Your Active Wealth

There is more to selling a business than the financial implications. For instance, how will you continue to find purpose when you're no longer at the helm? In this episode of Your Active Wealth, Ryan Szczepanik, senior wealth strategist at BNY Wealth, sheds light on the most important considerations leading up to the sale in addition to the emotional factors that can arise after the business is sold. Pulling from his wealth of experience in helping business owners navigate the sales process, Ryan shares real-life examples to explain who should be involved and why, what specific qualifications are required to ensure the process goes smoothly, and how to successfully transition from running your own business to leading a new lifestyle post-sale. Subscribe to Your Active Wealth on your favorite podcast platform via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pocketcast and more. 

When legacy and livelihood are intertwined, selling a family business can be complex. Samy Dwek, Chief Executive Officer of The Family Office Doctor, shares tips for navigating this process in a way that preserves the family dynamic. 

A strong entrepreneurial spirit is behind every great business success. Christi Coors Ficeli, Co-Owner of Goosecross Cellars, shares how courage and determination guided her journey to forging her own path.

The private assets investment landscape has evolved in recent years, especially since the Federal Reserve began to cut interest rates in 2024. Head of Alternative Investments Paul Vittone meets with Senior Alternative Investments Strategist Joanna Berg and Portfolio Manager and Head of Secondaries Arjun Bains to break down the opportunities they are seeing as a result. They discuss the improved environment for dealmaking and exits in private equity, a new source of diversification through secondaries, how to access the growth of this innovation cycle, and how private credit can complement traditional fixed income.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bny.com/wealth. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Stronger-than-expected economic data and uncertainty about the scope of President Trump's policies have contributed to a volatile start of the year. Although equities have fallen 5% from their December high and Treasury bond yields have tested key levels, we think the U.S. macro environment remains favorable for financial markets. Join Head of Investment Strategy and Equities, Alicia Levine, and Head of Fixed Income, John Flahive, for an exploration of current themes impacting stocks and bonds, and a discussion on their outlook for 2025.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bny.com/wealth. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Divorce is never easy, but proactive planning can help. Assembling a team of specialists, who are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of a settlement, is essential to helping ensure a more positive outcome. In this episode of Your Active Wealth, Judy Barton, wealth and transition advisor at BNY Wealth, provides valuable insight into building a divorce team, as well as what a pre-settlement review should look like and why it is a necessity. Throughout the discussion, she also touches on the different types of divorce proceedings, including litigation and mediation, in addition to the nature of gray divorces, and how they can result in unique financial repercussions that require a nuanced approach. Regardless of marital status, there are always planning steps that can be taken to better protect you and your financial future.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bny.com/wealth. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

History proves that election results do not significantly impact the stock market. In fact, equities have performed well no matter what type of administration or Congress takes office. However, the outcome of the election may drive returns at the sector level. In this episode of Your Active Wealth, Alicia Levine, head of investment strategy and equities, and Kevin Shea and Matt Keeler, senior equity analysts, identify four key policy themes that equity sectors will contend with and analyze the implications of the candidates' proposals if they are adopted.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bny.com/wealth. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Tax planning is usually not top of mind until it's spring and the deadline to file is around the corner. However, there are multiple considerations to be aware of this year, prompting the need for more proactive planning. In this episode of Your Active Wealth, Jere Doyle, Senior Wealth Strategist at BNY Wealth, reveals why taxpayers need to have earlier conversations with their advisors when evaluating potential strategies to protect their wealth. Throughout the discussion, he touches on timely tax provisions to take advantage of before they expire, such as the estate and gift tax exemption from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and sheds light on the Corporate Transparency Act, which went into effect earlier this year, highlighting important reporting requirements and reminders. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Family offices are comprised of some of the most successful families in the world, and although they are often served by experienced advisors that specialize in sophisticated wealth compositions, where do they turn when they require further assistance? In this episode of Your Active Wealth, Samy Dwek, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Family Office Doctor, shares best practices he developed to help family offices reach their full potential. Throughout the discussion, he provides tips for crafting and maintaining mission statements, pointers for preserving family values across generations and anecdotes describing how to overcome emotive challenges that can affect family dynamics. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The world is filled with entrepreneurs, as businesses fuel many of the fastest growing and most powerful economies. But in this day and age, what does it take to create and run a successful business? According to Aaron Dinin, Faculty at Duke University Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Co-Founder of Audience Acceleration Labs, the hardest part of launching a new product or service is not ideation, but marketing. Drawing from his time as a serial entrepreneur, in this episode of Your Active Wealth, Dinin shares tips for cutting through the noise and effectively marketing your business with social media. In addition, he discusses the common misconceptions and pitfalls of starting a business as well as knowing when to step away. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

When it comes to navigating major life events, proactive wealth management is essential for individuals and their families. On this episode of Your Active Wealth, BNY Mellon Wealth Management's Jessica Brennan, director and senior wealth manager, and Lesley Holland, senior director and portfolio manager, share how they guide clients through major life events, such as receiving an inheritance or selling a business, as well as what attracted them to the industry. Part of the discussion also entails how they're positioning their practices for the great wealth transfer, which by 2030, is expected to see American women control a dominant share of the $30 trillion in investible assets possessed by baby boomers.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Engaging your tax advisor early can potentially save you a lot of money. Taxes can impact all aspects of wealth, including income, investments, charitable giving and estates. With Tax Day still months away, many may not be fully prepared; however, with year-end just around the corner, it pays to be proactive and organized. In our latest episode, Jere Doyle, senior estate planning strategist at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, provides valuable insight into the significance of year-end tax considerations. Throughout a discussion with Terry Sylvester Charron, head of investment advisory and planning solutions at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Jere addresses some of the most pressing questions regarding how to make your wealth plan as tax efficient as possible going into next year. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Our chief investment officer Leo Grohowski joins host Alicia Levine, head of investment strategy and equity advisory solutions, to share the top four insights he's gleaned from his distinguished 40-year career on Wall Street.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Did you know roughly 100 regional markets in 22 states make up the luxury residential real estate market in the United States? In our latest #podcast, Catherine Finney, Head of Residential Appraisals at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, shares best practices on gauging the market, creative financing solutions and personal factors to consider when buying or selling a home at this echelon. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The Who sang about “My Generation,” back in the ‘60s, but today the focus is on Next Generation. We're in the midst of a massive age wave, with trillions of dollars passing from one generation to the next. Two guests join the podcast – Brien Biondi, CEO of Campden Wealth North America and IPI and Belinda Herzig, senior wealth strategist for BNY Mellon Wealth Management – to shed light on the attitudes and experiences of the next generation of wealth holders.  For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Responsible Investing is an increasingly complex area and is often interpreted differently by investors. Manisha Ali, Head of Responsible Investing at BNY Mellon Investor Solutions, joins host Ben McGloin for an educational discussion on this topic. She'll explore the various facets of Responsible Investing, the evolving industry landscape and debunk some myths.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Women currently control one-third of total U.S. household wealth. And since women generally have longer life expectancies, over the next decade this proportion will grow significantly. To celebrate International Women's Day, BNY Mellon Head of Practice Management Consulting Janet Kelly shares how proper financial planning can make a big difference for women going through major life changes. Throughout a discussion with our host Ben McGloin, Head of Advice, Planning and Fiduciary Services at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Kelly covers everything from financial preparation for unforeseen events, like divorce or death of a spouse, to key inheritance considerations and how to leave a lasting legacy. Many of us will go through events that inevitably affect our financial situation. Tune in for an episode that covers valuable lessons that everyone can benefit from.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

While December is traditionally the busiest month for charitable giving, philanthropy should be an evergreen part of your wealth strategy. Crystal Thompkins, head of philanthropic solutions at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, discusses how you can create a philanthropic plan that passes along your legacy. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

There may be more to building an art collection than you might expect. On this episode of Your Active Wealth, BNY Mellon art curator Brian Lang shares his tips for building an art collection that speaks to your passions and withstands the test of time. Lang has curated over 2,500 pieces of artwork for BNY Mellon's corporate collection and has vast experience in finding emerging artists as well as identifying pieces from those already established. Throughout a discussion with our host Ben McGloin, head of advice, planning and fiduciary services at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Lang covers everything from the burgeoning NFT market to how to select an appraiser, and even his own personal journey working for BNY Mellon. If you've ever been curious about putting together an art collection that holds lifelong value while reflecting your personal aesthetic, this is the episode for you. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Want to keep more of what you make when markets rebound? In our latest episode, Rajesh Nakadi, head of investments for BNY Mellon Wealth Management's global family office division, explains how you can put tax-loss harvesting on steroids with a Tax-Managed Equity program to boost net returns in better years.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

BNY Mellon Wealth Management's “Do Well Better” campaign highlights and celebrates clients who are wielding their wealth with purpose, be it through their philanthropy or by launching ventures that positively impact society. In this episode of Your Active Wealth podcast, host Ben McGloin, head of advice, planning and fiduciary services at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, sits down with Carlos Martinez, founder of Clement Capital Partners, a visionary leader and entrepreneur with over 30 years of consulting experience. We talk about his upbringing, his inspirational journey to the United States from Puerto Rico, his work with underrepresented groups and the ways Carlos is doing well better in his community. Carlos also shares how there's more to entrepreneurship than generating revenue.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Start with a breakthrough idea, stir in hard work, add some perseverance, quality service, a positive culture and mix. The result: a tasty business that rises to 450 locations. On the final episode of the Your Active Wealth business owner podcast series, Dena Tripp, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Nothing Bundt Cakes, discusses how a business she started with a friend in her kitchen grew into a thriving nationwide venture. In a conversation with host Ben McGloin, head of advice, planning and fiduciary services at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Dena reveals the power of quality, the importance of ambiance, the value of branding and how she's giving back to her community in meaningful ways. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

How can a business build a winning corporate culture that empowers employees, helps clients thrive and drives profitability? In the third episode of our business owner series, Paul Spiegelman, an entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, discusses how a business he started with his brothers in his parents' garage grew into a successful healthcare enterprise that was acquired by Stericycle. In a conversation with host Ben McGloin, head of advice, planning and fiduciary services at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Paul reveals the power of culture, the three things every employee wants and how he's giving back to his community in meaningful ways. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

In the second episode of our business owner series, Varish Goyal, president and CEO of Vintners Distributors, Au Energy and Loop Neighborhood Markets, joins host Ben McGloin, head of advice, planning and fiduciary services, to explain why he turned away from a career in medicine and joined his family's business. He then took the company in a different direction through his interest in technology and service, and today directs the largest gas service operation in California, as well as the bold new convenience store chain Loop Neighborhood. Varish discusses his family's inspiring immigrant story, how he's laying the groundwork for future generations, and the three things you need in life in order to succeed.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

In the first episode of our business owner series, healthcare entrepreneur Arnie Burchianti shares his story of starting a home-based healthcare company in his native state of Pennsylvania. Leveraging scale and technology, Arnie was able to reduce the cost of care while delivering a higher standard of care. Over time, Arnie led the company through significant expansion and a series of mergers and acquisitions. In a conversation with host Ben McGloin, head of advice, planning and fiduciary services at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Arnie discusses the significance of culture, the three drivers of success, the importance of philanthropy and the value of having a team of advisors. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

In this episode of Your Active Wealth, host Ben McGloin, head of advice, planning & fiduciary services at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, speaks with Lee-ford Tritt, professor of law and director of the center for estate planning at the University of Florida College of Law, on some of the key wealth planning issues facing LGBTQ+ couples today.  The conversation sheds light on the benefits of different types of trusts, how second-parent adoption and blended families factor into estate planning, why changing pronouns may call for more flexible wills and more. According to Tritt, while many LGBTQ+ couples have intricate estate planning tools like GRATs, GRUTS and IDGTs, they tend to overlook essentialities like health care proxies, living wills and durable power of attorney. Tritt also shares helpful tips and tools that can make their estate plans more efficient, regardless of marital status.Read our latest thinking to learn about the most important estate planning considerations for modern families today.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Gone are the days when investors can expect a traditional 60/40 allocation to bonds and stocks will meet their financial goals. In this episode, Joanna Berg, senior alternative investments strategist, joins host Alicia Levine, head of equities and capital markets advisory, to explain how the world of investing has changed, and why exposure to alternative investments, like private equity and real estate, is critical in today's environment.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

When you have a substantial amount of wealth, it makes sense to think about your balance sheet like an institution. This means reviewing your expenditures periodically to account for personal spending habits, as well as external factors like market performance and inflation. According to Terry Sylvester Charron, national family wealth advisor team leader at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, it's the small items like travel, entertainment and gifts to charitable entities that tend to add up. It's important to be aware of what you typically spend during a calendar year to ensure the longevity of your wealth. Listen to this episode of Your Active Wealth to find out how an efficient spending plan draws from realistic needs, conservative market expectations and long-term goals.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Earth Day 2022's theme of “Invest in our planet,” is particularly relevant to our audience and our podcast. In recent years, more and more individuals want to make an impact with their investments and partner with companies that align with their values. Sinead Colton Grant, Global Head of Investor Solutions and Karen Wawrzaszek, Regional President, Washington DC, join host Alicia Levine to discuss how current events are impacting responsible investing, and how individuals can incorporate responsible investing to meet their financial goals.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The unholy union of soaring inflation and weaker growth has stoked fears that the U.S. economy will be plagued by stagflation or recession. John Flahive, head of fixed income joins host Alicia Levine to explain why he thinks stagflation 1970s style is not in the cards, but there is the potential for a recession in 2023, now that the Fed has vowed to do whatever it takes to bring inflation down from 40-year highs.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

On International Women's Day, we focus on the importance of women to financial markets, and the importance of financial markets to women.  According to Catherine Keating, CEO of BNY Mellon's Investor Solutions and Wealth Management divisions, financial health should be approached like physical health, with good day-to-day disciplines and guidance from experts.  Drawing on years of collective experience, in this episode of Your Active Wealth, Keating and award-winning journalist Veronica Dagher discuss practices for successful wealth management and for making the industry welcoming to all. They share stories and secrets of successful women — including their own. Tune in for a timely conversation on women in wealth. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Last year saw the emergence of several proposals under the Build Back Better Act that would impact U.S. taxpayers if signed into law. However, at this time, they have not come to fruition. According to Belinda Herzig, senior wealth strategist at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, other near-term developments could still lead to higher taxes. In this episode, Herzig covers expiring federal tax provisions, the prospect of higher gift and estate taxes, and using strategic borrowing to meet tax liabilities while still remaining invested. Join Ben McGloin, host of Your Active Wealth and head of advice, planning and fiduciary services at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, as he and Herzig discuss everything you need to know about taxes this year. Below is a list of terms and acronyms discussed in this episode:ESBT – Electing small business trust: A single trust for administrative purposes, such as having one taxpayer identification number and filing one tax return. AFR – Applicable federal rates: The minimum interest rate that the IRS allows for private loans. SLAT – Spousal lifetime access trust: An irrevocable trust where one spouse makes a gift into a trust to benefit the other spouse (and potentially other family members) while removing the assets from their combined estates. GRAT – Grantor retained annuity trust: A financial instrument used in estate planning to minimize taxes on large financial gifts to family members.IDGT – Intentionally defective grantor trust: An estate planning tool that is used to freeze certain assets of an individual for estate tax purposes, but not for income tax purposes. CLAT – Charitable lead annuity trust: A charitable trust where a charity, donor advised fund or foundation of the grantor's choosing received annual payments, either for a term or the grantor's lifetime. ICL – Investment credit line: A loan backed by assets in your portfolio, which can offer substantial loans at relatively lower rates. ILIT – Irrevocable life insurance trust: A type of trust funded during your lifetime with one or more life insurance policies. SALT deduction – State and local tax deduction: Allows taxpayers who itemize their deductions to reduce their taxable income by the amount of state and local taxes they paid that year, up to $10,000.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The spike in inflation has some investors spooked. The erosion of buying power hurts consumers whenever they go to the supermarket or fuel up at the gas station. But inflation doesn't have to hurt your investment portfolio. Leo Grohowski, chief investment officer at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, joins host Alicia Levine to discuss how you can build an inflation-resistant portfolio to mitigate this unsettling trend. For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Investors have been sitting on a staggering $4.7 trillion of cash for months, waiting for what exactly? In December it was for a correction; then in January it was for equity market volatility to subside. In this episode of Your Active Wealth, BNY Mellon Wealth Management's director of investment strategy Jeff Mortimer talks to host Alicia Levine, head of equities, about the risks inherent in sitting on cash for long periods when inflation is rising. Jeff discusses the techniques he's developed to help people strip the emotion out of investing decisions, find their risk tolerance, and use cash investment strategies that take advantage of volatility.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Ever wondered how some billionaires fund such lavish lifestyles while paying little to no tax? It comes down to strategic borrowing: the use of leverage to fund spending and investing. Billionaires derive most of their income from asset appreciation rather than salaries or bonuses. Unlike ordinary income, asset appreciation isn't taxed until a gain is realized through the sale of an asset. Borrowing to meet expenses, rather than selling off invested assets, has helped some wealthy individuals increase their overall net worth, especially in an environment of historically low interest rates and relatively strong equity markets. In this episode of Your Active Wealth, Rick Calero, head of banking and lending at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, explains this wealth building technique and more with host Ben McGloin, head of advice, planning and fiduciary services.For additional insights on the subjects that matter most to you, visit bnymellonwealth.com. Follow us on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram