Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most significant financial choices you will make. The right strategy can mean a more secure and comfortable retirement, while the wrong one could leave you with less than you deserve. In this episode, we explore the nuances of Social Security and retirement planning to help you make the best decision for your future. Host Gary Heldt sits down with Bruce G. Kaserman, President of BGK Financial, to demystify Social Security. They discuss the factors that should inform your decision on when to start receiving benefits, the impact of working in retirement, and how to create a financial plan aligned with your life goals. This conversation is essential for anyone approaching retirement age seeking clarity and confidence in their financial future. Here are six key takeaways from the conversation: - Your Social Security claiming strategy should be tailored to your individual circumstances, including your health, marital status, and other sources of income. - Working while receiving Social Security benefits can impact the amount you receive, so it is important to understand the income thresholds. - Delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 can significantly increase your monthly payments. - Proper tax planning is crucial to minimizing the taxes you pay on your Social Security benefits and other retirement income. - For business owners, the way you structure your salary can have long-term consequences for your Social Security benefits. - A comprehensive financial plan can help you navigate the complexities of retirement and ensure you do not outlive your savings. If you are looking for expert guidance on your retirement strategy, this episode offers valuable insights. Listen to the full conversation to gain a deeper understanding of how to make your money work for you in retirement. Subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from this valuable information. To learn more about Bruce G. Kaserman and his work, you can visit his website at bgkfinancial.com. As a fiduciary and National Social Security Advisor, Bruce is dedicated to helping professionals and business owners make informed decisions to secure their financial futures. You can also connect with him to learn more about his upcoming seminars on Social Security and retirement planning.

What if the biggest risks to your business are happening in markets you are not even watching? In a world more connected than ever, a shift in a supply chain on the other side of the globe can impact your bottom line overnight. Staying ahead requires a new way of thinking. In this episode, Gary Heldt sits down with Daniel Nikic, a Global Investment Specialist and founder of COHRES. They explore why a global perspective is no longer optional for entrepreneurs, how to spot emerging AI and software trends before they become mainstream, and the critical importance of managing risk with confidence in a rapidly changing economic landscape. Daniel shares insights from analyzing over 15,000 companies, revealing how business owners can identify smart opportunities and grow with confidence. - A global mindset is essential for modern entrepreneurs because supply chains and market forces are deeply interconnected across continents. - Successful companies must be willing to pivot their strategies and business models in response to new technologies and market shifts. - Artificial intelligence should be viewed as a powerful tool for research and efficiency, not just an industry, fundamentally changing how businesses operate. - For early-stage companies, building a strong professional network can be more valuable than securing initial investment. - Poor cash flow management and a damaged reputation are two of the most significant red flags that can derail a growing business. - Building and maintaining a strong reputation based on respect and integrity is a long term asset that is crucial for sustainable success. If you are ready to think bigger about your business strategy and prepare for the opportunities of a globalized future, this conversation will offer a new lens on your growth. Listen to the full episode, subscribe for more insights, and share it with a fellow business owner. To learn more from Daniel Nikic and explore his work in global investment, you can visit his website at DanielNikic.com. You can also connect with him directly on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

Did you know that a typical retired couple can expect to receive over $1.4 million in Social Security benefits? Yet over 90% of people are getting less money than they are eligible to receive. This isn’t just a small monthly check; it’s one of the most valuable retirement assets you have, and understanding how to unlock its full potential is critical. This conversation on Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth with Gary Held and guest, national Social Security expert Ash Ahluwalia, is a masterclass in retirement income planning. Ash demystifies the system's complexity, revealing the costly mistakes many people make and the surprising opportunities they miss. For any professional planning for their future, this episode offers a clear, actionable guide to making smarter decisions about their benefits. Ash Ahluwalia is the Head of Social Security Planning at OneTeam Financial. As one of the nation’s leading experts in retirement income strategies with credentials including CFP®, CSSCS, and NSSA®, Ash has spent nearly 30 years helping thousands of retirees navigate their benefits. Key Takeaways: Listen to the full episode to gain the clarity and confidence you need to secure your financial future. It’s a conversation that could change the course of your retirement. To learn more from Ash Ahluwalia or to explore a complimentary consultation, you can connect with him at OneTeam Financial. His expertise can provide personalized guidance on your specific retirement income strategy. ⁠https://www.oneteamfinancial.com/team/ash-ahluwalia

What if the biggest risks to your business are happening in markets you are not even watching? In a world more connected than ever, a shift in a supply chain on the other side of the globe can impact your bottom line overnight. Staying ahead requires a new way of thinking. In this episode, Gary Heldt sits down with Daniel Nikic, a Global Investment Specialist and founder of COHRES. They explore why a global perspective is no longer optional for entrepreneurs, how to spot emerging AI and software trends before they become mainstream, and the critical importance of managing risk with confidence in a rapidly changing economic landscape. Daniel shares insights from analyzing over 15,000 companies, revealing how business owners can identify smart opportunities and grow with confidence. - A global mindset is essential for modern entrepreneurs because supply chains and market forces are deeply interconnected across continents. - Successful companies must be willing to pivot their strategies and business models in response to new technologies and market shifts. - Artificial intelligence should be viewed as a powerful tool for research and efficiency, not just an industry, fundamentally changing how businesses operate. - For early-stage companies, building a strong professional network can be more valuable than securing initial investment. - Poor cash flow management and a damaged reputation are two of the most significant red flags that can derail a growing business. - Building and maintaining a strong reputation based on respect and integrity is a long-term asset that is crucial for sustainable success. If you are ready to think bigger about your business strategy and prepare for the opportunities of a globalized future, this conversation will offer a new lens on your growth. Listen to the full episode, subscribe for more insights, and share it with a fellow business owner. To learn more from Daniel Nikic and explore his work in global investment, you can visit his website at DanielNikic.com. You can also connect with him directly on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when high income still does not give you freedom, time, or peace of mind? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with Joey Muré, co founder of Wealth Without Wall Street, to challenge traditional thinking around money, retirement, and success. Joey shares his personal journey from earning a high income in the mortgage industry to realizing that his money was not working for him. Together, they unpack why knowledge alone does not lead to financial freedom, how systems matter more than strategies, and why passive income aligned with values can change both your calendar and your life. Key Takeaways → High income does not automatically create financial freedom → Financial freedom means passive income exceeds monthly expenses → Most people are stuck because they lack a system, not information → Retirement accounts often delay freedom instead of accelerating it → Investor DNA matters when choosing the right income vehicles → Aligning money with faith and values creates long term clarity and peace Quote from the Episode “My money wasn’t working for me. It was creating more demand on my time and pulling me away from the people I cared about most.”. Call to Action To learn more and access free resources from Joey, visit https://www.wealthwithoutwallstreet.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the next decade becomes the greatest wealth opportunity of your lifetime and most business owners miss it because they are too busy running day-to-day operations? In this powerful conversation, Gary Heldt sits down with Darius Alexander Ross to unpack why business owners are standing at a once-in-a-generation turning point. With trillions of dollars in wealth transferring from retiring Baby Boomers and commercial real estate poised for major repositioning, Darius explains why ownership, acquisition thinking, and preparation matter more than ever. They dive into why most businesses fail due to lack of information, how leaders sabotage their own growth, and why owning your location and understanding leverage is a strategic advantage. This episode challenges business owners to stop thinking small, prepare for worst-case scenarios first, and position themselves to buy, consolidate, and grow while others hesitate. Key Takeaways → Why customer appreciation and operational awareness directly impact long-term profitability → How owning real estate can become a cornerstone of business stability and wealth building → Why the next ten years will favor acquisition entrepreneurs and strategic buyers → The most common accountability mistakes that quietly erode business value → How the “dummy strategy” helps leaders make smarter decisions by listening first Quote “Sometimes the biggest enemy of a business owner is the voice in their own head.” If you want to position your business for long-term growth, smarter ownership decisions, and real wealth building, this episode will change how you think about strategy, real estate, and opportunity. Listen now and learn how to prepare before the opportunity passes you by. Connect with Darius: https://www.dariusaross.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if building wealth was not about money but about the life and impact you leave behind? Morgan Nichols believes legacy is not something you build at retirement. It is something you create every day through intentional decisions, values-based planning, and clarity around what truly matters. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with Morgan Nichols, CEO and Private Wealth Advisor of LifeBranch Wealth Partners, for a powerful conversation about intentional legacy, business ownership, succession planning, and the emotional side of financial decision-making. Morgan shares her journey into leadership, stepping into business ownership at 31 during one of the most volatile financial markets in modern history. She explains why real financial planning goes far beyond portfolio management and why business owners need coaching, clarity, and long-term strategy to build wealth with purpose. This episode is a masterclass in intentional growth, values-driven success, and creating a legacy that lasts for generations. Five Key Takeaways - Legacy is built through daily decisions, not just financial outcomes True wealth is measured by the values you live by and the impact you create along the way. - Business owners need a coach, not just an advisor The best financial planning goes deeper than statements and portfolios. It provides holistic guidance and decision support. - Intentional planning replaces uncertainty with clarity Strategic planning removes the fog of uncertainty and gives business owners confidence in their future. - Succession and contingency planning protect your family and your business Preparing for the unexpected ensures your family is protected and your business continues smoothly. - There is no perfect balance. Only priorities Life is about choosing which priority takes the front seat in each season. Featured Quote “When you have an intentional legacy, it is realizing that all the money in the world does not necessarily add meaning to one’s life. It is really all the decisions that you make along the way.” - Morgan Nichols If you are a business owner or professional who wants to build wealth with purpose and create a legacy that lasts, this episode is for you. Listen to the full episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth Download Morgan’s book Intentional Legacy at intentionallegacybook.com Learn more about LifeBranch Wealth Partners at lifebranchwealth.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when building wealth stops being about returns and starts being about purpose? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with Tiffany Irving, Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Mesirow Wealth Management. With more than 25 years of experience, Tiffany explains why modern wealth management must go beyond investments and focus on holistic planning, collaboration, and long-term impact. The conversation dives into exit planning for business owners, common mistakes made when selling a company, the emotional side of succession, and why financial planning should start far earlier than most people think. Tiffany also shares insights on financial literacy, debt management, and the growing importance of purpose-driven investing. Key Takeaways → Wealth management today is about integrating investments, tax planning, estate planning, and personal goals. → Business owners should begin exit planning three to five years before selling to maximize value and reduce taxes. → A collaborative advisory team creates better outcomes than siloed advice. → Succession planning must address both financial readiness and emotional identity shifts. → Financial planning is not just for the wealthy and is most powerful when started early. Quote from Tiffany “Wealth management is no longer just about performance. It’s about purpose, values, and the impact you want your money to have.” If you are a business owner thinking about growth, succession, or long-term financial clarity, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, leave a review, and connect with Tiffany Irving on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are your financial reports helping you grow your business or just giving you a headache? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Ken May sits down with Rusty Fulling, founder and president of Fulling Management & Accounting Inc., to unpack how small business owners can build a stronger financial foundation through outsourced accounting, fractional CFO services, and proactive tax strategy. Rusty shares real-world stories, practical insights, and a refreshing perspective on turning numbers into clarity, reducing stress, and creating true peace of mind for business owners. Key Takeaways → Financial statements should tell a story, not just list numbers. → Outsourced accounting and fractional CFO support help owners move from firefighting to planning. → The balance sheet is just as important as the profit and loss statement. → Trust is essential, but verification and internal controls protect your business. → Clarity around your numbers leads directly to better decisions, more substantial profits, and better sleep. If you are ready to stop guessing and start making confident financial decisions, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now, and if your numbers still feel confusing, consider working with professionals who help translate data into strategy so you can keep growing your business and your wealth. Connect with Rusty on his website: https://www.fullingmgmt.com/about-us/rusty-fulling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do reliable small business owners still struggle to access credit, and how can AI finally fix that? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt welcomes Tamara Laine, Founder of MPWR, an AI-driven fintech platform transforming how individuals and small business owners build credit and access capital. Tamara explains how outdated credit systems fail entrepreneurs and gig workers and how MPWR’s Credit IP creates a more complete, human-centered financial picture. This conversation dives into AI agents, financial credibility, more innovative lending, and why consistency matters more than traditional credit scores. Key Takeaways → Why traditional credit models fail small business owners and gig workers. → How AI agents create a holistic picture of financial credibility. → What Credit IP is and how it redefines lending decisions. → Why consistency in payments matters more than income alone. → How AI can help borrowers not just get loans but repay them sustainably. If you are tired of outdated credit systems holding your business back, this episode will shift how you think about capital access. Listen now and share it with a business owner who needs more innovative financial tools. Please follow the podcast and consider leaving a rating. Connect with Tamara on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if paying massive taxes every year wasn’t inevitable and what if the wealthiest families in America were playing an entirely different game than you were taught? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with Mark Miller, CEO of Hilton Tax & Wealth Advisors and Manager of the Hilton Family Office. With nearly four decades of experience, Mark pulls back the curtain on how elite families legally reduce taxes, protect capital, and grow generational wealth. Mark explains why most business owners unknowingly overpay taxes, why traditional financial planning often fails to meet the needs of high earners, and how real tax planning is a forward-looking strategy, not a year-end scramble. He shares the personal story that changed his entire career when a single strategy saved him over half a million dollars in taxes and ultimately moved him into a zero tax bracket. This conversation is a must-listen for business owners, executives, and six-figure earners who want to stop leaving money on the table and start thinking like an American dynasty. Key Takeaways → Why most CPAs focus on compliance, not proactive tax planning → The difference between retail investing and smart money strategies → How layered tax strategies outperform one-time deductions → Why buying assets for write-offs is not real tax mitigation → How wealthy families prioritize safety, patience, and long-term planning → How institutional-level tax and investment strategies are now accessible to business owners → Why tax planning must happen before December 31, not after About the Guest Mark Miller, RFC, is CEO of Hilton Tax & Wealth Advisors and Manager of the Hilton Family Office. With nearly 40 years of experience, Mark helps business owners and executives legally reduce taxes, maximize deductions, and structure wealth for long term growth and legacy preservation. His strategies mirror those used by Fortune 500 firms and elite families, including the Hiltons. Audience Gift Mark is offering listeners a complimentary copy of his book, including Hilton Wealth: How to Invest Like an American Dynasty and The Tax Free Business Owner. Connect with Mark → Website: https://www.hiltonwealth.com/ → LinkedIn: Mark Miller https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmiller-hiltonfo/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you try to sell a business that isn’t ready, and why do eighty percent of companies fail to sell at all This week on Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth, Gary talks with Stephen H. Wagner, CFP, CEPA, CEO of Integrity Wealth Advisors and one of the few financial planners who deeply understand both the emotional and economic sides of money. Stephen brings decades of experience helping business owners navigate growth, long-term planning, and the complex exit path most entrepreneurs don’t think about until it’s too late. From fiduciary responsibility to devastating business-sale statistics, Stephen breaks down what every owner must know if they want long-term success and a future they won’t regret. → Why eighty percent of businesses never sell, and why seventy-five percent of the ones that do sell regret it within a year. 08.28 → How fiduciary advisors legally must put your interests first and why that matters more than ever. 03.26 → The two types of business owners and the financial traps both fall into. 12.53 → How to prepare your business years before an exit to maximize value. 08.28–09.26 → Why emotions and politics ruin financial decision-making and how Stephen teaches clients to stay focused on facts. 18.45 → The real value of a trusted advisor who keeps you invested, organized, and thinking clearly through volatility. 21.22 Call to Action Subscribe to Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth for honest conversations that help you build a smarter, more profitable business and a stronger financial future. Connect with Stephen Wagner. www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-h-wagner-cfp Connect with Gary Heldt. www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do the most successful entrepreneurs understand about money that struggling business owners never figure out? In this powerful episode of Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth, guest host Jack Reeder sits down with Phil Zuckerman, National Lead Faculty for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. Phil brings nearly fifty years of entrepreneurial experience and decades of mentoring business owners who want more than revenue. They want real wealth, real options, and a business that thrives long after they are done running it. Phil breaks down the difference between growth and value, why most entrepreneurs underprice themselves, the mindset shifts that separate founders who succeed from founders who burn out, and the surprising truth about cash flow versus profit. This conversation will challenge how you think about your business and provide a more straightforward path to long-term success. Key Takeaways → Why most founders start with passion instead of financial literacy, and how that slows growth → The surprising reason cash flow problems are often solved without raising capital → The mindset upgrades every entrepreneur needs, including gratitude, risk tolerance, and self-awareness → The fundamental difference between growing revenue and building a business that someone will buy → Why pricing should always align with value and how undercharging often signals a confidence issue → How to prepare your business for exit long before you think you need to Featured Quote from Phil “We exist because the customer gives us cash, but we live in the margin. That is what separates one business from another.” Listen and learn why margins, mindset, and mastery of your numbers determine the future of your business. Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with another business owner who wants to build wealth, not just revenue. Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philzuckerman Connect with Jack on LinkedIn Please share, like, and subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to succeed in franchising when so many people still believe it is passive income? This week on Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth with Gary Heldt, Gary sits down with Brittney Lincoln, Partner and VP of Franchise at Limitless Franchise Growth and Founder of Females in Franchising. With over thirteen years of experience across home services, beauty, fitness, wellness, medical, dog training, and Pilates franchises, Brittney offers an honest, practical look at what franchising truly requires. Brittney breaks down one of the industry's biggest misconceptions. Many people think franchising is “mailbox money,” meaning passive income with little involvement. In reality, franchising only works when the owner executes the model, leads the team, and stays engaged in the business every day. Execution beats money, intelligence, or excitement every time. She also shares the trifecta every buyer should evaluate before choosing a brand, the dangers of franchisors scaling too quickly, and why more women should consider franchising as their second act. Brittney’s passion project, Females in Franchising, is a new online community designed to support collaboration, mentorship, and shared knowledge across the franchising world. Key Takeaways → Why franchising is not passive income and requires real execution → What “no mailbox money” actually means inside a franchise system → How poor franchisor infrastructure creates long-term problems → The three-part trifecta every buyer must evaluate → Why more women should consider franchising as their next act → How mentorship and collaboration accelerate success in franchising Quote from Brittney: “There is no mailbox money in franchising. Maybe vending machines, but you still have to go and fill the vending machine.” Connect to Brittney on LinkedIn: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your story is the one thing that changes everything in your business? On Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with media visibility expert and Cre8tive Con founder Julie Lokun for a powerful conversation about the real drivers of visibility. Julie shares how she moved from journalism to law to entrepreneurship and discovered that every business grows when its story is clear, confident, and consistently shared. She explains why earned media beats paid ads, why your digital footprint matters more than ever, and how any entrepreneur can begin simple PR steps without a big budget. Julie also breaks down crisis transparency, on-camera confidence, and how a strong story becomes your most significant competitive advantage. Key Takeaways • Your story is the strongest part of your brand • Earned media builds trust faster than paid promotion • Visibility grows through clarity and repetition • Transparency wins during a crisis • Every business owner can start PR today Visibility Tools Julie Recommends • Google Alerts shows where your name appears online • Google Trends highlights what topics are heating up • MUCKRACK helps you find journalists in your niche • Twitter is a prime place for journalist requests using journorequests or journorequest • Featured connects publishers with expert voices • Help a Reporter Out HARO connects journalists and sources • Qwoted helps reporters find reliable experts • Blogging on your site and on Medium strengthens your authority and digital footprint Julie's quote: “Your voice is your currency. When people see it clearly, everything changes.” Explore Cre8tive Con at cre8tivecon.com and reach Julie at julie@cre8tivecon.com Catch the latest episodes of Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth on your favorite podcast platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to transform a neighborhood into a thriving business community? On Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with Mark Burns, Executive Director of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District. Mark draws on more than 20 years of experience in real estate leasing, government property management, and community revitalization to explain how small businesses can tap into local resources, avoid costly leasing mistakes, and position themselves for long-term success. From negotiating city-owned properties to managing major Miami capital projects, Mark has seen it all. His insider perspective gives business owners a clear understanding of how government works, how Business Improvement Districts operate, and how to use these resources to grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainably. This conversation is packed with real strategy, clear examples, and lessons every business owner should hear. Key Takeaways → Why Business Improvement Districts give small businesses more power than acting alone → How Coconut Grove was revitalized into one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods → The most significant mistakes business owners make when signing leases → Why business owners miss out on grants and free resources → How long-term planning protects businesses from future economic swings → How entrepreneurs can build influence and gain a board seat in their district Featured Quote from Mark Burns “The people who step out of their routine are the ones who succeed.” To learn more about Coconut Grove’s Business Improvement District or to connect with Mark, visit CoconutGrove.com. Follow Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth for more conversations that help business owners strengthen their financial future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could legally pay zero taxes while building wealth around the world? In this episode, Gary sits down with Mikkel Thorup, the world’s most sought-after expat consultant and the Founder and CEO of Expat Money. Mikkel has spent more than 25 years traveling to 120 countries, living in 9 of them, and building a thriving international consulting firm that helps high-net-worth clients reduce taxes, secure second residencies, and build global investment portfolios. He breaks down the truth behind the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, why residency matters more than people think, how offshore banking protects you from government freezes, and what countries offer the most favorable territorial tax systems. Mikkel also shares his personal story of overcoming dyslexia, dropping out of school, and designing a life and business that spans the globe. This conversation gives you the facts that most professionals never learn. If you have ever wondered how wealthy people legally reduce taxes, diversify risk, and expand their options beyond the United States, this episode opens that door. Key Takeaways → Understanding the two global tax models and why the United States is unique in taxing citizens, no matter where they live → How the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion works and the difference between the physical presence test and bona fide residency → Why offshore banking is an essential part of a financial plan B, and when it protects you from domestic account freezes → What territorial taxation means and why countries like Panama, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Belize attract entrepreneurs → How active income and passive income differ for expats and how classification affects legal tax reduction → Why obtaining legal residency or a second citizenship is the foundation for any global tax strategy Quote From Mikkel Thorup “I tell everybody this. You can legally pay less tax, invest globally, and increase your freedom, but you must follow the rules and structure your life correctly. That is the real secret.” Ready to explore tax reduction, global residency, or international investments? Connect with Mikkel at ExpatMoney.com to access his newsletter, resources, and consulting options. Catch every new episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth with Gary Heldt wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if a single decision could save a business owner thousands in taxes every year? On Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth, guest host Samuel Russell sits down with Rob Brand, tax strategist at Comprehensive Business Services in Newark, Delaware, for an eye-opening conversation on tax structure, S Corporation strategy, retirement planning, and what business owners get wrong about their numbers. Rob breaks down how S Corporations really work, why most LLC owners are paying more than they should, how retirement accounts like SEP IRAs and self-directed IRAs can be used for real estate investing, and the huge difference proactive tax planning makes. He also talks about the ideal client he helps, the biggest mistakes he sees business owners make, and when to start planning for an exit. This episode is packed with simple explanations, clear examples, and strategies business owners can use immediately. ─────────────────────────────── Key Takeaways → Why S Corporation election can dramatically reduce self-employment taxes for LLC owners → How reasonable compensation works and why it matters for compliance and planning → The retirement accounts business owners should know, including SEP IRA and defined benefit plans → How self-directed IRAs allow business owners to buy and sell real estate tax-sheltered → Why proactive planning beats tax-season panic every time → The number one mistake business owners make when trying to grow Featured Quote from Rob Brand “Tax savings are all about strategy and looking forward. If you walk into your tax appointment in February asking what you can fix from last year, the answer is nothing. The runway is already gone.” ─────────────────────────────── If you're a business owner wondering whether you’re paying more taxes than necessary, now is the time to talk to a professional. Connect with Rob Brand at CBS Tax Pro Phone: 302 353 0084 Website: https://www.cbstaxpro.com/ And be sure to subscribe to Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth, hosted by Gary Heldt, for more insight, strategy, and real-world conversations that help business owners succeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your path to financial freedom wasn’t through Wall Street—but through oil wells, real estate, and smart private equity? This week, Gary Heldt welcomes Bryan Hancock, Founder of Integrity Development and Texas Freedom Fund, to share how he built a career turning real estate and alternative assets into long-term wealth. From developing 50+ urban infill projects in Austin to structuring private equity funds that generate both income and tax advantages, Bryan reveals the investment strategies that protect capital while growing it. He opens up about lessons learned through market cycles, how to properly vet alternative investments, and why financial freedom starts with a clear life vision—not just returns. If you’ve ever wondered how high-net-worth investors combine real estate, oil and gas, and private equity into one powerful strategy, this conversation is your blueprint. 5 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Diversification beyond the stock market – Bryan explains why alternative investments like real estate and energy assets are vital for wealth protection and tax efficiency. 2️⃣ Understanding risk – Every deal carries risk, but smart investors minimize exposure by doing due diligence and partnering with experienced operators. 3️⃣ Tax benefits of energy investing – Learn how intangible drilling costs (IDCs) can offer near-dollar-for-dollar deductions against active income. 4️⃣ Relationship-driven investing – The best deals grow from trust. Bryan shares why starting small and scaling up with trusted partners matters. 5️⃣ Designing your legacy – Financial conversations should begin with your life goals—then build your wealth plan around the future you want. Quote from Bryan: “Financial conversations should start with your life conversation—what life are you trying to design?” Guest Information: Bryan Hancock Founder, Integrity Development | Co-Founder, Texas Freedom Fund 📍 Austin, Texas 💼 Expertise: Real Estate Development, Capital Syndication, Private Equity, Alternative Investments 🎓 MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship, Texas Christian University 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Bryan Hancock | LinkedIn 📧 Message Bryan on LinkedIn with the word “FREEDOM” to learn more about the Texas Freedom Fund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when legal strategy meets human understanding? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Barry Goldwater sits down with Lisa M. Cukier, Partner at Rubin Rudman LLP, to explore how empathy and expertise intersect in the world of family law, trust and estate matters, and fiduciary services. Lisa shares how her concierge-level approach helps families and individuals manage life’s most sensitive transitions — from complex divorces and guardianships to multigenerational estate planning and wealth preservation. As both a strategist and advocate, she guides high-net-worth clients, fiduciaries, and family offices through deeply personal legal matters with discretion, insight, and heart. Through decades of experience, Lisa has developed a unique blend of legal mastery and emotional intelligence — using creativity, collaboration, and compassion to help clients protect what matters most. Her approach reminds us that even in high-stakes law, humanity and clarity can lead the way. 💡 Key Takeaways → Why empathy is a strategic advantage in family and wealth law → How to protect clients’ interests in emotionally charged cases → Lessons from leadership and teamwork inside a major law firm → What “concierge-level” fiduciary service really looks like → How creativity and compassion can solve problems beyond the law “When I meet with a client, I’m absorbing and intuiting — but I’m also plotting a path forward. The law gives me parameters, but real solutions come from creativity and compassion.” – Lisa M. Cukier 🎙️ Hosted by Barry Goldwater for Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth Learn more about Lisa M. Cukier and her work at Rubin Rudman LLP: 👉 https://www.rubinrudman.com/attorney/lisa-m-cukier/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices