Tag: Retirement Planning

The Power of Personalized Retirement Planning with Jordan Cross (Ep. 38)

The Power of Personalized Retirement Planning with Jordan Cross (Ep. 38)

Having a retirement plan is the first step in building your future. 

But do you have the right plan? How can small parts of a plan work together to transform a few hundred thousand into a seven-figure retirement fund?

Get ready to explore retirement planning, wealth accumulation, and tax deduction strategies with Jordan Cross, the president of CrossPlans.

In this episode, Jordan joins Rob Curtiss to talk about the current state of qualified retirement plans, why individuals need to start planning for retirement, and the role of financial advisors when it comes to building those plans with their clients.

Jordan discusses:

  • How he got started in the financial planning industry
  • Why advisors and their clients need to start taking retirement planning more seriously
  • How qualified retirement planning can benefit business owners
  • Ways we can contribute to the growing technology industry
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jordan Cross:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Jordan Cross was born and raised in Orange County, California. He graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a double major in Political Theory and Sociology. In January 2009, after working for a professional baseball agency assisting the firm with client acquisition and number-crunching contract negotiations, Jordan decided to join Jack A. Cross & Associates, Inc. when the firm was just over two years old.

Starting with loans, distributions, and trust accounting, Jordan has moved through all administrative layers of the organization and is now an equity partner in the firm. In addition to day-to-day duties, Jordan spearheads CrossPlan’s business development, sales, and marketing while focusing on the growth and retention of the firm’s clients and centers of influence.

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.

The SECURE Act 2.0 And Its Retirement Planning Changes with Emily Vincent (Ep. 24)

The SECURE Act 2.0 And Its Retirement Planning Changes with Emily Vincent (Ep. 24)

The age requirement is only one of the changes made in the SECURE Act 2.0.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Emily Vincent, President of Douglas M. Farr and Company. Emily unpacks the retirement planning changes reflected in the SECURE Act 2.0. Additionally, when it comes to businesses and business owners, Emily reveals how the size of the company impacts the benefits of providing retirement plans to employees.

Emily discusses:

  • How the changes to the SECURE Act 2.0 impacts older retirement plans
  • Who is included in the automatic opt-in for company retirement accounts
  • How to make the most out of company retirement accounts
  • Ways the SECURE Act 2.0 is changing its approach towards spousal-related companies
  • What you should know about Long-Term Part-Time Employees (LTPTs)
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Emily Vincent:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

President of Douglas M. Farr & Company, Inc, Emily Vincent’s focus is retirement plan design and administration for businesses with 1-500 employees.

SECURE Act 2.0: Here’s What To Do Differently in 2023 (Ep. 22)

SECURE Act 2.0: Here’s What To Do Differently in 2023 (Ep. 22)

The SECURE Act 2.0 has brought significant changes to retirement planning in 2023 and beyond, especially in IRA and 401(k) plans.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares key highlights from the SECURE Act 2.0 and how you can use the new provisions to save in taxes, contribute more effectively to your retirement accounts, and improve your overall retirement picture.

Rob discusses:

  • How’s the SECURE Act 2.0 impacting required minimum distributions (RMDs)
  • When you might be able to accelerate your retirement savings
  • Legislative changes starting in 2024 (which you should start thinking about now)
  • Major changes around 529 plans, catch-up contributions, and Roth conversions
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

What’s Next For Retirement & Financial Planning (Ep. 20)

What’s Next For Retirement & Financial Planning (Ep. 20)

As time passes, client needs (and government regulations) surrounding retirement accounts change. 

So, what are some considerations advisors need to think about when it comes to building future retirement accounts?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss looks into the future. From company improvements to how government changes to retirement accounts will impact 401(k) contributions. Rob shares how he balances service to others with service to himself while still focusing on providing clients the financial care they need.

Rob discusses:

  • His approach to creating an impeccable experience for his clients
  • What makes him different from other practices
  • His focus on financial planning as the needs of his client base shifts
  • Ways the increase in retirement contribution will change retirement planning
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

The Guide You Need to Take Advantage of Your Retirement Planning Benefits with Kevin Manahan, ASA, EA, MSEA (Ep.13)

The Guide You Need to Take Advantage of Your Retirement Planning Benefits with Kevin Manahan, ASA, EA, MSEA (Ep.13)

How flexible is your retirement plan? Would you send money to the government or your employees? 

In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Kevin Manahan, vice president actuary at CMC Pension Professionals. Rob and Kevin unveil their collaborative approach to optimizing  retirement plans for business owners and their employees with a focus on cash balance plans and taxes.  

Rob and Kevin discuss:

  • Ways they tailor qualified retirement plans according to client needs and goals
  • The role of cash balance plans when it comes to selling your business in the future
  • The benefits of working alongside specialized professionals to optimize different areas of your financial and retirement plan
  • How supporting employees through financial planning can provide tax savings
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Kevin Manahan:

About Our Guest:

Kevin Manahan is an enrolled actuary (EA) as well as a member of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA). Kevin has been involved in reviewing EA enrollment exams for the Joint Board for Enrolled Actuaries. He has also spoken and conducted seminars for CPAs, brokers, and insurance clients.



2. From Prospect to Client – Welcome to SEIA

2. From Prospect to Client – Welcome to SEIA

Choosing your financial advisor out of the hundreds pushing their services can be daunting. What should you be looking for as a prospective client?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares how he works with clients, from the first meeting to building long-standing relationships. Robert discusses the lessons he has learned from clients and other advisors throughout his career, and the importance of finding the right fit for both client and advisor.

Robert discusses:

  • How he meets new clients
  • Why not all potential clients are the right fit for his business
  • How the pandemic changed the way he does business
  • The importance of continuous improvement as an advisor
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss: