The Confident Retirement

Latest Episodes:

Ep 131: Complex HNW Family Law Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

“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

Show notes

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:

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

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

Twitter:@kflammang

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Ep 129: Divorce Advocacy Done Right Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

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

Show notes

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:

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

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

Show notes

Episode Summary:

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

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

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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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