Tag: Financial Planning

How to Protect Your Loved Ones: Special Needs Trusts Explained with April Rosenberry (Ep. 60)

How to Protect Your Loved Ones: Special Needs Trusts Explained with April Rosenberry (Ep. 60)

As the 2026 estate tax law changes inch closer, the risk of costly financial missteps is rising for those who don’t plan ahead. 

Failing to act now could mean losing millions in taxes.

Robert Curtiss welcomes back April Rosenberry, Director of Estate, Tax, and Financial Planning, to offer valuable insights into the upcoming tax exemptions and what they really mean for estate owners.  Together, they examine why proactive estate planning is more critical than ever—especially for families with special needs beneficiaries. 

Tune in as they also explore SEIA’s unique, holistic approach, revealing how a collaborative strategy can bring peace of mind in the face of an ever-changing financial landscape.

Key topics discussed include:

  • How 2026’s estate tax law changes will reduce exemptions and why early planning is critical
  • The role of special needs trusts when it comes to protecting beneficiaries without losing access to government aid
  • SEIA’s commitment to working with legal professionals to provide tailored, stress-free estate planning
  • Why flexible trust language is vital for adapting to changing family circumstances
  • How a proactive, all-inclusive approach can secure your family’s long-term financial stability
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with April Rosenberry:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

April Rosenberry has been a tax attorney for over 25 years. With Bar licenses in California and New York, April specializes in estate planning, company structuring, and litigation. She has represented banks and corporations in court, earning recognition and numerous awards.

April excels in developing departments for companies, expanding client offerings, and managing legal teams in law firms, financial institutions, and wealth advisory firms. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CSUN in 1995, a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 1998, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from USD School of Law in 1999.

Recognized in Modern Luxury magazine, April has received a Trifecta Award and is designated a Five Star Professional. She contributes to scholarly articles for the American Bar Association and the ACFLS Journal, in addition to speaking engagements and pro bono work for Wills for Heroes. A member of various associations, she enjoys yoga, performing arts, and traveling with her family.

The Five Pillars of Performance with PJ Nestler (Ep. 59)

The Five Pillars of Performance with PJ Nestler (Ep. 59)

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’m not a runner” or “I can’t”?

We’ve all been there. 

But this episode of The Millionaire Next Door is about identifying these limiting beliefs to ultimately embrace and enhance our lives! 

Tune in as Rob Curtiss explores these concepts with PJ Nestler from XPT Life. They unveil how holistic strategies can impact our financial and personal success while uncovering insights on financial planning, breaking mental barriers, and adopting a growth mindset for a more fulfilling life. 

Talking points include: 

  • How limiting beliefs can restrain our potential and ways to overcome them
  • Leveraging a growth mindset to enhance resilience and perseverance in all areas of life
  • Exploring the relationship between holistic health practices and overall performance
  • Strategies for integrating these concepts into our financial planning and personal development journey
  • And more! 

Resources:

Connect with PJ Nestler:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

PJ Nestler enjoys solving complex problems, building systems for organizational leadership, and democratizing comprehensive methodologies from human performance into frameworks and tools to empower fitness professionals and consumers. In his current role as the Vice President of Performance at FitLab Inc., he is responsible for building education curriculums and translating the world’s best training systems from iconic athletes into authentic and exciting consumer experiences.

PJ is a human performance specialist, international speaker, educator, and coach with extensive experience preparing the world’s top athletes for competition. During his 18+ years in the industry, he’s trained hundreds of athletes from the UFC, NFL, and NHL, along with dozens of other professional, Olympic, and collegiate sports. Over the last decade, PJ has evolved into education as a speaker and consultant in the areas of performance breathing, human performance, combat athlete preparation, mindset, and recovery working with US Military Special Operations groups, professional sports teams, and executives around the world.

Navigating Alternative Investments with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 55)

Navigating Alternative Investments with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 55)

Private equity might sound complex, but it simply means investing in companies that aren’t listed on public stock exchanges.

Are you ready to uncover the world of private equity and alternative investments?

This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss, CFP®, welcomes Phil Huber from Cliffwater to explore the fascinating world of private equity and alternative investments. 

Tune in as they cover the potential advantages of private investments while mentioning ways they can represent a valuable addition to a well-rounded portfolio, especially for those seeking a work-optional lifestyle. 

Rob and Phil discuss:

  • The dynamics between public and private equity markets and why private equity is becoming increasingly attractive
  • The evolution of Cliffwater and its commitment to providing accessible, diversified private debt and equity opportunities
  • Some intricacies of alternative investments, including co-investments and secondary transactions
  • Insights into how even the ‘millionaire next door’ can benefit from sophisticated investment strategies historically reserved for large institutions
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Phil Huber:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Prior to joining Cliffwater, Phil was the Chief Investment Officer for Savant Wealth Management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has attained his Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.

Phil has been featured in a number of notable media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, InvestmentNews, CityWire RIA Magazine, and Bloomberg TV. From 2018-2020, he was named one of Investopedia’s Top Financial Advisors. Phil was also named CIO of the Year by RIA Intel in 2023.

Essential Steps in Estate Planning with Roger Silk (Ep. 51)

Essential Steps in Estate Planning with Roger Silk (Ep. 51)

Did you know that more than two-thirds of adult Americans have yet to implement any form of estate planning? 

Even high-profile figures like Prince and Pablo Picasso faced chaotic and costly consequences because they lacked a proper plan.

Join Rob Curtiss alongside Roger Silk, CEO of Sterling Foundation Management LLC, for a deep dive into the essentials of estate planning. 

Get ready to learn how to set up a secure and impactful legacy, understand the implications of the upcoming 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and explore strategies to mitigate taxes and avoid probate, all while ensuring your wishes are honored.

Rob and Roger discuss:

  • The value of having a well-structured estate plan to avoid unnecessary legal battles and high taxes
  • Real-life stories of high-profile individuals who faced estate planning disasters
  • Insights into the 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and its potential impact on estate and gift taxes
  • Strategies for managing and diversifying highly appreciated assets to minimize tax liabilities
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Roger Silk:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Roger Silk, Ph.D., is the CEO of Sterling Foundation Management, LLC, and President of Lifetime Perspectives, Inc. Roger is widely recognized as a leading expert and innovator in the emerging field at the intersection of finance and philanthropy. 

Roger has more than three decades of experience working with and advising wealthy clients, high-net-worth families, and the advisors who work with them on a variety of issues ranging from the use of private foundations to the integration of sophisticated charitable planning into multi-generational estate plans. He has worked with numerous investment, accounting, financial planning, and legal professionals to educate them, their firms, and their clients about the benefits and characteristics of a full suite of solutions, entities, and planning tools.

Episode 50 Special: Caring for Aging Loved Ones with Mary Winners

Episode 50 Special: Caring for Aging Loved Ones with Mary Winners

Did you know that 78% of people in assisted living still feel lonely despite the communal environment? 

This underscores the importance of not only financial planning but also emotional and social planning as we age.

Join Rob Crutiss as he welcomes Mary Winners, founder of About Senior Solutions™, to discuss the complexities of aging and the importance of comprehensive planning for diminished capacity, whether physical or mental. 

Get ready to hear practical advice and real-life anecdotes to learn how you can prepare for the future and strive for a brighter outcome for yourself and your loved ones.

Rob and Mary talk about:

  • The significance of proactive planning to avoid crises as you age
  • Physical and mental challenges of the elderly, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia 
  • Insights into developing a personalized care plan that acknowledges your wishes
  • The role of technology and community in supporting aging individuals
  • The costs and common struggles associated with caring for the elderly
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mary Winners:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Mary Winners has over a decade of experience in healthcare. While physicians and nurses provide medical recommendations, Mary understands the other side of health care-the confusing maze of healthcare options and unknowns. She has extensive knowledge in acute care hospitalization, Gero-psychiatric issues, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice, assisted living, and other senior care options. 

As a noted speaker and adviser, Mary has provided expert services to a wide variety of seniors in every economic category. Her ability to accurately pinpoint and guide families as they deal with emotionally life-changing events gives Mary unparalleled insights.

In 2023, Mary was appointed Commissioner for Older Adults by The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Process-Oriented Financial Insights For Long-term Success with Will Gibson (Ep. 47)

Process-Oriented Financial Insights For Long-term Success with Will Gibson (Ep. 47)

Do you need help to make sense of all the financial noise in the market?

Cut through the noise and learn tips and tricks to make informed investment decisions with clarity and confidence by playing this week’s episode of The Millionaire Next Door. 

Listen as Will Gibson, chartered financial analyst (CFA) and research analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, joins host Robert Curtiss to navigate the world of technical analysis and trend-following strategies in investment management. 

This episode offers valuable insights into leveraging data-driven decision-making and sticking to a systematic process to navigate market complexities effectively. 

Rob and Will discuss:

  • The value of following disciplined and systematic processes in financial planning
  • Point figure charting for objective buy and sell signals
  • Leveraging technical analysis to eliminate market noise 
  • Challenges of emotional decision-making and market timing
  • Compounding and timing wealth management
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Will Gibson:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Will Gibson, CFA, currently works as a Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative capital market strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. He joined the team as an intern in 2018 and now produces macro technical research for the firm’s clients and Daily Market Report. Other involvements include indicator testing, adaptive modeling, and furthering the firm’s media/educational efforts. 

Preserving Capital in Retirement with David Marra (Ep. 43)

Preserving Capital in Retirement with David Marra (Ep. 43)

Have you considered the significance of safeguarding your capital and managing risks during retirement? How does capital preservation play a role in maintaining a stable stream of income?

Join Rob Curtiss and his guest, David Marra, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Markin Asset Management, LP, as they navigate the connection between finance and technology, specifically delving into David’s expertise in quantitative investment research and machine learning. 

But that’s not everything! David and Rob also explore the importance of capital preservation and effective risk management, focusing on ensuring a stable stream of retirement income. 

Rob and David touch on:

  • David’s career and how it led to his focus on capital preservation and quantitative investment research
  • The importance of capital preservation leading up to retirement
  • Mitigating risk during market volatility
  • Ways the pandemic impacted investment strategies
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with David Marra:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

David Marra is the Chief Investment Officer at Markin Asset Management, LP.  David has been an invited speaker on quantitative asset management at numerous family offices, hedge funds, conferences, and organizations, including ALTSLA, NAPFA, and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). 

Throughout his career, David has developed a unique ability to explain complex portfolio concepts in a language allocators can use in client communications. David previously founded a quantitative research firm serving institutional asset managers and funds. His three decades of experience include advising C-level executives at some of the world’s leading asset management and pharmaceutical firms as a Principal with The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). 

Earlier in his career, he was the Founder & CEO of a search engine technology firm overseeing over 70 researchers and technologists. David received an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, where he was a Fellowship recipient.

From Denial to Deliberate: Planning for Life’s Final Moments with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 42)

From Denial to Deliberate: Planning for Life’s Final Moments with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 42)

We like to plan for education, weddings, raising children, and even retirement. But no one likes to plan for (or even talk about) the end of life.

It’s overwhelming…but also immensely important!

Join host Robert Curtiss and returning guest Pat Miles Zimmerman, author of “Before All Is Said and Done: Practical Advice on Living and Dying Well,” as they highlight the numerous challenges that follow the unexpected death of a loved one and help you plan for them — so you don’t have to learn them the hard way.

Rob and Pat explore:

  • The need to overcome denial of death and plan ahead, irrespective of age
  • Personal stories and advice from Pat’s book
  • The importance of attending to the details (e.g., managing passwords and subscriptions)
  • How an intention letter can avoid major family conflicts down the road
  • How to NOT leave behind a “trail of tears” for your loved ones after you’re gone
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Pat Miles Zimmerman, esteemed for her professionalism by viewers, listeners, and colleagues, became one of the Minneapolis region’s premier television news anchors and radio talk hosts.

After earning her master’s degree in journalism at the University of Missouri, Pat worked in both radio and television news in Colorado before joining WCCO TV in 1978 as a reporter and weekend anchor. Her intelligent reporting and authoritative delivery soon brought her to the anchor desk of WCCO’s 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM newscasts.

She covered every major news event for WCCO TV but was most proud of A Time to Weep, her documentary on the famine in Africa. In 1990, she moved to KARE TV, where she anchored the 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM newscasts and developed A Pat Miles Special, using her writing and interviewing prowess to tell the stories of notable Minnesotans. 

When she left TV news in 2001, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming the host of The Pat Miles Show on weekday mornings on WCCO Radio.

A role model for women in the industry, Pat has received numerous honors for her work in broadcasting and the community, including the National Television Academy’s Silver Circle Award. She is also in the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

How To Save Your Way To Freedom with Tyson Ray (Ep. 41)

How To Save Your Way To Freedom with Tyson Ray (Ep. 41)

Wealth isn’t about just numbers…

Would you agree?

Join host Robert Curtiss and special guest Tyson Ray, CFP®, CExP®, and CIMA® from FORM Wealth Advisors in this eye-opening episode of The Millionaire Next Door!

Together, they unravel the lesser-known aspects of wealth management while talking about their approach to guiding individuals toward a life of choice and comfort beyond the balance sheet.

Rob and Tyson explore:

  • Changing the meaning of financial success to match wealth with personal goals and dreams
  • Moving from careful saving to spending with confidence
  • The value of client-advisor communication when planning for a strong financial future
  • The role of financial advisors when helping their clients create meaningful legacies and increasing the happiness that comes from their wealth
  • Key lessons from Tyson’s book “The Total Relationship” 
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Tyson Ray:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About  Our Guest:

FORM Wealth Advisors | CEO, Founding Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Over the past 25+ years, Tyson Ray has sought to expand his knowledge and expertise through Yale School of Management, Investment Management Theory & Practice, CIMA Certification Registration Education Program, including obtaining the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) Certification and through the College for Financial Planning for the CFP® Certification, including obtaining CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Certification. Tyson received his Certification in Business Exit Planning to better help entrepreneurs and business owners make the transition of selling their life’s work.

Tyson has been named a 2018-2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor**, 2021-2023 Barron’s Top 1200*, and a 2005-2023 Chairman’s Council Advisor***. He is also a member of the Financial Planning Association of Wisconsin. He has been recognized for his many philanthropic endeavors in the community, including the Invest in Others Global Community Impact Award and REP. Magazine’s Advisor with a Heart Award for Sustainable Charity for his ongoing work with Ray’s non-profit, Children’s World Impact.

Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc.  FORM Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax advice. Form Wealth Advisors is located at 431 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147 and you can reach the office at 262-686-3005.

Tyson Ray was named to the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 edition of the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors. Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors 2023, is based on the period from 09/30/2021 – 09/30/2022 and was released on 03/15/2023. 5,630 nominations were received and 1,200 won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More: https://www.raymondjames.com/awarddisclosures/#2023-barrons-top-1200.

Tyson Ray was named to the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 edition of the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors. 2023 Forbes Top Wealth Advisors Best-In-State, developed by Shook Research, is based on the period from 6/30/2021 to 6/30/2022 and was released on 4/4/2023. 39,007 nominations were received and 7,321 advisors won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More: https://go.rjf.com/3KsXbF7. Please see https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors for more info.

Tyson Ray was named as a Chairman’s Council Advisor, 2005-2023. Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually. The ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of advisor’s future performance. No fee is paid in exchange for this award/rating.

Trust and Transparency: The Foundation of a Successful Advisor-Client Relationship with Mike Cy (Ep. 39)

Trust and Transparency: The Foundation of a Successful Advisor-Client Relationship with Mike Cy (Ep. 39)

Advisors, are you currently evolving your business? 

What opportunities and information might your clients miss if you don’t continue growing your practice?

This week, Rob Curtiss brings back Mike Cy, a returning guest and business consultant at Pareto Systems. Rob and Mike discuss the importance of communication and building relationships with clients and explain why it is valuable to both of them.

Listen in as they touch on the value of aligning and personalizing services to their client’s unique needs while addressing all things market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and alternative investment strategies. 

Rob and Mike explore:

  • Reasons advisors should continually evolve their financial advisory practice depending on their client’s unique needs 
  • Client engagement as an essential financial planning component 
  • The comprehensive role of a financial advisor beyond basic financial advice
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Cy:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. has enjoyed a 14-year career in the financial services industry. Mike is a passionate and energetic leader who enjoys developing business refinement and practice management strategies and thrives on helping his clients achieve their goals.

He got his start in the industry at a large insurance marketing organization, where he consulted financial advisors across the country with product and marketing solutions for their businesses. It was during his time with this firm that he was introduced to Pareto Systems and began learning about the Pareto Process.

After six years of coaching and consulting advisers, Mike decided to become a financial advisor himself and built a practice with his father in Overland Park, KS. Together, they managed millions of dollars of assets and utilized various insurance-based products. In an incredibly competitive marketplace, Mike knew the value of creating professional contrast and began implementing many of Pareto’s processes.