The Green Zone

In this special episode of The Green Zone, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith are joined by members of the Green Financial Group team as they share their favorite holiday gifts to both give and receive. If you have been on the fence about what to buy for a loved one this holiday season – or what to put on your own list! – this episode is for you. Tune in to see why these following items made the cut for the 2023 GFG Holiday Gift Guide: “What I Love About Mom” Book“What I Love About Dad” BookWireless Sleep HeadphonesSequence GameHoliday CandleWicked Dog BallSkylight Digital Picture FrameCutco Super ShearsThe Bartesian Cocktail MakerNordicTrack Commercial X22i TreadmillCountry Kettle Fudge Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor does it endorse any of the products or companies mentioned within this podcast.

In this inspirational episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Shelly Kirkland, CEO of Boot Campaign, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and military families. Shelly, who comes from a family with a strong military background, shares her passion for serving those who have served and discusses the incredible work Boot Campaign does to make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. In this episode, they cover: Join the conversation and discover the incredible work Boot Campaign does to show gratitude for those who serve and make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and military families. Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Green Zone Podcast! Support Boot Campaign: https://bootcampaign.org/give/https://bootcampaign.org/https://www.instagram.com/bootcampaignhttps://www.facebook.com/bootcampaignhttps://twitter.com/bootcampaignhttps://www.youtube.com/user/BootCampaign Additional Notes The holidays are often difficult for many military families who have recently had a permanent change of duty station, are separated because of deployment, or are caring for the health of a wounded, injured or ill service member. Boot Campaign’s Santa Boots Program unites Americans to show gratitude, meet service members’ needs and strives to alleviate stress and financial burden by delivering specially-curated gifts to veteran and active duty military families nationwide. Click Here To Learn More About Their “Santa Boots” Work: https://bootcampaign.org/santaboots/ Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse Boot Campaign.

The dream of retirement has probably been sitting in the back of your mind for years. You have an idea of what you want it to look like. You’ve saved for it. You’ve talked to financial professionals. And all of that is great… but have you done any research and planning about how to avoid common retirement mistakes? In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share a list of items you may want to consider in order to avoid these “retirement traps” and help ensure you are able to live out your dream retirement. Together, they discuss: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

When you think about long-term investments, you probably focus on stocks, bonds, real estate, funds, and the like. But what about cash? In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith cover some of the key considerations you should be making if you’re pondering the pros and cons of long-term investments in cash. Together, they discuss: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

A new bull market is underway, but potential recession, heavy inflation, increasing interest rates, war and more are casting dark shadows. You may be more confused than ever about what is going on in the markets and economy and if you feel that way, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, host Jeff Green discusses: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Your financial advisor is someone you need to trust. Someone who you know has your best interests front and center. Green Zone Podcast hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith want you to find the best advisor for you and your unique financial situation. In this episode, they share some of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when vetting financial advisors and highlight a few best practices for your own search and interview process. Together they discuss: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Are you gearing up to travel or take a vacation in the near future? If so, you might want to brush up on a few hacks to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share their top tips for traveling that will help save you time, money and frustration – and of course, travel in style. Together they discuss: Leveraging TSA PreCheck and Clear at airports Resources TSA PreCheckClearMy TSA AppApple Air TagsBeis LuggageAir Fare WatchdogTrusted House Sitters Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Do you ever think about what your life might have been like if you knew then what you know now? So many life choices might have been different when you look at things in hindsight – and that includes financial decisions. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcasts, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith candidly share the financial advice they would tell their younger selves if they could. Together, they discuss how to: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Financial planning is not the same for everyone, and those differences are particularly distinct between men and women. Interestingly, according to Raymond James, more than 51% of the personal wealth in this country is controlled by women – and that number is growing. But women often feel less comfortable with their financial independence and even face financial challenges their male counterparts do not. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith bring to light some of the unique considerations women may want to take into account for their financial and retirement planning, including: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

March is Women's History Month, a time when we commemorate the social, political, economic and cultural achievements of women. And those big accomplishments have to start somewhere… perhaps it’s at SheSpace, a women’s co-working space and community located in Houston, Texas. Jeff Green and Lauren Smith recently sat down with Stephanie Tsuru, Co-Founder of SheSpace, to learn more about the humble beginnings and big plans for the women of SheSpace. In this conversation, they discuss: About Our Guest: Stephanie Tsuru, Co-Founder of SheSpace Stephanie Tsuru comes from a long line of female trailblazers. Her grandmother, widowed at 55, remained on the family farm in northern Missouri to successfully run the operation through blizzards and droughts. This woman even had the audacity to wear pants! She raised Stephanie’s mother, a small-town farm girl, who at the age of 22, left rural America with her new husband and flew 24 hours to live in Marrakesh, Morocco. Her parents’ wanderlust lifestyle worked out nicely for Stephanie, who was later born on the outskirts of Paris. After working her way through college in a steel mill (hard hat and steel-toed boots included) she piled her belongings into her bluebird-colored car that she purchased with her steel mill earnings and drove 1,300 miles away. (No radio or phone but lots of singing.) As her 60th birthday approached, Stephanie decided she had the energy, passion and commitment to see another adventure through. In homage to her mother and grandmother and to leave a legacy for her daughters, granddaughters and the deep pool of women in Houston, she decided the time was right for her to launch her first entrepreneurial venture, SheSpace. Stephanie’s mantra believes in the power of SHE. We will provide a home away from home to build a community of bold, intrepid and fearless women. We will push and lift each other to create, learn, inspire, and grow to be better tomorrow than we are today. Connect with SheSpace: https://shespacehtx.com/https://www.instagram.com/shespacehtx/https://www.facebook.com/shespacehtxhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/shespace/ Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the services of SheSpace.

Inflation is here and it’s no joke. Prices are going up. Returns in the market seem to be going down. And it can be confusing to know how to set yourself up for success. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith discuss what’s going on with inflation and how each of us as individuals may want to consider approaching our finances during this time. Together they discuss: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Do you understand how the changes to the Secure Act will affect you? Don’t worry, we won’t ask you to read the 4,155-page document to find out. Instead, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith will discuss some of the key takeaways of the Secure Act 2.0 and how it may impact you in this episode of The Green Zone Podcast. Together they discuss: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith Please Note: While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. RMD's are generally subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax advisor to assess your situation. Opinions expressed those of the Jeff Green and Lauren Smith and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff and Lauren discuss the importance of setting simple yet effective financial goals and resolutions – including how to ensure you pick the ones that are right for you. Together, they discuss ways to: Resources The Experian BoostCreditWiseMint App Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

In this special episode of The Green Zone, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith are joined by members of the Green Financial Group team as they share their favorite holiday gifts to both give and receive. If you have been on the fence about what to buy for a loved one this holiday season – or what to put on your own list! –this episode is for you. Tune in to see why these following items made the cut for the GFG Holiday Gift Guide: Country Kettle FudgeStainless Steel Kitchen Cutting BoardNest Holiday Classic CandleClutch Portable Phone ChargerArtifact Uprising Brass Easel & CalendarEstelle Colored Wine GlassesChristopher Radko Holiday OrnamentsFurbo Dog CameraTherabody Theragun MiniiRobot RoombaTherasage Portable Sauna Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor does it endorse any of the products or companies mentioned within this podcast.

This episode of The Green Zone podcast is part of a special series to raise awareness of several non-profits that support special populations and their families. Hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith hope that once you've heard these stories, you may choose to recognize the work being done with your time and your dollars. In this episode, Jeff and Lauren learn about and discuss: The PTSD Foundation of America Interview with David Maulsby, Executive Director of the PTSD Foundation of America Support the PTSD Foundation of America How To Donate: https://ptsdusa.org/give-help/ Amazon Smile: https://smile.amazon.com/ Search: PTSD Foundation of America Website: www.PTSDUSA.org Instagram: @ptsdfoundationofamerica Twitter: @ptsdusa YouTube: @ptsdusa The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Interview with Ted Probert, President & CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Support the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation How To Donate: https://www.mcsf.org/donate/ Website: https://www.mcsf.org LinkedIn: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Instagram: @marinescholars Facebook: @marinescholars Additional Notes https://www.mcsf.org/apply/eligibility/MCSF At A Glance One Pager Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the PTSD Foundation of America or the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund.

This episode of The Green Zone podcast kicks off a special series to raise awareness of several non-profits that support special populations and their families. They hope that once you've heard these stories, you may choose to recognize the work being done with your time and your dollars. In this episode, Jeff and Lauren learn about and discuss: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Interview with Courtney Egan Support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation How To Donate: https://www.cff.org/give-monthly Website: www.cff.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFFTXGulfCoast Instagram: @cff_texasgulfcoast or @cf_foundation Twitter: @CFF_Houston or @CF_Foundation Upcoming Events in the Houston area: Houston Great Strides at the Houston Zoo Gigi’s Playhouse (Sugarland, Texas Location) Interview with Ammie Blahuta Support GiGi’s Playhouse How To Donate: Visit their website and click DONATE in the menu Website: https://gigisplayhouse.org/sugarland/ Facebook: GiGi’s Playhouse Sugarland Instagram: @gigisplayhousesugarland Upcoming Events in the Houston area: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or GiGi’s Playhouse.

Earlier this year, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith interviewed Sharon Birkman, the CEO of Birkman International, about finding your “why” using their proprietary social and psychological assessment, the Birkman Assessment. Since then, Jeff and Lauren have each taken the Assessment and personally debrief with Sharon. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff, Lauren and Sharon come back together to discuss: Resources sbirkman@birkman.comUnderstanding The Birkman’s Colors Connect with Sharon Birkman sbirkman@birkman.comBirkman International Website About Our Guest: Sharon Birkman, CEO of Birkman International As the daughter of company founder and influential industrial-organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman, Sharon Birkman cultivated her deep expertise in human perception and organizational behavior through her lifelong interest in The Birkman Method. Sharon, CEO of Birkman International, has been recognized with a multitude of awards, including EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, the Women President’s Organization’s Mary Lehman MacLachlan Award, National Best and Brightest Places to Work For, and the Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award. In addition to her responsibilities at Birkman, Sharon volunteers her services as a Board Member of Houston Public Media, Goodwill Industries of Houston, and a long-time Board member for ESCAPE Family Resource Center. Sharon co-authored the book “The Birkman Method: Your Personality at Work” and authored the book “Creatures of Contact” by ForbesBooks. Birkman International is an industry-leading behavioral and occupational assessment company founded by innovative organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman in 1951. The Birkman Method remains a preferred instrument to better understand interpersonal dynamics through positive psychology. It is used widely in the fields of career and life coaching, leadership development, human resources management, and organizational design today. Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

2022 has been a volatile, tumultuous year for the market. As we move into the final quarter, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith offer up their opinions on what’s going on and how to think about that based on the timing of market and economic cycles. Together they discuss: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Your retirement is one of the most important things you’ll ever plan for. And because of that, the thought of any risks can weigh heavily on our minds. Do you know the top risks to consider as you approach retirement? In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith discuss what they feel are the top six financial and retirement risks that folks need to think about – and have a plan for addressing. Together, they discuss: Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

October is Cybersecurity Month. Most of the time when we are talking about cybersecurity in the financial services and retirement planning industry, we are thinking about financial fraud, identity theft, and other scams that might affect the elderly. But what about our children and teenagers we know, who lead very public digital lives and are just as susceptible – maybe more – to nefarious things happening online? In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff and Lauren talk to Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crimestoppers Houston and Author of “The Online World: What You Think You Know & What You Don’t,” about the important (and shocking!) things parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers need to know about what’s going on in the online world for our kids and teens. Together, they discuss: Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the services of Rania Mankarious or Crimestoppers Houston. Podcast recorded on 9/1/22. Resources: “The Online World: What You Think You Know & What You Don’t”“The Balanced Voice”WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter About Our Guest: Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crimestoppers Houston, Author & Podcast Host Rania Mankarious is a writer, on-air analyst, and CEO of Crime Stoppers Houston. Lover of people, their stories and our future, she has been seen and heard on national/local TV and radio for over a decade as a legal, family, crime, mental health, and parenting expert. She has a weekly column: Sunday Mornings with Rania and is the host of The Balanced Voice Podcast. A widely recognized face and voice, Mankarious has been known to break stories locally and nationally that hit the core of what women and families care about. Connect with Rania Mankarious: @RaniaMankarious@TheRaniaReport@TheRaniaReport@TheRaniaReport Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@greenfinancialgrp.comSchedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith