Tag: Financial Planning

As We Transition From Summer to Fall: Reflecting on Financial, Estate, Investment, and Tax Topics (Ep. 37)

As We Transition From Summer to Fall: Reflecting on Financial, Estate, Investment, and Tax Topics (Ep. 37)

At 37 episodes, The Millionaire Next Door Podcast has explored a multitude of topics, from financial planning tips to life-changing experiences and lessons. 

Each conversation contains helpful information and resources you can use and refer to! 

In this episode, Rob Curtiss shares his top-of-mind topics, ranging from general finances to estate, tax, and investment planning. Rob highlights how different aspects of planning evolve with changing needs and how his podcast provides valuable advice for existing and potential clients.

Rob discusses:

  • How his podcast and the stories on it can help people learn beneficial financial lessons
  • The process behind estate planning and the importance of frequent updates
  • Strategies when navigating investments and tax implications
  • The value of regular client-advisor communication and check-ins 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Revolutionizing Financial Planning For The Aging Population with Tom West (Ep. 36)

Revolutionizing Financial Planning For The Aging Population with Tom West (Ep. 36)

Whether you or a loved one is reaching a point where you need more care, it may be challenging (but not impossible!) to find the right plan for your needs. 

What strategy is the best? How much will it cost? Should you move to a senior home or hire caretakers?

In this episode, Rob Curtiss is joined by a fellow SEIA colleague from the East Coast, Tom West, who has developed a process to address the challenges of medical care and aging. Rob and Tom cover the importance of navigating dynastic issues within families and the need for financial advisors to understand and meet the changing financial needs of senior clients as their health changes.

Tom discusses:

  • The importance of addressing and shifting priorities when it comes to caregiving
  • Reasons caregiving impacts the caregiver’s health and the value of support and respite for them, too
  • What you need to know about Life Care Affordability Planning® and its focus on medical prognosis and planning for care
  • The value of having a methodical process (such as estate planning documents) in place
  • Some of the challenges faced by the aging population and the impact the pandemic has had on senior housing and the healthcare industry
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Tom West:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Thomas C. West, CLU®, ChFC®, AIF®, is a Senior Partner in SEIA’s Virginia office. Tom has a robust wealth management practice that emphasizes cash flow in all stages of retirement with an emphasis on planning and asset management for families facing the challenge of health-related dependency due to disability, illness, or death. Tom also has significant experience in issues related to suitable and ethical financial strategies for incapacitated seniors.

Is Private Lending the Future of Investments? with Phil Hasbrouck (Ep. 35)

Is Private Lending the Future of Investments? with Phil Hasbrouck (Ep. 35)

Are you interested in exploring the future of the financial and investment landscape and the contribution the private lending arena can bring to the field? 

In this episode, Rob Curtiss is joined by Phil Hasbrouck, the co-head of Cliffwater’s asset management business. Phil sheds light on the growing private lending market and what Cliffwater brings to the space. Phil also explains the opportunities and risks associated with investing in private debt, emphasizing the importance of conservative underwriting and its ability to navigate economic downturns.

Phil explores:

  • How private lending has grown to the multimillion-dollar market it is today
  • The importance of understanding the risks associated with private lenders
  • Some risks and return characteristics of private lending
  • The fees and cost savings that come with working with firms like Cliffwater
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Phil Hasbrouck:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Phil Hasbrouck is the co-head of Cliffwater’s asset management business. In this role, Phil leads the firm’s asset management distribution efforts and is involved with product development and positioning, business development, and managing client relationships.

Unveiling the Fiduciary Approach of Signature Estate and Investment Advisors (SEIA) (Ep. 33)

Unveiling the Fiduciary Approach of Signature Estate and Investment Advisors (SEIA) (Ep. 33)

Financial and investment advisors are all about creating the best financial plan for their client’s needs. 

But how does Signature Estate and Investment Advisors (SEIA) set themselves apart from the crowd?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss is back to basics! Rob talks about SEIA’s services and approach while emphasizing their independence and fiduciary responsibility to prioritize clients’ best interests. 

Tune in and explore the firm’s investment strategies to help clients gain the most from their portfolios. 

Rob discusses:

  • What it means to be a full fiduciary and independent wealth management firm
  • The importance of having regular conversations with clients when building their financial and investment plan
  • Why alternative investments and private debt could be beneficial investments 
  • SEIA’s ideal clients 
  • How he builds personalized relationships with his clients, and why
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Let’s Communicate Before We’re Gone with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 31)

Let’s Communicate Before We’re Gone with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 31)

Can you imagine being in a situation where your spouse passes away, and you have no idea about their finances?

It can be an overwhelming and complex journey, to say the least. 

In this episode, Pat Miles Zimmerman joins Rob Curtiss to talk about her experience losing her husband and the struggle of sorting out financial and legal components while navigating the fog of grief. 

Sharing valuable insights from her book, “Before All Is Said And Done,”  Pat reveals what she didn’t know about her husband’s estate and the problems that surfaced from the lack of information she first had access to.

Pat discusses:

  • How she lost her husband and why she chose to share her experience
  • The value of having a written record of your financial plans
  • Why you should consider writing an ‘intention letter’ 
  • The cost of not communicating with your loved ones 
  • From passwords to the key of your safety deposit box: Tips and tricks to getting organized 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Pat Miles Zimmerman:

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.

The Role of Alternative Investments In Investment Planning with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 29)

The Role of Alternative Investments In Investment Planning with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 29)

With market volatility and political uncertainty being a few reasons, the truth is that the investment market doesn’t always cooperate with our portfolios.

But as an advisor, how can alternative investments protect our client’s portfolios? Do you know?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Sam talks about the role of alternative investments in building (and diversifying) a portfolio and the ways they are being integrated within existing client investment plans.

Sam discusses:

  • What you need to know about alternative investments
  • The four key tenets of SEIA’s due diligence process 
  • What kind of income and volatility do alternative investments face compared to public stock markets
  • How institutional investment strategies have trickled down to investment advisory firms and the changes that have been made for individuals rather than institutions
  • The value of identifying what’s important to your clients
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Sam Miller:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.

Measuring Longevity Risk: Here’s What You Need To Know About SEIA’s Wealth GPS with Julia Fahlen (Ep. 28)

Measuring Longevity Risk: Here’s What You Need To Know About SEIA’s Wealth GPS with Julia Fahlen (Ep. 28)

Your health and longevity play a crucial role when it comes to your financial future, especially when it comes to retirement planning. 

Get ready to explore the fascinating world of longevity risk and why it’s becoming an increasingly important topic for people of all ages in this episode of The Millionaire Next Door.

This week, Robert Curtiss is joined by fellow team member and wealth coordinator at SEIA, Julia Fahlen, to unpack the ins and outs of the firm’s Wealth GPS and its role in measuring their clients’ longevity risk to ensure they don’t run out of money in retirement.

Rob and Julia discuss:

  • Ways SEIA Wealth GPS provides a holistic approach to evaluating their clients’ financial picture
  • The firm’s cash flow modeling system and reasons it’s a critical component when it comes to financial planning 
  • Tips for handling finances (and spending) going into and in retirement
  • The value of being mindful of your finances 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Julia Fahlen:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Julia Fahlen, CPA, is a Wealth Coordinator in SEIA’s Pasadena office. She assists with gathering information needed to create client profiles for financial reports and plans.

Previously, Julia worked at Deloitte Tax LLP in the National Federal Tax Services group, assisting companies deduct transaction costs.

Here’s What You Need To Know About Value-Added Service Teams with Mike Cy (Ep. 27)

Here’s What You Need To Know About Value-Added Service Teams with Mike Cy (Ep. 27)

Professionals collaborating with other professionals can lead to more creative solutions, more innovative ideas, and ultimately better results for advisors and their clients.

In this episode, Rob Curtiss is joined by returning guest and business consultant at Pareto Systems, Mike Cy, to talk about value-added service teams while referring to the importance of advisors collaborating with like-minded advisors to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.

Listen in and discover how Rob’s relationship with his clients goes beyond their investments and the ways he leverages strategic partnerships within his business.

Rob and Mike discuss:

  • Ways the financial planning strategy they have been building together can benefit you and your clients 
  • Why (and how) to incorporate life coaching aspects into your client’s financial planning process
  • Tips and tricks you need to build valuable connections with other professionals within your industry
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Mike Cy:

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 that 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.

Exploring The Benefits of Direct Indexing with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 26)

Exploring The Benefits of Direct Indexing with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 26)

Want to know how to personalize and customize your investment portfolio while potentially gaining tax benefits?

Let us introduce you to direct indexing!

In this episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA), to talk about direct indexing and its advantages for investors. 

Listen in as they delve into various cases of direct indexing, including its tax benefits, ESG customization, and active engagement with companies.

Sam discusses:

  • Direct indexing and how it allows investors to personalize and customize their portfolio with individual stocks while applying ESG aspects
  • Various cases of direct indexing, including setting a tax budget, customizing portfolios based on ESG or faith-based values, and active engagement with companies through proxy voting
  • The minimum required for direct indexing
  • Direct indexing as a flexible and customizable tax-efficient tool (which can be used in various investment scenarios, including in IRAs).
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Sam Miller:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest: 

Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.

The Many Facets of Insurance: Here’s What You Need To Know with Dana Dattola (Ep. 25)

The Many Facets of Insurance: Here’s What You Need To Know with Dana Dattola (Ep. 25)

Planning out your insurance can widely vary, from home to auto, business, and even cyber security insurance. 

What to consider when planning or adding someone to your insurance policy? Do you know?

In this episode, Rob Curtiss speaks with Dana Dattola, a business insurance broker at Weaver & Associates. Dana details the ins and outs of insurance policies and outlines how it fits within financial and tax planning. 

Listen in as Dana shares tips for managing and understanding your insurance policy while highlighting some must-know tips to increase your insurance protection.

Dana discusses:

  • The most important tips you need to know about insurance 
  • How moving assets into an LLC changes an insurance coverage
  • The insurance coverage that’s often missed and neglected by business owners
  • The importance of maintaining documentation when it comes to home updates and renovations
  • What you should know about commercial, property, and cyber security insurance 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Dana Dattola:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Dana Dattola is a Certified Insurance Consultant (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM). Born & Raised in Los Angeles, she is a third-generation property & casualty insurance broker. Weaver & Associates specializes in assisting growth-focused Southern California-based businesses where the owner(s) are actively involved in the operations and value a culture of safety and improvement.