Tag: Wealth Management

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:

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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.

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:

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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.

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:

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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:

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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.

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:

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3. How To Reach The Peak of Your Wealth Management Pyramid

3. How To Reach The Peak of Your Wealth Management Pyramid

A financial plan needs to be tailored to your individual needs. 

If you’re wondering where to start and how to build your personalized plan, Robert Curtiss’ wealth management pyramid approach could provide you with the guidance you need. 

In this episode, Robert reveals how he has helped his clients navigate the different stages of their wealth management from the principles of creating a financial plan to the benefits of wealth counseling. Robert highlights how each step of the wealth management pyramid contributes to the development of your overall plan.

Robert discusses:

  • The building blocks of the wealth management pyramid
  • The holistic approach of SEIA’s wealth management process
  • Reasons why family involvement is crucial when creating a financial plan
  • The benefits of wealth counseling
  • And more!

Resources:

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