Wicked Pissah Podcast

Finding Financial Clarity Using Monarch Money with Rachel Lawrence, CFP® Kathleen and Brad speak with Monarch Money’s Head of Advice and Planning, Rachel Lawrence, CFP®. With more than 20 years of experience working both directly with clients as a financial planner and as a consultant in the FinTech space, Rachel brings unique perspective and insight into what both advisors and individuals need from financial technology. We talk with Rachel about how her passion for delivering financial advice to the masses has influenced her professional career path; how the demise of popular budgeting tool Mint changed the trajectory of Monarch Money; the different ways individuals can use Monarch Money to track their spending, create budgets, or work towards goals; how Monarch addresses the challenges of working with data aggregators; how advisors can best use Monarch Money in their practice to help clients align their spending with their values; and more! https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsanborn/ https://www.monarchmoney.com/ https://www.monarchmoney.com/connection-status

Risk Management with Scott Heinila, CEO of Optimized Insurance Hosts Brad Wright and Michael Connaughton are joined by Optimized Insurance CEO, Scott Heinila. After graduating from California State University Long Beach (CSULB) with a Finance degree, Scott began his insurance career in 2001, dedicating his time to assisting Insurance Professionals and Financial Advisors within the three facets of Protective Portfolio Planning – annuities, life insurance, and long-term care insurance. He’s an expert in the industry with 20+ years of experience, Scott has led roles such as the Director of Sales for a growing FMO, Regional Vice President with a leading fixed and indexed annuity insurance company, and most recently, the Executive Director for Producers Choice Network. In his current role, Scott is the CEO and Co-Founder of Optimized Insurance Planning, a wholesale insurance planning and marketing firm. He is also the President and Founder of Prism Wealth Preservation, a professional financial & insurance services firm specializing in working with pre-retirees, retirees, and business owners. Scott is also the host of the Optimized Advisor Podcast, dedicated to enhancing the professions, best practices, and personal well-being of Advisors. They discuss:  Approaching risk management via annuities, life, and long-term care insurance  Common advisor obstacles to utilizing each  Resources for both advisors and clients Optimized Insurance: https://optimizedins.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/https-www.linkedin.com-company-optimized- insurance-planning-/ For more information, contact Bill Bonk: Bill@optimizedins.com

Stephen Schweich Host Michael Connaughton is joined by Stephen Schweich. Stephen is Chairman of the Cherrystone Angel Group and held a 30 year career in Investment Banking. Stephen has been an active investor in venture capital and private companies in Europe and the USA for nearly 20 years and has served on the boards of numerous technology companies. Since joining Cherrystone in 2011, Stephen has a played a key role in sourcing and leading investments in several of Cherrystone’s portfolio companies. They discuss: Stephen’s background and experience. Angel Group investing due diligence. Angel investing time horizon and expectations. And much more. Learn more about the Cherrystone Angel Group: Website: https://www.cherrystoneangelgroup.com/

Paw-sitive Planning: Estate Planning for Your Pets – with Liza Connelly Kathleen speaks with Liza Connelly, director of trust and estate services for CIBC Private Wealth. Liza has more than 25 years of trust, estate and fiduciary experience, but this isn’t your usual conversation about estate planning – we talk about estate planning for your pets! We discuss the different options that are available if you would like to provide for your pets after you pass away; best practices for planning ahead for unexpected emergencies, including what you might want to include in your durable power of attorney; how Liza helped get a pet trust statute passed in Massachusetts; her tips for shopping for pet insurance; and more! https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-connelly-1891006/ https://www.professorbeyer.com/Articles/Animals.html

From Confused to Confident: Helping Families Navigate Aging with Parker Polidor Kathleen and Kevin speak with Parker Polidor, co-founder of CareAlly. CareAlly is a turnkey software solution that financial advisors can use to help clients and families navigate the financial and health related questions brought on by aging. We talk with Parker about the cost of the “sandwich generation tax,” ideas for initiating conversations about caregiving, tools and resources available through the CareAlly platform, and much more. If you have clients that are getting older, or clients whose loved ones are getting older, then this is an episode you won’t want to miss. For more information: www.Joincareally.com parker@joincareally.com

Kathleen and Brad speak with freelance journalist, keynote speaker, and nutrition educator Reyna Gobel. Reyna is a nationally recognized expert in college funding, student loans, and financial wellness who brings a unique background in journalism, education and nutrition to conversations about money, health and long-term wellbeing. We hear from Reyna about how she went from journalism to getting a master’s degree in public health in nutrition; how financial advisors are well positioned to discuss the impact of nutrition on health care and life care planning; and the work she does creating custom wellness and personal finance educational programming and workshops for businesses and nonprofits. Reyna also shares her tips for how financial planners can best collaborate with media sources. For More Information: https://reynagobel.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/reynagobel/ https://walletsandwaistlines.com/

5 to 9 Things You Don’t Know About 529 Plans with Chris Stack Hosts Brad Wright and Kevin Williams are joined by attorney and consultant, Chris Stack. -Chris is managing consultant, Savingforcollege.com, is a nationally recognized 529 authority and experienced in educational finance. An attorney for over 30 years, licensed in New York & Pennsylvania, Chris has experience in finance, investments and law relating to tax advantaged products, including Section 529, since it became federal law in 1996. - He has been credited for actively and successfully initiating, advocating and assisting in the 2022 federal tax law changes allowing for “leftover” 529 funds to be transferred to a Roth IRA. He’s also assisted several states and plan managers implementing their 529 investment plans that now service over $20B in assets. -Currently, Chris advises and consults with sponsoring state agencies, program managers and investment companies, and presents nationally to financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys on 529 plans. They discuss: -The effects of the Big Beautiful Bill on 529 plans -How to choose the right 529 plan -Rules around converting leftover 529 funds to a Roth IRA -Why 529 accounts should be considered as part of any estate plan For more on Saving For College: Savingforcollege.com To contact Chris: cstack@savingforcollege.com

Breaking Money Silence with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury Kathleen and Kevin speak with money psychology expert Kathleen Burns Kingsbury. Kathleen is the founder of KBK Wealth Connection and a leading voice on women and money and breaking through emotional barriers that get in the way of productive money conversations. We discuss the importance of open financial conversations, gender differences in money attitudes, and strategies advisors can use to financially empower their female clients. We also talk about building negotiation confidence, the importance of male involvement in empowering women in financial advising and leadership roles, and the coaching work KBK does with women in finance and women in business to help them take their careers to the next level. Learn more about KBK Wealth Connection Connect with KBK on LinkedIn Check out Breaking Money Silence: How to Shatter Money Taboos, Talk More Openly about Finances and Live a Richer Life Download the Assessment Is Your Firm Ready to Serve the New Face of Wealth

Navigating Egos and Emotions During the College Planning Process – With Jack Wang Hosts Kathleen Kenealy and Michael Connaughton speak with Jack Wang, a nationally recognized college funding expert who helps families answer two critical questions: how to lower the cost of college and how to pay for it without derailing their financial future. Tune in to hear us talk about what the NFL draft has to do with the financial aid system; common misconceptions parents and students have about paying for college; why the phrase “ you can borrow for college but you can’t borrow for retirement” drives Jack bananas; and creative ways families can save and pay for college that don’t involve selling a kidney. https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-college-buyer/id1800378410 jack@longhornfin.com

The Human Side of Wealth: Navigating Family Dynamics – with Emily Bouchard Kathleen and Brad speak with Emily Bouchard, founder of Bouchard Bespoke Consulting. Emily is a Chief Learning Officer and Family Dynamics Advisor for Family Offices and Financial Advisory Firms, working alongside financial advisors, estate attorneys, and family offices to address the human side of money. We speak with Emily about her role as a listening coach and how she works with families to help them better communicate with full transparency and the steps she takes to help them assess, rebuild and sustain trust across all family members. We also talk about the importance of educating and preparing beneficiaries for the roles and responsibilities they will take on within the context of their family’s wealth. We learn what a “purposeful prenup” is, tips on how to navigate the fair versus equal debate, and different assessments advisors can think about implementing in their practice to help deepen conversations they’re having with families. If you’ve ever found yourself navigating tricky family dynamics in a client relationship this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. www.EmilyBouchard.com

Bringing the Human Element Back to Human Resources – with Angela Sarver Hosts Kathleen Kenealy and Kevin Williams are joined by Angela Sarver, founder of EllieBlu HR Consulting. Angela is a human resources expert who specializes in consulting with independent financial advisors. Angela is on a mission to bring the human element back to the workplace by helping business owners lead their teams more intentionally. We discuss all the different ways that Angela supports the firms she works with, including how she helps her clients through all phases of employee recruitment and how she uses her own assessment tool to help business owners identify their hiring needs. We also talk about ways to assess candidates' skills and behaviors through structured interviews and case studies during the hiring process; the importance of establishing strong HR foundations early on to prevent potential future problems; and tips that firm leaders can use to shape their company’s culture and success while managing their teams effectively. https://elliebluhr.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-sarver/ asarver@elliebluhr.com

Host Brad Wright is joined by Jackie Cummings Koski. Jackie is the author of FIRE for Dummies and co-host of the Catching Up to FI podcast, focused on financial independence for late starters. She serves as Chapter President of FPA Southwestern Ohio and is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and education. With a master’s degree in financial planning and financial therapy, Jackie shares her personal journey from poverty to financial independence—retiring at age 49—and her mission to help others do the same. They discuss: Jackie’s financial journey and how she discovered FIRE Why she hands out $2 bills to students and audiences Her experience writing FIRE for Dummies and who the book is really for The origins and growth of the Catching Up to FI podcast Her role as FPA Chapter President and how she's helping reshape the profession Financial literacy efforts including a Roth IRA pilot for underserved youth And much more. Contact Jackie: 📘 Book: FIRE for Dummies 🎙 Podcast: catchinguptofi.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Jackie Cummings Koski 🌐 FPA Southwestern Ohio Chapter: fpaswo.org

Paul Gaudio Host Michael Connaughton is joined by Paul Gaudio. Paul is a CFP® and Client Advisor at Crestwood Advisors with 8 years of experience helping individuals and families make smart choices with their money. Paul is passionate about guiding clients through life & financial complexities with clarity and care. He also serves as the President of NexGen for FPA New England, where he supports the growth and development of emerging professionals in the financial planning community, and works to expand the efforts of the Financial Planning Association through networking events and webinars. They discuss:  Paul’s background and career journey.  His experience as President of NexGen for FPA New England.  Partnerships he’s formed and upcoming events. And much more. Contact Paul: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-gaudio-cfp%C2%AE-a5787aa6/

Catching up with FPA Leadership - with Dan Galli & Dennis Moore On this episode Kathleen and Kevin are joined by FPA national president-elect Dan Galli as well as long-time member, supporter and now acting CEO of FPA National, Dennis Moore. We chat about what brought Dan and Dennis to the FPA, why they both remain committed to the organization, what initiatives they are prioritizing at the national level over the next few years, and their ideas for improving communication between national and the chapters. We also discuss some of the lesser-known benefits available to FPA members, how to go about transitioning from local board participation to national engagement, and of course, the upcoming annual conference in Las Vegas. https://www.linkedin.com/in/djgalli/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisjmoore/ https://ac.financialplanningassociation.org/

On this episode of the Wicked Pissah Podcast, we are joined by Stephen Pepe of Longbridge Financial, LLC, where he is a top producing Loan Officer, Reverse Mortgage Consultant and industry expert in reverse mortgages. Steve shares with us his expertise in the different ways that reverse mortgages can be used for both current and long-term financial planning purposes, regardless of your income and net worth, sheds some of the myths regarding reverse mortgages, and outlines both the process for opening a reverse mortgage and the regulations in place to keep the consumer safe. Steve even touches on his musical talents outside of the reverse mortgage world. Get ready to learn and enjoy this episode of the Wicked Pissah Podcast.

Reassuring Clients About Social Security – with Marcia Mantell On this episode, Kathleen and Kevin speak with Social Security and retirement planning expert Marcia Mantell to talk about how clients’ anxiety about Social Security has changed over the last few months. Marcia reassures us that she is not worried about retirees not getting their checks but also explains why she’s keeping an eye on her father-in-law’s account to make sure he continues to receive his retirement benefit. We discuss how the process of applying for benefits is changing, why it’s so important to get your online Social Security account setup, when Marcia thinks Congress will finally take action to fix the program, and her suggestions and tips for keeping your sensitive financial information safe. https://mantellretirementconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciamantell/

If you’ve seen the news this year, you know why we wanted to talk about this topic. Whether DOGE layoffs or early retirements or concerns about future job security, Federal employees may be looking to financial advisors for counsel. To help you be better prepared we wanted to talk with a specialist. In this episode, hosts Chris Boyd & Brad Wright are joined by Micah Shilanski, CFP® to talk about Federal Employee Retirement benefits. You might know Micah from co-hosting The Perfect RIA podcast, but today he shares a bit about his practice, his passion of time management, and then we learn about the Federal retirement benefits. Whether to learn about the Thrift Savings Plan, some special early Social Security benefits, or Pension and Health Benefits under FERS, you’ll no doubt learn some helpful tips for working with clients who are Federal Employees. Micah’s Podcasts: https://planyourfederalretirement.libsyn.com/website https://theperfectria.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn Address: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micahshilanski/ Website: https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/

Jordan Jackson, J.P. Morgan Global Market Strategist: Tariffs, Trade and Taxes… Oh My! Hosts Kathleen Kenealy and Kevin Williams are joined by JP Morgan Global Market Strategist, Jordan Jackson. Jordan is an Executive Director and a Global Market Strategist on the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Global Market Insights Strategy Team where he is responsible for delivering timely market and economic commentary to clients across the country. We talk about all the things that are top of mind for you and your clients right now: tariffs and trade; domestic versus international equities; the strength of the US dollar; interest rates; consumer confidence levels; the dreaded “R” word, and more! https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/adv/bios/jordan-jackson/ https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/adv/insights/market-insights/guide-to-the-markets/ On this episode, we speak with Executive Director and Global Market Strategist Jordan Jackson. As part of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Global Market Insights Strategy Team, Jordan is responsible for delivering timely market and economic commentary to clients across the country. We talk about all the things that are top of mind for you and your clients right now: tariffs and trade; domestic versus international equities; the strength of the US dollar; interest rates; consumer confidence levels; the dreaded “R” word, and more! What’s it time for?

Jeff Johnson Hosts Michael Connaughton and Brad Wright are joined by Jeff Johnson, Senior Vice President of Appleton Partners. Jeff is a member of Appleton’s Fixed Income Investment Committee and is responsible for business development and managing strategic institutional client relationships across multiple intermediary and wealth management channels. Prior to joining Appleton in 2009, Jeff was a Senior Vice President of Fidelity Investments where he headed up Relationship Management for the Institutional Wealth Services (IWS) division. Prior to joining IWS, he was National Sales Manager for Fidelity Capital Markets Institutional Fixed Income Group. Jeff has served on the Regional Advisory Committee for the Security Industry and Financial Markets Association, and has been actively involved in the municipal securities business in both capital markets and asset management capacities. They discuss: · Jeff and Appleton’s views on the state of the fixed income markets. · Macroeconomic factors. · Strategic opportunities across fixed income. And much more. Contact Jeff: Emai: jjohnson@appletonpartners.com Website: https://www.appletonpartners.com/

John Finney Host Michael Connaughton is joined by John Finney Co-Founder Overvue. John Finney is the co-founder of Overvue, a software company that helps financial advisors streamline their client onboarding. Before starting Overvue, John spent over five years in wealth management at two national RIAs. During that time, he played a key role in the overhaul and sale of an advisory team managing $750 million in assets. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, John’s worked in both client-facing advisory roles and behind-the-scenes focused on improving operations. Now, he brings that experience to Overvue, building solutions from the other side of the table. They discuss: -John’s background in wealth management and how it shaped his business. -Overvue’s mission to create a better client onboarding experience. -The functionality of Overvue and how it creates client and advisor efficiency. And much more. More on Overvue Website: ihttps://www.overvueproposals.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/overvueproposals/ Contact John: Emai: jfinney@overvueproposals.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-finney-cfp-21435914a/