SK Wealth's Solutions & Knowledge podcast

Juggling life, kids, and money makes planning for college feel overwhelming, but it's super easy to start and maintain! It’s totally normal to feel the weight of tuition prices and unsure about how to give your children the best opportunity to succeed. Mac and Andrew are here to walk you through getting started, and how to keep it going through all of life’s changes. Tune in to these young parents moonlighting as finance pros as they offer insights on taxes, tips on where to stash your cash, and how to prioritize your child’s financial future without risking your own. There are more great podcasts coming, so go ahead and tap that subscribe button!

Raising financially savvy kids is hard, especially with so much flashy marketing competing for their attention and cash. Financial literacy is essential, but it's largely neglected in school so you’re left to fill the void. In this episode, Mac and Andrew offer practical strategies for teaching your kids about budgeting, banking, saving, taxes, and debt. They also discuss the importance of transparent discussions and real-world experiences to empower your children to lead by example and facilitate open dialogue. Tap that subscribe button so you don’t miss the next installment in our series about children and money!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Charles Schwab Financial Calculators

The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money

by Ron Lieber

As a first-time homebuyer, your kid may have limited resources. You’d like to be able to help, but what's the right way? This week, Mac and Andrew dig into the different strategies to help your child buy their first home, exploring IRS thresholds for cash gifts or the tax benefits of becoming your kid’s landlord. They’ll guide you through the emotional decision-making process and how to determine the smartest ways to help your child without putting your own financial stability on the line. Click the subscribe button for upcoming episodes about helping your children become financially secure.

Teaching your kids about saving and investing now will help them make the smart decisions to thrive in the future. And they’re never too young to start. In this episode, Mac and Andrew discuss how to create a language around money and financial concepts from a very early age that leads to open communication and collaboration as they grow. They talk about some fun ways to get your youngsters engaged, how to teach the value of a dollar, and some savings strategies for their future. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button – there are more episodes about kids and money on the way! by Morgan Housel

Resources mentioned in this episode: The Psychology of Money  by Morgan Housel

If your RSUs are about to vest, you know the tax implications can be complicated. How you decide to act is so important. Andrew and Mac are here to help you feel more confident in your next steps so you can get the most out of what you’ve worked so hard to earn. In this episode, the guys will talk about how and when RSUs are taxed, what types of tax treatments are used, and under what circumstances. Don’t worry if it already sounds a little complicated. This episode will help simplify things so you can make your best financial choices. Tap that subscribe button so you don’t miss out on more great guidance like this!

Resources mentioned in the episode: Restricted Stock Units

Giving to charities and nonprofits feels great, and with the right philanthropic strategy, you can create a legacy of giving. Today, we talk about the art of aligning donation strategies with your financial plan. Learn about the simplicity of cash donations, the benefits of bequests through wills or trusts, and other examples of strategic philanthropic planning. If you haven’t hit that subscribe button yet, what are you waiting for? We have so much more to come from the financial experts at SK Wealth!

Moving into the executive suite is exciting, as is the compensation you'll be receiving for the extra responsibility you’re taking on. Executive compensation plans are constructed to make sure you’re well taken care of, but they can be complicated. It’s up to you to understand the details in order to make the most out of these new compensation insturments and benefits. This week, Andrew and Mac look into the ways long-term executive compensation plans protect your reputation and financial well-being while explaining the more detailed tax issues so you can make sound decisions about your financial future. Remember to subscribe for more weekly insights from the pros over at SK Wealth!

You’ve set out on a new career adventure and have received a few job offers, so how do you decide? Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode equips you with the knowledge to seize the right opportunities and propel your career to new heights. This week, Andrew and Mac are with you to discuss salary structures, health care and family benefits, and some perks you may not have heard about. Tune in to empower youself to make informed decisions about your professional future. And if you haven’t hit that subscribe button yet, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on the further adventures of the dedicated team at SK Wealth!

Resources mentioned in this episode: RSUs and stock options.

What happens to your stock-based compensation if you leave your job? Whether leaving a job voluntarily or involuntarily, tune in to learn how to approach your stock-based compensation after you move on. Andrew simplifies the complexities of layoffs, handling stock options, RSUs, and ESPPs while discussing the risks, offering practical advice to help you make timely decisions around your vested options. Learn about negotiation strategies for severance packages linked to stock plans, and the importance of professional guidance to safeguard your financial interests. And don’t forget to subscribe for more real-world advice from the team at SK Wealth!

“Can my investment strategy align with my values while creating positive social and environmental change?” In this episode, learn about the implementation of impact strategies into your portfolio, influencing corporate behavior, and how you can turn your investment dollars into a powerful force for change. Learn how to identify your impact goals, engage in proxy voting, and work with the experts to develop a portfolio that reflects both your financial objectives and personal ethics. Discover the potential of impact investing in areas like food insecurity, cybercrime, environmental issues, and more. And don’t forget to hit the subscribe button for more from the dynamic team at SK Wealth!

In today’s episode, SK Wealth’s CIO, Matt Neyland, discusses tax loss harvesting, the practice of strategically selling securities at a loss to offset gains from other investments. Join Matt as he explains the benefits of tax loss harvesting like accelerated portfolio growth, maintaining year-round market exposure, and increased tax efficiency. Find out how to make market volatility work for you in this fascinating episode. Don't miss out on future insights! Hit the subscribe button for more financial strategies from the seasoned wealth management professionals at SK Wealth!

In our latest episode, we discuss how to seek professional financial guidance when managing your wealth becomes complex. And we know -- the options can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to talk you through the process of finding a financial planner who understands and respects your needs, goals, and values. From transparency in portfolio management and clear, easily accessible communication to questions about fiduciary responsibilities, credentials, and fee structures, this episode will help you simplify the vetting process so you can find the right advisor for you. Click the subscribe button for more from SK Wealth about living with intention, tomorrow and today!

Resources mentioned in this episode: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Investor.gov website.

This week, join Matt and Andrew as they discuss how to choose your next financial advisor. Aligning your investment strategy with values is key, and a qualified financial advisor can make a real difference in your financial future. In this episode, we’ll look at why clear, consistent communication and a financial strategy adapted to your specific needs is important. Ultimately, trust, proactive communication, and your peace of mind are paramount in choosing the right financial advisor. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss all the wisdom from the team at SK Wealth!

Welcome to our latest episode! Today Mac and Jason discuss developing compensation plans for your business. Your team is vital to your success and making sure they are compensated fairly and offered attractive benefits that meet their needs as well your business goals is important. But offering competitive compensation without jeopardizing your bottom line can be a delicate balance. In this episode we’ll go over the components of effective compensation packages, take you through a series of steps to help simplify the process, and offer some advice to keep in mind as you begin to construct your plans. Tune in to learn how to make your team feel valued while aligning with your company's growth and profitability goals. And don’t forget to hit that subscribe button for more business solutions from the pros at SK Wealth!

Resources mentioned in this episode: How to Create a Desirable Compensation Plan from Business News Daily.

In today’s Solutions and Knowledge podcast, Certified Financial Planners® Mac and Jason discuss how to approach integrating your bonus or other windfall into your regular spending. From identifying your current financial standing and future goals to avoiding common mistakes like emotional decision-making, you’ll learn strategies to help you make thoughtful decisions that align with your needs and values. Whether you're a spender or saver, we’ll help you strike a balance between planning for tomorrow and enjoying today. Be sure to hit that subscribe button for more pearls of wisdom from SK Wealth!

Resources mentioned in this episode: Die with Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins.

In today’s episode, Jason and Mac discuss phantom stock plans, a type of deferred compensation that offers employees a financial stake in the company without diluting ownership. Learn the purpose of these virtual units, how they operate, and their benefits and risks. Phantom stocks are a great way to attract and incentivize key talent without the red tape of voting rights or controlling stake in the company. For resources mentioned in this episode, check out our recent podcast Creating a Bonus Plan for Employees as well as the National Center for Employee Ownership.

Join Jason and Mac as they simplify the complexities of employee bonus programs. From navigating the risks of unrealistic expectations to addressing potential disengagement, this episode provides insights into fair and equitable bonus structures. Emphasizing clarity, measurability, and strategic alignment, the discussion offers actionable advice for successful bonus programs. Whether you're a business leader or HR professional, tune in for valuable perspectives on fostering engagement and achieving business success through well-crafted bonus initiatives. For resources mentioned in this episode, check out these sites: PayScale, Radford Global Compensation Database, and World At Work.

As a business owner, retirement planning often takes a backseat to running your company. In this episode of the SK Wealth Podcast, we explore why retirement plans are vital and how to select the right one. Rebecca and Andrew discuss attracting talent, increasing engagement, and tax savings as key benefits of retirement plans for business owners. You’ll learn about various plan options, including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Individual 401(k)s, and more, and the importance of consulting with professionals to make informed decisions. Listen for a client success story and insights on investment options within these plans.

Welcome to the latest episode of the SK Wealth Solutions and Knowledge podcast. Join Andrew Cayer, Certified Financial Planner at SK Wealth Management, as he explores Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation plans. Andrew will discuss the ins and outs of these plans, draw from real-life experiences, and provide savvy strategies to reduce your tax liabilities and enhance your retirement savings. Additionally, he'll shed light on methods to safeguard your financial future from employer bankruptcies through the use of insurance policies. If you're a high earner or seeking intelligent retirement planning, this episode is tailor-made for you. Be sure to hit that subscribe button for more pearls of wisdom from SK Wealth. For resources mentioned in this episode, click here: Stock Shield.

In this episode of the SK Wealth podcast, Mac and Jason delve into Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to help you gain a deeper understanding, make informed decisions, and take full advantage of your complex compensation plan. We'll highlight some of the risks that come with RSUs, and provide you with practical insights on how to manage them effectively. If you've ever wondered how RSUs fit into your overall financial strategy, or if you're seeking ways to optimize your compensation package, this episode is a must-listen.

On today’s brand new episode of the SK Wealth podcast, Jason and Mac discuss employee stock options (ESOs) – to help you understand their benefits of these financial tools and become aware of the risks inherent to them. They also explore additional guidelines for managing your stock options like a pro, and where to turn for help, like this article from Investopedia. Stay tuned for expert insights from SK Wealth on maximizing your financial potential.

When's the last time you thought about your estate planning documents? There may be some hidden issues if you haven't reviewed them in coordination with your financial plan. Tune in with Mac Richards, Client Relationship Manager at SK Wealth as he dives into some common pitfalls, as well as how our financial planning process, The Integrated Financial Advantage™, makes estate planning easier for clients.

As more and more of our personal and business lives are conducted online, protecting our data is more important than ever. There are important steps we can all take to protect against cybercriminals. To discuss these steps and an update on how we secure client data, I’m joined by Steven DeBlieck, the Director of Systems at Sansiveri Kimball.

Investment customization and flexibility continues to be the forefront of differentiation when managing money and sprinkle in potential tax advantages and the service sounds even more appealing. What is this Direct-Indexing method for managing portfolios? What are the advantages and how does the future look for its use in investment portfolios? Devin Rainone, CFP and Matthew Neyland, Chief Investment Officer at SK Wealth Management discuss Direct-Indexing.

We’re talking about ESG, or Environmental Social and Governance investing. Others may call this socially responsible, impact investing – no matter the name we use, Mackenzie Richards, CFP, CPWA – a Certified Financial Planner and Client Relationship Manager and Matt Neyland, CFA, CAIA - Chief Investment Officer at SK Wealth Management discuss this growing trend, new developments in this area, as well as some potential areas of caution for investors. We also talk about strategies for incorporating an ESG focus into investment portfolios.

While no one enjoys the financial markets going down, this can be a strategic time to take advantage of the market weakness and consider various financial planning strategies. Devin Rainone, a Certified Financial Planner is joined by Cheryl Ethier, a Senior Client Relationship Manager to discuss those ideas. 

Alternative Assets & Alternative Strategies in Investment Portfolios. What are they? What is increasing their use in portfolios? How do we use them in client portfolios and what is the future for Alternatives & Alternative Strategies in portfolios?

Welcome to 2022. This is a good time to recap what happened in the financial markets in 2021 and more importantly look ahead to what expect for the remainder of 2022. Devin Rainone a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is joined by Matt Neyland the Chief Investment Officer at SK Wealth Management to help us make sense of what’s happening in the economy and the financial markets.

A discussion of Medicare Open Enrollment period which begins October 15th and runs through December 7th.  This event which occurs at the same time each year, allows individuals currently accessing Medicare benefits to review their coverage and make changes if needed. An annual review of your health insurance is a good exercise to be certain you have the best plan for your health needs, at the most efficient cost. The Medicare rules can be complicated, and the plans choices can be complex. I have invited Tom Rolin to speak about his experience and expertise in helping clients weed through the process. Tom has many years of experience in working with health plans and now concentrates his practice in Medicare plans.

We are continuing our discussion with Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets at VanEck but will shift our focus to cryptocurrencies & blockchain technology as an investment. It’s not often we see Main Street investors beat Wall Street investors in a new investment trend. But, in this case retail investors were much quicker to embrace these new technologies. These innovations have now captured the attention of the investment community and have real staying power. But questions remain about the ways to invest and how they can be incorporated into investment portfolios.

The digital asset transformation is underway, and both have staying power and will have an influence in our financial lives. How should we think of cryptocurrencies value and how do the regulators look at this sector? Blockchain is a transformative technology. How will it change our financial lives and how will it change the way businesses are run? My guest, Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets at VanEck and I discuss the digital asset phenomenon. 

Why are the financial markets behaving so differently this year? Many of the stocks that have led the market over the last few years are struggling in 2021. The bond market is off to its worst start to a year this century. Joseph Tenaglia an Associate Director of Asset Allocation at WisdomTree Investments and I discuss the factors moving the markets and what the road ahead looks like for the economy and the financial markets.

You may receive an inheritance, stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) or build a large position through an employee stock purchase plan (ESOP). This can lead to a large concentrated position. We discuss the risks, tax implications and strategies to manage a concentrated position. A proper plan incorporating tax-planning, investment strategy and risk management will protect your wealth.

Purchasing a home can be a stressful process, especially if it's your first time. Join our Financial Planner, Mac Richards, as he reviews actionable steps you can take to prepare yourself and your finances for the home-buying journey.

This is the definition of a unicorn presidential election. The policy goals of both candidates will have effects on the financial markets. I am joined by Giulio Martini, a Partner and Director od Strategic Asset Allocation at Lord Abbett to discuss these policies and their effects on the markets.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, an update on our portfolio management strategies and our outlook for the road ahead in the financial markets.

We continue our discussion on Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC) with Kim Muldoon from Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage. We covered background on LTC insurance in the previous episode and now we discuss who potentially will need LTC insurance, Costs of insurance and what products are available.

Long-Term Care Insurance is an important financial planning tool that everyone should understand. We have divided the topic into two episodes to adequately cover the topic. This episode discusses what Long-Term Care Insurance is and how it works. I'm joined by Kim Muldoon an Assistant Vice President at Starkweather & Shelpey Insurance Brokerage to learn about this important topic.

FICO is launching a new credit model in the summer of 2020. A whopping 110 million Americans will likely see their credit scores change. This is a great time to familiarize your self with how credit scores are calculated and used. I’m joined by Sean Hogan, Mortgage Banker and Sales Manager at Home Loan Investment Bank to discuss this important topic.

Medicare Planning is important for everyone. It is a complex area and it's important to understand your options and to learn from other's experiences. To help us get a better understanding of Medicare Planning I am joined by Diana Desjardins, a healthcare professional that helps people with Medicare and health insurance plans and Michael DeCataldo, a partner at Sansiveri Kimball who is currently going through the medicare planning process. 

In this episode, we discuss some important trends in the financial markets that many individuals and investors are not aware of and their impact on the markets. We carried over a lot of uncertainty and noise from 2018 and it can make investors lose sight of important longer-term trends. To help us understand the trends and examine the important topics that will shape market performance in 2019, I'm joined by Blaine Robbins, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at 361 Capital. He is the lead portfolio manager of the 361 Macro Opportunity Fund and was a portfolio manager of four mutual funds at Janus Capital Group.

The mid-term elections are creating a lot of buzz and adding to the recent financial markets volatility. Will the mi-term elections in the US sink the stock market? Markets will be closely watching the upcoming mid-term elections as shifts in the balance of power in Washington could have meaningful implications for fiscal policy and foreign relations. To gain insight into the mid-term elections and their impact on the markets, I am joined by John Tousley, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs in the Market Strategy Team of Strategic Advisory Solutions.

In this episode we explore the world of obtaining a mortgage. A lot has changed in the mortgage market. Lenders have tightened credit standards, and the strength of the housing market has driven home prices higher. Also, the Federal Reserve has been on a steady schedule of raising short-term interest rates and plan to continue that path until at least the middle of 2019. To gain better insight into the mortgage market and discuss strategies, I am joined by Sean Hogan, Mortgage Banker and Sales Manager at Home Loan Investment Bank. Sean is a 20-year residential mortgage veteran who has helped people obtain financing to purchase their dream home or refinance an existing one.

The new Tax Cuts and Jobs has significantly changed the divorce landscape. These changes impact taxes and potential outcomes for couples. To help us understand the changes and discuss potential strategies, I'm joined by Sarah Oster, an attorney at Oster Law Offices in Lincoln, RI and Cheryl Ethier, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Certified Financial Planner and CPA.

If you have ever thought about buying, renting, or selling a vacation home this episode covers it all. Mike Minore, Real Estate broker and co-owner of Coldwell Banker Pat Shultz Real Estate located in Provincetown MA takes us through the process, issues, and strategies.

Volatility is back in a big way in the financial markets. In this episode I will continue the discussion with Mike Arone, Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist at State Street Global Advisors and Steve Antunes a certified financial planner and relationship manager at SK Wealth. We experienced the first 10% correction in 2 years following by a series of aftershocks. This has added uncertainty to the economy and the financial markets. Based on these changes to the landscape, we are going to discuss the road ahead in the financial markets for the remainder of 2018.  

The return of volatility and changing government policies has suddenly created uncertainty in the financial markets. We will discuss these recent changes and thoughts on strategies to help investors cope with these changes. I am joined by Mike Arone, Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist at State Street Global Advisors and Steve Antunes, a certified financial planner and relationship manager at SK Wealth Management. Steve's client base is diverse which provides him with a broad exposure to a variety of client views and concerns.

In this episode we continue the discussion on the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, in the episode we switch gears and discuss how the Act affects small and medium-sized businesses. The Act has been touted as a clear win for U.S. businesses, and while that might ring true for those that stand to pay a much lower corporate tax rate, the benefits for America's small and medium-sized businesses are a little more complicated to decipher. To gain insight on this topic, I am joined by a panel of tax experts from Sansiveri Kimball & Co. LLP. This includes Michael DeCataldo, Managing Partner and Head of the Tax Group, Sue Windle, Tax Partner and Ann Pisaturo, Principal.

In this episode, we discuss the new Tax Cut and Jobs Act and how it will affect individual tax payers. Who wins and who loses? What strategies should you think about as you start your tax planning? I am joined by Michael DeCataldo, Managing Partner & Head of the Tax Group at Sansiveri Kimball & Co. LLP and Cheryl Ethier, Senior Relationship Manager at SK Wealth Management to discuss these important topics.

In this episode, we celebrate the Season of Giving by discussing charitable gift planning. Cheryl Ethier, Senior Client Relationship Manager at SK Wealth, has a discussion with Stephanie Diamond, Managing Director and Charitable Planning Consultant at Schwab Charitable. Also, in our Long View Segment we give an update on some current events effecting the markets both in the near-term and in the long-term.

We take an integrated approach to improve your financial lives and create financial independence. In this episode, we interview Abdur Nimeri, PhD, Senior VP and Senior Strategist at Northern Trust. Abdur has been instrumental in developing Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) investment products at Northern Trust and FlexShares their ETF provider. We discuss the growing revolution of ESG investing, how it is shaping the behavior of corporate management, and how to implement ESG concepts into client portfolios. We give an update on the financial markets and discuss issues that will affect the future direction of the markets.

We take an integrated approach to improve your financial lives and create financial independence. In this episode, we interview Kathleen McQuiggan, a longtime advocate for advancing women in leadership and women & wealth initiatives. We give an update on the financial markets with an emphasis on the future direction of the markets. We also discuss a real life story of a woman who faced a life changing event and how we helped her through it. 

SK Wealth Management - The Integrated Financial Approach, a disciplined, proactive and consistent approach to providing clarity and order to your finances.

In this episode:

We interview Bob Schmidt, Brandes Institute, on the behavioral finance and its effects on individual's investing behavior.

Long View - Review of the financial markets with an emphasis on topics and issues that will affect the future direction of the markets.

Success Story - an actual success story where SK Wealth Management helped a family with a financial planning issue.