Tag: Financial Planning

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Navigating Life’s Twists: The Path to Elite Wealth Stewardship with Ryan Reming (Ep.106)

Navigating Life’s Twists: The Path to Elite Wealth Stewardship with Ryan Reming (Ep.106)

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What does it take to build a successful financial advisory career from the ground up while navigating life’s unpredictabilities and decisions?

Join Brent Mekosh as he sits down with Ryan Reming, an elite advisor and associate partner at The Wealth Stewards. Ryan shares his journey from his early economics studies through the volatility post-financial crisis, to becoming a key player at The Wealth Stewards. 

By tuning in, you’ll discover how Ryan transitioned through various roles and challenges, explaining why a personalized, client-first approach profoundly shapes one’s career and client relationships.

Key Discussion Points:

  • Ryan’s unexpected entry into finance and how a health scare shaped his career path [00:02:00] 
  • Pivoting in his career after an unmet succession plan and the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals [00:06:00] 
  • The transition from broker-dealer to RIA and how building a team culture enriched his professional life [00:11:00] 
  • Insights about technology’s evolving role in finance and how AI is reshaping client services [00:17:00] 
  • Ryan’s perspective on true financial planning versus traditional investment approaches [00:22:00] 
  • And more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Ryan Reming:

About Our Guest:

With over a decade of experience as a trusted personal CFO, Ryan helps successful families manage their wealth, define their goals, and craft customized wealth strategies to support their long-term security. His expertise covers various life transitions, including business sales, retirement, purchasing dream homes, navigating the loss of loved ones, preparing children for affluence, and fostering community impact.

As lead advisor and associate partner, Ryan is integral to The Wealth Stewards’ operations, helping to enhance efficiency and improve the client experience. Actively involved in investment due diligence, he evaluates strategies to ensure they align with client objectives and the firm’s high standards. As part of the Investment and Marketing committees, he also collaborates with team members to strengthen investment strategies, messaging, and outreach.

Ryan’s dedication to wealth stewardship is rooted in hard work, integrity, and compassion — values instilled by his parents and grandparents. He finds the greatest fulfillment in building deep, meaningful relationships with the families he serves. By working with a select group of clients, he can truly understand their unique aspirations and help align their wealth with a greater purpose, maximizing personal fulfillment.

A Phoenix native, Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Arizona State University. Now settled in his hometown with his wife and daughter, he cherishes family time. Outside of work, he enjoys playing and watching sports, expanding his extensive record collection, and attending concerts.

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Beyond the Bull Market: Smart Investment Moves for 2025 with Bill Tucker (Ep.102)

Beyond the Bull Market: Smart Investment Moves for 2025 with Bill Tucker (Ep.102)

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What does the future of investing look like in 2025?

Brent Mekosh sits down with Bill Tucker on Smart Money Simplified to tackle the pressing issues shaping today’s financial landscape. From the growing risks of market concentration to innovative asset diversification strategies, this episode delivers key insights for investors navigating an uncertain economy.

Brent and Bill discuss:

  • The fragility of stock market concentration and its potential implications for investors [00:02:56]
  • The rising importance of alternative investments in a changing financial environment [00:05:02]
  • Political and economic shifts shaping 2025, including tariffs and fiscal policies [00:06:48]
  • The impact of the Jobs Cut and Tax Act expiration on estate taxes and business planning [00:15:37]
  • Strategic diversification into international markets and small-cap stocks [00:28:48]

Unlock a wave of financial foresight as the episode dives into themes like the ‘Age of Alpha’ and the changing financial tides under the new administration. Perfect for entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, or anyone keen on understanding the evolving economy—this episode promises a wealth of knowledge wrapped in engaging dialogue. Tune in, stay informed, and prepare for a future full of financial possibilities.

🎧 Tune in now!

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Celebrating 100 Episodes of Smart Money Simplified With Eddy Augsten (Ep.100)

Celebrating 100 Episodes of Smart Money Simplified With Eddy Augsten (Ep.100)

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How can the right processes transform your investment strategy and elevate client relationships?

In this landmark 100th episode of Smart Money Simplified, Brent Mekosh explores this topic with special guest Eddy Augsten from Concurrent. Together, they delve into crafting cohesive investment frameworks and integrating institutional processes into wealth advisory practices. Tune in and gain an inside look at scaling up your practice, the significance of emotional detachment in the investment process, and how alternative investments can reshape future RIAs. Discover innovative strategies that promise to make your practice more resilient and client-focused.

Eddy discusses:

  • [06:34] Establishing a successful formal investment process 
  • [09:09] Differences in managing institutional clients vs. high net-worth families
  • [21:14] The growing role of alternative investments and private markets
  • [32:36] Enhancing portfolio performance through tax efficiency and direct indexing
  • And more

Connect With Eddy Augsten:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Eddy Augsten, CIMA, CAIA, MSF, is the Managing Director of Investments at Concurrent, where he leads a small, driven team dedicated to supporting independent financial advisors through funding, technology, and community.

Before joining Concurrent, he founded WealthEngage, gaining valuable experience as an entrepreneur and CIO. This background provides him with deep insight into his current role, allowing him to collaborate effectively with RIAs. His team remains highly attuned to the needs of independent advisors, helping them serve their clients, compete with larger financial institutions, and grow their practices to their desired scale.

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Giving with Impact: The Power of Philanthropy with Ryan Corry (Ep. 99)

Giving with Impact: The Power of Philanthropy with Ryan Corry (Ep. 99)

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What’s driving the spirit of community and kindness in your neighborhood? 

Brent Mekosh has an enlightening conversation with Ryan Corry, the Chief Philanthropy Officer at St. Vincent de Paul. Ryan shares insights from his journey into philanthropy, illustrating how early volunteering led him to a lifelong commitment to service. Together, Brent and Ryan discuss the organization’s mission to feed, clothe, house, and heal, detailing their expansive services like medical and dental clinics and transitional housing programs aimed at restoring stability for their clients.

Brent and Ryan discuss:

  • The interconnected world of philanthropy and financial planning [00:02:18]
  • The founding and mission of St. Vincent de Paul [00:06:19]
  • Successful strategies for tackling homelessness [00:15:15]
  • The innovative ‘Angels on Call’ app and its impact [00:30:59]
  • Charitable giving, tax credits, and community engagement [00:26:42]
  • And more

Connect With Ryan Corry:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Ryan Corry is a dedicated nonprofit leader passionate about connecting those in need with those willing to help. During his decade of leadership at St. Vincent de Paul, he helped expand the organization’s reach nearly fivefold, strengthening efforts to feed, clothe, house, and heal the community.

Driven by curiosity, Ryan focuses on creating value for others, forging strong partnerships, and inspiring people to find joy and meaning in service. He firmly believes that more people can give than need help—and his mission is to facilitate those connections.

To scale this impact, he founded Southwest Philanthropy Partners, equipping fundraisers and nonprofit professionals with the tools, strategies, and systems to raise more money, serve donors better, and find fulfillment in their work. By supporting fundraisers—the brokers of community good—Ryan empowers them to create lasting change and build a stronger, more generous society.

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Beyond Stocks and Bonds: Alternative Investing with John Hampton (Ep. 98)

Beyond Stocks and Bonds: Alternative Investing with John Hampton (Ep. 98)

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What makes alternative assets so valuable? Let’s find out with our latest guest!

Brent Mekosh dives into an enlightening conversation with John Hampton, Executive Director at Campbell Corp, to uncover the fascinating world of alternative asset classes. 

With 2022 and 2024 bringing unexpected market correlations and disruptions, Brent and John explore why diversifying beyond traditional stocks and bonds can offer compelling strategies for portfolio management.

Discussion points include:

  • The definition and benefits of alternative assets and strategies
  • The role of commodity trading advisors and their global approach
  • Insights into the systematic algorithms used to manage investments 
  • A look at Campbell Corp’s innovative trading and risk management techniques
  • How increased market participants impact liquidity and trading strategies 
  • The evolving role of AI and machine learning in financial markets 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with John Hampton:

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How Global Tensions and National Debt May Shape Your Financial Future (Ep. 91)

How Global Tensions and National Debt May Shape Your Financial Future (Ep. 91)

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Global tensions may be more relevant to you than you realize—are you prepared?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh shares some eye-opening takeaways from his recent trip to South Korea, where he saw the country’s booming economy, high-tech ports, and welcoming culture firsthand. 

(A visit to the DMZ was a stark reminder of global tensions we often overlook!)

Back in the U.S., Brent breaks down pressing issues like the national debt and what the upcoming election could mean for markets. 

His take? 

In unpredictable times, a balanced, diversified approach is still your best bet for financial well-being. Brent shares practical tips for staying resilient—no matter what’s going on around us.

Key Highlights:

  • South Korea’s Economic & Technological Prowess: Firsthand insights from Seoul and Busan’s automated ports and South Korea’s stronghold in global trade
  • Tensions on the Korean Peninsula: Vivid reflections from the DMZ and symbolic stories highlighting Korea’s divide
  • Global Tensions & Economic Ripple Effects: How conflicts like Taiwan-China and Russia-Ukraine impact markets worldwide
  • Election Cycles & Market Behavior: Historical market stability across administrations, emphasizing the power of a balanced approach
  • National Debt & Fiscal Policy: Tackling the $35 trillion debt through efficient, innovation-driven strategies
  • Investment Moves for Uncertain Times: Proven tactics to keep your financial strategy resilient amid volatility
  • And much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

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Revolutionizing Finance: How AI is Shaping Investment Strategies with Ravi Koka (Ep. 88)

Revolutionizing Finance: How AI is Shaping Investment Strategies with Ravi Koka (Ep. 88)

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AI has exploded into our lives, moving from theoretical to practical applications in record time. 

Remember the days when Siri was clunky and unreliable? Now, AI tools like ChatGPT are seamlessly integrated into our workflows, offering unprecedented capabilities.

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh dives into the world of artificial intelligence with serial entrepreneur Ravi Koka, founder and CEO of Stocksnips. Together, they explore the seismic shifts AI is causing in finance and beyond, including its role in revolutionizing investment strategies and market behaviors. 

Talking points include:

  • The history and resurgence of AI and the exponential growth in computing power
  • The practical applications of AI in natural language processing and investment strategies
  • The creation and success of the Stocksnips ETF and its reliance on AI-generated investor sentiment
  • The potential risks and ethical considerations surrounding AI technologies
  • And more!

Connect with Ravi Koka:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Over the last 20 years, Ravi Koka has focused his research on simplifying the building and maintenance of enterprise applications. During this time, he played a key role in leading the research and development of various tools and methods for the incremental transformation of legacy systems. More recently, Ravi has led research on implementing Service-Oriented Business Applications and collaborated with several large Fortune 1000 enterprises to implement applications at significantly lower costs than traditional methods. His current research areas include digital transformation, microservices design, and AI applications.

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Exploring the RIA Space with Nate Lenz (Ep. 77)

Exploring the RIA Space with Nate Lenz (Ep. 77)

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Many believe that the transition from a broker-dealer to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space is deeply complex and risky, possibly jeopardizing client relationships. 

However, this move can actually open up a world of opportunities for personalized client service, technology advancement, and business model autonomy,

This week, Brent Mekosh is joined by Nate Lenz, the CEO of Concurrent, to explore the significant advantages this change can bring to your financial planning. 

Brent and Nate delve into the intricate world of financial advising, particularly focusing on the transition from broker-dealer models to the RIA framework.

Episode talking points include:

  • The fundamental differences between broker-dealer models and the RIA setup
  • The enhanced opportunities for personalized financial planning and investment options in the RIA space
  • The role of technology in revolutionizing client service and operational efficiency
  • Strategies for business succession and growth in the evolving landscape of financial advisement
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Nate Lenz:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Nate Lenz is a prominent figure for advisors seeking to unlock their potential as entrepreneurs. Currently serving as the CEO and Co-Founder of Concurrent, an OSJ turned RIA valued at $7 billion, the company was honored as an InvestmentNews Best Place to Work in 2023. Nate and his team are dedicated to collaborating with advisors to facilitate the growth of their independent enterprises.

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The Impact of Financial Landscapes on Global Economies with Brad Rutan (Ep. 74)

The Impact of Financial Landscapes on Global Economies with Brad Rutan (Ep. 74)

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How do changing financial landscapes impact global economies and individual investors? How can understanding economic trends lead to better-informed financial decisions?

Listen in as Brent Mekosh speaks with Brad Rutan, Managing Director and Market Strategist at MFS Investment Management. This week, Brad covers the intricacies of bond markets, interest rates, and inflation while unveiling the profound influence these factors have on economic landscapes and investment strategies. 

Brent and Brad discuss:

  • Ways central bank policies influence bond markets and economic stability
  • The opportunities and challenges associated with different types of bond investments
  • How can understanding economic trends enhance the effectiveness of financial decision-making
  • The impact municipal bonds have upon local economies and investment strategies
  • And more!

Connect with Brad Rutan:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Bradford T. Rutan, CFA, is an investment product specialist and managing director leading the retail fixed-income product effort on a global basis at MFS Investment Management.  He works closely with the portfolio management teams and is responsible for communicating the investment philosophy, process, and positioning of MFS fixed-income investment strategies, as well as communicating investment perspectives to financial advisors, institutional clients, and MFS’ sales force and relationship managers.

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The BrEpic Transformation: Embracing Change in Careers and Relationships with Justin & Sarah Breen (Ep. 73)

The BrEpic Transformation: Embracing Change in Careers and Relationships with Justin & Sarah Breen (Ep. 73)

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Have you been considering a career change? Looking to turn your vision of entrepreneurship into a reality? Discover the considerations to take when transitioning to a new career path from someone who has already done it.

Listen in as Brent Mekosh and his guests Justin Breen, founder and CEO of BrEpic, and Sarah Breen, COO of BrEpic, share their backgrounds and how they transitioned from divergent fields to create a powerful network, BrEpic.

 From Justin’s background in journalism and marketing to Sarah’s medical expertise, the couple’s journey is a testament to adaptability and fearlessness in pursuing new opportunities. 

Justin and Sarah discuss:

  • The importance of adaptability when navigating challenges and seizing opportunities
  • How strong family ties and balanced dynamics can impact your professional endeavors
  • Benefits of real human relationships regardless of physical proximity
  • Traditional gender roles and financial dynamics within relationships
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Justin and Sarah Breen:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guests:

Justin Breen is the Founder and CEO of BrEpic Communications LLC, a PR firm that works exclusively with visionaries and exceptional businesses around the world. He’s built an international network of extraordinary people because he strongly believes in the power of introductions and the importance of creating relationships through networking.

Justin is the author of Epic Business and Epic Life. He enjoys running, fishing, and watching baseball with his two sons and his wife, Sarah.

Dr. Sarah Breen is a board-certified pediatrician who’s been practicing general pediatrics in the north suburbs of Chicago since 2011. After being fully immersed in the entrepreneur world by her husband (co-founder, Justin Breen), Sarah fell in love with BrEpic Network and became its Chief Operating Officer in 2023.

Sarah enjoys spending time with her two sons, exercising her three doodles, and traveling the world with her husband, Justin.

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