Episodios

  • Episode 12: LLCs, Interest Rates, and Rebalancing: Smart Moves in a Shifting Market

    Episode 12: LLCs, Interest Rates, and Rebalancing: Smart Moves in a Shifting Market
    Jul 7 2025
    Thinking about launching a solo consulting business? We kick off this episode with a listener question about whether to choose a sole proprietorship or LLC—and how that decision affects taxes, liability, and retirement account options like a Solo 401(k). Then we shift gears and tackle a timely economic topic: why the Federal Reserve hasn’t cut interest rates yet, even as inflation cools. We break down the Fed’s dual mandate, the risks of acting too early, and how this all affects your borrowing, investing, and planning decisions. We also answer a key portfolio management question: how often should you review and rebalance your investments—especially during a volatile rate environment? And in our Tool Spotlight, we feature Kubera, a sleek net worth tracking app that gives high-net-worth individuals a consolidated, secure, and estate-ready view of their entire financial life. Got a question you’d like us to answer? Share it with us at scholarfinancialadvising.com/podcast
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    20 m
  • Episode 11: Estate Planning in Motion: Trust Strategies, IPO Tax Prep, and Smarter Umbrella Insurance

    Episode 11: Estate Planning in Motion: Trust Strategies, IPO Tax Prep, and Smarter Umbrella Insurance
    Jun 30 2025
    This week on the Scholar Advising Podcast, we’re tackling three client questions about managing wealth for the next generation and preparing for future tax changes. First, we look at how an irrevocable trust can help families lock in today’s higher estate tax exemption before the 2026 sunset—and how to align trust planning with long-term gifting goals. Next, we dive into pre-IPO planning: what to know about tax triggers, timing, and risk management when holding stock in a private company headed toward IPO. Then we discuss industry norms around umbrella insurance—what to expect when adding this type of coverage, and why many insurers require bundling with other policies. In this week’s Term of the Day, we break down Family Limited Partnerships—what they are, how they work, and why some families use this structure as part of an overall estate or gifting plan. Have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Submit it at scholarfinancialadvising.com/podcast (www.scholarfinancialadvising.com/podcast) Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice, the opinions. expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. Investing in financial markets involves risk, including the potential loss of principle, past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any investment decisions, you should consult with a qualified financial advisor, who can assess your individual financial situation, objectives and risk tolerance.
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    23 m
  • Episode 10: Planning When Plans Shift: Inflation, Impact Investing, and Helping Others Catch Up

    Episode 10: Planning When Plans Shift: Inflation, Impact Investing, and Helping Others Catch Up
    Jun 23 2025
    This week on the Scholar Advising Podcast, we’re tackling three thoughtful listener questions—each one focused on what to do when your plan, or someone else’s, needs a reset. We start with inflation: if it doesn’t cool down as expected, should you revisit your numbers? We’ll walk through how to adjust spending, allocation, and expectations without derailing your long-term goals. Next, we address how to help a friend or relative who hasn’t saved for retirement and isn’t financially confident—without overwhelming them. And for listeners curious about aligning money with values, we break down how to get started with impact investing in a way that makes sense for your portfolio. In our From the Field segment, Stephan shares a few highlights and personal takeaways from our annual personal finance conference in Charleston. Thanks to everyone who joined us—we’ll be back next year! Have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Email us at podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com (mailto:podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com)
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    20 m
  • Episode 9: Beyond the Paycheck: Vacation Rental ROI, State Taxes, and Deferred Comp Decisions

    Episode 9: Beyond the Paycheck: Vacation Rental ROI, State Taxes, and Deferred Comp Decisions
    Jun 16 2025
    What’s the real return on your vacation rental—and how should you plan for taxes, depreciation, and long-term upkeep? In this episode, we talk through how to evaluate income property profitability and when to treat it like a true investment versus a lifestyle asset. Next, we explore what to consider before relocating to a no-income-tax state—including often-missed costs, estate tax rules by state, and how to make your residency stick legally. Then we unpack deferred compensation: how to evaluate the benefit, what tax and liquidity tradeoffs to watch for, and how it fits into an executive or physician’s overall financial plan. Finally, in our Money in the Headlines segment, Stephan shares insight on a recent survey revealing that 77% of Americans have changed their financial habits due to recession fears. He breaks down what’s smart strategy vs. emotional reaction—and how high-net-worth families can stay steady through volatility. Have a burning finance question we should feature in a future episode? Email us at podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com (mailto:podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com)
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    19 m
  • Episode 8: Three Physicians, Three Big Questions: Planning for Flexibility, Savings, and Sanity

    Episode 8: Three Physicians, Three Big Questions: Planning for Flexibility, Savings, and Sanity
    Jun 9 2025
    Three physicians. Three very different financial questions. In this episode, we unpack real scenarios from high-income earners navigating career growth, variable income, and burnout. First, we address retirement planning for locum tenens physicians—what options exist when there’s no employer-sponsored plan? Next, we talk strategy with a private practice physician whose income varies with revenue share. Finally, we hear from a physician feeling the effects of burnout. With significant assets already saved, she’s asking a question many mid-career professionals face: Can I afford to slow down? We explore how to balance lifestyle changes with long-term financial independence. In this week’s special segment “Advisor Red Flags," we challenge the common advice that “maxing out your 401(k) is enough." _Have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Email us at podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com (mailto:podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com) _
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    19 m
  • Episode 7: Wealth Concentration to Weekend Plans: Retirement Prep and Financial Literacy for Heirs

    Episode 7: Wealth Concentration to Weekend Plans: Retirement Prep and Financial Literacy for Heirs
    Jun 2 2025
    What happens when your net worth is concentrated in a single asset—like a family business—and you want to diversify without triggering a big tax bill? In this episode, we talk through real scenarios from clients navigating legacy planning, lifestyle transitions, and wealth transfer decisions. We cover strategies for reducing concentration risk using gradual sales, ESOPs, and hedging tools like options, along with ways to balance liquidity and long-term planning. We also explore how to prepare emotionally and practically for retirement when the structure of work disappears but the desire for purpose remains. From part-time transitions to extended travel and volunteering, we discuss how to “test drive” your next chapter. Then we turn to a common concern: how to gift generously to your kids each year without creating entitlement. We talk strategies like matching gifts, incentive trust planning, and building strong financial literacy to support lifelong responsibility and independence. And this week’s special segment is a bonus question from a long-term client: what happens if you accidentally over-contribute to your retirement accounts after receiving a large bonus? Have a burning finance question we should discuss in the next episode? Email us at podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com (mailto:podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com)
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    28 m
  • Episode 6: Corporate Cash, Market Timing, and Private Equity: Diversification Strategies for High Earners

    Episode 6: Corporate Cash, Market Timing, and Private Equity: Diversification Strategies for High Earners
    May 26 2025
    Sitting on cash, whether in a corporate account or on the sidelines of the market, can feel safe, but is there a more strategic move? In this episode, we chat through real questions from business owners and high-net-worth investors looking to make smarter use of their wealth. From deciding whether to reinvest profits or take a distribution, to reentering the market after sitting in cash, we explore how to balance opportunity, liquidity, and long-term growth. We also get into the fundamentals of investing in private equity with friends: what entity structure to use, how to protect yourself legally, and why due diligence matters. Finally, in this week's “Term of the Day” segment, we break down Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and explain how they can be a powerful tax tool in retirement. Have a burning finance question we should discuss in the next episode? Email us at podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com (mailto:podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com). Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice, the opinions. expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. Investing in financial markets involves risk, including the potential loss of principle, past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any investment decisions, you should consult with a qualified financial advisor, who can assess your individual financial situation, objectives and risk tolerance.
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    25 m
  • Episode 5: From Startup Exits to Luxury Properties: High-Income Tax Planning and Wealth Strategies for Founders and Medical Pros

    Episode 5: From Startup Exits to Luxury Properties: High-Income Tax Planning and Wealth Strategies for Founders and Medical Pros
    May 19 2025
    Managing wealth after a big payout or a high-earning career isn’t always straightforward. In this episode, we chat through real scenarios from tech founders and medical professionals who are facing complex financial choices. From weighing mortgage payoff against retirement investing to setting up charitable funds, we explore how to prioritize goals while keeping an eye on long-term tax efficiency. We also get into strategies for reducing taxable income—like maximizing retirement accounts, considering Roth conversions, and choosing the right business structure for private practices. And when it comes to luxury property, we talk through what makes sense financially versus emotionally. Finally, this week’s “Myth or Money” segment: “I have an existing IRA so I can’t do a backdoor Roth.” Is that fact or fiction? We break it down in this episode. Have a burning finance question we should discuss in the next episode? Email us at podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com (mailto:podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com) Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice, the opinions. expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. Investing in financial markets involves risk, including the potential loss of principle, past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any investment decisions, you should consult with a qualified financial advisor, who can assess your individual financial situation, objectives and risk tolerance.
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    22 m