Category: Financial Planning

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Private Markets in Retirement Portfolios with Jay Wyckoff (Ep. 34)

Private Markets in Retirement Portfolios with Jay Wyckoff (Ep. 34)

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What if the smartest investors aren’t just picking the right stocks, but accessing an entirely different part of the investing universe? 

Most people have never heard of private markets, but they might be the missing ingredient in a truly resilient retirement plan.

In this episode, Brett Ramsey sits down with Jay Wyckoff of Blue Owl Capital to explore how private market investments can strengthen retirement portfolios by offering alternative sources of income, reduced volatility, and access to a broader range of companies and opportunities.

Jay discusses:

  • How private markets differ from public markets and why they are becoming essential in portfolio construction
  • The three primary areas of private markets: private equity, real estate (including triple net lease structures), and private credit (like direct lending)
  • How liquidity works in private investments, including quarterly redemption structures and semi-liquid investment vehicles
  • The role of private investments in creating consistent income and reducing risk for retirees
  • And more!

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Connect with Jay Wyckoff:

About our Guest: 

Jay Wyckoff is a Managing Director at Blue Owl and member of the Private Wealth Team. In his role, Jay leads a team focused on the Regional & Independent channel and is tasked to drive our continued success with this integral client segment as increased adoption with regional and independent advisors is among the largest of growth opportunities for Blue Owl.   

Before joining Blue Owl, Jay had a long and successful career at BlackRock.  Most recently, he was the National Sales Manager for their Specialist Sales Teams, inclusive of Alternatives and ETF focused professionals.  Prior to his National Sales Manager responsibilities, Jay was a Divisional Director and a top-producing Market Leader with experience covering both coasts, and all segments in the wealth ecosystem.  He was BlackRock’s inaugural hire as they built out their R&I capabilities and is very excited to be back focusing on this group.  His entire career has been committed to intermediary distribution.

Jay is based in our NYC office. He is a graduate of James Madison University with a BBA in Finance.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors and should be considered as an investment for the risk capital portion of the investor’s portfolio. The strategies employed in the management of alternative investments may accelerate the velocity of potential losses. Hedge funds and other private investment funds (collectively, “Alternative Investments”) are subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles such as mutual funds. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual’s net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment’s trading profits. Alternative Investments are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information. Investors may have limited rights with respect to their investments, including limited voting rights and participation in the management of such Alternative Investments. Alternative Investments often engage in leverage and other investment practices that are extremely speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Such practices may increase the volatility of performance and the risk of investment loss, including the loss of the entire amount that is invested. There may be conflicts of interest relating to the Alternative Investment and its service providers. Similarly, interests in an Alternative Investment are highly illiquid and generally are not transferable without the consent of the sponsor, and applicable securities and tax laws will limit transfers. Private credit is non-publicly traded debt instruments created by non-bank entities, such as private credit funds or business development companies (BDCs), to fund private businesses.

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Navigating Retirement: Real Stories and Practical Tips with Ken and Tami Maynard (Ep. 33)

Navigating Retirement: Real Stories and Practical Tips with Ken and Tami Maynard (Ep. 33)

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What do a disrupted lacrosse schedule and retirement planning have in common? 

Flexibility.

In this episode of Handcrafting Your Retirement, Brett Ramsey discusses the art of adapting retirement plans with Ken and Tami Maynard, long-time clients who’ve been on the journey to retirement with Brett’s guidance. The conversation provides listeners with insights into why having a personalized, adaptable plan is crucial as life throws its curveballs.

Brett chats with Ken, a dedicated family physician, and Tami, a vibrant stay-at-home mom involved in community activities. They unpack the complexities of retirement planning, including how Ken’s multiple work engagements and their age difference pose unique challenges.

They discuss:

  • A travel story from New Jersey and how it highlights planning flexibility
  • Ken and Tami’s story of adapting retirement plans
  • Navigating complex decisions like Medicare and Social Security
  • The importance of a methodical and personalized approach to retirement planning
  • And more!

 Connect with Brett Ramsey:

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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Planning for Assisted Living: What You Need to Know with Dave Holder (Ep. 32)

Planning for Assisted Living: What You Need to Know with Dave Holder (Ep. 32)

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The transition to assisted living is often a difficult and emotional journey, but with the right guidance, it can also lead to a better quality of life.

How do you prepare for the challenges of finding the right community for your loved one? What are the key considerations to ensure they receive the best care while maintaining independence?

In this episode, Brett Ramsey speaks with Dave Holder, owner of Assisted Living Locators of North Indianapolis, about the critical factors families should consider when transitioning a loved one to assisted living. They discuss how to plan ahead, avoid common mistakes, and ensure a smooth transition that improves the well-being of aging family members.

Dave discusses:

  • The emotional and financial challenges families face when transitioning a loved one to assisted living
  • How to recognize the right time to begin exploring assisted living options and what factors to consider
  • The different levels of care available, from independent living to memory care, and what each entails
  • Common mistakes families make when choosing a facility and how to avoid costly missteps
  • The unexpected benefits of assisted living, including increased social engagement and improved quality of life
  • And more!

 Connect with Brett Ramsey:

Connect with Dave Holder: 

About our Guest: 

When families face the difficult transition of moving a parent or loved one from their home into an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community, the experience can be deeply emotional. It often brings feelings of stress, uncertainty, and even helplessness. Dave Holder understands this firsthand—when his own family realized that his father-in-law could no longer be cared for at home, they struggled with the overwhelming decisions that followed. Looking back, he wishes they had a trusted advisor to guide them through the process. That experience inspired Dave to dedicate his career to helping families understand their options, navigate the transition with confidence, and make informed financial decisions that ensure the best possible care for their loved ones.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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Building A Healthier You: Insights for Retirement and Longevity (Ep. 31)

Building A Healthier You: Insights for Retirement and Longevity (Ep. 31)

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What changes can you make today to ensure you’re active and thriving at 80?

In this episode of Handcrafting Your Retirement, Brett Ramsey opens up about the important connection between health and retirement planning. Buckle up as Brett shares his personal journey on recognizing the need to adapt both mindset and activities as we age. 

Listen in as he also delves into how regular health assessments and setting realistic goals can help you enjoy the activities you love without pain. 

Brett discusses:

  • The importance of establishing a health baseline
  • Lessons learned from overcoming recurring injuries
  • How to align your diet and activities with long-term goals
  • Tips on understanding personal limits and working with them
  • And more!

 Connect with Brett Ramsey:

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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Navigating Financial Uncertainty Through Personalized Portfolio Management with Joyce Huang (Ep. 30)

Navigating Financial Uncertainty Through Personalized Portfolio Management with Joyce Huang (Ep. 30)

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Planning your financial future requires resilience and adaptability, especially in today’s uncertain market conditions.

How do you balance short-term changes with long-term goals? What strategies can help protect your investments from unexpected shifts?

In this episode, Brett Ramsey sits down with Joyce Huang, a seasoned fixed-income portfolio manager, to discuss how navigating financial markets can be a lot like a road trip—sometimes you run out of gas when you least expect it. 

They dive into how to avoid “running out of gas” in your retirement portfolio, especially in the wake of the recent elections and economic shifts. Joyce shares her journey from Wall Street to helping everyday investors, highlighting simple yet effective strategies for staying on course during uncertain times.

Joyce discusses:

  • The impact of recent elections on financial markets
  • Why staying invested is more crucial than trying to time the market
  • How interest rates and inflation could influence your investment strategy
  • Her personal advice for navigating investment risks in the current climate
  • And more!

 Connect with Brett Ramsey:

Connect with Joyce Huang: 

About our Guest: 

Joyce Huang, CFA, is vice president and senior client portfolio manager for American Century Investments, a premier investment manager headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. She is based in the company’s New York office. Joyce is responsible for representing portfolio management in communicating fixed income investment strategies and results to the firm’s clients. She joined American Century in 2018 from First State Investments, where she was an investment director for fixed income and multiasset solutions. Previously, she served in roles as a senior investment strategist and senior portfolio specialist for BNY Mellon Investment Management. Prior to that, she was a vice president and account manager in the capital markets fixed income group at Citigroup. She started in the industry with Lehman Brothers/Barclays Capital, where she was a vice president within their fixed income research group. She has worked in the investment industry since 2006. Joyce holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a CFA® charter holder and a member of the CFA Institute.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk. 

Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.

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Estate Planning Simplified: Organizing Your Legacy with Shari Ferris (Ep. 29)

Estate Planning Simplified: Organizing Your Legacy with Shari Ferris (Ep. 29)

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Handling the transition of financial responsibilities can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can ease this burden for your loved ones.

In this episode, Brett Ramsey sits down with Shari Ferris to discuss the nuances of estate planning and the emotional journey of organizing one’s financial affairs. 

Shari shares her personal experiences as she goes through estate planning both for herself and her mother, offering insight into the practical ways to prepare and support family members through these transitions. 

By tuning in, you’ll learn the importance of communication, the significance of preparation, and the tools necessary to make the process smooth and effective.

They discuss: 

  • The emotional challenges and solutions involved in estate planning with family
  • How an organized approach can simplify estate planning tasks, like managing passwords and account access
  • Practical advice on maintaining a family’s legacy through an effective estate plan
  • How the Family Love Letter can assist with preparing and documenting essential estate information
  • And more!

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Connect with Shari Ferris: 

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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Overcoming Financial Hurdles and Other Lessons From My Father (Ep. 28)

Overcoming Financial Hurdles and Other Lessons From My Father (Ep. 28)

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Unlock the ‘Charles Ramsey method’ for tax planning and learn how it can help you avoid the number one wealth killer: taxes. 

Brett Ramsey welcomes his father, Charles Ramsey, to share vital lessons in tax and financial planning. Charles Ramsey, a retired president of the Commercial Tire division and a seasoned CPA, offers a treasure trove of wisdom that applies to anyone planning for retirement. 

Key episode discussions include:

  • Why having a margin in your financial life is crucial and how small extras can add up
  • Why taxes are the number one wealth killer and how to manage them effectively to retain more of your earnings
  • The importance of liquidity in your retirement accounts to avoid selling assets at unfavorable times
  • Practical steps on how to use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and other tax strategies to optimize your financial health

 Connect with Brett Ramsey:

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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Understanding Cognitive Changes and their Impact on Retirement Planning with Dr. Peter Lichtenberg (Ep. 27)

Understanding Cognitive Changes and their Impact on Retirement Planning with Dr. Peter Lichtenberg (Ep. 27)

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Did you know that individuals with early memory loss are about three times more likely to face financial exploitation? How can you protect your retirement plan?

Brett Ramsey is joined by neuropsychologist Dr. Peter Lichtenberg to discuss the intricate relationship between brain health and financial decision-making. Drawing from Brett’s personal experiences and Dr. Lichtenberg’s professional insights, you’ll learn about identifying early cognitive changes, using baseline assessments, and protecting your financial well-being as you age. 

Dr. Lichtenberg discusses: 

  • Differences between mild cognitive impairment and dementia
  • Importance of baseline cognitive testing for older adults
  • Tools and surveys to assess financial decision-making capacity
  • Strategies to protect against financial exploitation
  • And more

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Connect with Dr. Peter A. Lichtenberg: 

About our Guest: 

Peter A. Lichtenberg, Ph.D. is the past Director of the Institute of Gerontology (1999-2024) and was the Founding Director of the Wayne State University Lifespan Alliance. Dr. Lichtenberg is a Distinguished University Service Professor of Psychology and Gerontology. He is a clinical psychologist and obtained his Ph.D. at Purdue University in 1986 and completed post-doctoral training in geriatric neuropsychology from the University of Virginia. Dr. Lichtenberg received his diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology in 1997 and his Diploma in Clinical Geropsychology in 2013. Dr. Lichtenberg has been at Wayne State University since 1991.

Dr. Lichtenberg is a national expert in financial capacity assessment and financial exploitation of older adults. Dr. Lichtenberg, one of the first board certified Clinical Geropsychologists in the nation, has made contributions to the practice of psychology across a variety of areas including in Alzheimer’s disease, medical rehabilitation and with those suffering from late life depression. He is particularly interested in the area of intersection between financial capacity and financial exploitation; finding ways to balance autonomy and protection for older adults. He has published articles on psychological vulnerability and fraud and is nationally known for his work on financial decision making, capacity and undue influence. He has conducted independent medical evaluations and expert witness work over 200 times in the past decade on issues related to older adults and capacity as well as undue influence. He has taught clinicians across the nation on improving their assessments of capacity and of financial exploitation. Dr. Lichtenberg is the author of seven books including the 2015 APA 2 Volume Handbook of He has authored or co-authored over 220 peer review journal articles and book chapters.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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Mental Decline and Financial Security in Retirement with Dean Mourfield (Ep. 26)

Mental Decline and Financial Security in Retirement with Dean Mourfield (Ep. 26)

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Are you prepared for the financial decisions that come with aging? How will you protect your money as mental faculties decline?

Brett Ramsey and his guest Dean Moorefield, owner of Artisan Wealth Strategies, dive into some of the toughest conversations surrounding the transition from making your own financial decisions to needing assistance from loved ones. Drawing from heartfelt client experiences, Brett and Dean discuss strategies to protect your finances when your mental capacity may begin to change. 

Dean discusses: 

  • Strategies to avoid falling victim to financial scams targeting seniors
  • The importance and process of establishing a trusted contact on accounts
  • Understanding the role and activation of a power of attorney
  • The use of cognitive baseline tests to monitor changes over time
  • And more

 Connect with Brett Ramsey:

Connect with Dean Mourfield: 

About our Guest:

Dean is the owner of Artisan Wealth Strategies, as well as our Senior Partner and Financial Advisor. Dean has been in the industry since 1988, where he started as a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed, Inc., a major American investment corporation. He went on to become Principal/Branch Manager of both the Louisville, KY, division of Waddell & Reed as well as the Indianapolis division, where he supervised and trained financial advisors from 1993 to 2010. 

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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How Artisan Wealth Strategies Tailors Your Financial Future with Dean Mourfield (Ep. 25)

How Artisan Wealth Strategies Tailors Your Financial Future with Dean Mourfield (Ep. 25)

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Many retirees believe that a one-size-fits-all approach works for everyone. However, generic wealth management may be limiting your financial future.

Brett Ramsey introduces us to Dean Mourfield, the owner of Artisan Wealth Strategies with a journey as unique as his approach to retirement planning. Dive into Dean’s captivating stories and expertise as he shares lessons from his unexpected career path, the importance of personalized client relationships, and the evolution of financial advising through memorable client experiences. 

Brett and Dean discuss: 

  • How Dean transitioned from a flight attendant to a financial advisor
  • Key moments that shaped his approach to client relationships and financial planning
  • Real-life stories of clients who pursued their retirement goals
  • The importance of customizing financial strategies to suit individual needs
  • And more

 

 Connect with Brett Ramsey:

 

Connect with Dean Mourfield: 

 

About our Guest: 

Dean is the owner of Artisan Wealth Strategies, as well as our Senior Partner and Financial Advisor. Dean has been in the industry since 1988, where he started as a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed, Inc., a major American investment corporation. He went on to become Principal/Branch Manager of both the Louisville, KY, division of Waddell & Reed as well as the Indianapolis division, where he supervised and trained financial advisors from 1993 to 2010. 

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice.

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