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The Ultimate Guide for Americans Moving to Spain: Visas, Taxes, and Cross-Border Financial Planning By AIO Financial — Fee-Only Fiduciary Financial Planners Spain has quietly become one of the most popular destinations for Americans relocating abroad. The lifestyle is compelling — long lunches, walkable cities, world-class healthcare, sunshine, and a cost of living that, in many regions, runs 20–30% below comparable U.S. cities. But behind that lifestyle is a tax and regulatory system that can blindside Americans who move without proper planning. We work with U.S. expats every week at AIO Financial, and the same patterns keep showing up. People sell investments at exactly the wrong moment. They convert Roth IRAs and trigger Spanish tax bills they didn’t know existed. They open European brokerage accounts and accidentally buy PFICs. They miss the six-month window for the Beckham Law and lose six figures of potential tax savings. None of this is necessary. Almost every cross-border financial mistake we see is preventable with planning that starts twelve to eighteen months before the move — not after the boxes are unpacked in Valencia. This guide walks through what we believe every American family should understand before moving to Spain: the visa landscape after the Golden Visa was eliminated, how Spain actually taxes Americans (including the surprising treatment of Roth IRAs), what to do with your investments before you become a Spanish tax resident, and how to think about banking, currency, and cash transfers across borders. None of this is legal or tax advice for your specific situation, but it should give you a real working framework before you sit down with a cross-border specialist. Why Americans Are Moving to Spain Right Now The reasons people give us are remarkably consistent. They want better work-life balance. They want their kids to grow up bilingual. They’ve watched U.S. healthcare costs spiral and want a system that just works. They’re approaching retirement and the math on living in coastal Spain versus coastal Florida is hard to argue with. A few are motivated by political concerns; many simply want to live somewhere that feels less hurried. What makes Spain particularly attractive compared to other European destinations is the combination of a well-functioning Digital Nomad Visa, a meaningful (if imperfect) tax treaty with the United States, and a cost-of-living advantage that still holds up despite recent inflation. A single person can live comfortably in mid-sized Spanish cities like Valencia, Granada, or Málaga on roughly €1,600–€1,900 per month. Madrid and Barcelona cost more, but still less than San Francisco, Boston, or Seattle. The catch — and this is the part most relocation guides skip — is that Spain has a wealth tax, taxes worldwide income for residents, does not respect the U.S. tax-free status of Roth IRAs, and uses a fiscal-year structure that can leave new arrivals exposed to a full calendar year of Spanish taxation if they cross the 183-day threshold without realizing it. Done well, moving to Spain can be one of the best financial and lifestyle decisions a family makes. Done poorly, it can be a multi-year tax mess. Visa Pathways: What’s Available in 2026 Before any tax planning matters, you need legal residency. Spain offers several pathways for non-EU citizens, and the right one depends on whether you’re working, retired, or have substantial passive income. The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced under Spain’s 2023 Startup Act, has become the most popular route for working-age Americans. It allows non-EU remote workers — both employees of foreign companies and self-employed freelancers — to live legally in Spain while working for non-Spanish employers or clients. As of 2026, the income threshold is set at 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary, which works out to approximately €2,850 per month, or roughly €34,200 per year. Most Spanish consulates recommend showing at least €3,000 monthly to account for currency fluctuations. If you’re applying with family, the income requirement increases. You’ll need to demonstrate an additional 75% of the SMI (about €1,035 per month) for your first dependent — typically a spouse — and 25% for each additional family member. A family of four moving together generally needs to show somewhere around €4,400 per month in qualifying income. The DNV initially issues a residence authorization valid for up to three years if applied for from within Spain, or a one-year visa if applied for through a Spanish consulate abroad. It can be renewed for additional periods, allowing total stays of up to five years, after which permanent residency becomes available. Citizenship is generally available after ten years of legal residency for U.S. nationals (two years for citizens of Latin American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, and a handful of others). Other key requirements include having worked with your current employer or clients for at least three months before applying, holding either a relevant university degree or three years of professional experience in your field, working for a company that has been in operation for at least one year, and earning no more than 20% of your income from Spanish sources. The application process typically takes four to five months. One important wrinkle for Americans: the U.S.–Spain Totalization Agreement does not currently cover remote work in the way that some other bilateral agreements do, so the U.S. Social Security Administration rarely issues Certificates of Coverage for DNV applicants. Most U.S. W-2 employees need to either get their employer to set up a Spanish “shadow payroll” arrangement, switch to 1099 contractor status and register as an autónomo (self-employed) in Spain, or accept that they’ll be paying into the Spanish social security system. This is a frequent friction point and is best resolved before the move, not after. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) The Non-Lucrative Visa is the traditional retiree route — and increasingly used by Americans of any age with sufficient passive income. It explicitly does not permit working in Spain or remotely for any employer, which is its main limitation. As of 2026, applicants need to show approximately €2,400 per month (around €28,800 per year) in passive income or savings, with additional financial requirements for dependents. For genuinely retired Americans drawing Social Security, pension income, or living off investment portfolios, this is often the cleanest path. It comes with one substantial caveat that we’ll return to in the tax section: NLV holders are not eligible for the Beckham Law, so they pay full progressive Spanish tax rates on worldwide income from day one. The Golden Visa Is Gone If you’ve been planning around Spain’s Golden Visa — the residency-by-investment program that previously offered residency in exchange for a €500,000 real estate investment — that program ended in April 2025 as part of housing market reforms. New applications are no longer accepted. Existing Golden Visa holders retain their residency, but anyone considering this route now needs to look at alternative visas, or alternative countries (Portugal and Greece still operate similar programs, though Portugal’s no longer accepts real estate). The Highly Qualified Professional Visa For Americans being recruited by Spanish companies for skilled positions, the Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) Visa provides a path tied to a specific job offer. It’s typically valid for two years and renewable, and it qualifies the holder for the Beckham Law tax regime. This is less common for traditional relocation but matters for executives and engineers being hired into Spanish operations. Choosing Among Them In practice, most Americans we work with end up on either the DNV (if working remotely) or the NLV (if retired or financially independent). The choice has significant tax implications down the line, particularly around eligibility for the Beckham Law, which we’ll cover next. The Spanish Tax System: What Americans Actually Pay This is where most pre-move planning gets serious. Spain taxes its tax residents on worldwide income — meaning your U.S. dividends, your rental income from a property in Texas, your capital gains from selling Apple stock, all of it can be subject to Spanish tax. The U.S.–Spain tax treaty and the Foreign Tax Credit prevent most cases of literal double taxation, but the interaction between the two systems creates real planning challenges. When You Become a Tax Resident Spain considers you a tax resident if any one of three things is true: you spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year, your “center of economic interests” is in Spain (meaning your primary income or main assets are there), or your spouse and minor children habitually live in Spain (a rebuttable presumption). The 183-day rule is the most common trigger, and importantly, sporadic absences count toward the total unless you can prove tax residency in another country. This matters because Spanish tax residency is binary and applies to the full calendar year. If you arrive in Spain on July 1 and stay through year-end, you’ve spent 184 days there and you’re a tax resident for the entire year — including January through June, when you were still living in the U.S. Smart timing of the move can save substantial tax. We often recommend arriving after July 2 in a given year, which keeps you under the 183-day threshold for that year and pushes Spanish tax residency to year two. Income Tax Brackets Spanish income tax (IRPF) is progressive and combines a national portion with a regional portion that varies by autonomous community. For 2026, the combined general rates run roughly: Up to €12,450: about 19% €12,451 to €20,200: about 24% €20,201 to €35,200: about 30% €35,201 to €60,000: about 37% €60,001 to €300,000: about 45% Over €300,000: about 47% Investment income — dividends, interest, capital gains, and rental income from investments — is taxed on a separate “savings” schedule: Up to €6,000: 19% €6,001 to €50,000: 21% €50,001 to €200,000: 23% €200,001 to €300,000: 27% Over €300,000: 30% For most American expats earning between €40,000 and €80,000 per year, the effective Spanish tax rate is about 25–33%, which is comparable to or slightly lower than combined U.S. federal and state taxes for the same income. The pain points aren’t usually the standard rates — they’re the wealth tax, the lack of Roth recognition, and Modelo 720 reporting. The Beckham Law: A Major Opportunity Spain’s “Beckham Law” — named for the soccer player who was its early high-profile beneficiary — allows qualifying newcomers to be taxed as non-residents for up to six years, despite physically living in Spain. Under this regime, you pay a flat 24% on Spanish-source employment income up to €600,000 per year (47% on amounts above that), and your foreign income is generally exempt from Spanish taxation. For an American earning €100,000 per year on a Digital Nomad Visa with an employment contract, the Beckham Law saves roughly €10,000 annually compared to standard progressive rates — and the savings grow rapidly at higher income levels. For someone earning €250,000, the savings can exceed €40,000 per year. The Beckham Law has strict requirements. You generally must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the previous five years, you must move to Spain because of an employment contract or to take on a directorship, and — critically — you must elect into the regime within six months of registering with Spanish Social Security. Miss that six-month window and you cannot opt in later. We’ve seen this mistake destroy tens of thousands of euros of potential tax savings. The regime is available to W-2 employees and DNV holders with employment contracts. It is not available to self-employed autónomos in most circumstances, nor to Non-Lucrative Visa holders. This is why your visa choice has such significant tax implications. The Wealth Tax This is the tax that most surprises Americans. Spain’s wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio) is an annual levy on net worth as of December 31 each year. Spanish tax residents pay on their worldwide assets; non-residents only pay on Spanish-located assets. The structure includes a national tax-free allowance of €700,000 per person (which means €1.4 million for a married couple holding assets jointly), plus an additional €300,000 exemption for your primary residence in Spain. Above those thresholds, rates run progressively from 0.2% to 3.5%, depending on total assets and the autonomous community where you reside. Regional variation matters enormously here. Madrid and Andalucía effectively eliminate the wealth tax through 100% regional bonifications, though the national-level Solidarity Tax on Large Fortunes still applies above €3 million in those regions. Catalonia, by contrast, applies the tax in full. If wealth tax exposure is a serious concern for your situation, the autonomous community you choose to live in becomes a meaningful planning variable. There’s also a Solidarity Tax on Large Fortunes, introduced in 2023, that applies to net wealth above €3 million and adds an additional 1.7% to 3.5% on assets above that threshold. It coordinates with regional wealth tax relief to provide a national floor, so even residents of Madrid pay it on assets above €3 million. Roth IRAs in Spain: A Critical Issue Here is one of the most important things for Americans to understand before moving: Spain does not respect the tax-free status of Roth IRAs. Under U.S. law, qualified Roth IRA distributions are entirely tax-free, since contributions were made with after-tax dollars. Spain doesn’t see it that way. The Spanish tax authority (Hacienda) classifies Roth IRA distributions as investment income — specifically, as income from movable capital — and taxes them at savings rates. The taxable portion is generally the gain (the increase in value over your contributions), not the entire distribution, but this still represents a substantial loss of the Roth’s core benefit. A 2022 binding consultation (V1291-22) clarified this treatment, and the same ruling generally requires Roth IRAs to be reported on Modelo 720 and included in wealth tax calculations. The strategic implications are significant. If you have a large Roth IRA and you’re moving to Spain, you may want to consider taking distributions before establishing Spanish tax residency, while distributions are still tax-free in both countries. After becoming a tax resident, every Roth IRA distribution will likely face Spanish tax on the embedded gains. The same applies to any Roth conversions you might be considering — generally you want these completed before the move, not after. Traditional 401(k) and IRA distributions are treated more conventionally as pension or general income in Spain, and they’re taxable in both countries with foreign tax credits relieving most of the double taxation. The U.S.–Spain treaty was updated by a protocol that entered into force in November 2019, and it improves the treatment of cross-border pensions in several ways, though it does not solve the Roth issue. Capital Gains and Investment Income For Spanish tax residents, capital gains on the sale of most U.S. securities (like stocks held in a brokerage account) are taxable in Spain at savings rates of 19% to 30%. Under the U.S.–Spain treaty, gains on the sale of shares are generally taxed only in the country of residence, with limited exceptions for real estate and substantial shareholdings, so the planning here is relatively clean: if you sell while a U.S. resident, you owe U.S. tax; if you sell while a Spanish resident, you owe Spanish tax. This creates a major pre-move planning opportunity. If you have substantial unrealized gains in your taxable investment accounts, the year before your move is a powerful window. You can harvest gains at U.S. long-term capital gains rates — which top out at 23.8% including the Net Investment Income Tax — rather than at Spanish savings tax rates that run as high as 30% above €300,000 in gains. For a portfolio with $500,000 in unrealized long-term gains, the difference can be tens of thousands of dollars. This is one of the most common planning moves we recommend for clients moving to Spain with appreciated portfolios. The strategy isn’t always to harvest. If you’re moving to a non-Beckham regime and your overall income will push you into Spain’s higher capital gains brackets later, harvesting now may be valuable. If you have low income in Spain and modest gains, the Spanish tax may actually be lower than your U.S. rate. The right answer depends on your specific numbers — which is exactly the kind of cross-border modeling a fee-only planner is well-positioned to do without bias. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit U.S. citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live, so you’ll continue filing U.S. returns from Spain. Two main mechanisms prevent literal double taxation. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), claimed on Form 2555, allows you to exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income from U.S. taxation for the 2025 tax year (the limit adjusts for inflation each year). Qualifying requires either the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test (330 full days outside the U.S. in any 12-month period). Importantly, the FEIE only covers earned income — wages and self-employment income — not investment income. The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), claimed on Form 1116, gives you a dollar-for-dollar credit against U.S. taxes for income taxes paid to Spain. Because Spanish rates often exceed U.S. rates at higher income levels, most expats earning above the FEIE threshold find the FTC works better. Excess credits can be carried back one year and forward ten years. The choice between FEIE and FTC has secondary effects worth understanding. The FEIE can disqualify you from making Roth IRA contributions if it pushes your taxable U.S. income low enough. The FTC preserves earned income for IRA contribution purposes. For families with college-age children, the FEIE can also affect the calculation of education credits. Reporting Obligations: Modelo 720 and FBAR Spanish tax residents must file Modelo 720 each year, declaring foreign accounts, securities, and real estate that exceed €50,000 in any of three categories. The form is informational, not a tax return, but penalties for non-filing have historically been severe (though the European Court of Justice forced Spain to substantially soften them in 2022). The filing window is January 1 through March 31 each year for the prior year’s data. On the U.S. side, you’ll continue to file: FBAR (FinCEN Form 114): required when total foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the year. Form 8938 (FATCA): required when foreign financial assets exceed $200,000 at year-end or $300,000 at any point during the year for single filers living abroad ($400,000/$600,000 for married filing jointly). Form 8621: required for any PFIC holdings — more on this below. Form 8833: to disclose treaty positions. The reporting load is real but manageable with the right preparer. What gets people in trouble isn’t usually the difficulty of any single form — it’s not knowing the forms exist. Investments: What to Do Before You Become a Spanish Tax Resident This is the single most consequential financial planning area for Americans moving to Spain, and the area where pre-move action matters most. Once you’re a Spanish tax resident, your options narrow considerably. The window before that happens is when most of the high-leverage decisions get made. The Brokerage Account Problem A wave of U.S. brokerage firms — including Vanguard, Fidelity, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Edward Jones, Ameriprise, TIAA, USAA, and others — have been restricting or closing accounts of U.S. citizens who update their address to a foreign country. The pace accelerated sharply in 2024 and 2025 as firms tightened compliance with anti-money-laundering and FATCA-related requirements. Some firms close accounts outright; others restrict trading to liquidating positions only; some allow continued holdings but block new purchases. The practical implications for someone planning to move to Spain are: Don’t update your address until you have a plan. Once your firm sees a Spanish address, you may have 30 to 60 days to make decisions under significant time pressure. Identify expat-friendly custodians in advance. Charles Schwab International and Interactive Brokers continue to serve U.S. expats in Spain with relatively few restrictions, and a handful of independent advisory firms maintain relationships with custodians who will hold accounts for U.S. citizens abroad — typically when those accounts are managed by the advisory firm rather than self-directed. Transfer assets in-kind, don’t liquidate. If you’re forced to move accounts, transferring securities directly between custodians avoids creating a tax event. Liquidating into cash can trigger massive unintended capital gains. We spend considerable time at AIO Financial helping clients structure their accounts to remain compliant and accessible from abroad. The best time to do this work is before the move. Why Local European Brokerages Are a Trap for Americans The natural instinct, once you’ve moved to Spain, is to open a Spanish or European brokerage account and invest locally. For non-Americans, this is fine. For U.S. citizens, it’s a tax catastrophe — because of the Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules. Under U.S. tax law, virtually any non-U.S. pooled investment vehicle — every European mutual fund, every UCITS ETF, every European-domiciled index fund — is classified as a PFIC. The IRS designed PFIC rules to discourage Americans from investing in foreign funds that the IRS cannot easily audit, and the punishment is severe: PFICs are taxed at the highest ordinary income rates (currently up to 37%) on gains, with interest charges layered on top, and require an annual Form 8621 filing that can take a tax preparer several hours per fund to complete. There’s a Qualified Electing Fund (QEF) election that can avoid the worst of these rules, but it requires the foreign fund to provide an annual PFIC statement with very specific information. Almost no European fund managers produce these for retail investors, so QEF elections are theoretically available but practically impossible. The bottom line is straightforward: as a U.S. citizen living in Spain, you generally need to invest through a U.S. brokerage in U.S.-domiciled funds and ETFs. Buying European funds — even excellent, low-cost European index funds — turns a clean financial picture into a tax disaster. There’s a complicating wrinkle: EU MiFID II regulations restrict EU-resident investors from buying many U.S.-domiciled ETFs, because U.S. fund providers haven’t produced the EU-required Key Information Documents. Most U.S. expats in Europe end up holding individual stocks, ETFs purchased through expat-friendly U.S. brokerages, and pre-existing fund positions. Some use options strategies or structured workarounds. Working with a cross-border advisor who understands which products remain accessible matters here. Pre-Move Investment Moves to Consider Twelve to eighteen months before your move, the following are typically worth analyzing: Harvesting long-term capital gains. As discussed above, U.S. long-term gains rates often beat Spanish savings rates, and once you’re a Spanish resident, every sale potentially triggers Spanish tax. Strategically selling and rebuying appreciated positions in your final U.S. year can lock in U.S. tax treatment. Roth conversions. If you have meaningful traditional IRA balances and you’re not in a high U.S. tax bracket, completing Roth conversions before the move means the conversion is taxed at U.S. rates only. After the move, conversions get more complicated (and the resulting Roth doesn’t get U.S.-style tax-free treatment in Spain anyway). Roth distributions. For older clients with substantial Roth balances who plan to draw on them in retirement, taking distributions before becoming a Spanish tax resident captures the full Roth benefit. Once in Spain, the gain portion of every distribution is taxable. HSA decisions. Health Savings Accounts are not recognized by Spain. The income inside them is potentially taxable annually for Spanish tax residents. Some clients draw down HSAs before the move; others maintain them with the understanding that ongoing reporting and tax will apply. 529 plans. Similar issues. 529 plans aren’t recognized as tax-advantaged in Spain, and depending on the structure, may create ongoing Spanish tax liability. Drawing down 529s for U.S. educational use before the move, or restructuring them, is often part of the plan. Real estate decisions. Selling a U.S. primary residence before the move keeps the Section 121 exclusion ($250,000 single / $500,000 married) cleanly available under U.S. rules. Selling after the move adds Spanish tax considerations and can complicate the exclusion. Renting out the U.S. home while abroad creates ongoing reporting in both countries but can be the right answer for those who plan to return. Trust and estate review. U.S. revocable living trusts are not recognized as transparent in Spain — Spanish tax authorities may treat them as opaque foreign entities, which can create unexpected tax consequences. Estate plans drafted under U.S. assumptions often need substantial revision before a move. Should You Keep Investments in the U.S. or Move Them Abroad? For almost every American citizen moving to Spain, the answer is: keep your investments in the U.S. The combination of PFIC rules, EU MiFID II restrictions on U.S. ETFs, and the comparatively higher costs and lower transparency of European retail investing means that a U.S.-domiciled portfolio held at an expat-friendly U.S. brokerage is almost always the right structure. The exception is if you renounce U.S. citizenship — but that’s a separate, much larger conversation. What changes is what you hold and how you manage it. U.S.-domiciled ETFs and individual stocks remain the foundation. You may need to adjust around currency exposure (more on this below), tax-efficiency rules that differ between the two countries, and the loss of access to certain U.S. mutual funds that don’t allow non-resident purchases. Asset location — what you hold in Roth versus traditional versus taxable accounts — also looks different through a cross-border lens. Currency Considerations One question we get often: should you convert to euros once you move? The honest answer is “it depends on your time horizon and liabilities.” Most retirees and long-term residents in Spain end up with euro-denominated living expenses but dollar-denominated investments. Over time, this creates currency exposure: a 10% drop in the dollar means your investment portfolio buys 10% less in Spain. There are a few approaches we use with clients: Hold a euro cash reserve sufficient to cover 1–2 years of living expenses. This protects against short-term currency movements forcing investment sales at bad prices. Don’t try to time currency markets. Strategic currency hedging at the portfolio level is rarely worth the cost for individual investors. For larger portfolios, consider modest direct euro exposure through ETFs that hold European equities or international developed-market funds. Don’t overdo it — global diversification is good; concentrated currency bets are not. Moving Cash: How to Actually Get Money to Spain Getting funds across the Atlantic has gotten easier in recent years but still has friction points worth understanding. Wire Transfers vs. Money Service Providers Traditional bank wires from a U.S. bank to a Spanish bank work but are typically expensive — fees commonly run $25–$50 per outbound wire from the U.S. side, plus a poor exchange rate that often costs another 1–3% of the amount transferred. For a $100,000 transfer, that’s potentially $3,000+ in spread costs. Specialized providers like Wise (formerly TransferWise), OFX, and Revolut typically offer mid-market exchange rates with much lower fees, often under 0.5% all-in. For larger transfers, a foreign exchange broker can negotiate even better rates, sometimes with a forward contract that locks in the exchange rate for a specific future date — useful when you’re closing on a Spanish property and want to know exactly how many dollars the euro purchase price will cost. For most cross-Atlantic transfers under $250,000, Wise is the simplest and lowest-cost option. Above that, dedicated FX brokers start to make sense. Spanish Bank Accounts You’ll need a Spanish bank account for daily living. The traditional banks (CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander) all offer non-resident accounts you can open before establishing residency, though increasingly they want to see your NIE (Spanish foreigner identification number) or your visa. Newer digital banks like N26 and Revolut are popular with expats for their lower fees and English-language interfaces, though some Spanish landlords and employers still prefer traditional banks. A common approach: open a basic non-resident account at a major Spanish bank for housing transactions and government payments, plus a Wise multicurrency account for receiving USD income and converting to EUR efficiently. Reporting Large Transfers Both U.S. and Spanish authorities track large cross-border transfers. On the U.S. side, transfers over $10,000 are reported automatically by your bank to FinCEN. On the Spanish side, banks report incoming international transfers to the Banco de España and tax authorities. None of this is illegal or problematic — but if you’re moving $400,000 to buy a house in Valencia, expect both sides to know, and don’t structure transfers in ways that look like you’re trying to avoid reporting (which is itself a U.S. federal crime). Cash Buffer for the First Year We typically recommend clients have at least six months — preferably twelve months — of Spanish living expenses available in liquid form before the move, in addition to their long-term investment portfolio. The first year in Spain comes with surprise costs: temporary housing, deposits, immigration fees, legal and tax advisor fees, furniture, car purchases, healthcare deposits. Having a cash buffer means none of this requires selling investments at a bad time or running up debt at unfavorable rates. Healthcare, Insurance, and Social Security Spain has one of the better healthcare systems in the developed world, but accessing it as a new arrival requires planning. Most visa categories require private health insurance during the application process and typically through the first year of residency. Standard policies from companies like Adeslas, Sanitas, and Asisa run €60–€150 per month per person depending on age and coverage level. After establishing residency and (for those working in Spain) contributing to Spanish Social Security, you become eligible for the public system, which is generally excellent. For Americans on Medicare, Medicare does not cover care received in Spain. Some retirees maintain Medicare and pay the Part B premiums in case they return to the U.S.; others let it lapse. Reactivation comes with late-enrollment penalties, so this decision deserves careful thought before it’s made. U.S. Social Security retirement benefits continue to be paid to U.S. citizens living in Spain, and the U.S.–Spain Totalization Agreement helps prevent dual social security taxation for many work situations. Working in Spain also generates Spanish social security credits that may eventually qualify you for Spanish retirement benefits, though qualification typically requires fifteen or more years of contributions. Estate Planning Across Borders This is the area most often deferred — and most often regretted. U.S. estate plans drafted assuming U.S. residence rarely work cleanly in Spain. Spain has its own inheritance and gift tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones) that applies to Spanish residents and to inheritances of Spanish-located assets. National rates run from 7.65% to 34%, with multipliers based on the relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary. Autonomous communities have wide latitude to set their own rates and bonifications, so effective rates vary enormously: in Madrid, Andalucía, and several other regions, close family members pay almost nothing; in others, rates approach the national maximum. Spanish forced heirship rules also differ from U.S. rules. Spain reserves a legitimate portion of an estate for certain heirs (typically children), which can override testamentary wishes expressed in a U.S. will. EU Regulation 650/2012 allows you to elect U.S. (or your nationality’s) law to govern your succession, but this election generally must be made explicitly in your will and is not automatic. Revocable living trusts, the workhorse of U.S. estate planning, are not transparent in Spain. The Spanish tax authority may treat the trust as a separate opaque entity, which can create unexpected income tax during life and complicate inheritance treatment at death. Many cross-border families need to revise or replace their trust structure before the move. Practical recommendations: consult a Spanish abogado experienced in cross-border estate planning before the move. Have a Spanish will (separate from your U.S. will) covering Spanish-located assets. Make explicit choice-of-law elections under EU Regulation 650/2012. Review beneficiary designations on all U.S. accounts to ensure they still make sense. Lifestyle Costs: What Spain Actually Costs in 2026 A rough framework for Spanish living costs in 2026, by region: Mid-sized cities (Valencia, Granada, Málaga, Seville, Zaragoza): A comfortable lifestyle for a single person runs €1,800–€2,500 per month including rent for a one-bedroom in a desirable neighborhood. A couple typically lives well on €3,000–€4,500 per month. Madrid and Barcelona: Add 30–50% to the above. A nice one-bedroom in central Madrid runs €1,400–€2,000 per month; in Barcelona, €1,500–€2,200. Total monthly costs for a single person comfortably range €2,800–€4,000. Coastal premium areas (Marbella, Ibiza, parts of Mallorca): Closer to U.S. coastal city costs, especially in summer months. Expect €4,000+ monthly for comfortable single living, often €6,000+ for couples. Rural and smaller towns: Substantially lower. Many Americans report living comfortably in Spanish villages or small cities for €1,500–€2,000 monthly per person, including rent. These figures cover housing, food, utilities, transport, basic entertainment, and private health insurance. They don’t include big-ticket items like a car purchase, international travel, or major medical events. A Practical Pre-Move Timeline For a hypothetical move twelve to eighteen months in the future, here’s the timeline we generally recommend: T-18 to T-12 months: Strategic planning. Engage a U.S.-side cross-border financial planner and a Spanish abogado/tax specialist. Decide on visa pathway. Begin tax-projection modeling. Identify which U.S. accounts will move and which custodians can serve you abroad. Begin Spanish language study if you haven’t already. T-12 to T-9 months: Big financial moves. If indicated, complete Roth conversions. Begin strategic gain harvesting in taxable accounts. Review 529 and HSA balances for pre-move decisions. Decide on U.S. real estate (sell, rent, or hold). Update estate documents. T-9 to T-6 months: Visa application. Gather documents, get FBI background check apostilled, prepare income documentation, file the visa application. (Application processing typically takes 4–5 months.) T-6 to T-3 months: Logistics. Arrange international moving company. Begin planning what to ship versus sell versus store. Open expat-friendly U.S. brokerage account if needed. Open Spanish non-resident bank account if possible. Identify Spanish housing for the first 3–6 months. T-3 months to move date: Execution. Final tax planning moves. Cancel U.S. utilities, services, insurance. Notify employer if working remotely. Confirm all Spanish appointments (NIE, padrón, visa pickup). Time the actual move date for tax efficiency — generally after July 2 in any given calendar year if circumstances permit. T-0 to T+6 months in Spain: Settling in. Register with local padrón. Apply for Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE). Set up Spanish utilities, internet, healthcare. Critically: file Beckham Law election within 6 months of Social Security registration if eligible. Begin Spanish tax registration with AEAT. T+12 months: First Spanish tax return. File first IRPF return for the partial year (if applicable). Review and adjust ongoing tax strategy based on actual income realized. How AIO Financial Works With Cross-Border Clients At AIO Financial, our work with Americans moving to Spain is fundamentally about reducing the cost of bad surprises. We are a fee-only fiduciary firm — meaning we receive no commissions, no kickbacks, no revenue from any product we recommend. Our clients pay us directly, and we work only for them. That structure matters especially for international moves, where the financial services industry’s commission-based incentives often push expats into expensive insurance products and PFIC-laden offshore structures that primarily benefit the salesperson. Our typical engagement with a Spain-bound client involves an initial deep planning phase eight to twelve months before the move, then transition support during the move itself, then ongoing investment management and annual planning review once settled. We coordinate with Spanish tax counsel and U.S. expat tax preparers — we don’t replace them, but we make sure all the pieces fit together. We help clients maintain compliant U.S. brokerage relationships from abroad through our institutional arrangements. We don’t claim to be everything. We’re not Spanish lawyers or accountants. We don’t handle Spanish tax filings ourselves. Spain’s gestores and Spanish tax advisors handle that side of the picture. Our role is the U.S.-side planning and the cross-border coordination — making sure the two systems work together rather than against each other for our clients. The Bottom Line Moving to Spain can be one of the best financial and lifestyle decisions an American family makes. It can also be one of the most expensive, depending on how the planning goes. The difference is rarely about how much money you have — it’s about how much advance planning you do. The tax rates aren’t usually the killer. Spain isn’t dramatically more expensive than the U.S. on income tax for most middle-income families. What costs people money is the avoidable mistakes: missing the Beckham Law deadline, holding the wrong type of investments, triggering U.S. capital gains in Spain when they could have been harvested at home, getting blindsided by Modelo 720 reporting, ending up in a high-wealth-tax region without realizing it. Almost all of these are preventable. The work to prevent them mostly happens twelve to eighteen months before the plane takes off, not after. If you’re seriously considering Spain, the time to start the financial planning conversation is now. AIO Financial is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning firm registered with the SEC, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, and serving clients virtually across the United States and abroad. We specialize in expat financial planning, sustainable and impact investing, retirement planning, and tax-aware investment management. We earn no commissions, sell no products, and are compensated only by our clients. To discuss your situation, visit aiofinancial.com or contact us at 520-325-0769. This guide is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Tax laws and visa rules change frequently. The figures, thresholds, and rates cited reflect our understanding as of early 2026 and are subject to change. Please consult qualified U.S. and Spanish professionals about your specific situation before making cross-border financial or relocation decisions.

For this episode we discuss leveraging data for initiatives such as:Enhancing client engagementIncreasing wallet shareTargeted marketingRecognition of life eventsMoney in motionMeasuring the success of your data-centric initiativesJoin our guests Tim Sease of South State Bank and Kimberly Sterling of Ameriprise for this engaging discussion!

The firm advisors think they know is not the firm that exists today. And if you are going to say NO, at least know what you are saying no to. Frank LaRosa goes one on one with Brian Mora of Ameriprise for a candid conversation that challenges some of the most common misconceptions advisors carry about one of the largest and most innovative firms in the industry. Frank and Brian break down what $1.7 trillion in assets actually means for an advisor looking for stability in a consolidating market, why Fortune named Ameriprise one of the most innovative companies in America and how their AI-powered CFP brain is giving advisors back hours of time every single week by transforming how they prep for meetings, generate recommendations and summarize client conversations. They also get into the numbers that matter most. Advisors who transition to Ameriprise are at 101% of their hiring assets after just 12 months, compared to the industry average of 91%. The conversation also breaks down how their digital transition process moved a billion dollar team onto the platform in just 16 days and why a firm telling you it takes six months to transition your book is a red flag you should not ignore. The episode closes with the message Frank keeps coming back to: before you say no to Ameriprise, at least know what you are saying no to. Because the firm advisors think they know is not the firm that exists today.   Questions answered in this episode include: Why are advisors surprised by what Ameriprise has become in the last 20 years? What does $1.7 trillion in assets mean for the stability of the firm you choose? How is Ameriprise using AI to help advisors grow their practices and serve clients better? What is the CFP brain and how does it work inside an advisor's practice? Why do Ameriprise advisors move 101% of their book after transitioning when the industry average is 91%? How fast should a book of business actually move when an advisor transitions today? What is the impact analyzer and how does it help advisors see the real financial difference of growing faster?   Chapters: 00:00 — Know What You're Saying No To: The Ameriprise Truth 01:04 — Why Ameriprise Surprises People: 1.7 Trillion and the Innovation Awards 03:00 — How Ameriprise Changed 20 Years Ago and Why It Matters Now 06:18 — Fortune, Time, and the Case for Innovation 09:18 — The CFP Brain: AI That Thinks Ahead for Every Client 10:07 — Meeting Summarization and Giving Advisors Their Time Back 12:52 — 101% vs 91%: Why More of the Book Moves at Ameriprise 15:37 — 16 Days, a Billion Dollars, and the Digital Transition Difference   Learn more about Elite and our resources: Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers and Acquisitions https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Technology Solutions for Advisors https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Elite Wealth Management Insights Report https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/insight-report Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/

Frank and Jon unpack: • Why today's competitive landscape means growth-motivated buyers must approach deals differently. • The three core reasons advisors pursue acquisitions - and which ones actually lead to long-term success. • How leverage, bank financing, and EBITDA-based lending really work in practice. • Why “fixer-upper” books may offer the strongest ROI. • How elite buyers win deals by understanding the emotional side of selling a practice. • The art of creating a safe landing place for sellers, their teams, and their clients. • Why phased buyouts and seller glide paths often create better retention and better economics for everyone. Jon also shares numbers, structures, and stories that demystify the math behind buying a practice - and the mindset required to scale from practitioner to true enterprise builder. If you're a buyer, seller, or advisor considering M&A in any form, this episode is a blueprint you can't afford to miss. Resources: Jon Kuttin's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankuttin   Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors: https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers and Acquisitions: https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Data Intelligence for Advisors: https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/eliteconsultingpartners Chapters:   00:00 Introduction 01:08 Meet Jon Kuttin 04:42 What Makes a Buyer Truly Ready 13:56 Building Enterprise Value Through Acquisitions 17:20 Managing Risk, Liquidity & Debt Capacity 21:08 Where the Best Acquisition Opportunities Are 35:20 Why Seller Fit Matters More Than Price 42:02 Structuring Glide Paths, Partial Sales & Long-Term Transitions

Jittery investors continue to punish stocks of companies that may (or may not) face major disruption from artificial intelligence. Last week, it was software firms, then insurance brokers. Now, it's financial brokerages that offer people planning advice — the likes of Charles Schwab, Raymond James, and Ameriprise. But what's lost when we lose human capabilities in financial services? Plus, U.S. allies like Canada and the U.K. are increasingly turning to China for trade deals.

Jittery investors continue to punish stocks of companies that may (or may not) face major disruption from artificial intelligence. Last week, it was software firms, then insurance brokers. Now, it's financial brokerages that offer people planning advice — the likes of Charles Schwab, Raymond James, and Ameriprise. But what's lost when we lose human capabilities in financial services? Plus, U.S. allies like Canada and the U.K. are increasingly turning to China for trade deals.

What happens when a $16 billion RIA decides to double down on leadership, integration, and “advisor intelligence” in the middle of an AI-driven vortex of change?   In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene interviews Jennifer des Groseilliers, CEO of The Mather Group, who shares how her path from Vermont to law school to leadership roles at Ameriprise, MetLife, and a MassMutual franchise ultimately led her to the helm of The Mather Group, a $16 billion fee-only RIA. As a key leader at The Mather Group, Jennifer oversees a 190-person team, 40 wealth advisors, and a growth engine built on 23 acquisitions, an integrated planning platform, and a niche focus on Fortune 200 executives nearing retirement. She discusses leadership development, behavioral finance, and the rise of AI in wealth management—explaining why “advisor intelligence” is now the real differentiator for firms that want to win the next decade.   Key Takeaways: → How taking over compliance, portfolio management, and back-office operations for acquired firms frees advisors to focus on client-facing work and deep planning. → Why it's essential to bifurcate sales and advice and how that structure enhances both growth and advisor effectiveness. → How AI is creating a vortex of change in financial services and why advisor intelligence around values, behavior, and trust matters more than ever. → Why The Mather Group sees itself as an integrator, not an aggregator. → How carefully refined and consistent platform allowed the firm to scale to roughly $16 billion in AUM.   Jennifer des Groseilliers is the Chief Executive Officer of The Mather Group. Jen cultivates a collaborative culture through inclusive and supportive leadership. Her unwavering commitment to keeping clients at the center of all efforts drives her approach. Jen's extensive professional experience includes serving as a Managing Partner in the MetLife Premier Client Group in 2013, leading a team of over 160 financial advisors. She became the CEO of MassMutual Illinois in 2016 and, in 2020, after a merger with WestPoint Financial Group, assumed the role of Partner and Chief Experience Officer, leading various departments, including Investments, Compliance, Practice Development, and Financial Planning.   Connect With Jennifer:   Website: https://www.themathergroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtmgwealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMGTheMatherGroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferadesgroseilliers/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/themathergroup   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ameriprise private wealth advisor discusses alternative investments, constructing portfolios for retirement income, and the behavioral aspects of asset allocation. Host: Greg Bartalos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the RIA Edge Podcast, host David Armstrong speaks with Arthur Ambarik, CEO of Perigon Wealth Management, about the firm's growth from a small Bay Area RIA into a multi-state, $12 billion firm with a partnership-driven model and large ambitions for the future. Ambarik shares how cultural alignment shapes mergers, why specialization within firms is becoming a critical growth driver and how long-term thinking around talent and capital structure is redefining the future of wealth management firms. Key takeaways: How Ambarik has led Perigon's journey toward becoming a national RIA, starting with $150 million in assets when he joined the firm, to a $12 billion enterprise today, supporting teams across 16 states How intentional growth plans and a partnership-driven model have fueled the success How Perigon's first equity-based acquisition in 2020 became a springboard for the future How he sees the role of the niche advisor driving future growth How the influx of private equity has impacted firms and the larger industry How Perigon sees technology as a tool for better segmenting client accounts profitably How he envisions RIAs becoming the go-to career choice for young talent, with firms driving talent generation and mentorship Resources: Listen to the RIA Edge Podcast on WealthManagement.com Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Apple Podcasts Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Spotify Connect With David Armstrong: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: David Armstrong Twitter: David Armstrong LinkedIn: Informa Connect With Arthur Ambarik: Company: Perigon Wealth Management LinkedIn: Perigon Wealth Management LinkedIn: Arthur Ambarik About Our Guest: Arthur Ambarik, CFP, is Chief Executive Officer of Perigon Wealth Management. Under his leadership, Perigon has grown to over $10.2 billion* in assets under management and expanded its national footprint through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Named CEO of the Year in 2024 by WealthManagement.com, Arthur has played a pivotal role in Perigon's rapid ascent in the industry. He was also recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors 2024 list for California. Thanks to his leadership, Perigon has earned national recognition, including: Forbes America's Top RIA Firms Newsweek America's Top Financial Advisory Firms USA Today Best Financial Advisory Firms Financial Advisor Magazine's: Fastest-Growing RIAs Top RIAs RIA Discretionary and Non-Discretionary AUM Rankings San Francisco Business Times: Bay Area's Fastest-Growing Private Companies Arthur brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, with a career spanning advisory and operational leadership at Ameriprise and LPL. He is also a member of the Financial Advisor IQ Leadership Council. Arthur holds a B.A. in Economics from Williams College.

A solid CRM strategy is crucial for any financial institution that wants to thrive in today's competitive environment. This discussion shares strategies and best practices to enhance your customer relationships and grow your program by leveraging data and your CRM solution. Subjects include:Creating a single Source of TruthLeveraging AI for CRM optimizationData and the 360-degree client viewAdvisor adoptionThis episode is recorded from a BISA sponsored webinar where we were joined by Solomon Schmidt of KeyCorp and Brian Venn of California Credit Union, with cross-channel insights and commentary provided by Chris Melton from Ameriprise.

In this inspiring conversation, internationally best-selling author, coach, and keynote speaker Richard Leider explores why purpose is fundamental to health, healing, happiness, and longevity, especially in the second half of life. He explains why purpose is something to be unlocked from within rather than found “out there,” and how small, everyday “little p” acts of meaning can ultimately reveal a bigger life purpose. Drawing on decades of work with leaders, research in lifestyle medicine, and stories from clients and his own life, Richard offers simple practices and questions to help listeners grow, give, and make each day count.What We Talk AboutWhy purpose is not a luxury, but a basic human need tied to well-being and longevityThe difference between “big P” purpose and “little p” purpose in everyday lifeThe “napkin test”: gifts + passions + values = purpose/callingHow to think about purpose in retirement and the added decades of life many of us now havePractices like the two-minute purpose practice and the “grow and give” daily questionThe importance of relationships, community, and service in combating isolation and lonelinessHow curiosity and a growth mindset support purposeful agingRichard's “incomplete manifesto for purpose” and what he stands for in his workAbout the Guest: Richard LeiderRichard Leider is an internationally best-selling author, coach, and keynote speaker widely regarded as a pioneer of the global purpose movement. He has written 12 books, including three bestsellers that have sold over a million copies and been translated into 20 languages, and his PBS special, The Power of Purpose, was viewed by millions across the U.S.He is the founder of Inventure – The Purpose Company, a firm dedicated to helping individuals live, work, and lead on purpose, and has worked with over 100,000 leaders in more than 100 organizations, including AARP, Ameriprise, Blue Zones, and the U.S. Department of State. Richard is ranked by Forbes as one of the top five most respected coaches, serves as a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota's Center for Spirituality and Healing, and is a global purpose ambassador for Blue Zones and Blue Spirit Costa Rica. He and his wife, Sally, live in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area, and for over 30 years he has led Inventure Expeditions walking safaris in East Africa, where he founded and serves on the board of the Dorobo Fund for Tanzania.Connect with Richard LeiderWebsite: The Purpose Company BooksThe Napkin Test What to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement Transition Please leave a review at Apple Podcasts. Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

Heather is a speaker, award-winning author, executive coach, and leadership development consultant passionate about empowering women to live, work, and lead with grounded confidence. With her unique blend of expertise and authenticity, Heather has become a frequent speaker for companies and conferences across the US and globally. Prior to starting her business, Heather spent over a decade at Cargill and Ameriprise in a wide variety of HR, leadership development, and change management roles in both offices and plants in the U.S., Latin America, and Australia. She's the author of two transformative books - An Overachiever's Guide to Breaking the Rules and Grounded Wildness: Break Free from Performing Your Life and Start Living It. You can connect with Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherwhelpley/ You can also learn more about Heather and her speaking. I highly recommend you book her for your next management meeting or trade show. https://www.heatherwhelpley.com/ ******************************************** Want to learn how to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees? Interested in learning how to scale your business to increase revenue and profit while working less? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #authenticity #heatherwhelpley #speaker #author # #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

Frank and Brian also dig into:• The pivotal 2005 spin-off from American Express - and what it unlocked for advisors.• Why it's “all about how much you make, not the payout.”• How Ameriprise's E-Meeting, Insights, and AI-driven Copilot tools are redefining advisor efficiency.• The power of home-office visits and what advisors should look for in firm culture.• Why advisors who said “never” to Ameriprise often end up saying “yes.”If you've ever wondered why so many top producers are giving Ameriprise another look, this episode delivers straight answers, real examples, and lessons every advisor can use when evaluating their next move.Resources:Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions: https://eliteconsultingpartners.comElite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors: https://elitemarketingconcepts.comElite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers and Acquisitions: https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.comJEDI Database Solutions | Data Intelligence for Advisors: https://jedidatabasesolutions.comConnect with Brian Mora on LinkedIn or via phone: (609)-335-8844https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-j-mora-cfp%C2%AE-crpc%C2%AE-awma%C2%AE-4076b610/  Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/eliteconsultingpartners 

Don and Tom tackle the universal truths of investing — namely, that most investors underperform the market due to their own behavior. They discuss the persistence of emotional decision-making, the dangers of market timing, and the importance of diversification and sticking to a plan. Listener calls cover UGMA accounts, bond allocation in IRAs, downsizing for assisted living, robo-investing, annuities, and advisor ethics. The show mixes data-driven insight with classic Real Money humor and real-world financial guidance. 0:04 Universal truths of investing and investor behavior 2:07 Why investors underperform their own funds (Morningstar “Mind the Gap”) 3:30 Market sentiment, cash levels, and memories of 2000 and 2008 4:31 Peter Lynch on market corrections and investor overconfidence 5:40 The danger of timing the market and trusting stocks too much 6:40 “Financial Flinch Reflex” parody PSA (Appella Wealth ad) 7:41 Listener: diversifying a Vanguard UGMA for grandson's education 12:14 Listener: TSP rollover, age-based bond allocation, and risk tolerance 14:40 The right asset mix for long-term investors in their 40s 15:48 Listener: selling condo for assisted living — planning for late-life care 18:45 Spending vs. inheritance — why it's okay to use your own money 20:27 Producer's question: is SoFi robo-investing safe for beginners? 22:56 Emergency funds vs. long-term investing; debt priorities 26:03 Listener: spouse investing in individual stocks — handling differences 28:32 Listener: total market vs. S&P 500 core fund; AVGE and DFAW explained 30:17 Listener: 8% annuity “crediting rate” myth and why it's misleading 35:42 Real internal rate of return on annuities and risk comfort 37:12 Listener: following advisor from Ameriprise to a bank — fiduciary warning 39:36 Why commissioned products persist and how fiduciary rules differ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions? Comments?Don and Tom tackle the universal truths of investing — namely, that most investors underperform the market due to their own behavior. They discuss the persistence of emotional decision-making, the dangers of market timing, and the importance of diversification and sticking to a plan. Listener calls cover UGMA accounts, bond allocation in IRAs, downsizing for assisted living, robo-investing, annuities, and advisor ethics. The show mixes data-driven insight with classic Real Money humor and real-world financial guidance.0:04 Universal truths of investing and investor behavior2:07 Why investors underperform their own funds (Morningstar “Mind the Gap”)3:30 Market sentiment, cash levels, and memories of 2000 and 20084:31 Peter Lynch on market corrections and investor overconfidence5:40 The danger of timing the market and trusting stocks too much6:40 “Financial Flinch Reflex” parody PSA (Appella Wealth ad)7:41 Listener: diversifying a Vanguard UGMA for grandson's education12:14 Listener: TSP rollover, age-based bond allocation, and risk tolerance14:40 The right asset mix for long-term investors in their 40s15:48 Listener: selling condo for assisted living — planning for late-life care18:45 Spending vs. inheritance — why it's okay to use your own money20:27 Producer's question: is SoFi robo-investing safe for beginners?22:56 Emergency funds vs. long-term investing; debt priorities26:03 Listener: spouse investing in individual stocks — handling differences28:32 Listener: total market vs. S&P 500 core fund; AVGE and DFAW explained30:17 Listener: 8% annuity “crediting rate” myth and why it's misleading35:42 Real internal rate of return on annuities and risk comfort37:12 Listener: following advisor from Ameriprise to a bank — fiduciary warning39:36 Why commissioned products persist and how fiduciary rules differLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest this week is Greg Corey of Highland Park, IL a wealth manager at Ameriprise Financial Services and father of three children including a son with Down Syndrome.Greg and his wife, Carly, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three children: Ashton (4), Frankie (6) and Presley (8), who has Mosaic Down syndrome, which was not detected or diagnosed until he was three years old.  We also learn about a host of organizations that Presley has benefited from including:  Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)Kick Start Therapeutic Day Care, andGigi's PlayhouseIt's an uplifting story about commitment to family and service to others all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links - Phone - (847) 847-2134 Email – gregorycorey@gmail.comEmail - greg.corey@AMPF.com LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryjcorey/ Website –  https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/gregory.corey/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

A lively, unscripted listener Q&A episode with no set topic — just a flood of great questions. Don and Tom tackle everything from inheriting farmland to the hidden cost of medical inflation, tax-efficient short-term investments, Ameriprise conflicts of interest, fund turnover ratios, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Jonathan Clements, a true pioneer of rational investing journalism. Plenty of wit, warmth, and straight talk about money — plus a personal moment of honesty from Tom about life, loss, and gratitude. 0:04 Cold open: “A show with no topics” banter and weather humor 2:07 Angie from St. Paul: Inheriting farmland — hold or sell? 6:04 Anton from Spokane: Medflation's impact on Social Security COLA and Medicare premiums 10:45 Jason from Tigard: SPAXX vs. SGOV — which is better for short-term cash? 13:35 Ameriprise client: Should I use an SMA or fire my advisor? 18:41 Luke from Evans, GA: ETF turnover and what it really means 23:25 Tribute to Jonathan Clements — his life, legacy, and impact on index investing 27:10 Personal reflections, audience appreciation, and gratitude from Tom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions? Comments?A lively, unscripted listener Q&A episode with no set topic — just a flood of great questions. Don and Tom tackle everything from inheriting farmland to the hidden cost of medical inflation, tax-efficient short-term investments, Ameriprise conflicts of interest, fund turnover ratios, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Jonathan Clements, a true pioneer of rational investing journalism. Plenty of wit, warmth, and straight talk about money — plus a personal moment of honesty from Tom about life, loss, and gratitude.0:04 Cold open: “A show with no topics” banter and weather humor2:07 Angie from St. Paul: Inheriting farmland — hold or sell?6:04 Anton from Spokane: Medflation's impact on Social Security COLA and Medicare premiums10:45 Jason from Tigard: SPAXX vs. SGOV — which is better for short-term cash?13:35 Ameriprise client: Should I use an SMA or fire my advisor?18:41 Luke from Evans, GA: ETF turnover and what it really means23:25 Tribute to Jonathan Clements — his life, legacy, and impact on index investing27:10 Personal reflections, audience appreciation, and gratitude from TomLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions? Comments?Don and Tom tackle the “big three” global equity ETFs—Vanguard VT, Dimensional DFAW, and Avantis AVGE—breaking down their diversification, costs, risk/return assumptions, style tilts (small/value vs large/growth), and geographic/sector weights. They highlight how DFA and Avantis add microcaps and factor tilts that Vanguard's index omits, why fees are “pennies” but differences in construction matter, and why “rules-based” is more accurate than “active.” Listener questions cover lottery winnings (lump sum vs annuity), the collapse of Publishers Clearinghouse payouts, and Ameriprise's pricey SMA accounts. The theme: investing lives in the middle ground—balancing risk, cost, and logic.0:04 Middle-dweller banter and show open0:54 Why ETFs replaced mutual funds as the easy route1:23 The “big three” global ETFs: VT, AVGE, DFAW2:34 Which is “better”? Spoiler: none—or all2:56 Diversification: DFAW 13,700 stocks vs VT's 10,0004:00 Expense ratios: Vanguard's cost advantage4:32 Risk/return projections and why they're guesses6:22 Microcaps explain much of the differences7:55 Why small/value stocks historically outperform8:55 Style box breakdown: small vs large allocations9:45 U.S. vs international exposure: “pandering portfolios”10:57 Tech vs financials: sector allocations diverge12:09 Recent performance snapshots, short vs long term13:34 Index (VT), Factor (DFAW), Rules-based tilt (AVGE)15:25 Long-term results: Avantis beats Vanguard despite higher fee16:15 Risk/return symmetry: you could make a lot, lose a lot16:45 Listener Q&A: $2B Powerball jackpot—lump sum or annuity?18:01 Publishers Clearinghouse collapse leaves winners unpaid21:07 Listener Q&A: Ameriprise SMA fees and pitfalls23:48 Why Ameriprise's “nice” advisors are still costlyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don and Tom tackle the “big three” global equity ETFs—Vanguard VT, Dimensional DFAW, and Avantis AVGE—breaking down their diversification, costs, risk/return assumptions, style tilts (small/value vs large/growth), and geographic/sector weights. They highlight how DFA and Avantis add microcaps and factor tilts that Vanguard's index omits, why fees are “pennies” but differences in construction matter, and why “rules-based” is more accurate than “active.” Listener questions cover lottery winnings (lump sum vs annuity), the collapse of Publishers Clearinghouse payouts, and Ameriprise's pricey SMA accounts. The theme: investing lives in the middle ground—balancing risk, cost, and logic. 0:04 Middle-dweller banter and show open 0:54 Why ETFs replaced mutual funds as the easy route 1:23 The “big three” global ETFs: VT, AVGE, DFAW 2:34 Which is “better”? Spoiler: none—or all 2:56 Diversification: DFAW 13,700 stocks vs VT's 10,000 4:00 Expense ratios: Vanguard's cost advantage 4:32 Risk/return projections and why they're guesses 6:22 Microcaps explain much of the differences 7:55 Why small/value stocks historically outperform 8:55 Style box breakdown: small vs large allocations 9:45 U.S. vs international exposure: “pandering portfolios” 10:57 Tech vs financials: sector allocations diverge 12:09 Recent performance snapshots, short vs long term 13:34 Index (VT), Factor (DFAW), Rules-based tilt (AVGE) 15:25 Long-term results: Avantis beats Vanguard despite higher fee 16:15 Risk/return symmetry: you could make a lot, lose a lot 16:45 Listener Q&A: $2B Powerball jackpot—lump sum or annuity? 18:01 Publishers Clearinghouse collapse leaves winners unpaid 21:07 Listener Q&A: Ameriprise SMA fees and pitfalls 23:48 Why Ameriprise's “nice” advisors are still costly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions? Comments?This episode tackles gold mania in its latest surge, debunking its “safe haven” myth with historical returns and practical comparisons to stocks. Don and Tom expose how Wall Street and fund providers exploit the hype, critique Ameriprise and high-yield muni funds, and answer listener questions on target-date funds vs DIY portfolios, HSA withdrawals, and advisor conflicts. The conversation balances humor, skepticism, and blunt warnings about chasing assets after dramatic run-ups.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode tackles gold mania in its latest surge, debunking its “safe haven” myth with historical returns and practical comparisons to stocks. Don and Tom expose how Wall Street and fund providers exploit the hype, critique Ameriprise and high-yield muni funds, and answer listener questions on target-date funds vs DIY portfolios, HSA withdrawals, and advisor conflicts. The conversation balances humor, skepticism, and blunt warnings about chasing assets after dramatic run-ups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we discuss the dynamics around charging for financial planning, and we cover the following related topics: Should you charge, and if so, how much?What defines a plan? Is bundling serves a better strategy than charging for planning alone? What is the evolution of fee-based services?How will the next generations impact these strategies? Our guests are John Olerio from Lighthouse CU and Wes Lacey from Ameriprise.

Saving money vs spending money - what are the benefits to both saving & spending?    On this episode of Through The Pines, we talk to two certified financial planning professionals to get their opinion on saving vs spending:       Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while knitting his new wighted blanket to help calm his creeping forest anxiety, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   __________________________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

Saving money vs spending money - what are the benefits to both saving & spending?    On this episode of Through The Pines, we talk to two certified financial planning professionals to get their opinion on saving vs spending:       Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while knitting his new wighted blanket to help calm his creeping forest anxiety, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   __________________________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

What is a Roth IRA, and How can you use a Roth to build wealth?   On this episode of Through The Pines, we'll discuss all things Roth IRA's, including…   Roth vs. Traditional IRA's What is a Backdoor Roth Contribution? When can you do Roth Conversions? What is a MEGA-Backdoor Roth? Does your 401K Allow Roth's? 3 Money Types in a Roth IRA What is the 5 Year Rule?   Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while Rollerblading the Newport Beach Boardwalk, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   __________________________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   ***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

What is a Roth IRA, and How can you use a Roth to build wealth?   On this episode of Through The Pines, we'll discuss all things Roth IRA's, including…   Roth vs. Traditional IRA's What is a Backdoor Roth Contribution? When can you do Roth Conversions? What is a MEGA-Backdoor Roth? Does your 401K Allow Roth's? 3 Money Types in a Roth IRA What is the 5 Year Rule?   Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while Rollerblading the Newport Beach Boardwalk, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   __________________________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   ***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

From creating meaningful advisor experiences to staying agile in a fast-moving industry, Brian shares his perspective from the top - and what it takes to lead with purpose.Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights from the IGNITE conference floor.

Selling a downtown office building in the Twin Cities— or anywhere— is no easy feat these days. Very few buildings have changed hands since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.  Almost every successful sale of a downtown office building in the 2020s involved Harrison Wagenseil of commercial real estate firm CBRE's Minneapolis team. Wagenseil was part of the brokerage team behind the recent sale of the Wells Fargo and Ameriprise towers in downtown Minneapolis. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what goes into selling a skyscraper, and why it's so difficult.

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Benson Onyegbula, a first-generation Nigerian-American who shares his transition from finance into real estate and the lessons he's learned along the way. We begin by exploring how Benson's early curiosity and drive landed him mentorships with top executives at Trion Solutions while still a junior at Oakland University. That curiosity paid off when a financial advisor offered him a job post-graduation, sparking his initial passion for the financial world.Benson describes how he dove into finance, earning multiple licenses and working with Ameriprise, where he advised small and mid-sized companies on retirement planning and tax-efficient strategies. His work not only provided insight into the financial structures of companies but also highlighted how many successful clients held significant real estate assets. That realization pushed him to start investing in real estate himself.He first dipped his toes into single-family properties but quickly saw the long-term value of multifamily investments, thanks to the guidance of his mentor, Brittany. Her example—transforming a boutique motel on Mackinac Island into a million-dollar asset via Airbnb—illustrated the power of leveraging net operating income to build wealth. So Benson began expanding his knowledge base through platforms like the BiggerPockets podcast and STR Wealth, all while continuing to be a networking machine.We talk about the importance of mentorship, and Benson shares how a chance meeting at an open house led to his current mentor. Their first conversation around rental arbitrage—a strategy where you lease properties for the purpose of short-term rentals—set the tone for a lasting business relationship. He credits this mentorship, along with a trusted network of subject matter experts including mortgage brokers, CPAs, and title companies, for giving him a strong foundation in his new career.Now licensed with Hub Real Estate Solutions in Plymouth, Benson has officially transitioned to full-time real estate consulting. He emphasizes how his financial background helps him offer a holistic perspective to clients, especially in retirement planning involving real estate. Outside of work, Benson enjoys being in nature, particularly in places like Cranbrook Gardens and downtown Royal Oak, and he's a fan of real estate TV shows—even if they take some creative liberties.Throughout the episode, we highlight the importance of mentorship, initiative, and strategic investment planning—reminding listeners that curiosity and courage can open the door to life-changing opportunities.More:BiggerPockets: https://www.biggerpockets.comSTR Wealth Conference: https://www.strwealthconference.com Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/Connect with our hosts:Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

On today's episode of Through the Pines we'll explore the complexities of debt including:   What is debt & why it's not always evil Using debt as a tool for growth Defining the debt that drags you down Recognizing when debt becomes a crisis Understanding the psychology of debt Looking at debt in 2025 Escaping the debt trap Prevention Expert insights Debt Game Plan   Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while mastering his pickleball serve, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023 & 2024 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   _____________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

On today's episode of Through the Pines we'll explore the complexities of debt including:   What is debt & why it's not always evil Using debt as a tool for growth Defining the debt that drags you down Recognizing when debt becomes a crisis Understanding the psychology of debt Looking at debt in 2025 Escaping the debt trap Prevention Expert insights Debt Game Plan   Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while mastering his pickleball serve, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023 & 2024 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   __________________________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

What you need to know about Estate Settlement including…   What is an Estate Settlement What generally needs to happen What happens with your home How personal assets are handled Bank Account transfers IRA Beneficiaries Life Insurance implications Annuity challenges Why you need a Trust   Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens making AI photos of himself in public & having a great laugh about it, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023 & 2024 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   __________________________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

What you need to know about Estate Settlement including…   What is an Estate Settlement What generally needs to happen What happens with your home How personal assets are handled Bank Account transfers IRA Beneficiaries Life Insurance implications Annuity challenges Why you need a Trust   Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens making AI photos of himself in public & having a great laugh about it, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023 & 2024 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   __________________________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   **** What you need to know about Estate Settlement including…   What is an Estate Settlement What generally needs to happen What happens with your home How personal assets are handled Bank Account transfers IRA Beneficiaries Life Insurance implications Annuity challenges Why you need a Trust   Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens making AI photos of himself in public & having a great laugh about it, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023 & 2024 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   __________________________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

Margie Oleson, Ed.D. helps leaders crush their goals with better clarity and alignment among teams. As the founder and CEO of Oleson Consulting, she is a dynamic speaker and leadership expert who shares knowledge from her education and decades of experience in corporate America – from a variety of industries, including American Family Insurance, Ameriprise, Cargill, Catholic Charities, Ecolab, Securian Financial, St. Jude Medical, Target HQ, UCare, Lockheed Martin, and more. Leaders aren't set up to develop or adopt the right leadership skills and behaviors. Left to ‘make it up as they go', most learned from past leaders… who were also making it up! Dr. Oleson helps leaders develop the right leadership capabilities to grow and maintain high-performing teams, which is the single greatest strategic advantage for any organization.

On Day 2 of Advisor Talk live from IGNITE, Frank LaRosa is joined by Brian Mora, Senior Vice President at Ameriprise, for a powerful conversation on leadership, advisor growth, and the evolving expectations in today's wealth management landscape. From creating meaningful advisor experiences to staying agile in a fast-moving industry, Brian shares his perspective from the top - and what it takes to lead with purpose. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights from the IGNITE conference floor.

This new podcast episode is derived from the "Breaking News" BISA webinar conducted last week in response to current market conditions.Join John Olerio, BISA President and Head of Wealth Management at Lighthouse CU, Kevin McCarthy, SVP at Synovus Securities, and Anthony Saglimbene, Chief Market Strategist at Ameriprise for a timely 30-minute discussion on how you should be working with your clients during extreme market volatility.Topics include:Coaching advisors to handle client anxiety as well as their own anxiety.Managing proactive communication.Building trustHelping clients stay the course.The importance of financial planningLeveraging the learning moment for advisors who don't do enough financial planning.

On this episode of Through The Pines, we'll discuss how to build a winning business plan, including… What is an annual Business Plan? Why do you need an annual Business Plan? What benefits do you see from a Business Plan? How do you write a business plan? Mission / Vision Statement Past Goals / Year in Review Current State of Business Future Goals Activities Needed to Achieve those goals   Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while puffing on his Beehive branded cigar, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023 & 2024 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   _________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

On this episode of Through The Pines, we'll discuss how to build a winning business plan, including…   What is an annual Business Plan? Why do you need an annual Business Plan? What benefits do you see from a Business Plan? How do you write a business plan? Mission / Vision Statement Past Goals / Year in Review Current State of Business Future Goals Activities Needed to Achieve those goals   Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while puffing on his Beehive branded cigar, this is Through the Pines.   Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com   2023 & 2024 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -  Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion - Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -    Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates   Notes: Refer to Ameriprise 2024 Stock Market Year in Review: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/rex.m.baxter/insights/2024-stock-market-reflections?CID=MOD_ME_1224_C_2   _________________________________________________________________   This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.   Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia   WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.   ****   This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.   Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

Download Chris's FREE E-Book, How To Find Ultra High Net Worth Clients, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://UHNWC.com/Michael Bernberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbernberg/ ), a seasoned financial advisor with over 33 years of experience at Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Michael shares his journey from the plastics industry and management consulting to becoming a top financial advisor. Learn about his unique approach to utilizing options to manage risk, his transition from Merrill Lynch to Ameriprise, and his effective strategies for client referral and financial planning. Michael also discusses his love for golf, music, and science fiction, providing a well-rounded look at his professional and personal life.In this episode, Chris and Michael discuss:1. Career Background, Plastics, and Management Consulting.2. Transition Into Finance, Merrill Lynch and Ameriprise.3. Strategies For Finding New Clients And Growing The Business.4. Personal Interests, Golf, and Science Fiction.Connect With Michael:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbernberg/ Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/m.bernberg/ Follow us to maximize your marketing, close more clients, and amplify your AUM:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ultrahighnetworthclients⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://tiktok.com/ultrahighnetworthclients⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@uhnwc⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/UHNWCPodcast⁠⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/uhnwcpodcast⁠⁠⁠iTunes: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ultra-high-net-worth-clients-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://uhnwc.com⁠⁠⁠Work with us: ⁠⁠⁠https://famousfounder.com/fa⁠DISCLAIMER: This content is provided by Chris Brodhead for general informational purposes only. It is not considered an offer to buy or sell any securities or investments. Investing involves risks, including potential loss of principal. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with your advisor, considering your personal goals, needs, and risk tolerance.

After years of hard work, the last thing you want is to see your savings and investments at risk just as you're nearing retirement. Market volatility can make it feel like your financial future is out of your hands, adding stress to what should be a time of security and peace of mind. The challenge is finding a balance—ensuring growth while protecting what you've built so unexpected downturns don't derail your plans. The key is having a strategy that prioritizes stability without completely shutting the door on opportunity. Jan Levine is a seasoned financial professional with over four decades of experience in the industry. He has worked with various companies, including the predecessor of Ameriprise and his current role as a financial agent at Bankers Life, a 146-year-old company specializing in retirement planning. Today, Jan Levine shares his insights on the importance of financial planning, particularly for individuals approaching retirement. Stay tuned! Resources Connect with Jan Levine on LinkedIn Check out Jan Levine's Bankers Life Profile Follow Jan Levine on Facebook

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Niraj Chhabra. The two talk about the unique financial challenges faced by women and attorneys, the personalized strategies Sidebar Advisors employs to address these challenges, and the innovative ways Niraj leads his team to create a fulfilling work culture. In this episode, we discuss: Niraj Chhabra's unexpected career path The decision to launch Sidebar Advisors Sidebar Advisors unique approach toward women lawyers The importance of educational workshops Differences in financial planning between men and women   Niraj Chhabra is the Managing Director of SideBar Advisors. Before launching the firm in 2022, he was an advisor with Ameriprise Financial since 2005, concentrating on clients in the legal profession. His central focus includes family finances, tax and estate strategies, retirement, and financial planning for small businesses. His goal is to help attorneys navigate their unique tax challenges and modify their financial plans as their careers evolve. He does this by offering attorneys holistic financial planning and complimentary educational workshops. Interesting Facts Favorite quote: James Dean, who says, “Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.” Niraj loves brewing his beers. He enjoys spending time outdoors, running marathons, gardening, and snowboarding. Inside, he likes to start his day by meditating and catching up on his favorite books. When he's not working, Niraj enjoys international travel with his wife and son and giving back to his community. Education Niraj received his MBA in finance at Rutgers University in 2015. Before, he attended Montclair State University and graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's in business administration, management, and marketing. Qualifications CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner CLTC® Certified Long Term Care® CRPC® Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ Series 66 – Uniform Combined State Law Examination Life and Health Insurance Professional Associations Financial Planner's Association of NJ, Membership Committee Community Participation De Novo Harriers Oasis-A Haven for Women & Children, Volunteer Savvy Ladies, Volunteer   Niraj Chhabra, CFP®,MBA,CLTC,CRPC® Financial Planner    Direct: (201) 484-7464   LinkedIn | Facebook Website:  https://sidebaradvisors.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/SideBarAdvisors https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirajchhabra/      

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode - what a lawsuit against Ameriprise can teach us all about saving and investing. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Savings Rate Rip Offs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your TV? Travel Insurance Checklist: 5 Types of Coverage To Consider 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a Digital TV Antenna T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: 5 Things To Know Before You Sign Up Best Credit Cards for Students: Top Picks for 2024 Barrons: Ameriprise Asks Judge to Toss Clients' Cash-Sweep Lawsuit 17 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in January 2025 High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) Calculator MyCredit Guide - American Express Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Making Bank! Today's episode we have Andre Swanston, a dynamic tech innovator and media magnet, recently made history with the fifth largest exit of any Black CEO. A regular contributor to Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, and Fast Company, Andre's insights have made waves across the industry. Born in the Bronx, New York, he honed his exceptional sales skills at Ameriprise and J.P. Morgan Chase before earning a B.A. in Economics from the University of Connecticut. Today, Andre is here to share some exciting insights and experiences from his remarkable journey.   (2:03) Background Story From a young age, Andre Swanston embraced a mindset that set him apart. Conforming never interested him; instead, he sought different approaches to everything, from tying his shoelaces to solving math problems in unique ways. This natural inclination to think differently laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.   (8:17) First Steps In A Business The first crucial step in any business venture is recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Once you have that clarity, the key is to surround yourself with people who excel in areas where you may not.   (12:24) Stepping Stones Three key moments shaped the company's journey: raising initial capital in 2014 to hire the first team, securing major enterprise deals in 2017 as connected TV gained traction, and anticipating competition from industry giants, which guided our successful execution strategy.   (16:27) The Future Of Digital Ads In the future of digital ads, impartiality and trust are key. As data privacy and regulations tighten, partnering with a neutral third party ensures transparent and compliant data analysis, avoiding conflicts of interest from media or device companies. This approach helps navigate industry challenges and build a reliable foundation for the evolving ad landscape.   (19:12) Selling A Company When preparing to sell a company, focus on securing multi-year contracts. These contracts significantly increase your company's valuation, often yielding a higher revenue multiple compared to one-time deals. Understanding this can strategically position your business for a more lucrative sale.   (21:31) Growing A Business When growing a business, maximize what you can do without external capital. This gives you control and flexibility to pivot and adapt early on, allowing for smoother growth before bringing in outside investors. It also demonstrates commitment and resilience to potential investors.   (26:19) Motivation The most important advice for entrepreneurs is to trust your instincts and understand your motivations. Your unique life experiences shape your perspective, and leveraging these insights is crucial. Remember, entrepreneurship is tough and success often comes from sheer ambition and perseverance, not from any inherent superiority.   Tags: Instagram: Andre Swanston @dreswan06

Welcome back to Making Bank! Today's episode we have Andre Swanston, a dynamic tech innovator and media magnet, recently made history with the fifth largest exit of any Black CEO. A regular contributor to Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, and Fast Company, Andre's insights have made waves across the industry. Born in the Bronx, New York, he honed his exceptional sales skills at Ameriprise and J.P. Morgan Chase before earning a B.A. in Economics from the University of Connecticut. Today, Andre is here to share some exciting insights and experiences from his remarkable journey.   (2:03) Background Story From a young age, Andre Swanston embraced a mindset that set him apart. Conforming never interested him; instead, he sought different approaches to everything, from tying his shoelaces to solving math problems in unique ways. This natural inclination to think differently laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.   (8:17) First Steps In A Business The first crucial step in any business venture is recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Once you have that clarity, the key is to surround yourself with people who excel in areas where you may not.   (12:24) Stepping Stones Three key moments shaped the company's journey: raising initial capital in 2014 to hire the first team, securing major enterprise deals in 2017 as connected TV gained traction, and anticipating competition from industry giants, which guided our successful execution strategy.   (16:27) The Future Of Digital Ads In the future of digital ads, impartiality and trust are key. As data privacy and regulations tighten, partnering with a neutral third party ensures transparent and compliant data analysis, avoiding conflicts of interest from media or device companies. This approach helps navigate industry challenges and build a reliable foundation for the evolving ad landscape.   (19:12) Selling A Company When preparing to sell a company, focus on securing multi-year contracts. These contracts significantly increase your company's valuation, often yielding a higher revenue multiple compared to one-time deals. Understanding this can strategically position your business for a more lucrative sale.   (21:31) Growing A Business When growing a business, maximize what you can do without external capital. This gives you control and flexibility to pivot and adapt early on, allowing for smoother growth before bringing in outside investors. It also demonstrates commitment and resilience to potential investors.   (26:19) Motivation The most important advice for entrepreneurs is to trust your instincts and understand your motivations. Your unique life experiences shape your perspective, and leveraging these insights is crucial. Remember, entrepreneurship is tough and success often comes from sheer ambition and perseverance, not from any inherent superiority.   Tags: Instagram: Andre Swanston @dreswan06

Welcome back to Making Bank! Today's episode we have Andre Swanston, a dynamic tech innovator and media magnet, recently made history with the fifth largest exit of any Black CEO. A regular contributor to Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, and Fast Company, Andre's insights have made waves across the industry. Born in the Bronx, New York, he honed his exceptional sales skills at Ameriprise and J.P. Morgan Chase before earning a B.A. in Economics from the University of Connecticut. Today, Andre is here to share some exciting insights and experiences from his remarkable journey.   (2:03) Background Story From a young age, Andre Swanston embraced a mindset that set him apart. Conforming never interested him; instead, he sought different approaches to everything, from tying his shoelaces to solving math problems in unique ways. This natural inclination to think differently laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.   (8:17) First Steps In A Business The first crucial step in any business venture is recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Once you have that clarity, the key is to surround yourself with people who excel in areas where you may not.   (12:24) Stepping Stones Three key moments shaped the company's journey: raising initial capital in 2014 to hire the first team, securing major enterprise deals in 2017 as connected TV gained traction, and anticipating competition from industry giants, which guided our successful execution strategy.   (16:27) The Future Of Digital Ads In the future of digital ads, impartiality and trust are key. As data privacy and regulations tighten, partnering with a neutral third party ensures transparent and compliant data analysis, avoiding conflicts of interest from media or device companies. This approach helps navigate industry challenges and build a reliable foundation for the evolving ad landscape.   (19:12) Selling A Company When preparing to sell a company, focus on securing multi-year contracts. These contracts significantly increase your company's valuation, often yielding a higher revenue multiple compared to one-time deals. Understanding this can strategically position your business for a more lucrative sale.   (21:31) Growing A Business When growing a business, maximize what you can do without external capital. This gives you control and flexibility to pivot and adapt early on, allowing for smoother growth before bringing in outside investors. It also demonstrates commitment and resilience to potential investors.   (26:19) Motivation The most important advice for entrepreneurs is to trust your instincts and understand your motivations. Your unique life experiences shape your perspective, and leveraging these insights is crucial. Remember, entrepreneurship is tough and success often comes from sheer ambition and perseverance, not from any inherent superiority.   Tags: Instagram: Andre Swanston @dreswan06

Welcome back to Making Bank! Today's episode we have Andre Swanston, a dynamic tech innovator and media magnet, recently made history with the fifth largest exit of any Black CEO. A regular contributor to Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, and Fast Company, Andre's insights have made waves across the industry. Born in the Bronx, New York, he honed his exceptional sales skills at Ameriprise and J.P. Morgan Chase before earning a B.A. in Economics from the University of Connecticut. Today, Andre is here to share some exciting insights and experiences from his remarkable journey.   (2:03) Background Story From a young age, Andre Swanston embraced a mindset that set him apart. Conforming never interested him; instead, he sought different approaches to everything, from tying his shoelaces to solving math problems in unique ways. This natural inclination to think differently laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.   (8:17) First Steps In A Business The first crucial step in any business venture is recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Once you have that clarity, the key is to surround yourself with people who excel in areas where you may not.   (12:24) Stepping Stones Three key moments shaped the company's journey: raising initial capital in 2014 to hire the first team, securing major enterprise deals in 2017 as connected TV gained traction, and anticipating competition from industry giants, which guided our successful execution strategy.   (16:27) The Future Of Digital Ads In the future of digital ads, impartiality and trust are key. As data privacy and regulations tighten, partnering with a neutral third party ensures transparent and compliant data analysis, avoiding conflicts of interest from media or device companies. This approach helps navigate industry challenges and build a reliable foundation for the evolving ad landscape.   (19:12) Selling A Company When preparing to sell a company, focus on securing multi-year contracts. These contracts significantly increase your company's valuation, often yielding a higher revenue multiple compared to one-time deals. Understanding this can strategically position your business for a more lucrative sale.   (21:31) Growing A Business When growing a business, maximize what you can do without external capital. This gives you control and flexibility to pivot and adapt early on, allowing for smoother growth before bringing in outside investors. It also demonstrates commitment and resilience to potential investors.   (26:19) Motivation The most important advice for entrepreneurs is to trust your instincts and understand your motivations. Your unique life experiences shape your perspective, and leveraging these insights is crucial. Remember, entrepreneurship is tough and success often comes from sheer ambition and perseverance, not from any inherent superiority.   Tags: Instagram: Andre Swanston @dreswan06