Tag: Financial Planning
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:

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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:

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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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Global Events and Growth Mindset: Navigating Uncertainty with Brent Mekosh (Ep. 70)

Global Events and Growth Mindset: Navigating Uncertainty with Brent Mekosh (Ep. 70)

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What are the implications of a royal family member’s health crisis on public discourse and media coverage? 

And when it comes to immigration, what are the challenges we face in creating compassionate and pragmatic policies?

What do all these news articles on challenging times mean for our personal and financial growth?

Consider how news stories such as King Charles’ diagnosis and immigration issues impact our view of the world with Brent Mekosh in this week’s episode of SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED.

Listen in as the conversation sheds light on Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker, his views on staying motivated and hungry for personal growth during periods of uncertainty such as 2020 with COVID-19, and the impact of reframing challenges as learning experiences for personal (and financial) growth.

Talking points include:

  • How does news about the Royal Family relate to history and culture
  • The current immigration landscape 
  • How does reframing challenges as learning experiences impact personal growth
  • Why financial plans rely as much on overcoming challenges as it does on money
  • And more!

Resources:

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Retrain Your Brain for Greater Longevity & Quality of Life with Bill McManus (Ep. 59)

Retrain Your Brain for Greater Longevity & Quality of Life with Bill McManus (Ep. 59)

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What are the financial implications of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia? 

What proactive steps can you take to safeguard your longevity and cognitive well-being?

Join Brent Mekosh and guest Bill McManus from Hartford Funds as they discuss the importance of maintaining good health and a positive outlook on aging.  

Brent and Bill emphasize the importance of brain health and how our lifestyle choices can significantly impact it while highlighting the value of social connectivity and lifestyle when it comes to cognitive decline and overall well-being.

Main talking points include:

  • How does longevity impact financial and lifestyle planning
  • What are the financial costs associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia
  • The lifestyle factors that contribute to cognitive health
  • The value of maintaining good health and energy as we age
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Bill McManus:

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About Our Guest:

With nearly 20 years of experience in financial services, Bill McManus has worked with countless financial professionals and their clients. He’s got a knack for simplifying complex financial planning and investing strategies to engage and educate clients and prospects. He’s also passionate about helping them look toward the future to anticipate and prepare for lifestyle changes that lay ahead.

Among other practice-management strategies, Bill shows financial professionals how they can optimize their prospecting strategies in a tech-driven world.

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Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

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Gold has been considered a solid investment option by many, having lasted several centuries and survived market rise and fall. 

But is gold still a solid investment in today’s market?  

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the President of Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, Andy Schectman. Andy explains everything you need to know about precious metals, their role within investment planning, and why they have remained a solid long-term investment. Andy also reveals the current state of gold and silver markets and what that means for the future.

Andy discusses:

  • Why individuals choose alternative investments
  • Where gold and silver fit within investment planning
  • What makes the dollar the world reserve currency
  • How have world events changed the way gold and silver are valued and traded
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andy Schectman:

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About Our Guest:

Before starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andy Schectman became a Licensed Financial Planner specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $5 billion in sales, Andy has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve its clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions, including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.



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Looking Back To Predict The Future (Ep.17)

Looking Back To Predict The Future (Ep.17)

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Reviewing history reveals consistent trends in why events happen, how long they last, and what starts the upwards swing. 

And with this same information, experts can look forward and predict how future events unfold.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh dives into history’s reflection on current events. Brent shares his personal experiences along with some world history to compare our relationship with inflation, money, and the economy.

Brent discusses:

  • How his experience in Zimbabwe changed his perspective on financial markets
  • The limitations of world economies
  • Why certain government solutions have failed in solving inflation 
  • The biggest difference between the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic 
  • And more!

Resources:

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Buying Insurance For A Lifetime of Possibilities with Robyn Haun (Ep.15)

Buying Insurance For A Lifetime of Possibilities with Robyn Haun (Ep.15)

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There are many preconceived notions about what insurance can and should cover.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Robertson Ryan and Associates’ Robyn Haun. Robyn explains the details around insurance purchases — focusing on specific scenario coverage you may not have thought about. She also provides examples of insurance coverage while sharing tips for first-time insurance buyers.

Robyn discusses:

  • How your location impacts coverage requirements
  • What you as a homeowner are liable for 
  • Exclusions in personal property coverage
  • The latest insurance for digital and identity theft
  • And more!

Connect with Robyn Haun:

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About Our Guest:

Robyn Haun is a Phoenix native who studied elementary education in college. While attending school full time, she had a part-time job filing paperwork at a local insurance agency in Arizona. Upon graduation, Robyn parlayed her love of education into insurance and has since moved up from filing insurance papers. She now educates affluent clients about their personal insurance protection.

Robyn spent 15 years at the 6th largest agency in the nation and most recently worked at the 3rd largest agency in the nation. She understands the diverse needs of highly successful clients. Throughout her 25 years in the industry, Robyn has built strong relationships with premier insurance companies such as Chubb, AIG, Pure, Safeco, Travelers, and Cincinnati. She has earned her CISR designation and is very close to earning her PRIMA certificate.

 



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Maximizing Life Insurance For You And Your Beneficiaries with Steven Moore (Ep.12)

Maximizing Life Insurance For You And Your Beneficiaries with Steven Moore (Ep.12)

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Life insurance policies can provide peace of mind and monetary benefits to individuals and their beneficiaries.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the Vice President of Highland Capital Brokerage, Steven Moore, to unveil all things life insurance. Steven recounts the variety of reasons someone would buy life insurance, its use as death benefit and cash accumulation, and how to divert a portion of your life insurance policy towards long-term care.

Steven discusses:

  • The difference between maximizing death benefits and maximizing cash accumulation
  • The impact of the emerging market crisis on life insurance growth
  • Life insurance protection when facing lawsuits
  • How to contribute a portion of death benefits towards retirement planning
  • And more!

Connect with Steven Moore:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About our Guest:

Steven J. Moore, CLU®, serves as a Vice President for Highland Capital Brokerage.

Steve joined Highland in February 2008. He is responsible for assisting financial advisors in meeting the wealth management needs of their trusted clients, and he focuses on insurance-based strategies.

With 25 years of experience, Steve has extensive knowledge of the companies, products, and sales techniques available within the life insurance industry. Before joining Highland, Steve was a Regional Estate Planning Consultant with Morgan Stanley. His planning expertise Includes estate and charitable strategies.

Steve graduated from The University of Washington and is a Chartered Life Underwriter®. He holds the following FINRA licenses: Series 7 (General Securities Representative) Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination).



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The Wide World of Investments – Part 2 with Sami Chowdhury (Ep. 5)

The Wide World of Investments – Part 2 with Sami Chowdhury (Ep. 5)

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When investing close to home, you know what is happening within the country.

Investing overseas is a bit more challenging.

Dive even deeper into the overseas markets with the director of Royal Capital in Bangladesh, Sami Chowdhury.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh returns with Sami to talk about the markets overseas. Sami reveals how China’s investments impact the US and its relationship with the country. He outlines the problems faced by China and India when it comes to their economy and how those decisions influence our investment opportunities.

Sami discusses:

  • How China influences the US through funding
  • The role of policy-makers in addressing the threat
  • The importance of balancing imports and exports
  • What investors should look at when investing overseas
  • And more!

Resources:

  • The Wide World of Investments With Sami Chowdhury

Connect with Sami Chowdhury:

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Starting Your Financial Solutions Journey at MP Advisors, LLC (Ep. 3)

Starting Your Financial Solutions Journey at MP Advisors, LLC (Ep. 3)

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You’ve had the first meeting. You’ve signed the dotted line. What happens after you become an MP Advisor client?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh shares the next steps after a client has signed on the dotted line. He reveals the paperwork and meetings that will happen, the type of questions asked to help build your financial plan and why consistent meetings are important for your financial future and success.

Brent discusses:

  • The role paperwork plays in your financial planning
  • Why he checks in with clients beyond their financial plans
  • How consistent meetings benefit your financial plan
  • The importance of goals within your financial plan
  • And more!

Resources:

  • Achieve More Than You Could Have Ever Imagined with Brent Mekosh, CFP®, CIMA®
  • Everybody Needs Somebody In Financial Planning

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

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