Tag: Retire Well
You Got Laid Off – Now What? 10 Important Steps to Take (Ep.26 )

You Got Laid Off – Now What? 10 Important Steps to Take (Ep.26 )

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What do you do when life throws you a curveball, like an unexpected job layoff?

Join Michelle Gessner, CFP®, on navigating the uncertainty of job loss and crafting a viable plan forward. Michelle shares her personal layoff experience post-9/11, and delves into ten essential action steps everyone should consider when faced with sudden unemployment. From prioritizing self-care to understanding health insurance options and other items you may not have thought about, Michelle offers guidance on protecting your assets and planning for your future.

Michelle discusses: 

  • Self-care strategies to maintain your wellbeing and resilience during tough times [00:03:18]
  • Managing health insurance options, including understanding COBRA [00:04:52]
  • Evaluating and negotiating separation agreements to ensure fair terms [00:06:10]
  • How to file for unemployment benefits effectively and without delay [00:07:56]
  • Handling stock options and making informed 401(k) decisions during transitions [00:09:10]
  • Exploring new career paths and seizing emerging opportunities [00:15:39]
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Michelle Gessner: 

About Michelle Gessner: 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Michelle is passionate about building a life plan for her clients and helping them see that they have choices, which often comes to them as a pleasant surprise. She is an independent thinker and a huge advocate of her clients’ interests. Her greatest joy is working to do what is right for them and be their voice.

Michelle has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an M.S. in Management from Boston University, Brussels. Growing up in Montana and moving to Colorado for college, she took out student loans and worked her way through all four years. After graduating in 1987 with honors, she accepted a job at Shell Oil in Houston, and worked her way up the corporate ladder to a management position before leaving in 1992 for Brussels, Belgium, where she lived for 4 years. In Brussels, she learned about different cultures and basic conversational French as well as pursuing and earning a graduate degree in management. 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional,  she is held to the highest standards set forth in the industry. She surrounds herself with a back office of experts in tax and investment research so that her clients have the best of both worlds – the resources of a large firm with the caring, dedication, and personal service of a small firm. 
How To Find the Right Financial Advisor (Ep.25)

How To Find the Right Financial Advisor (Ep.25)

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What are the right questions to ask when choosing a financial advisor? 

Knowing what to ask can differentiate between retiring comfortably and facing unexpected challenges. 

Join CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Michelle Gessner to discover the critical questions you should ask when searching for a financial advisor – and the three questions you should ask yourself when deciding if the expense is worth the benefits. She provides a comprehensive checklist that can guide you in selecting the right professional to help you achieve your retirement goals. 

Top takeaways from today’s episode: 

  • The importance of fiduciary advice and what it means for you
  • How to determine if an advisor provides comprehensive financial planning or just investment advice
  • Evaluating an advisor’s expertise and experience
  • Understanding how frequently you’ll be in touch with your advisor and why it matters 
  • Clarifying total investment and management expenses and how to determine whether it’s worth it
  • The role an advisor plays in solving financial problems beyond just investment management 
  • The significance of checks and balances and access to your funds
  • The questions to ask yourself when justifying the cost of an advisor
  • And more

Previous Episodes of Interest:

  • Retirement Checklist: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself (Ep. 19)
  • 5 Signs It’s Time To Fire Your Financial Advisor (Ep. 11)
  • How To Avoid Common Retirement Planning Mistakes (Ep. 9)
  • The Client Experience with Michelle Gessner, CFP® (Ep. 2)

Resources:

Connect with Michelle Gessner: 

About Michelle Gessner: 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Michelle is passionate about building a life plan for her clients and helping them see that they have choices, which often comes to them as a pleasant surprise. She is an independent thinker and a huge advocate of her clients’ interests. Her greatest joy is working to do what is right for them and be their voice.

Michelle has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an M.S. in Management from Boston University, Brussels. Growing up in Montana and moving to Colorado for college, she took out student loans and worked her way through all four years. After graduating in 1987 with honors, she accepted a job at Shell Oil in Houston, and worked her way up the corporate ladder to a management position before leaving in 1992 for Brussels, Belgium, where she lived for 4 years. In Brussels, she learned about different cultures and basic conversational French as well as pursuing and earning a graduate degree in management. 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional,  she is held to the highest standards set forth in the industry. She surrounds herself with a back office of experts in tax and investment research so that her clients have the best of both worlds – the resources of a large firm with the caring, dedication, and personal service of a small firm. 
Holding More Stocks and Less Bonds: Commentary from our Expert Investment Team (Ep. 24)

Holding More Stocks and Less Bonds: Commentary from our Expert Investment Team (Ep. 24)

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How do elections and rate changes affect your investment portfolio?

Join Michelle for an engaging conversation with John Archbold and James Yahoudy, two members of the expert investment team supporting Gessner Wealth Strategies called Aptus Capital Advisors. Together, they explore the dynamic world of investments, unpacking Aptus’ unique investment philosophy and the potential impact of recent events, like elections, on your portfolio. With decades of experience, John and James share actionable insights and proven strategies to help you navigate market changes with confidence.

Key conversations include:

  • Understanding the historical market performance trends during election cycles and their impact
  • Why owning more stocks might be crucial in an inflationary environment
  • How put options can act like insurance for your investments
  • How recent regulatory changes have made advanced investment strategies more accessible to the average investor

Resources:

Connect with Michelle Gessner: 

About John Archbold:

John Archbold is responsible for ongoing advisor and client support and education. He is passionate about ensuring that the advisor and client experience at Aptus is of the highest quality and prioritizes improving financial outcomes for clients.

John spent previous years working with high-net-worth investors and their advisors, most recently at Brinker Capital. Before that, he spent several years working in the private credit and private equity arena at FS Investments. Earlier in his career, John was a financial advisor and a Regional Marketing Director for the Hartford Funds.

John holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA®Institute and is a member of the CFA® Society of Philadelphia and the CFA® Institute.  He received his undergraduate degree in Political Science at Syracuse University. John holds the Series, 7, 24, and 63 licenses.

John lives with his family in Haddonfield, New Jersey. John and his wife, Emily, share a passion for food and wine and even got their Sommelier certifications. His son Charlie and dog Hilde keep him on his toes and on the move as much as possible. It was Charlie who at the age of three became enamored with golf and finally roped his father into the game at age forty. Other hobbies include an obsession with history, trying to become a better chess player, and still playing any and all sports in his middle age.

About James Yahoudy:

James Yahoudy’s primary focus is supporting advisors with all things to enhance the client experience. Whether the support is directly from the Aptus suite of services or a technology change outside of what we do –he is ready to roll up his sleeves to support.

James has worked as an advisor and closely with advisors since 2010. He most recently came from TD Ameritrade Institutional working with RIAs in a variety of practice management areas and assisting breakaway brokers in the process of going independent.

James is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He completed his certificate program in Financial Planning from Southern Methodist University.

James lives in the Dallas area with his wife, Courtney, and son, Avett. He enjoys anything related to music, sports, and travel. His most recent trip may hit theatres soon entitled, Two dogs and a toddler drive 3000 miles.
How Are My Social Security Benefits Taxed? (Ep. 23)

How Are My Social Security Benefits Taxed? (Ep. 23)

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How much of your Social Security Benefits do you keep after taxes? How can you better plan your taxes to reduce the amount taken from your Social Security during retirement?

In this episode, Michelle Gessner, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, dives into the nuances of how your Social Security benefits are taxed. She unravels the complexities and explores strategies so you can potentially reduce those taxes. 

From understanding provisional income to leveraging Roth IRAs, Michelle sheds light on critical steps that could impact your financial future.

Michelle discusses: 

  • The intricacies of how Social Security benefits are taxed so that you can potentially reduce your taxes 
  • The role of provisional income and its impact 
  • Benefits of Roth IRAs in tax planning 
  • Potential savings on Social Security taxes through Roth conversions
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Michelle Gessner: 

About Michelle Gessner: 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Michelle is passionate about building a life plan for her clients and helping them see that they have choices, which often comes to them as a pleasant surprise. She is an independent thinker and a huge advocate for her clients’ interests. Her greatest joy is working to do what is right for them and be their voice.

Michelle has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an M.S. in Management from Boston University, Brussels. Growing up in Montana and moving to Colorado for college, she took out student loans and worked her way through all four years. After graduating in 1987 with honors, she accepted a job at Shell Oil in Houston and worked her way up the corporate ladder to a management position before leaving in 1992 for Brussels, Belgium, where she lived for 4 years. In Brussels, she learned about different cultures and basic conversational French as well as pursuing and earning a graduate degree in management. 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional,  she is held to the highest standards set forth in the industry. She surrounds herself with a back office of experts in tax and investment research so that her clients have the best of both worlds – the resources of a large firm with the caring, dedication, and personal service of a small firm. 
Important Tax Mistakes to Avoid {That CPAs Wish You Knew} (Ep.22)

Important Tax Mistakes to Avoid {That CPAs Wish You Knew} (Ep.22)

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In this episode, Michelle Gessner sits down with Madison Ross, co-founder of Ross & Connor LLP, a CPA firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. Together, they dive into why proactive tax planning and working with professionals is essential to avoid costly mistakes and optimize tax strategies.

Madison, an expert in small business, real estate, and individual taxation, shares common tax pitfalls to avoid, including the main problem with gifting property during your lifetime to loved ones, why titling real estate to an S-corporation may not be a good idea for business owners, tax essentials for cryptocurrency owners and navigating Roth conversions. Michelle and Madison also explain how avoiding unintended consequences like Medicare surcharges and leveraging the right software can make tax planning more efficient and effective.

Take note as Michelle and Madison cover: 

  • Gifting property during one’s lifetime may lead to high tax liabilities due to the loss of a step-up in basis
  • Roth conversions require careful planning to avoid higher tax brackets and unintended consequences 
  • Risks of using an S-Corp for real estate for business owners Consulting  professionals can help prevent costly tax mistakes
  • And more

Connect with Madison Ross:

Connect with Michelle: 

About Our Guest: 

Madison Ross is a Tax Partner and co-founder of Ross and Connor LLP. His focus is on Small Business, Real Estate, and Individual taxation. The firm incorporates tax planning strategies, which provide clients with a roadmap for tax savings and wealth building. Madison is a member of the Main Street Business Certified Tax Advisory Network, which consists of hundreds of CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and Lawyers from across the country who meet weekly to discuss up-to-date tax strategies. He received a certification in Cryptocurrency Taxation from Main Street Business in 2022. Madison is licensed as a CPA in Texas and New Mexico and is a member of the AICPA.

About Michelle Gessner: 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Michelle is passionate about building a life plan for her clients and helping them see that they have choices, which often comes to them as a pleasant surprise. She is an independent thinker and a huge advocate of her clients’ interests. Her greatest joy is working to do what is right for them and be their voice.

Michelle has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an M.S. in Management from Boston University, Brussels. Growing up in Montana and moving to Colorado for college, she took out student loans and worked her way through all four years. After graduating in 1987 with honors, she accepted a job at Shell Oil in Houston, and worked her way up the corporate ladder to a management position before leaving in 1992 for Brussels, Belgium, where she lived for 4 years. In Brussels, she learned about different cultures and basic conversational French as well as pursuing and earning a graduate degree in management. 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional,  she is held to the highest standards set forth in the industry. She surrounds herself with a back office of experts in tax and investment research so that her clients have the best of both worlds – the resources of a large firm with the caring, dedication, and personal service of a small firm.
Will Social Security Run Out of Money and Optimizing Your Benefits (Ep. 21)

Will Social Security Run Out of Money and Optimizing Your Benefits (Ep. 21)

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If you want to make the most of your Social Security benefits, this episode is a must-listen!

Join Michelle Gessner as she breaks down the facts behind the Social Security debate—will it run out, or is it just a myth? Plus, Michelle shares essential strategies whether you’re married, divorced, or a surviving spouse, to help you secure every dollar you deserve.

Don’t miss out! Listen now and empower yourself with Michelle’s expert guidance to navigate the complexities of Social Security with confidence.

Resources:

Connect with Michelle Gessner: 

About Michelle Gessner: 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Michelle is passionate about building a life plan for her clients and helping them see that they have choices, which often comes to them as a pleasant surprise. She is an independent thinker and a huge advocate of her client’s interests. Her greatest joy is working to do what is right for them and be their voice.

Michelle has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an M.S. in Management from Boston University, Brussels. Growing up in Montana and moving to Colorado for college, she took out student loans and worked her way through all four years. After graduating in 1987 with honors, she accepted a job at Shell Oil in Houston, and worked her way up the corporate ladder to a management position before leaving in 1992 for Brussels, Belgium, where she lived for 4 years. In Brussels, she learned about different cultures and basic conversational French as well as pursuing and earning a graduate degree in management. 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional,  she is held to the highest standards set forth in the industry. She surrounds herself with a back office of experts in tax and investment research so that her clients have the best of both worlds – the resources of a large firm with the caring, dedication, and personal service of a small firm. 
Behind The Curtain: What You Need To Know About Annuities (Ep.20)

Behind The Curtain: What You Need To Know About Annuities (Ep.20)

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Are annuities a smart addition to your retirement portfolio? 

Join Michelle as she breaks down different types of annuities—fixed, fixed index, and variable annuities—explaining how they can fit into a comprehensive financial plan. Understand the tax advantages and risks associated with each type, and learn why annuities might not be as bad as you think, if used in moderation and understood. 

Featuring practical examples, this episode aims to educate and empower you to make informed decisions about your financial future.

Key episode discussion points include:

  • The difference between fixed annuities and fixed index annuities
  • How annuities can offer financial security without market risk
  • Variable Annuities: Market-based investments with potential for growth but accompanied by higher fees
  • Deferred and Immediate Income Annuities: Lump-sum vehicles  that convert your money  into an income stream that you cannot outlive 

Resources:

Connect with Michelle Gessner: 

About Michelle Gessner: 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Michelle is passionate about building a life plan for her clients and helping them see that they have choices, which often comes to them as a pleasant surprise. She is an independent thinker and a huge advocate of her clients’ interests. Her greatest joy is working to do what is right for them and be their voice.

Michelle has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an M.S. in Management from Boston University, Brussels. Growing up in Montana and moving to Colorado for college, she took out student loans and worked her way through all four years. After graduating in 1987 with honors, she accepted a job at Shell Oil in Houston, and worked her way up the corporate ladder to a management position before leaving in 1992 for Brussels, Belgium, where she lived for 4 years. In Brussels, she learned about different cultures and basic conversational French as well as pursuing and earning a graduate degree in management. 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional,  she is held to the highest standards set forth in the industry. She surrounds herself with a back office of experts in tax and investment research so that her clients have the best of both worlds – the resources of a large firm with the caring, dedication, and personal service of a small firm. 
Retirement Checklist: 6 Questions To Ask Yourself (Ep.19)

Retirement Checklist: 6 Questions To Ask Yourself (Ep.19)

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Are you ready for retirement? Let’s find out! 

On today’s show, Michelle Gessner, CFP® shares a checklist that includes six questions to ask and answer before you decide to hang up your career hat.

With her co-host, Michelle discusses the necessity of professional help with investments, the decision to retain money in an employer’s retirement plan, and the importance of stress-testing your retirement strategy.

She also shares some key insights on finding purpose in retirement, ensuring both financial security and personal fulfillment. 

By listening to this episode, you will:

  • Better understand why professional investment advice can lead to greater success and diversification
  • Learn the pros and cons of keeping your retirement funds in your employer’s plan versus rolling them over
  • Determine if you are getting the tax planning you need
  • Discover how to stress-test your retirement plan against unexpected financial changes and ensure your assets are protected
  • Gain valuable insights into finding purpose and happiness in retirement, beyond the financial aspects
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Michelle Gessner: 

About Michelle Gessner: 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Michelle is passionate about building a life plan for her clients and helping them see that they have choices, which often comes to them as a pleasant surprise. She is an independent thinker and a huge advocate of her client’s interests. Her greatest joy is working to do what is right for them and be their voice.

Michelle has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an M.S. in Management from Boston University, Brussels. Growing up in Montana and moving to Colorado for college, she took out student loans and worked her way through all four years. After graduating in 1987 with honors, she accepted a job at Shell Oil in Houston and worked her way up the corporate ladder to a management position before leaving in 1992 for Brussels, Belgium, where she lived for 4 years. In Brussels, she learned about different cultures and basic conversational French as well as pursuing and earning a graduate degree in management. 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional,  she is held to the highest standards set forth in the industry. She surrounds herself with a back office of experts in tax and investment research so that her clients have the best of both worlds – the resources of a large firm with the caring, dedication, and personal service of a small firm. 
Long-Term Disability Insurance: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You (Ep.18)

Long-Term Disability Insurance: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You (Ep.18)

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Are you undervaluing the importance of long-term disability insurance in your financial plan?

This episode reveals the common myths and misunderstandings that could cost you and your loved ones dearly. Michelle dives into why even retirees need to grasp the nuances of disability insurance policies and how overlooking the benefits could expose gaps in your financial safety net.

Discussion points include:

  • How misconceptions around long-term disability insurance often lead to inadequate coverage
  • Understanding the fine print of your policy, including the monthly cap on benefits
  • How locking in coverage when you’re young and healthy helps ensure lower premiums and protection against future health issues.
  • The leading causes of long-term disability claims
  • And more

Connect with Michelle: 

About Michelle Gessner: 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Michelle is passionate about building a life plan for her clients and helping them see that they have choices, which often comes to them as a pleasant surprise. She is an independent thinker and a huge advocate of her clients’ interests. Her greatest joy is working to do what is right for them and be their voice.

Michelle has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an M.S. in Management from Boston University, Brussels. Growing up in Montana and moving to Colorado for college, she took out student loans and worked her way through all four years. After graduating in 1987 with honors, she accepted a job at Shell Oil in Houston, and worked her way up the corporate ladder to a management position before leaving in 1992 for Brussels, Belgium, where she lived for 4 years. In Brussels, she learned about different cultures and basic conversational French as well as pursuing and earning a graduate degree in management. 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional,  she is held to the highest standards set forth in the industry. She surrounds herself with a back office of experts in tax and investment research so that her clients have the best of both worlds – the resources of a large firm with the caring, dedication, and personal service of a small firm. 
Discovering Your Purpose in Retirement – Planning for Happiness in the Next Chapter of Your Life with Sue Mintz (Ep.17)

Discovering Your Purpose in Retirement – Planning for Happiness in the Next Chapter of Your Life with Sue Mintz (Ep.17)

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While it’s widely acknowledged that retirement involves careful financial planning, its essence extends far beyond mere numbers – a facet often overlooked. 

Today, Sue Mintz, a certified retirement transition coach, unravels the intricacies of crafting a comprehensive retirement strategy that embraces the full spectrum of considerations. Sue highlights that retirement should be viewed as a process, not just an event, with different phases like the “honeymoon,” “messy middle,” and “new normal”. She emphasizes the need for a holistic retirement plan, focusing on mental and physical health, time management, and financial stability. 

Tune in to gain insight into common misconceptions about retirement as well as:

  • Addressing non-financial aspects of retirement like social connections, purpose, and structure
  • The concept of “unretiring” due to increased life expectancy and evolving priorities
  • How to redefine your retirement based on your preferences and goals
  • The value of retirement transition coaching
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Michelle Gessner: 

Connect with Sue Mintz:

About Sue Mintz: 

During Sue Mintz’s career at a Fortune 500 company, she excelled in leadership development training and career coaching. Since retiring, she became the founder of Retirementhood™.  She is a Certified Retirement Transition Coach, speaker, writer, and workshop facilitator, focused on educating and guiding soon-to-be, or recent retirees on the importance of planning for the non-financial side of retirement. Sue offers a structured process for planning a lifestyle that is purposeful, healthy, enjoyable, and fulfills long-awaited goals. She is not a financial adviser.  

She received her retirement coaching certification through Retirement Options, a division of Career Partners Intl, LLC., and she has also been certified as an Authorized “Now What®” Coach/Facilitator. Additionally, she remains an active member of the Retirement Coaches Association.  For more information about Sue, the services she offers, and her publications, visit https://www.retirementhood.com/ or contact her at suemintz@retirementhood.com.