.

Alisa’s entry into this area was partially influenced by her own experience of learning about estates when her grandfather passed away.

Highlights of our conversation include:

The mistake of having more than one person acting as executor.

The perfect trustee or representative just needs to know where to get help.

The challenge of balancing the psychology of the law and family dynamics.

Good lawyers are advisors who guide clients away from litigious viewpoints.

The importance of having empathy for the family after a loved one passes away.

The core documents every family should have.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Alisa:

Website: https://www.williamsparker.com/attorneys/alisa-m-heedy/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

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Ep 041: Medicare Straight Talk from Medicare Dave Feb 10, 2022

David Silver

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 041 Medicare Straight Talk from Medicare Dave with David Silver

Dave Silver had invested in real estate and when the markets crashed, he looked for a new career. His strength in sales comes from being knowledgeable in the product he represents, Medicare Insurance Plan options. Dave is a licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare for almost 10 years.

In our conversation, we discuss all things Medicare from Parts A and B, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D Drug plans. This is an episode you’ll want to listen to more than once for yourself or for helping your parents.

Highlights from our conversation include:

The challenge of getting the correct, honest information from clients.

The misinformation clients received about Medicare because it doesn’t apply to their individual situation.

Explaining Medicare, parts A and B.

The complications of Medicare part B if still employed.

Medicare Supplement Plans from A through N.

How people are penalized when not applying in the correct time and age periods.

Medicare Advantage Plans are not Supplement Plans.

How Plans and drug benefits vary from State to State.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with David:

Website: https://www.davesilverinsurance.com/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 040: Not all Probates are Equal Feb 03, 2022

Niuris Bezanilla

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 040 Not all Probates are Equal with Niuris Bezanilla, Managing Attorney, EPDG

Niuris Bezanilla, managing attorney of the Trust and Estates department, EPDG, represents domestic and international individuals in the practice areas of Trusts and Estates, with a focus on establishing domestic estate plans, probates, and guardianships.

During law school at Florida International University College of Law, Niuris clerked with the Administrative Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit’s Probate Division, which gave her first-hand experience and behind-the-scenes knowledge of the probate process. Niuris was also the President of the Negotiation and Mediation Team and was a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship.

Highlights of our conversation include:

Teaching clients how probate laws vary from state to state.

Helping clients to understand how probate laws work in international cases.

Setting up clients from countries including Columbia or Venezuela and helping to plan for the sticker shock of estate tax.

Dealing with the slow timeframes of the IRS and other states.

The advantage of using Trusts.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Niuris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epgd-attorneys-at-law-p-a-/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPGD-Trusts-Estates-109553091131168/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 039: Doctors, Lawyers and Crypto... OH MY! Jan 27, 2022

Bette Hochberger

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 039 Doctors, Lawyers and Crypto... OH MY! Featuring Bette Hochberger

Bette Hochberger, CPA, CGMA runs a boutique firm offering accounting services, business consulting, and financial advice to forward-thinking professionals and businesses, including doctors and lawyers. Bette focuses on real estate investment owners, companies with foreign investors and Americans with overseas business interests.

With experience in the startup worlds of Miami and Boston, she later developed into the world of venture capital-backed startups. Bette runs her firm remotely and has mastered the art of cloud accounting. Given her engineering background, she also understands the process of back-end technology for small business.

Bette is also an expert on helping clients entering the world of cryptocurrency.

In our conversation, Bette shares case studies of how she helps clients and what to know about taxes and cryptocurrency.

Highlights include:

Keep track of every crypto transaction because the IRS is watching.

The mistake of not marketing the company earlier.

Lawyers can’t do year end accounting from credit card statements alone.

A case study of saving a client from exorbitant taxes on a property sale.

Being a CPA in the wild west of uncharted, crypto currency.

Understanding technology integration for a small business.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Bette:

Website: https://bettehochberger.com/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 038: Does a Trust Solve all Estate Plan Problems? Jan 20, 2022

Jeffrey H. Skatoff, Esq.

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 038 Does a Trust solve all estate plan problems? With Jeffrey H. Skatoff, Esq.

Jeffrey H. Skatoff is the founder and primary contributor to Probate Stars, a website that offers information for clients to understand inheritance solutions. For over 30 years, Jeffery has practiced law in the areas of probate, estate litigation, trust litigation, guardianship litigation, estate planning, and taxation.

In the estate planning area, he has prepared estate plans of all complexities, for young families with minor children, to owners of large, complex, multi-state businesses, including those with international aspects.

For the past 20 years he has worked in the Florida probate administration area, handling close to 1,000 probate administrations, from simple estates to very large and complex taxable estates, often with assets throughout the world.

Highlights of our conversation include:

Understanding the purposes of a revocable trust.

The reason for running an estate litigation bar, the biggest in the country.

How Probate Stars operates.

How the Probate Stars website can help those who want to be educated before speaking with a lawyer.

The challenge of running the website and growing the opportunities.

A case study involving a one of three siblings acting as a family caregiver.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Jeffrey:

Website: https://probatestars.com/contributors/

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 037: Asset Protection is not the same as Estate Planning Jan 13, 2022

Hillel Presser, Esq., MBA Asset Protection Attorney

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 037 Asset protection is not the same as estate planning with Hillel Presser, Esq., MBA Asset Protection Attorney

Hillel Presser, Esq., MBA represents individuals and businesses with comprehensive asset protection plans, nationally and internationally. Hillel has been featured in publications including Forbes, Sports Illustrated, the Robb Report and major television networks such as Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS and in several international markets.

He has also authored several books including, Asset Protection Secrets and Financial Self-Defense, The Lawyers Law of Attraction.

In our conversation, Hillel defines and explains the misconceptions of estate planning and asset protection. Highlights of our conversation include:

If you help and educate as many people as you can, the business will come.

The joy of working with clients and finding customized solutions.

Asset protection explained in easy-to-understand terms and why it’s necessary for everyone.

The importance of being proactive in your asset protection.

Why the option to sue in the U.S. is so easy.

What’s included in a wealth inventory.

Get a free consultation by mentioning this podcast!

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Hillel:

Website: https://www.assetprotectionattorneys.com

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 035: Personal Attention Has No Substitute Dec 30, 2021

Ryan Reiffert, PLLC

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 035 Personal attention has no substitute with Ryan Reiffert, PLLC

Ryan Reiffert, PLLC, is a business lawyer based in San Antonio, Texas. Ryan studied law at NY University, worked in NY City and became in-house counsel for a tech start-up. After working in some of the largest firms in the world, Ryan took control over his time and serve those back in his hometown, following his motto of “personal attention has no substitute.”

Ryan, an entrepreneur himself, enjoys serving startups and small businesses. In our conversation, we discuss his journey to becoming a startup, along with pointing out issues that small business owners may not consider when establishing their entity.

Highlights of our conversation include:

His company focus on business law and estate law.

Why personal attention has meaning in his business.

Educating clients on things to consider when establishing their business.

The pros and cons of online service providers like Legal Zoom and Rocket Lawyer.

The difference between knowledge and wisdom.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Ryan:

Website: https://ryanreiffert.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQmTUt5eKgOLd6SPueAQF7g

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 033: From yoga to dentistry-helping small business and individuals with taxes Dec 16, 2021

Ignacio Huergo, CPA

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 033 From yoga to dentistry-helping small business and individuals with taxes, featuring Ignacio Huergo, CPA

As a kid, Ignacio Huergo was always good at math and numbers, so he knew his calling early on and entered the accounting curriculum at Florida International University and then received his MBA in Business from Barry University.

Ignacio worked in corporate environments for 18 years before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Today he operates The Tax Firm LLC in Miami Shores, Florida. Ignacio is dedicated to helping small business and individuals with their account and tax planning needs. As a lifelong learner, he is expanding his knowledge into more in-depth level tax planning and using retirement planning as a major tool to reduce taxable income.

In our conversation, we discuss:

Some of the marketing methods that work for his type of business.

Advice on making the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship.

Outsource payroll to the experts who have that specialty.

The importance of using one business account for banking and staying organized.

From yoga to dentistry-keep your records for taxable income in order.

Things small business owners often overlook on taxes.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Ignacio:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTaxFirmLlc/

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 032: A voyage into the mind of a Social Security Jedi Master Dec 09, 2021

Martha Shedden

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 032 A voyage into the mind of a Social Security Jedi Master with Martha Shedden

When Martha Shedden read and learned about Social Security options available to retirees, she was shocked at the choices one could make that have long-term negative consequences. Today, she considers it a privilege and reward to help people understand and make personalized choices to get the most from their benefits.

She is on a mission to educate financial professionals and retirees on the details of Social Security income planning, the foundation and first step to creating a financially secure retirement plan. Today, Martha is President and Co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, NARSSA, which provides online education and training for financial professionals to become Registered Social Security Analysts.

The training program provides professionals with a thorough knowledge of the Social Security program and trains them how to analyze clients’ claiming options to get their maximized Social Security income by filing for benefits at the optimal time. The modules provide CE/CPE units for NASBA, the CFP Board, and the IRS.

Martha is the absolute go-to expert who understands all the details of how and when to claim benefits. Highlights of our conversation include:

Explaining the misconceptions of how much money is at stake.

It’s a personalized decision based on one’s working situation, health and so much more.

Understanding survivor benefits and when to claim.

Qualifications for being able to collect.

Using software to better understand the numbers.

The future of Social Security.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Martha:

Website: https://www.sheddensocialsecurity.com

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 031: Is Budgeting a Dirty Word? Begin With the End in Mind! Dec 02, 2021

Annette Harris

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang

Episode 031 Is Budgeting a Dirty Word? Begin With the End in Mind! Featuring Annette Harris, Harris Financial Consulting

Annette Harris, Founder of Harris Financial Coaching, is a lifelong learner with nine degrees, a military veteran, mother, and has a great passion for personal fitness.

Annette is just as passionate about the importance of financial literacy and creating a safe space for having her clients feel comfortable when having conversations about debt management, budgeting and other money matters.

Her values are clear, as she believes in operating in a respectful environment. Her business is growing, and she is expanding to better serve military veterans.

We filled our conversation with insights, including:

Build a habit for budgeting and be consistent.

Set up a personal reward system.

Don’t use credit if you don’t need it.

Make financial literacy a family conversation.

Using a vision board and money mantras.

Be inspired and enjoy the show!

Connect with Annette:

Website: www.harriswealthcoach.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriscashcoach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harriscashcoach/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgP-ESGUFRnNp_Bg4_ylpOA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harrisfinancialcoach

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

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Ep 030: Confessions of a Tax Expert Nov 25, 2021

Michael Raanan

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 030: Michael Raanan

Michael Raanan, MBA, EA, is an IRS-licensed Tax Relief Specialist, Enrolled Agent, and former Senior IRS Agent. He is also the founder and President of Landmark Tax Group, a nationally known and well-respected professional tax firm that specializes in IRS Back Taxes. While working over 17 years at the IRS and in private practice helping taxpayers, Michael has personally resolved thousands of back tax cases and settled over $100,000,000 in IRS debts. Michael is trusted by attorneys, CPAs, wealth managers, and other business professionals to resolve IRS matters for their biggest clients. He also trains tax professionals throughout the country on how to effectively represent taxpayers in front of the IRS.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Michael Raanan about strategies in dealing with taxation and also to IRS. Having a working background in IRS himself, he has a great knowledge of the twists and turns in taxation he generously shared in this episode.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Michael’s brief history on how he became a part of IRS and then eventually planned to exit and go on trying to put up his own business

Sharing his enjoyment and what I like best in his business

What are the steps in the process of an IRS collection?

Can you negotiate with IRS to reduce the amount you owe?

What are the things can you do to avoid being put in a tough situation during collections, besides just paying your taxes on time?

Talking about his ULTIMATE dream!

The biggest opportunity and also their biggest obstacle

Connect with Michael

Guest Contact Info: (949) 260-4770

Website: https://landmarktaxgroup.com/

E-mail: michael@landmarktaxgroup.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LandmarkTaxGrp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-raanan-mba-ea-%F0%9F%92%B0-the-irs-guy-b0327749

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[08:33-08:57]

“You end up wearing different hats. Besides entrepreneur in the technician, all that stuff, you end up also being like a therapist in some respects and working with these folks, helping them understand, letting them know that you're listening to them, that there's some options and there's some resolution on the horizon.”

[13:38-13:53]

“That means that we as taxpayers actually have a certain level of control. And we can manipulate the IRS if we know what those procedures are. And we're pursuing those procedures. And in fact, the IRS loves that.”

[20:52-21:12]

“And at the end of that 12th month, we ended up settling the $160,000 balance for $865. And not only that, the tax lien on that taxpayer’s name and their home and everything else the lien attaches to went away.”

[25:45-25:56]

“The financial literacy, I think, is the key to unlocking that freedom, to happiness to satisfaction, and high morale.”

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Ep 029: Wisdom from a One Size Does Not Fit All CPA Nov 18, 2021

Sonia Rosa

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 029: Sonia Rosa

Sonia I. Rosa, CPA has worked in corporate and public accounting for over 20 years. She has an MBA from Methodist University. In 2016, she took a leap of faith and started her own firm working on accounting and taxes helping small business owners. She has a passion for helping others achieve their financial goals in the shortest amount of time possible. Sonia’s some areas of expertise include cash-flow management, tax planning and preparation, and part-time CFO services Sonia is an avid trail runner and loves participating in obstacle course races.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Sonia Rosa delved into how businesses and people’s needs are different in regards to everything. Being a CPA, she also shared her insights about people’s challenges in their businesses and how she was able to help them.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-Sonia’s story on how she decided to open up her own firm

-Talking about cookie-cutter programs

-What is the common CFO type of service she does?

-What is the blind spot that she typically sees to business owners?

-Unique challenges in taxation that business owners are having that aren’t true to individual people

-What are some of the common steps on a roadmap for business people?

-The biggest opportunity and obstacle for her and to accounting firms

Connect with Sonia

Guest Contact Info: (910) 364-9115

Website: https://www.soniarosallc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniarosacpa/

E-mail: info@soniarosallc.com

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[03:09-03:28]

“Well, it is challenging, because it is not authentic in my opinion. And I see it works for some people very well, they're very successful. But unfortunately, it doesn't. It has not worked for me.”

[05:01-05:14]

“They work really hard. They want to keep the most of their money. Pay the least amount in taxes in a legal way.”

[06:28-06:45]

And then when they come to see like, they're in a tangled web. It's a tangled web. And then of course, then they “Oh, I wish I will have talked to somebody new or whomever a long time ago, instead of waiting.”

[09:49-10:11]

“Everybody's different. And then, I live in Florida, go from Florida to Atlanta, maybe It doesn't require that much planning. But if I'm trying to go from Florida to Washington State, there's going to be a lot of road planning for that.”

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Ep 028: How to Steer an "HR Boat" When It's Always Turning Nov 11, 2021

Alana Fallis

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 028: Alana Fallis

Alana Fallis is currently managing People Ops at Quantum Metric, a remote tech-startup. Currently living in Tampa, she is a former actress turned HR practitioner with a couple of curious stops along the way. Recently she achieved a Brain-Based Coaching Certification from the NeuroLeadership Institute, which she currently uses to coach managers at her organization. She is driven by learning about human behavior and helping people find gainful employment opportunities that move and inspire them.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Alana Fallis about creating organizational change for companies for the greater good. We also delved into the importance of communication not only to human resource management but also to the whole company.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Alana’s story from her artsy bohemian life to her direct deposit life

-What is the best part of her career now?

-The misconception when thinking about organizational change

-What are the unique challenges she is facing when dealing with changes?

-Skills that are needed in dealing with delicate HR situations

-The role of communication in the implementation of HR policies

-What are the people really desiring in a company?

-The biggest opportunity and challenges in their business

-Alana’s advice for the listeners

Connect with Alana

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanafallis

Contributing writer in: https://peoplemanagingpeople.com/

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[03:07-03:22]

“I think it's that all of the skills that you already have, are marketable, and they're valuable. And a lot of my peers, I think, who graduated in a similar position from a creative industry thought, oh, my goodness, I have a degree in acting, I have no skills whatsoever. But you do.”

[05:12-05:28]

“If you are undergoing change management in an organization, it's about kind of surveying the sentiment across the organization and keeping the things in place of the culture that is natural to the people there and that have already emerged.”

[06:43-06:46]

“Change management starts from way before you announce something's changing, for sure.”

[16:07-16:10]

“Life's too short to show up and do something you don't want to do for nine hours a day.”

[20:30-20:46]

“And if I had to give listeners any advice about if there's someone out there wanting to make a career change, it's all about finding the intersection. It's all about finding the intersection of what you're good at. Like what people ask you for help with, what your strengths are, what you enjoy, and where there's opportunity.”

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Ep 027: Fearless Tax Resolution and IRS Representation Nov 04, 2021

Daniel Henn

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 027: Daniel Henn

Dan Henn, CPA, CTR, CTC is a seasoned Tax Professional, Financial Coach, Entrepreneur, and Speaker who is based in Rockledge, Florida. He is also the author of “No Holds Barred, Candid Talk About Small Business Success In Florida,” and “41 Dangerous IRS Tax Red Flags” which is now available on Amazon. He is also a monthly columnist in the Florida Today since June 2012.

Throughout the span of just under three decades, Dan has gained extensive hands-on expertise in taxation, IRS Representation (Collections and Exam), and business planning. Today, he serves as a Certified Public Accountant and Tax Advisor at CPA Rockledge. He is also a frequent trainer of other licensed tax professionals in the area of IRS Representation.

Prior to his current ventures, Dan was a Supervisory Senior of Tax with KPMG, LLP in St. Petersburg and Orlando and a Tax Manager with Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam, CPAs, LLP in Melbourne. Furthermore, Dan holds a Bachelor of Science Business Administration and Master’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of South Florida.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Daniel Henn about how can we use the help of tax professionals not only in taxation but also in investment. Also, he shared strategies and insights in taxation that may result in saving more bucks!

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

What led Dan to open up his own practice?

-Understanding one’s true value

-Misconceptions that people think about tax professionals

-What are the differences between tax consulting and tax planning?

-Some unique challenges of medical practices and professionals face in taxation and planning

-What’s in the college planning he is offering in his business?

-Putting some of those myths to rest, what are his two books all about?

-Biggest opportunities and challenges that tax professionals and people facing

-Talking about Commoditization in the CPA industry and investment world

Connect with Daniel

Guest Contact Info: (321) 684-7800

Website: https://www.cparockledge.com/

E-mail: info@danhenncpa.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danhenn-cpa-ctr

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[02:00-02:15]

“The value, the knowledge, the experience, everything that I've done and built to this point, has a value and we don't value that and we don't price ourselves correctly, in terms of what we can do.”

[09:41-09:50]

“I always tell people, “Don't let the tax tail wag the dog.” Is what I call it. You've got to look at it from a financial perspective, a cash flow perspective.”

[21:23-21:45]

“But ultimately trying to help. The goal, ultimately, is to try and get that student child to get out of college with the least amount of student debt, because the federal student loans program is, it's just mind-boggling.”

[32:37-32:52]

“I tried to make it consumer-friendly, so that the average person can go and look at and say, Hey, you know, there's nothing you can really do about getting audited, there are certain things you can try to prevent getting notices.”

[39:45-39:59]

“There are so many challenges out there, and the best thing that I can recommend a business professional is to seek a proper professional for the type of issue that you need.”

[41:28-41:38]

“And that's what I would advise a business owner to look at outsourcing because your time is more valuable in doing the things that you know how to do.”

[46:43-46:49]

“My phrase is, It's about working smarter, not harder. It's not about taking everybody that walks in the door.”

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Ep 026: Can Organizing Your Finances be as Simple as Answering Yes or No? Oct 28, 2021

Jaclyn Strauss

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 026: Jaclyn Strauss

Jaclyn Strauss, CPA is a mid-level executive for a Fortune 100 company with multiple passions. She is the founder of her own company called My Macro Memoir and has become a leading efficiency expert by putting her skills and knowledge to work by creating a secure place for families to digitally organize themselves with the thinking done for them. Jaclyn leads with her heart in all that she does and has a passion to serve the greater good of her local community and beyond.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Jaclyn Strauss about being efficient in an easy way. She has been able to cover a lot of information in a very short period of time and gave so much advice and life experiences that we may find useful in our lives.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-Jaclyn’s journey of her life and death crisis and other struggles that led her to look for solutions in the most efficient way possible

-How can we develop expertise and efficiency?

-What is the biggest benefit to people for being more organized and efficient?

-People being more reactive than proactive as a roadblock

-How does my macro memoir work? How can it help you?

-What was her experience in childhood that guided her on how to spend money wisely?

-Her passion for education, children having equal access to things, and for small business owners

-What is her biggest opportunity and also her biggest challenge?

Connect with Jaclyn

Website: https://mymacromemoir.com/

E-mail: support@mymacromemoir.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-macro-memoir/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymacromemoir/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihTtOorn6ukKsD1EE3kjLg

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[03:37-04:00]

“And it really scared me. So, I started to look for solutions. There was nothing that quite met my needs. There were a lot of volts out there. But nothing that helped take the thinking out of that. I was paralyzed as to where am I going to begin and how can I be most efficient. I don't have time for long 25-page PDF documents. I really don't.”

[06:20-06:30]

“Human nature guides us and pulls us to deal with the urgent things in our life and the important things on the back burner.”

[09:55-10:00]

“We shouldn't have short memory syndrome that human nature guides us to have, because I don't think life will ever be the same or go back to the way it was. We have to just be more prepared and not be scared to have uncomfortable conversations.”

[22:05-22:14]

“He said, the most important bill every single month before you pay your rent on your new apartment, and all the above is to pay yourself. I have been able to cover a lot of information in a very short period of time”.

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Ep 025: One Person's Mission to Change the Employee Healthcare Industry Oct 21, 2021

Lester Morales

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 025: Lester Morales

Lester J. Morales is a true consultant in the human capital and employee benefits arena and currently serves as CEO of Next Impact, LLC. Focused on innovation and

changing the “status quo,” Next Impact is a full-service employee benefits and human resource marketing and consulting company, committed to helping other companies grow and add value to their clients. Before he founded Next Impact, he co-founded Incela, a benefits administration company focused on helping advisors support their clients with ACA compliance.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Lester Morales about his journey that led him to know more about health benefits. He also explained how to use health benefits efficiently.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-How did Lester start his entrepreneurial journey?

-What is really the purpose of his health benefits business?

-What does Lester and his team do to help companies to break free from the old way of approaching benefits?

-What is his favorite thing and liking especially about his business?

-His greatest achievement in his life

-What is biggest opportunity and also biggest obstacle in his business?

Connect with Lester

Website: https://thb.health/

Website: https://thb.health/impact-healthcare/

LinkedIn: https://pr.linkedin.com/in/lester-j-morales-5064b91

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[04:59-05:14]

I said, “You know what, if I don't do it now”, and what I have just seen with the two people that created me is that “Tomorrow is not guaranteed.” And that “If you're going to make an impact on this world, you better go do it.”

[08:14-08:24]

It is, “Hey, stop and think employee, call these advocates. This advocate has cost and quality data, and they're going to help you navigate the healthcare system.”

[23:33-23:43]

“My favorite, Kris, in your question is, I get to help people, I get to help people who I've been in that shoe. I've seen my parents have to make tough decisions.”

[24:08-24:34]

“And maybe at the end of the day, 3% of people live longer than 5% with pancreatic cancer, but at that point, I'll tell you right now, Kris, I would die. I would give anything for another week with mom. When I think about that, I get to build something and deliver a plan that saves people money and impacts lives, and Next Impact, the word impact is very, very purposefully chosen.”

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Ep 024: Domicile Planning - How to Smartly Relocate to Florida Oct 12, 2021

Brad Galbraith

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 024: Brad Galbraith

Brad A. Galbraith is the Managing Partner at Galbraith, PLLC’s Naples and Indianapolis offices. He focuses on providing creative, cutting-edge estate, tax, and business planning advice to business owners and other wealthy individuals. Brad is board certified in Wills, Trusts, and Estates by The Florida Bar Association.

Brad began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant. After switching to the practice of law and seeing the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of traditional planning methods, he endeavored to find a better way to assist his clients with estate, tax, and business planning. As an estate planning attorney, he developed a model designed to provide clients with comprehensive, personalized estate, tax, and business succession plans that withstand the test of time.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Brad Galbraith about estate planning from a CPA & lawyer’s standpoint. He also shared his ideas relevant to the perks in changing domicile from one state to another.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-What led Brad to open up his own practice?

-What really is an estate planning? Death planning vs. Opportunity planning & Legacy planning

-The blind spots on estate planning

-What is Florida domicile planning about and its advantages?

-Wealth as an opportunity to be meaningful for the world

-His personal reason why he offers special needs planning in his firm

-His biggest opportunity and the biggest obstacle in his business

-How to deal with commoditization?

Connect with Brad

Guest Contact Info: 239.325.5581

Website: https://www.galbraith.law/

E-mail: bgalbraith@galbraith.law

Website (Domicile): https://www.changemydomicile.com/home

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[05:45-05:52]

“The part of my practice that I really enjoy the most is getting to know my clients well, and giving them good advice.”

[05:54-06:10]

“I think the way I think about it is, is kind of everybody every situation is a puzzle. And the pieces are a little bit different and they look differently. And it's the putting together that puzzle and completing the puzzle for the client is the kind of the stimulating thing or the thing that you get enjoyment out of.”

[10:53-11:07]

“I often tell people that who come in thinking they know exactly what they want that how can they know which options they like unless they know what the options are?”

[19:37-19:44]

One of the things that I learned at an early age was that money is not something that you just run around spinning freely.

[34:07-34:14]

“That the best defense against commoditization is to make sure that what you're providing really isn't a commodity.”

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Ep 023: Late Life Divorce's Unique Challenges Oct 07, 2021

Daniel Stock

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 023: Daniel Stock

Atty. Daniel H. Stock graduated from Pace University School of Law in 1981 and was admitted to the New York Bar in 1985. He is a member of the Matrimonial Neutral Evaluation Program, a program of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. He is also a member of the New York City Bar Association’s Matrimonial Law Committee.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Daniel Stock about late-life divorce. He shared a deep dive into his experiences in handling these kinds of cases and even sharing his insights on what should you do if you or your friend is planning to have a late-life divorce.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-How to know if you need a lawyer to handle your divorce?

-The differences between contested and uncontested divorces

-Reasons behind the trend of late-life divorce

-Comparing late-life divorce and the usual ones

-His specialty in helping people uncover hidden assets

-The thing that you must avoid to not be turned over against you

-The greatest reward that anybody can have

-The Matrimonial Law Project

-What is the biggest challenge that COVID has caused?

Connect with Daniel

Guest Contact Info: 475-232-4105

Website: https://dhstocklaw.com/

E-mail: dhstock@danielhstockpllc.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/danielhstockdivorcelawyer/

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[04:07-04:24]

“We're in the world of the internet, and have been for many, many years at this point. There's a tendency to think that with the right YouTube connection and the right internet feed, or website, you can have the answer to everything. Well, I think we all know that's not true.”

[11:33-11:42]

“We're changing more. Our lives are changing more now, every 10 years than they have in the last 1000 years.”

[29:02-29:17]

“The biggest mistake people have made has been to not realize that text messages and emails are very easily turned over to the other side in a divorce.”

[32:56-33:14]

“You hire my firm, you get me. This is all I've been doing for 25 years. I have to say that being able to help people through a very, very difficult part of their lives is amazingly gratifying.”

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Ep 022: On Demand HR Expertise & Consulting Abound! Sep 30, 2021

Lauren Winans

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 022: Lauren Winans

Lauren Winans is the Chief Executive Officer and Principal HR Consultant for Next Level Benefits, an HR consulting practice offering clients access to HR professionals for both short-term and long-term projects. With 20 years of human resources and employee benefits experience, Winans possesses deep expertise in HR best practices and resonates with employees. She founded Next Level Benefits in 2019, offering HR teams access to former corporate HR professionals on-demand when they need them most.

Winans’ experiences at various global, multi-generational, geographically dispersed organizations have prepared her well for assisting clients of all sizes and from any industry. Prior to becoming CEO of Next Level Benefits, Winans served as a senior HR leader and responsibly managed all aspects of health, welfare, absence management, and retirement at General Nutrition Centers, American Eagle Outfitters, and CONSOL Energy. While working for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Winans acquired an extensive knowledge of the health insurance industry.

Throughout her career, Winans has been focused on improving culture and enhancing the total rewards offered at the companies she has worked for and provided guidance to. She is strategically focused yet tactically proficient and brings a holistic perspective to each client project.

Winans is a member of the Forbes Business Council, Business Journals Leadership Trust, and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). She is a non-profit board member and an active volunteer for patient advocacy. She is also a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management and Robert Morris University with a Master’s in Business Administration.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Lauren Winans about employees’ benefits and advantages in getting help from a company that has extra expertise in dealing with HR works.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-The feeling of being in a hamster wheel in a corporate world and then being free by building Lauren’s own business

-Variety of reasons why you need services from an HR expert company

-Offering a robust benefits package to be a competitive business

-Blind spots in company offerings

-Top three retirement benefits

-Auto-enrollment and Auto-escalation and the barriers why companies are not doing it

-Enrichment opportunities not only an employer's obligation but also a societal obligation

-Her passion about Patient Advocacy

-Staying up to speed on everything despite the inevitable changes

-Impacts in commoditization and the pandemic

Connect with Lauren

Website: https://www.nlbenefits.com/

E-mail: lauren@nlbenefits.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nlbenefits

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[05:31-05:47]

“If I knew what I know now, I would not have lost any sleep. I would not have stressed over how the website looks and all the different components that go into creating a business.”

[18:03-18:10]

“I really think that employers need to kind of step back and assess what their philosophy around employee benefits is.”

[29:22-29:45]

“But generally speaking, I feel that it is very important for folks to be heard when they are seeking care. And for them to be able to ask questions and get educated and get information from their doctors and feel confident in their treatment plans in their care.”

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Ep 021: Finally! Medicare Explained Simply Sep 23, 2021

Hilarie Sehorn

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 021: Hilarie Sehorn

Hilarie Sehorn has more than 20 years of experience working in the health care field both as a clinician and later as a researcher and Lab Manager. During her time as an audiologist, she performed work with a variety of community outreach programs and served as a consultant for a hospital infant hearing screening program. She later worked as a Lab Manager and performed research in labs studying cancer and DNA repair. First at Yale University School of Medicine and later at Clemson University. Hilarie became an Independent Licensed Insurance agent with Blue Ridge Insurance Group in Seneca, SC, in 2017. She uses her prior experience in the health care industry to help her clients navigate the healthcare system. She also enjoys helping her clients make informed decisions regarding their health care.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Hilarie Sehorn about knowing and understanding different kinds of insurances, especially Medicare. Being an advocate for people in helping to educate people, she delved into explaining the processes and changes that had changed over time using her knowledge and experience in the simplest and easiest way possible.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-An interesting history about Hilarie, from the medical field to insurance

-Knowing Medicare Part A and Part B more

-Differences of Standard health Insurance and Original Medicare

-Why do you have to use a trusted advisor?

-Can you get a Medicare for $0?

-Advantage plans being private versus public options.

-Changing and customizing insurance plans that are personally right for you

Connect with Hilarie

Guest Contact Info: 864-985-8681

E-mail: hchorn.brig@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilarie-sehorn-4848b55

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[09:53-10:15]

“I would just like to add that that's one thing that I see that a lot of people overlook when they start to retire. They just don't have any frame of reference over the edge. Not that they're not educated but they haven't been educated about Medicare enough.”

[11:15-11:21]

“My main goal is I want to make sure that people understand what you're getting into with Medicare.”

[12:55-13:01]

“You can have a great plan but if it doesn't cover all your medications, you're going to find yourself in buying.”

[29:18-29:22]

“Not necessarily that you've made a bad change, but maybe your needs have just changed.”

[29:49-29:54]

“Again, you don't know what you don't know. You might just be comfortable.”

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Ep 020: Is Overseas Relocation in Retirement Right for You? Sep 16, 2021

Emily Bron

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 020: Emily Bron

Emily Bron is the owner of the International Lifestyle Consulting company, which is helping people to find the destination, create a personal plan, and customized solution for the best place for life, work, and retirement overseas based on customer budget, personal preferences, desired lifestyle, connecting with reliable local professionals abroad.

After years of living and working in 4 different countries, several immigrations, and changes in her professional directions, she realized that she would like to create a new life chapter full of passion, health, and purpose. She started an International Lifestyle Consulting company.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Emily Bron about working, living, and retiring overseas. With all her connections and first-hand experiences, she delved into how she helps people make their dreams come true and relocate to another country that suits people’s preferences, purpose, and needs.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-Emily talked about her life experience, from a dreamer to a travel company owner

-Remote workers vs. retirees

-Common things that people are afraid of when relocation to another country

-How to arrange finances when relocating overseas?

-The best destination for any traveler and lifestyle options

-The most exciting part for Emily with regards to her business

-The biggest challenge for people and for her

Connect with Emily

Website: https://emilybron.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BelayevEmilia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-belayev-bron/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRKE9-mCSaZ-2h2DQDZ4wyg

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[11:11-11:20]

“I'm taking consideration, many factors, which really provide people a sense of comfort and lifestyle they desire.”

[27:52-28:23]

“Google is big. Google will provide you with all kinds of information, which might really confuse people. I would like to eliminate possibility of mistakes or missteps because I know how hard to be lost in amount of information. It might be good. The place and country might be good. The question, is it good for you? For your particular condition?”

[32:13-32:21]

“What I'm saying, less stress by preparing correctly, and to find the place where you can enjoy life.”

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Ep 019: When Your Values are Clear, Planning is Easier, Right? Sep 09, 2021

Donna Rice

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 019: Donna Rice

Donna K. Rice is part of Rice and Rice Estate Attorneys. She is a member of the American Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, Elder Law Council, Wealth Counsel, and National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Two priorities guide everything she does: faith and family. As a long-time estate planning attorney in practice with her husband, Cliff, she has seen and heard both the best and worst of family situations.

Donna and Cliff spent with thousands of clients have given them a unique perspective on the importance of Generation Building. Donna believes and teaches that we each have the power to influence the destiny of those we love.

Grandparents can easily influence the next two or three generations. Donna and Cliff co-founded Grandparenting A to Z because they have learned many lessons, not only while loving and growing their own large, blended family – six children between them and over a dozen grandchildren – but also while watching clients face the joys or woes of family life as they plan for end-of-life issues.

As a speaker and writer, Donna seeks to help grandparents find the wisdom and resources they need to be great influencers in the lives of their adult children and grandchildren of all ages. Helping others build strong multigenerational bonds and set families up for success and joy is her passion.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Donna Rice about estate planning and the work she’s doing together with her husband. She briefly talked about laws that may help us to have a confident retirement. Having a complex family, herself, she shared her own story and discussed how she helped other families maintain relationships in their most healthy format.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Donna Rice’s desire to help families deal with very touchy issues

Her advice to her younger self

Elder Law in simple terms

What is spend down Protection?

Talking about trust-based planning

The reason why she chose to practice in estate planning

Two misconceptions that people think in the job that she does

Borrowing money in a bank at a very young age just to buy a bike

Grandparenting A to Z

Symbiotic relationship between professions

Technology being an interesting, wonderful, and horrible thing all at once

Connect with Donna:

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://grandparentingatoz.com/

E-mail: donna@grandparentingAtoZ.com

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[04:02-04:13]

“Be kind to yourself into the others around you, and do everything you can to maintain those relationships in their most healthy format.”

[16:16-16:29]

“Those are the things that if you spend time and talk with the clients, you can get to something that they feel like they've blessed somebody, and then long term, there's a legacy being created.”

[24:07-27:13]

“I'm a great believer that it's never too late to start.”

[27:49-27:57]

“But you'll never regret trying. You'll regret if you don't.”

[33:15-33:33]

“And so, sometimes I think the access to information has done a disservice to people getting the correct advice, because they just don't know if they haven't spent their career focusing in an area. They don't know the ins and outs of how it actually works.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 018: Leaving a Legacy and Changing Perspectives Sep 02, 2021

Charles Slamar

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 018: Charles Slamar

Charles Slamar is a founding member of the Chicago Council on Planned Giving and a two-time past president for the association. Charlie was honored to receive its Russell V. Kohr Memorial Award for excellence in planned giving.

Charlie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to those he works with on a daily basis. He is driven by his passion for his faith, his family, and his friends – a passion that has inspired his more than three decades of professional service.

At Thompson & Associates, he enjoys helping individuals and families plan to pass their estate assets pursuant to their objectives with the company’s signature values-based approach. Charlie is an avid sports fan. Therefore, it is not unusual for Charlie to relate complex tax and estate planning concepts using easy-to-understand sports analogies and metaphors.

With the collaboration of fellow Thompson & Associates’ colleagues, Charlie was instrumental in the formation of the nonprofit educational entity, the Charitable Estate Planning Institute. The Institute was formed as a means for estate planning professionals from across the country to gather annually to discuss advanced topics specifically geared towards estate planning. Charlie also served as the Dean during its formative years.

In addition to his other philanthropic activities, Charlie is a past officer and director of The Chicago High School for the Arts, the city’s only public school offering college-preparatory and pre-professional arts training, and was instrumental in its founding.

As an attorney, Charlie also has his own private practice advising individuals on tax and estate planning; charitable organizations on governance, gift planning, and litigation; and corporate fiduciaries on tax exemption.

Charlie and his wife, Gail, live outside of Chicago, Illinois. They have been married for over 40 years, have an adult daughter, and are active in their church. In his free time, Charlie enjoys reading, running, watching movies, and the Chicago White Sox.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Charles Slamar talks about how to have an estate plan that can help the people that are important to you change their perspective in life. Moreover, he also shared how can a non-wealthy person be a philanthropist and make an impact on its community.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-Why did Charles Slamar say that he is a perfect example of John Lennon's line, life is what happens to you while you're making other plans?

-Keeping the discussions and decisions with values

-Difference between being a trusted advisor and an expert

-Misconception about charitable giving

-His success story with a gentleman who was selling a company

-How to prevent frustrations and fighting when dealing with life events?

-The story behind Chicago High School for the Arts

-A real deep dive into how does charitable giving fits within the overall estate plan

-A book called Message from the Masters

-Who needs an estate plan?

Connect with Charles:

Guest Contact Info: 312.419.0266

Website: https://ceplan.com/

E-mail: charles@ceplan.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlieslamar/

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[21:38-21:47]

“But as Warren Buffett said, you know, a secret to good estate plan is to enable your children to do whatever they want, but not so much that they won't do anything nothing.”

[27:46-27:51]

“I console myself with the fact, it's far better to live in mankind than this live in a name.”

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Ep 017: When could a Reverse Mortgage be an Idea to Explore? Aug 26, 2021

Steven Sless

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 017: Steven Sless

Steven J. Sless is the owner and the founder of The Steven J. Sless Group. He has nearly 20 years of mortgage industry experience, including 13 years devoted to reverse mortgages. He also is one of the only mortgage professionals to have earned the CLTC®: Certified Long-Term Care designation, demonstrating that he also has acquired the critical tools necessary to discuss the subject of longevity and its acute consequences on a client's family – financially, physically, and emotionally – years down the road.

After starting his tenure at PRMI as Division Manager, he opened The Steven J. Sless Group of PRMI, the Company’s first retail branch dealing exclusively with reverse mortgages. The Group has established a reputation for bringing a deeper level of knowledge of how housing wealth fits into a winning retirement income strategy. Its top-notch processing and operations departments close loans quicker and more efficiently on average. This, combined with state-of-the-art marketing tools and technologies, positions clients and team members for success. By 2021, PRMI’s reverse mortgage volume had risen 400 percent, prompting Steven’s promotion to Reverse Mortgage Division President, where he could take the strengths, he brought to his group and extend them companywide.

Clients, strategic partners, and the industry have all taken notice of Steven through his progressive use of seminars and videos, as well as his continued presence in the media, where he is regarded as the “go-to housing wealth source.” In 2021, he was named a Top Loan Originator by Yahoo Finance.

A frequent conference keynote speaker for NRMLA (the national voice of the reverse mortgage industry), he also gives seminars and learning workshops for homeowners 60+, their families, and trusted advisors so his audiences can make informed decisions and take control of their retirement.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Steven Sless about a number of advantages in having a reverse mortgage. Also, it talks about dealing with the stereotype people think whenever they hear reverse mortgage.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-A brief history of how Steven Sless got into his position today

-Explaining reverse mortgage and its structure in simple terms

-Who are suitable for a reverse mortgage?

-Three qualifications of having a reverse mortgage

-Who can offer reverse mortgages and how are they being regulated?

-The biggest misconception of reverse mortgage

-Payout options

-What does Steve mostly enjoy about his business?

-His biggest accomplishment and biggest obstacles his facing now

-Talking about his growing pains

Connect with Steven Sless:

Guest Contact Info: 410-814-7575

Website:

E-mail: https://thestevenjslessgroup.com/

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[06:51-07:10]

“Where we start is education, we want to explain how reverse mortgages work, we want to explain not just how the reverse mortgage itself works, the product, but how it can fit into a retirement plan, ultimately being able to marry with your other investments to extend the overall plan.”

[11:31-11:45]

“But the reverse mortgage was never really designed that way, it was always designed to support your other retirement assets, never to be a loan of last resort. And that is finally coming to light and seeing the surface today.”

[21:20-21:27]

“A reverse mortgage line of credit, unlike any other line of credit, has a guaranteed rate of growth.”

[31:53-31:55]

“We got to get over those growing pains.”

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Ep 016: How a Near Death Experience Led to a New Career Aug 19, 2021

Samantha Allen

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang Episode 018: Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is the owner of Law Mom, LLC. Her legal experience started at the Wareham District Courthouse; from there, she worked for a big law firm in Boston, MA, which led her to open her general practice law firm. She felt that there was more, something that she needed to do, and I hadn't figured it out yet. In 2019, the message was clear, and the "message" was right in front of her face. Have you ever thought to yourself, I am young or I am healthy, I don't need an estate plan? Truthfully, even as an attorney, the last thing she wanted to think about was an estate plan.

After a healthy pregnancy, Sam, a 33-year-old healthy woman, became deathly ill and almost lost her life after giving birth. After her own experience and learning that approximately 69% of parents do not have an estate plan for their family, she opened Law Mom, LLC. Law Mom is a Massachusetts Estate Planning Firm with a modern legal approach - focused on your specific family dynamic, keeping your family out of court and conflict.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Samantha Allen about how a near Death Experience led to a New Career. More than being a traditional lawyer, Samantha is into helping families with the use of her degree and more focused on building relationships with her clients than being the stereotypical lawyer that people usually think of.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-How her past experience prompted her to realize the importance of estate planning and how she could use her degree to help the community?

-How does that work, if someone has minor children and they've never done any guardianship designations?

-Something that she would tell to her younger self that she now knows.

-Differences between a personal family lawyer and a safe planner, and enhancements that she brings to clients.

-Misconceptions that the general public have about lawyers.

-Biggest fears or concerns that people typically have.

-Positive or the negative impact of wealth on people.

-What tool can be used and be the most helpful or make the biggest impact in estate planning and how to know “blank spots” in one’s family?

-Samantha’s passion about children, especially children with Type One Diabetes.

-Biggest opportunity in terms of growing her business.

-How to start and have an estate plan?

Connect with Samantha Allen:

Guest Contact Info: (781) 277-4488

Website: https://lawmom.com/

E-mail: sallen@lawmom.com

Connect with Kris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

Highlights:

[01:10-01:25]

“And long story short, I was in my hospital bed writing my estate plan. And it was not an experience that I would wish on anyone. And this prompted me to realize I could really use my legal degree to help the community overall.”

[05:51-06:03]

“I really like the, actually going off over talking about the relationships that I have with my clients. I think that that was my real, where I know that was my goal with Law Mom, and I see it happening.”

[08:34-08:45]

“But I also think, you know, this type, in this line of work, we're dealing with families, so we need to take a step back and really listen to what the family that's in front of us means.”

[26:38-27:10]

“We're planning for our loved ones. And I see a lot of conflict and chaos when planning isn't done. And the last thing anyone wants, like, especially me as a parent is like my family fighting about assets, right? So, if you can really plan ahead, you're saving your family so much heartache later, additional heartache, ‘cause of course, they're already emotionally, you know, distraught. And I hear time and time again that the planning gives my clients peace of mind, which is awesome.”

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Ep 015: A Wealth Strategist with BIG Charitable Life Goals Aug 12, 2021

Randy Fox

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode Randy Fox

Randy A. Fox is a wealth strategist with big charitable life goals. He is a third-generation entrepreneur, is the founder of Two Hawks Consulting, LLC. He is a nationally known wealth strategist, philanthropic estate planner, educator and speaker. He has dedicated his career to helping individuals, professional advisors, charitable institutions and planned giving organizations “do well while doing good.”

He is also the co-founder of EzCharitable, LLC, an online training resource for professional advisors who wish to expand their capabilities in philanthropic giving.

Randy has authored hundreds of articles and presentations for attorneys, financial advisors, CPAs and HNW families. He is currently the Editor in Chief of Planned Giving Design Center, a national newsletter and website for philanthropic advisors.

During Randy’s tenure, more than 300 families were served and more than $1 Billion + was directed to philanthropic purposes. He served as director and faculty member of the InKnowVision Institute, which provided professional advisors with the advanced technical and interpersonal tools required to attract and work successfully with high net worth clients.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Randy Fox about Philanthropic Estate Planning. His insights and stories will teach us the benefits of giving to charity. His ideas will compel us to identify what we care about in the world and do something about it, putting money in perspective, what the power of it is and the good it can do. Randy feels that he is called to serve someplace that’s totally underserved, which is potentially so powerful and so much fun for him. He also talks about dealing with high net worth families and clients.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-How would Randy define Wealth Strategy

-Which type of person or family can most benefit from Philanthropic Estate Planning

-What are the biggest fears or concerns when it comes to philanthropy

-Randy’s first memory and experience with money

-Positive and negative effects of wealth

-Tactics to teach entitled kids to give to charity

-The importance of making meaningful connection with clients

Connect with Randy

Website: https://www.twohawksconsulting.com/

Guest Contact Info: randy@twohawksconsulting.com

Twitter: @RandyaFox1

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-fox-cfp%C2%AE-aep%C2%AE-49b32a1

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9zZu5FQ1WzGtXns1oLawGw

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

Highlights:

[04:16-04:38]

I just always wanted to do what I'm doing. And I pretty much try not to let anything get in my way. It's kind of like I have this vision about how planning should be and I don't see a lot of people doing it the way I like it to be done. And I think to myself, “Well, if I don't do it or if I don't set an example, who will?”

[05:18-05:38]

But when I look at a client matter for another advisor, I try to take the broadest overview possible, and look at all of the parts. So instead of putting a band aid on a wound, I want to know what caused the wound, and how we can prevent the wound from happening in the future. And how we can, you know, make that wound heal and never come back.

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Ep 014: What's the Big Deal with Probate? Aug 05, 2021

Ashley Dotchin

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 014: Ashley Dotchin

Ashley Dotchin is the founder of Dotchin Law LLC. Her estate planning practice focuses on helping families and guiding them through the often-confusing maze of financial and legal decisions. She guides you to create a plan that ensures the well-being of your family while accomplishing your own unique goals. Whether you already have some experience with the estate planning process or you are just starting, Ashley will help you create a plan that will achieve your goals for your loved ones.

Ashley is the best fit for people who do not just want to leave their family a set of documents that may or may not work, but instead want to use the estate planning process to pass on a legacy of love, care, and ease. She’s the best fit for people who want to keep their family out of court and out of conflict.

On a more personal note, Ashley is a mom to two young children, Aubrey and Rory. What her children bring to this experience, for her, is the awareness that planning is something that you do for the people you love the most. You will not be the one to benefit from the plan she is going to design for you. The people who will benefit are the people you love the most who will be dealing with things after you’re gone.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Amber Saunders. Her stories and insights will be something to look forward to and take note of. More than doing a document, Amber is more focused on the value of the things that she is doing. Whether, it is an estate plan, a trust or a will, the most important thing is for her to focus on what is important for the client’s future.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-How Ashley experienced the probate process in her family that led her to opening a practice that helps families stay organized and up to date to their life changes

-What is included in a comprehensive estate plan and why is it important to be constantly checked and updated?

-The increase of people’s interest in estate planning because of the pandemic.

-Ashley breaks the misconception that you need an estate plan so the state is not going to take all your property and why you would need an estate plan even when you are not married or does not have kids.

-“You have more assets than you think you do.” - One of the blind spots in estate planning.

-Collaborating with professionals like financial advisors to help the clients more effectively.

-The costly effects of doing an online document gone wrong versus hiring a professional.

-Get to know more about Ashley personally and get to hear some of her stories and get valuable life lessons especially with how she teaches her kids with handling money.

Connect with Ashley Dotchin:

Guest Contact Info: (617)716-9715

Website: https://www.dotchinlaw.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DotchinLaw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.dotchin/

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

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Ep 013: Values Based Estate Planning & Leaving a Legacy Jul 29, 2021

Amber Saunders

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 013: Amber Saunders

Amber Saunders is the founding Partner of Naoulo & Saunders, a law firm in Atlanta, Georgia that is specializing in providing a new approach to business planning that incorporates tax, succession, business, estate and intellectual property planning into every aspect of the work done for clients.

Attorney Amber Saunders' business and estate planning practice focuses on helping families enhance their lives today and secure their futures tomorrow. She excels in guiding her clients through the often-confusing maze of financial, business and legal decisions to create plans that ensure the well-being of their families and the accomplishment of cherished family goals. Her considerable legal expertise includes intellectual property, contract drafting and disputes, family protection, wealth preservation, and values-based planning, as well as planning strategies for unmarried couples and divorced individuals.

Amber graduated from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 2009 and served as a Judicial Assistant to the Honorable Judge Penny Brown Reynolds on the State Court of Fulton County. While at John Marshall, Amber received the Advocacy Award for her work on the Moot Court Team, served as a Dean’s Fellow because of her legal writing skills, and served on both the local and regional board for the Black Law Students Association.

After graduation, Amber started Enrichment Prep, a standardized test preparation company that focused on helping students in marginalized communities excel on college preparation exams. Amber won a start-up grant from 100 Urban Entrepreneurs and worked with the organization for several years helping minority entrepreneurs prepare to pitch their businesses to investors.

Amber is the author of Ahead of the Curve: What Parents Need to Know to Get Their Kids into College, which was published by Peterson’s in 2014. In 2013, Amber started Saunders Law Group, where she represented high-net-worth families and their businesses in various personal and business matters.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Amber Saunders. Her stories and insights will be something to look forward to and take note of. More than doing a document, Amber is more focused on the value of the things that she is doing. Whether, it is an estate plan, a trust or a will, the most important thing is for her to focus on what is important for the client’s future.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Why Amber thought she is meant to be a lawyer, and how being an entrepreneur could be different.

Amber tells us a story to explain why a comprehensive estate plan should be planned in advance and thought thoroughly.

What is value-based planning and how we can realize the value of life and death without being morbid about it.

Amber shared what Kids Protection Planning is and the things that you have to consider if you are a parent wanting to make sure your children is well even without you.

What differentiates their services with an online will and trust document.

What enrichment prep is about and some tips on how to effectively study on an exam.

Get to know Amber personally, what are her biggest achievements, goals and plans in the future that she will share with us. Of course, get to know about estate planning and how it can help you plan for your next step to protect your legacy.

Connect with Amber Saunders:

Website: https://naoulolaw.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naouloandsaunders

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saundersfirm/

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

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Ep 012: Values Based Estate Planning & Leaving a Legacy Jul 22, 2021

Matt Erskine

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 012 Matt Erskine

Matt Erskine is a fourth-generation estate attorney and managing partner of Erskine & Erskine LLC. He provides creative estate and strategic tax planning for business owners, collectors, and their families. He is also a contributor to Forbes Magazine and other financial publications.

Matt’s true passion is customized planning for art collections as well as legacy real estate and family businesses. His love for history and the law drives him to achieve the objectives of security, satisfaction, and growth.

Matt has been counseling families since 1876, their firm has provided him great perspective in this area of law. Utilizing tools like personal trusts, dynasty trusts, private foundations, and family offices is their specialty.

Based in the Worcester, Massachusetts area, Matt is an active member of the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester Economics Club, and the John J. Kittredge Numismatic Foundation. A Lawrence Academy alumnus, where he received his B.A. in Medieval History from Carleton College and J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Matt Erskine. He had a lot of life experiences and stories that we can get a lot from. His unique perspectives teach a lot more of the importance in planning your estate, especially for those who has unique assets and is keeping the legacy and story of the family.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-Matt shares the story of how he took over the firm that is now on the fourth-generation, and how he was able to use his love for history in his area of practice.

-He gives us a peek on what estate planning is for unique assets and how he helps in planning in the succession of these assets.

-Listen to your clients, resolve conflicts in a win-win situation and learn more about computers. Matt is giving this valuable advice to his younger self and for you.

-Get to learn more about what Numismatics and Private Fiduciary means and does.

-Breaking the misconception that trust and estate attorneys is an afterthought, and that people don’t need to plan their estate NOW.

-What are the advantages of integrating multiple professionals in planning your estates?

-Know more about Matt and what he loves doing within the business, and outside of it. Plus, who is going to take over the next generation of the practice?

Connect with Matt Erskine:

Website: https://www.erskineco.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erskineco/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniqueestateplans/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erskinecompany

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erskinecompany

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

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Ep 011: Your Estate Planning Needs the Attention of an Experienced Professional Jul 15, 2021

George Bischof

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 011 George Bischof

George L. Bischof is a wills, trusts, and estates attorney for Bischof & Bischof LLP. He helps families with some of the most important aspects of financial and family responsibility. His approach to estate planning combines direct personal attention with legal expertise: clients protect their loved ones while pre-serving their wealth, and, in so doing, they express their deepest commitments, goals, and values.

Because every family is unique, an engagement begins with a meeting to discuss client objectives and questions, and then George drafts clear, binding documents. When young children are involved, clients are assured that the right people will become guardians/trustees and that those fiduciaries will have appropriate guidance. Clients who need more specialized provisions, such as those with non-U.S. spouses, with children from different marriages, or with special-needs children (or parents), or who are same-sex partners, also benefit from custom document drafting.

With proper planning, many of George’s clients prudently address their estate tax exposure, leaving more for their family, friends, and charities. His commitment is not to make his clients experts in estate taxation, but rather to explain choices so that tax planning opportunities can be coordinated with investment, philanthropic, and family objectives.

George also appears in New York’s probate courts to counsel families on estate administration, advising executors, administrators, beneficiaries, creditors, and other interested parties. He also handles trust matters, including accountings and trustee replacements.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with George Bischof. He is fun to talk to and he shared a lot of valuable insights on the importance of estate planning that should be done with professionals who had experience and expertise to custom tailor and get the plan right for each individual.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-We got to hear his previous job roles that eventually led him to what he liked to do - talking and working with people, and tongue firmly in cheek to tell what they need to do, and using his smarts and charm

-George talks about account designation that oftentimes get overlooked and the common fears that he sees when starting out an estate plan.

-George breaks the mindset that estate planning is only needed when you have an estate. He explained that all life events direct to protecting and caring for a loved one.

-George shares his take on Zoom and other online platforms that can be good in the business, but at the same time can take away watching the client’s body language

-He gave us his insights on Artificial Intelligence and online drafting website and the other documents that are necessary besides their own planning documents.

-Hear some of his experiences, aspirations and personal stories that is fun and informative at the same time.

Connect with George Bischof:

Website: https://www.bischoflegal.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebischof/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BischofGeorge

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

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Ep 010: Estate Plans for Medical Pros and Families who want to avoid TimeClocks Jul 08, 2021

Trish Butcher

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 010 Trish Butcher

Born into a medical family, Trish Butcher has dedicated her professional career to advocating for and assisting physicians and other healthcare professionals. After having her own son, she transformed her passion into a modern law practice that focuses on helping guide young families and the medical community to protect their hard-earned assets and family with personalized and comprehensive life & legacy planning. Whether her clients are just starting their career or looking to protect their medical legacy, married or single, have babies or children who are grown, Trish helps her clients craft a plan that achieves their goals for their legacy and loved ones today and for years to come.

Trish graduated from the University of Georgia followed by the Emory University School of Law in 2013. While studying at Emory, she interned with the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) and later transitioned into the role of Legal Counsel. After MAG, Trish transitioned to private practice and assisted healthcare professionals with a wide variety of legal matters while working with Hamil Little PC. After advanced training with the New Law Business Model, Trish became a licensed Personal Family Lawyer and Family Business Lawyer® in order to step away from the antiquated billable hour and ensure that she can become the trusted advisor for her clients to look to for a lifetime of guidance, protection, and love.

Trish is an avid University of Georgia fan, a wife, and proud mother of Max (and two furries).

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Trish Butcher. Her honesty and care for people is on top. There are a lot of things that she imparted. The most important thing is that, whatever the practice area she focuses on, she shares her passion in making a difference in an individual’s life, and know that she was able to help.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-Trish shares the story behind how she chose to be a lawyer, what’s her original plan when she entered law school, and why she opened up her own law firm.

-Learn more about estate planning by knowing Trish’s firsthand experience on an estate plan that gone bad.

-What is Trish’s motivation for specializing in special needs planning and what does this plan do?

-“Making a difference in people’s life.” This is what Trish loves most about the business.

-Trish clarifies the misconception that attorneys are intimidating to talk to.

-Trish tells us a story of a recent satisfying experience that includes covering the blind spots of her client.

-Learn more about Trish’s, what she loves to do, her personal stories, and experiences, achievements, and things that she is looking forward to.

Connect with Trish Butcher/Butcher Health Law LLC:

Website: www.butcherhealthlaw.com

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

Highlights:

03:55

“I like to develop a really close personal relationship with my clients. In order to do that, they need to know that they're not going to be charged $300 for asking me a question.”

19:17

“It's a whole another way of looking at it, and so you just kind of get a warm fuzzy feeling inside when you're like, “Wow, I'm actually making a difference. I'm actually creating plans that work for people,” versus I'm offering the cheapest service possible, and doing just fill in the blank wills.”

46:02

"People need to find an attorney that fits for them. I have a clientele that fits for me, and it’s definitely people who are willing to learn why I charge the rates I do and what were the value is in those rates?"

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Ep 009: A Zealous Legal Advocate during One of Life's Toughest Times Jul 01, 2021

Maria Barlow

The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 009 Maria Barlow

Attorney Maria Barlow is the principal attorney at The Barlow Law Firm LLC and the founder of The Barlow Family Law Clinic N.F.P. She is recognized as Super Lawyer Rising Star. She practices in the area of Family Law, Estate Planning and Conceal Carry Self-Defense.

Born on the south side of Chicago to a tile-setter father and home-maker mother, Maria prides herself in being a true Chicago native. She is the youngest of 11 children, with 2 older sisters, and 8 older brothers, Maria was first to attend college in her family. Maria attended Kenwood Academy High School, and also attended Northeastern Illinois University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies. Maria went on to attend The John Marshall Law School where she graduated with a Juris Doctorate Degree.

Maria prides herself on being a help to others, she mentors students from grade school through post college. She also sat on the Alumni Board of Directors for the John Marshall Law School, the Chicago Legal Clinic auxiliary board. Currently, Maria is a member of the Board for Minority Legal Education Resources Inc (MLER) and is appointed to the State of Illinois Child Support Advisory Council and the University of Illinois Extension Council Board of Directors. A mother, passionate advocate, leader, and entrepreneur.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Maria Barlow as she shares to us how important having a community- based firm is and showing compassion, care and passion in the types of law that she is practicing, and in life.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-Growing up with eight older brothers, Maria shares how being an African-American led her to want to become a lawyer.

-“Invest in the stock market, Partner up, Have Fun.” These are some of the things Maria hoped that she knew back then, and an advice for us too.

-How did COVID affect the industry and how were they prepared for it?

-Maria tells the reason she got into Family Law, and what she loved most about this area of practice.

-Maria breaks the misconception that attorneys are all rich, and that they know the answer to everything.

-Get to know more about Maria, what she loves doing outside of work, where she volunteers, her biggest achievements and her experiences that could teach us valuable things just like how it taught her too.

Connect with Maria Barlow / The Barlow Law Firm LLC:

Guest Contact Info: (773) 614-7774

Website: https://www.attorneymariabarlow.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaBarlowLaw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariabarlow_thebarlowlawfirm/

Twitter: @MariaBarlowLaw

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

Highlights:

[06:54-07:04]

“…I think the reason why is because one of the things that I've learned in practicing Family Law, is if you don't have the right attitude for it, you'll destroy families for generations to come.”

[12:08-12:16]

“So, you guys can live apart, not loving each other, but love the thing you have in common and what's best for and work towards that in two separate houses.”

[29:05-29:42]

“So, it becomes difficult to find somebody that is going to be willing to have that passion and that love for the clients who will do the same work and do a good job for my clients as I do. That's very difficult to find someone that does that. I mean, people, not everybody wants to work hard, and not everybody is caring and compassionate. You must have that in this area of law. People are in the worst place in their life. They are in shambles. Their lives are upside down. So, you have to have compassion. You have to have care for them.”

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Ep 008: What are Insurance Blind Spots and Advancing Female Professionals Jun 24, 2021

Taylor Collins

– The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 008 Taylor Collins

Taylor Collins is the owner of Professional Benefits Incorporated. Taylor was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. After obtaining a Risk Management/Insurance degree from Florida State University including working at Lloyds of London in London, she returned home to join the family business. In 2019, she purchased this 50-year-old independent insurance agency from her father, Jim Tollerton. The business focuses on providing value in the executive compensation and benefit space across the country with their second largest clientele base in Seattle, WA. Her firm strives to offer creative benefit solutions to help recruit, retain, and reward executives.

Taylor currently serves as the NAIFA State of Florida PAC Chair and Sarasota Junior League Public Affairs committee among many other organizations.

Her greatest accomplishment is utilizing funds from the local NAIFA chapter to endow a scholarship for a woman studying for her Associates Degree in Risk Management/insurance at State College of Florida. It’s always nice to leave a legacy. She also supports ongoing efforts for women in the financial services and insurance industry.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Taylor Collins to know more about long-term care, disability and life health insurance and be educated on its importance and benefits for individuals and small groups. Get to know more of how time stood still with Taylor as she gave us some valuable learnings from her personal and professional experience.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

The story of how Taylor acquired her father’s business, the positives and the challenges of it and why she chose the insurance industry,

What is a simple way that Taylor describes insurance and how she loved having conversations on what is important for an individual?

-Taylor expands on the misconception that life insurance is “EXPENSIVE”.

-Taylor shares about the gap and blind spots in the insurance industry.

-What’s the importance of having insurance in having a confident retirement in the future?

-Taylor tells about her experience opening up a bankbook as her first’s memory with money.

-How she is helping in bringing up the women and minority group to get into the path of insurance as a career.

Connect with Taylor Collins/Professional Benefits:

Guest Contact Info: (941) 957-1310

Website: https://professionalbenefits.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-collins-cebs-clu-2949685/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfessionalBenefits

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

Highlights:

[01:24-01.33]

I thought also to try insurance, and I ended up loving it. It came easy to me. It was powerful. It was important. As I learned more about it, I got more interested in it.

[07:45-08:00]

Life insurance, disability insurance has been around for over 100 years. Very old school in some senses. But in a lot of ways, we stand the test of time. We show up when the unthinkable happens, still to the day.

[28:38-28:57]

I've always admired teachers, which actually plays a lot into what we do in general. I mean, meeting our clients and helping them understand our world is something we do constantly. I'm doing it now just on a different level. I would love to help support the next generation as well.

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Ep 07: Why it's Important your Real Estate Agent thinks like a Doctor Jun 17, 2021

Ron Pepka

The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 007 Ron Pepka

Ron Pepka is a broker and owner of Keller Williams On The Water and the Lead Listing Specialist in Team Pepka. Ron can be described as the “Rock” that every successful business needs. With 24 years of local Real Estate experience, Ron has acquired a can-do attitude and a set of finely tuned skills known to get homes sold for the most money with the least amount of inconvenience.

In 1996 Ron and Cathy Pepka took a leap of faith and re-located from Las Vegas Nevada to Anna Maria Florida. Ron set a blazing trail to become Top Producing agent at Century 21, then in his 2nd year moved to the Re/Max, which was at the time the largest office in the area. This is when the magic happened, Cathy chose to become an agent as well and Team Pepka was born!

For 5 years Team Pepka broke the record books in sales and achieved the #1 status in the office as well as the county. In 2004, Ron went to passed the Real Estate Brokers Exam and was awarded a Keller Williams franchise in New Tampa. In 2006, territory in the Manatee area opened up. Ron & Cathy proceeded to open their 2nd franchise, Keller Williams On The Water, currently having 105 agents and continued to grow Team Pepka. In 2012 the Manatee office grew into one more Keller Williams franchise in Sarasota, currently with 215 agents!

25 years ago, Ron planted a seed of hope for his new business, and now Team Pepka and his Keller Williams franchises have blossomed into one of Areas highest ranked Real Estate teams and Brokerages.

When Ron is out of the office, he enjoys competing on the beautiful Florida golf courses as well as scuba diving and other family activities.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Ron Pepka to know more about Real Estate and the advantages of having not just a knowledgeable professional, but someone who has the best interest in mind to help. Ron did not just share real estate wisdom but he shared some valuable lessons in life too.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-How did Ron shifted from Las Vegas to Florida, and how did he choose Real Estate as his career path?

-Something that Ron wished he knew back when he was starting is that he would have invested a lot more. Why is it and what can we all learn from that?

-Why is it important to have someone that represents you, and not just the transaction?

-Ron shares what he enjoys with the business and why he liked having 10s in the survey.

-Ron explains the misconception that real agents are million-dollar agents!

-Visualizing the blind spots that people miss when they don’t involve any professionals or an agent, and what’s a recent client experience that satisfied both ends – the client and his business.

-Ron shares how his mom bought him a motorcycle and having that as a valuable learning with money and a failed money-making decision that he has seen in real estate investing.

-What is Ron’s biggest achievement and a dream job that he wanted to do if he is not in the real estate industry?

Connect with Ron Pepka/Team Pepka:

Guest Contact Info: (941) 708-3455

Website: https://teampepka.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehargrove/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teampepka

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teampepka/

Twitter: @TeamPepka

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/teampepka

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

Highlights:

[05:00-05:12]

What we always say is it doesn't matter if we help you now, or we help you later, we just want to help you. If this is not the right time to buy or sell, we'll help you later when you're ready.

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Ep 06: Good People, Good Estate Planning Outcomes and Solutions Jun 10, 2021

Jamie Hargrove

The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 006 Jamie Hargrove

Jamie Hargrove, an Attorney and CPA, is the CEO and co-founder of NetLaw Group and a founding partner of the Estate, Trust, & Tax law firm of Hargrove Firm LLP. His firm has had as many as 30 estate & trust attorneys working out of offices in over 20 states across the country.

Jamie was most recently the chair of the Estate & Trust practice for the 160-Attorney law firm, Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC. Before that, he was a partner with the 500+ attorney firm of Frost Brown Todd. He practiced as a CPA after law school and then became a tax attorney in 1985. In 1990, he began to practice only in the area of Estate, Trusts, Business Succession Planning and Charitable Planning.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Jamie Hargrove and know more about business succession, estate planning and asset protection, and how he wants to move forward with the DIY plans that also involves human works in it.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Jamie takes us on a ride to his past and what led him to start opening up his practice, and why did he focus on estate planning?

-What are his learning experiences that he’d like to share to the audience?

-Jamie shares why business succession plan is not largely existing and what is the goal of why it should be done?

-Jamie gives clarity on the difference of asset protection and estate planning.

-What does he like best in his areas of practice and what is he most excited about the business aspect of things?

-Jamie shares the misconception that when you do asset protection and estate planning, you lose full access and control on your assets.

-Jamie talks about where money impacts most and his first experience handling it.

Get to know more about Jamie’s personal achievement, dream job and what he enjoys outside of work.

Get to hear about the DIY plans they are doing in NetLaw Group and why he wanted to do it.

Connect with Jamie Hargrove/ Hargrove Law Firm:

Website: https://hargrovefirm.com/

NetLaw Website: https://www.netlawgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehargrove/

Twitter: @jamiehargrove

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

Highlights:

[06:33-06:48]

“Unless people know that you're there and know what you do and your podcast, Kris is a good example of that. It's just getting the message out there letting people know what you do, and helping to educate them so that you can be a resource for them.”

[25:18-25:39]

“I think my first experience was really, every decision we make is a decision about an allocation of time. So, in our businesses, again, as we make decisions, we're making a decision relative to do a new allocation of time, or this, we're even freeing up time, or we're causing more need for more time.”

[27:01-27:23]

I do think business and life is a battle of a lot of decisions, and we can only squeeze so much into it. So, we do have to decide what is our priorities, both with our world outside of work, and certainly in work? And make sure there is that balance that gets really what we want to do.

[39:17-39:59]

“The problem in the legal industry is we think everybody wants to talk to a lawyer. No, they want their legal questions answered. But what's interesting is, most of their questions aren't legal questions, right? What we're doing is we're parceling out and let's strip out the questions that really aren't legal questions. Let's let non-lawyers answer those, and use systems and processes and technology and video and all the things that you're employing in your own practice to help address those and then when we need the lawyer, let's let the lawyer be engaged. So, it's a very different model and pretty excited that we're able to kind of be, I think on the bit on the cutting edge of it.”

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Ep 05: Asset Protection, Selling a Business and How Trusts Work Jun 03, 2021

Blake Harris

The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 005 Blake Harris

Blake Harris is the managing attorney at Blake Harris Law, where he assists clients with wills and trusts, asset protection, and probate. Blake has been a member in good standing of the Colorado Bar since 2013 and the Florida Bar since 2010. He is an active member of Wealth Council, Elder Council, the Denver Bar Association, and the Colorado Bar Association. Blake graduated in 2007 with a degree in finance from the University of Florida and received a juris doctorate in 2010 from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, a top-tier law school.

Blake founded Mile High Estate Planning because he is passionate about helping families protect their wealth and pass it to the next generation. Before Mile High Estate Planning, Blake worked for one of the nation’s largest wealth management firms, where he helped high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients plan for the transfer of their assets. Over the course of his career, Blake has worked for, co-counseled with, and learned from several of the nation’s top estate planning and asset protection attorneys.

In addition to his active practice, Blake also strives to share his in-depth knowledge to help other professionals advance in their careers. In Colorado and across the nation, Blake has given numerous presentations and continuing education lectures on asset protection, estate planning, and probate to CPAs, financial advisors, and other attorneys. Blake has also been quoted in state-wide and national publications, such as ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, The Denver Post, and Market Watch, and he has been named a "Rising Star" for 2020 and 2021 by Super Lawyers Magazine. He also wrote a book called The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning & Asset Protection.

Blake is currently investing in Cryptocurrency and outside of work, Blake enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Blake Harris and know more about estate planning, asset protection and selling a business, and how important it is to be surrounded with a team that you enjoy working with, while giving valuable experiences for the clients as well.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Coming from a family of attorneys, how did Blake start his practice and his firm Mile High Estate Planning? And, if he is not an attorney, what would Blake be, and why?

-What would be his advice to the young Blake and to other people who wants to start their businesses or firms as well?

-How Blake uses pain points and client’s concern to explain the importance of a comprehensive estate and asset protection plan.

-Blake’s example of the misconception that asset protection is just for the super wealthy people. What are other blind spots too that people need to know about estate planning and asset protection?

-Blake shares a recent satisfying client experience and how he helped secure his wealth?

-How was Blake’s experience with money growing up, what he sees as its positive and negative impacts, and what was his first memory of it?

-What does Blake like about the business, and what does he consider as his great achievements, personally and professionally?

-How does Blake stay informed and what changes are we expecting in the estate planning world moving forward?

Connect with Blake Harris / Mile High Estate Planning:

Website: milehighestateplanning.com

Phone number: (833) ASK-BLAKE

Email: blake@milehighestateplanning.com

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

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Ep 04: Mediation Demystified and Resolving Conflict now May 27, 2021

Christina Florand

The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 004 Christina Florand

Christina Florand is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and Civil Court Mediator and a Qualified Arbitrator. She has an educational background and degree in Psychology and Criminology. She studied at the University of South Florida and has been a Mediator for 11 years. She added Arbitration services to her practice 3 years ago. Prior to that, she had experience as owner and operator of a small business.

She previously facilitated a program called C.M.A.C.S. that was taught to children requiring guidance in the realms of conflict management and avoidance, as well as coping skills that can be used throughout their lifetime. She also co-developed and facilitates a workshop for the last four years at the Women's Resource Center called: You are Worthy! Learning to Raise Your Own Bar!

She enjoys traveling the world, yoga, and being the proud parent of a fourteen-year-old daughter. All of these experiences as well as building houses, businesses, and going through a divorce personally, have given her valuable experience in managing and relating to a variety of mediation cases.

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Christina Florand to know more of how mediation and conflict resolution can help with you at some point in your life.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-Christina shares to us how she got to the mediation field, including what she loved to do when she was a kid.

-Christina explains what meditation is and what are the misconceptions in her industry.

-What does she enjoy about mediating?

-Christina shares what is being overlooked in mediating and a really satisfying moment for her in mediation.

-What is Christina’s first memory of money and what she passed on to her daughter? And any negative or positive effects of money in terms of disputes that she encountered?

-What would be Christina’s dream job if not mediation and what would she be splurging on if given the opportunity?

-What’s Christina’s biggest achievement for her, and how she facilitated the programs she worked on?

-What are Christina’s challenges in the business and how she stays up to date with the news.

Connect with Christina Florand:

Website: https://www.florandmediation.com/

Phone number: (941) 228-8150

Email: chris@florandmediation.com

Connect with Kris and Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/

Twitter: @kflammang

#MarkPicchi

Highlights:

[06:55-07:21]

“What I really love, not just about this profession, but just life in general, is helping people to empower themselves to make their choices. So, when we put things into somebody else's hands, sometimes we regret how that how that came out. So, I feel like as a mediator, I can really help people to stay in control of the outcome.”

[20:57-21:33]

“Well, money gives us a sense of security, but our relationships do first and foremost. I think when an important relationship stops giving us the security that you really needed. I think our next go to is like, Okay, well, money gives me security. So, I've now lost that sense of stability that I had with this relationship. Now, kind of let me see what I can do to manage the money part of it. No right or wrong there. I think it's just a very natural human nature thing that we do.”

[38:29-38:44]

“So instead of wanting to say, “Well, but this is what I want, and this is what I want, and this is why this is what I want,” if you can change that and flip it and try to understand why it is what they want. That's the starting point of getting to the other side.”

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Ep 03: Simple Insurance Solutions and Focusing On What's Important May 20, 2021

Martin Vreman

The Confident Retirement Podcast with Brett Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi Episode 003 Martin Vreman

Martin Vreman is an independent insurance agent of Great Insurance Florida. He opened their first agency in 1995 in Clearwater, then moved back to Parrish in 2003. He then opened their second agency in Ellenton in 2005, then sold the Clearwater office. Martin is currently servicing around 4,000 policies in auto, home, and other personal lines, as well as commercial lines.

Martin is originally from Netherlands. He and his family immigrated by the age of 10 to Florida. He married his high-school sweetheart, Denise while in college. After graduation, he obtained his Property & Casualty General Lines Insurance license. More than being a great husband and a great business owner, Martin is also a great dad with7 kids, two of which are married. In his free time, he enjoys enjoy boating, playing volleyball and most recently pickleball!

Listen to this dynamic The Confident Retirement Podcast episode with Martin Vreman about focusing on helping people more than just selling insurance.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Martin gives us his background of how he came to United States and why he chose the insurance career path.

What are the learning experiences he had along the way that he wished he’d knew back then?

Martin explains the blind spots and misconceptions that people have about protection plans and the insurance industry.

Martin shares the way he wants to let people know of why having a comprehensive protection plan is important.

What does Martin like most about the business, and what does he enjoy doing aside from that?

Martin tells us story on his experiences with a satisfying client, his good and bad memory of money, and what he would be splurging on if given the chance.

Connect with Martin Vreman:

Website: https://palmetto.greatflorida.com/

Phone number: (941) 721-9888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatFloridaInsurance.Palmetto70

Connect with Kris and Mark