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The Life Planning 101 Podcast
Angela Robinson
400 episodes
5 days ago
Join Angela Robinson of Smart Money Group and Kennedy Financial Services for Life Planning 101. Sharing over 40 years of experience to help you with financial planning, investment planning, tax planning, estate planning, legacy planning, retirement planning...and much more.
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Investing
Education,
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All content for The Life Planning 101 Podcast is the property of Angela Robinson and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Join Angela Robinson of Smart Money Group and Kennedy Financial Services for Life Planning 101. Sharing over 40 years of experience to help you with financial planning, investment planning, tax planning, estate planning, legacy planning, retirement planning...and much more.
Show more...
Investing
Education,
Business
Episodes (20/400)
The Life Planning 101 Podcast
The Dirty Dozen of Long-Term Care Stats (Rebroadcast)
This week Angela discusses the importance of long-term health care planning. She shares statistics about the likelihood of needing long-term care and the associated costs, emphasizing the need to create a comprehensive plan that goes beyond just financial aspects. Key Takeaways 💡 Medicare typically covers the first 90 days of long-term health care services, but after that, individuals are responsible for covering the costs. Medicaid is a welfare program that requires individuals to have limited income and assets, potentially putting a spouse at financial risk and forcing them to spend down their assets before qualifying for assistance. Individuals who are 65 years old have a 48% chance of needing some type of paid long-term care services in their lifetime. Furthermore, there is a 70% chance that individuals over 65 will need some type of severe long-term health care services. From 2013 to 2017, there was a 200% increase in early onset dementia or Alzheimer's for Americans aged 30 to 64. This statistic highlights the importance of planning for long-term care needs, as early onset Alzheimer's can be devastating for families that are unprepared. The average length of a long-term care stay for women is 3.7 years, while for men it is 2.2 years. Medicaid pays for 42% of long-term care costs, which is less than half, meaning that individuals and families need to be prepared to cover a significant portion of these expenses. The median annual cost for homemaker and health aide services in Texas is $115,544, while in Montana it is $193,336. The median annual cost for a private room in a nursing home facility nationwide is $116,800, so it is important to research the costs of care in your specific location. In 2020, 41.8 million Americans provided care to a person over the age of 50, so many families are sacrificing their own well-being to support loved ones. It is important to have a plan in place so that your family has a blueprint to follow, rather than burdening them with making difficult decisions in a crisis. When creating a long-term health care plan, it is important to address the questions of who, how, what, and where. This includes identifying who will provide care, coordinate care, and manage finances, as well as determining where care will be received and what resources will be available. It is important to consider different situations that could arise, such as both spouses living and cognitively strong but physically unable to care for themselves, or one spouse living and not cognitively strong. Addressing these potential scenarios can help families be prepared for whatever comes.
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1 week ago
24 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
This Week in the Market - Episode 92 (10-31-25)
This week Aaron Kennedy and Sam Barker discuss the current state of the market, particularly the influence of AI spending on the economy. They explore the market's reaction to earnings reports, the dominance of AI stocks, and the potential for future economic growth driven by AI productivity gains. They also touch on the implications of government debt and the potential for adjusting interest rates.
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1 week ago
15 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
AI and Retirement Planning
This week Angela discusses whether retirement planning is different today with the advent of artificial intelligence compared to the past. She shares her experiences from 2006 and emphasizes that while the tools and technology have evolved, the fundamental principles of successful retirement planning remain the same. Key Takeaways 💡 Retirement planning software has evolved significantly since 2006, but advisors still need to understand the underlying principles and manually adjust the software's output to create accurate plans. Relying solely on software without understanding the fundamentals can lead to incorrect plans, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of financial mechanics. Technology can aid in communication and problem-solving, but financial advisors must possess in-depth knowledge and troubleshooting skills, similar to a car mechanic who understands how all components work together. Advisors need to understand the intricacies of financial planning and be able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. A successful retirement plan requires a solid and truthful budget, clear goals, a healthy risk and income plan, a plan to address potential risks, and an understanding of economic cycles. While technology and tools evolve, these core elements remain constant and essential for achieving a successful and sustainable retirement. A truthful budget is crucial for retirement planning, and a budget with rounded numbers is a red flag that the person doesn't know where their money is going. Understanding where your dollars are going is essential, as even a small miscalculation can significantly impact your retirement outcome. While AI and technology offer an "easy button" for retirement planning, relying solely on these tools can be risky, as a successful retirement requires a comprehensive approach that considers individual circumstances and potential risks. Taking the time to develop a well-thought-out plan, even if it means foregoing the easy button, increases the chances of a successful and sustainable retirement.
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2 weeks ago
21 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
Debt, Corruption, and the Future of America's Economy
Aaron Kennedy, Sam Barker, and Brent Bible tackle America’s $38 trillion debt, questioning whether the nation can grow out of it—or if corruption makes that impossible. From government investing and sovereign wealth funds to Bitcoin, AI, and lost freedoms, they explore how financial power and politics shape our future. Tune in for a candid, thought-provoking conversation on what it really means to live in a debt-driven economy.
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3 weeks ago
31 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
This Week in the Market - Episode 90 (10-17-25)
Aaron, Sam, and Brent recap a steady week in the markets and why “boring” can be a good sign. They discuss ongoing negativity in the media, the freight recession that began in 2022, and how failures in trucking may actually lead to healthier pricing long term. They also explore changes in shipping, automation, and technology—like drones—along with recent interest rate moves and a spike in overnight lending tied to tax season. The conversation also touches on silver and gold demand, currency mistrust, and real-world examples of price arbitrage. To wrap up, they encourage listeners to get their risk right, keep some cash ready, and stay excited about future opportunities in a changing economy.
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3 weeks ago
30 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
Pocketbook Power Plays
Inflation has made everything feel tighter—but there are ways to put money back in your pocket. In this episode, Angela shares five practical strategies to help you stretch your dollars without sacrificing your lifestyle: ✅ Reevaluate home and auto insurance✅ Use credit card rewards wisely✅ Make your cash actually earn interest✅ Cut interest costs on existing debt✅ Adjust your tax planning before 2026 hits Talk is cheap—action saves money. Tune in and start putting these ideas to work today!
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4 weeks ago
22 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
This Week in the Market - Episode 89 (10/10/25)
In this episode, Aaron, Sam, and Kade discuss the current state of the market, investment strategies, and potential opportunities amidst market fluctuations. They emphasize the importance of having a buy list, reframing down markets as opportunities, and understanding the impact of AI on various sectors. The guys also touch on the risks associated with chasing markets and the significance of aligning investments with one's risk tolerance. Key Takeaways 💡 Down markets should be viewed as buying opportunities rather than negative events, and maintaining a buy list allows investors to capitalize when prices drop. It's crucial to reframe the perception of a down market to recognize the potential for future gains, as demonstrated by the opportunities presented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The market is currently heavily influenced by AI, with a significant portion of growth concentrated in a few major technology companies. While these companies may be overvalued, there are numerous undervalued and overlooked sectors that present exciting investment opportunities, especially considering the transformative potential of AI across various industries. The expansion of AI necessitates increased data, computing power, and energy, creating opportunities in sectors like nuclear energy, cooling solutions, and portable power. Companies involved in providing energy and infrastructure for data centers, such as those offering small modular nuclear reactors or advanced cooling systems, are poised for growth. The Metals Company (TMC) presents an intriguing investment opportunity by sourcing rare earth metals from the ocean floor, offering a potentially environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining. As rare earth metals are crucial for defense and computing, this venture could become increasingly important given China's dominance in the rare earth market and its use of these resources in trade negotiations. While the current market resembles the dot-com boom in terms of excitement and high valuations, the underlying companies driving growth are generally of higher quality and generate more cash. However, investors should exercise caution and consider allocating a portion of their portfolio to safer assets like money market funds or short-term treasuries to mitigate potential losses in case of a market correction. It's important to align investments with one's risk tolerance to avoid panic selling during market downturns, which can lead to permanent loss of capital. Investors should avoid drastically changing their investment strategy to chase returns, as this can result in buying high and selling low, ultimately hindering long-term financial goals. Having a consistent stream of investable funds, such as through a 401k, allows investors to take advantage of down markets by purchasing assets at lower prices. This strategy can lead to significant gains when the market recovers, highlighting the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective and viewing market dips as opportunities to accumulate assets.
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1 month ago
29 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
Your Estate Plan (Rebroadcast)
Angela discusses the importance of estate planning, particularly focusing on the differences between will-based and trust-based plans. She emphasizes the significance of having a well-organized estate plan to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to avoid complications for your family after you're gone. The episode aims to demystify the concept of trusts and help listeners understand whether a trust-based plan is necessary for their specific situation. Key Takeaways 💡 Estate planning is crucial because without a proper plan, settling an estate can take months or even years due to difficulties in locating and retitling assets. Companies often have strict requirements for retitling assets, such as medallion guarantee stamps, which can be challenging to obtain. Many people mistakenly believe that having a will is sufficient, but this may not always be the case, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive estate plan. Overcomplicating estate planning can occur in two ways: either by becoming overly dedicated and trying to do too much at once, or by doing nothing and assuming everything will work out. Doing nothing can lead to more complications than having a plan in place. It's important to find a balance and take appropriate steps to ensure your estate is in order. A will acts like a vacuum cleaner, picking up the remaining pieces of your estate after contract property (assets with specific titling or beneficiary designations) has been distributed. Contract property, such as IRAs or bank accounts with payable on death designations, supersedes the terms of your will. It is important to understand that titling and beneficiary designations take precedence over what your will states. Assets passing through a will need to be itemized, found, listed, and valued, then go through probate, which can range from simple and quick to cumbersome, lengthy, and expensive. Many people underestimate the complexity of their estate, assuming it's simple because they consider themselves to be simple people with not a lot of assets. However, in reality, most Americans have more complex estates than they realize. To understand the complexity of your estate, create a list of everything you own, including cash, personal possessions, bank accounts, CDs, investment accounts, credit cards, online accounts, annuities, life insurance policies, precious metals, businesses, properties, and safety deposit boxes. For each item, determine its value and how it is titled, as well as what would happen to it upon your death. This exercise will give you a taste of the homework your executor will have to do. Probate involves working with an attorney, potentially going to court, paying creditors, closing accounts, and retitling assets, first to the estate and then to the beneficiaries. Some states are not friendly to probate, charging hefty fees to the estate. Probate can often be avoided by ensuring your contract property is set up correctly with appropriate beneficiary designations and payable on death designations. A living trust, when used correctly, can alleviate heartache for a grieving family by avoiding probate. With a trust-based plan, the living trust becomes your will, and a pour-over will ensures any forgotten assets are included in the trust. Assets titled in the name of the living trust or with designations to go to the trust avoid probate, making the process of finding assets, documents, and retitling much simpler. The downside of a living trust is that people often fail to retitle assets into the trust or continue to purchase assets without titling them to the trust, negating the benefits. A good trust document should make purchasing or financing items seamless for the trust. A living trust does not change your taxes, asset protection, or privacy. While setting up a trust can be expensive, it is often less expensive to administer than probating a will-based estate.
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1 month ago
26 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
Two Reasons You Get Sued (Rebroadcast)
In this episode, Angela discusses the importance of asset protection planning in today's litigious society. She emphasizes that anyone can be sued, regardless of their wealth, and highlights the need for preventative measures to safeguard one's assets. The episode aims to educate listeners on how to create a holistic asset protection plan to mitigate risks and live life on purpose. Key Takeaways 💡 There are an estimated 40 million lawsuits filed every year in the United States, highlighting the importance of being prepared for potential legal action. It's crucial to consider whether you could afford to defend yourself in a lawsuit and to understand the stress it would cause. Prevention is key, and having preventative measures in place is always a good idea. An asset protection plan is a foundation for living life on purpose, and without it, individuals are vulnerable to financial loss. It is important to know where you stand, what is at risk, and who to call in case of a lawsuit. Preventative measures do not guarantee that you will not be sued, but they can help you know where you stand and what is at risk. Many successful people lack a comprehensive asset protection plan, often because their existing professionals focus on their specific areas of expertise without considering the holistic picture. It's essential to have someone quarterback the plan and look at everything holistically to ensure all aspects are covered. Without a holistic asset protection plan, individuals may be exposed to significant financial risks. Creating a good asset protection plan involves reviewing all assets, how they are titled, income, debt, and insurance policies to ensure they align properly. Many people operate under false assumptions, such as believing they have adequate umbrella insurance or that their trust provides sufficient protection. A revocable trust, for example, offers limited asset protection because the grantor can take the assets back, making them accessible to creditors. Putting an asset protection plan in place often requires a team effort involving attorneys, insurance agents, accountants, and bankers who are all on the same page. A life planner can help facilitate communication between these advisors to ensure there are no gaps or overlaps in coverage. This holistic approach helps individuals live life on purpose by identifying and addressing potential risks to their financial well-being. Procrastination, cost concerns, and not knowing where to start are common reasons why people don't have an asset protection plan. However, the time, cost, and stress of being sued can be far greater than the investment in a proactive plan. Planning now can prevent significant financial losses later, emphasizing the importance of taking action to protect one's assets and live LIFE on purpose.
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1 month ago
24 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
Do You Really Want a Successful Retirement?
In this episode, Angela discusses the importance of truly wanting a successful retirement and being willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve it. She shares a personal story about her grandparents' disciplined approach to finances and uses an analogy of an elite pianist to illustrate the dedication required for success. Key Takeaways 💡 Angela shares a story about her grandmother, who meticulously kept a budget in a little green book ever since retirement. Despite not having a lot of money, her grandmother never worried about finances because she had a clear understanding of her income and expenses, which allowed her to travel and enjoy her retirement. Angela asks listeners to consider if they truly want a successful retirement and if they are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve it. She challenges listeners to be honest with themselves about their financial habits and priorities, emphasizing the importance of aligning their actions with their retirement goals. Angela shares a story about a pianist who, when told someone wished they could play like him, responded that they likely didn't truly want it. The pianist explained that achieving such skill requires immense dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance, implying that many people are not willing to put in the necessary effort. Angela questions whether listeners are willing to change their lifestyle today to ensure a successful retirement, suggesting potential sacrifices such as downsizing their home, quitting expensive habits, and rearranging their priorities to save more. She stresses the importance of saving at least 20% of one's income, especially for young people, to secure their future. Angela emphasizes the need to protect one's future through financial planning and insurance, even if it means sacrificing immediate gratification. She highlights the importance of gathering financial data and creating a plan with a financial planner, as well as being willing to implement the plan and make necessary changes. Angela argues that most people don't truly want a successful retirement because they are not willing to do what it takes to achieve it. She points out the power of immediate gratification and how it can hinder long-term financial goals, urging listeners to examine their thinking and be honest about their priorities.
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1 month ago
18 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
This Week in the Market - Episode 88 (9/19/25)
In this episode of Black and White Market Minute, Aaron Kennedy and Sam Barker discuss the current state of the market and economy. They explore whether the market is in a bubble, considering factors like investment, productivity, and historical comparisons. They also touch on the potential impact of AI and energy on future growth.
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1 month ago
18 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
Do You Really Have Enough Life Insurance?
On this week's episode, Angela discusses the importance of life insurance and addresses common misconceptions about its cost and coverage. She emphasizes the need to assess whether individuals are adequately insured, especially considering that many Americans are either uninsured or underinsured. The episode aims to educate listeners on making informed decisions about life insurance to protect their families' financial futures. Key Takeaways 💡 A significant number of Americans, estimated at 42%, believe they are either uninsured or underinsured, according to a 2024 LIMRA study; however, this is a self-diagnosed statistic, suggesting the actual number of underinsured individuals may be even higher, highlighting the need for greater awareness and education about adequate life insurance coverage. While permanent life insurance policies have their place, they are not always the best solution for everyone, and it's crucial to avoid canceling term insurance to purchase smaller permanent policies, as having the right amount of coverage is more important than the type of policy. When determining the appropriate amount of life insurance, it's essential to consider income replacement for the surviving spouse, especially for younger families or those building towards retirement, as well as those in retirement who may need to fill gaps due to pension benefits or expected inheritances. A million dollars in life insurance may not provide as much income as one might think, as a sustainable income that keeps pace with inflation might only yield $30,000 to $40,000 per year, emphasizing the need to consider the amount of income that would need to be replaced in the event of one's death. Term insurance can be an inexpensive way to obtain a significant amount of coverage, and a 45-year-old man in decent health can obtain a million-dollar term policy for around $170 a month, making it a viable option for those who may have thought they could not afford adequate coverage. When selecting a life insurance policy, it's important to consider factors beyond just the cost, such as the insurance carrier's stability and the policy's features, including the ability to convert to a permanent product or use the death benefit for chronic care, as the cheapest policy may not offer these valuable benefits. Individuals can use the life insurance needs calculator provided by the Life Happens organization to determine how much life insurance they need, and it is important to seek professional guidance to build a holistic plan that fits their needs and goals.
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1 month ago
19 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
What is Your Money Really Making?
In this episode, Angela discusses the importance of considering taxes and inflation when evaluating investment returns. She emphasizes that ignoring these factors can significantly reduce the real rate of return and impact long-term financial planning. She also touches on the potential financial challenges facing future generations due to factors like boomer spending habits, healthcare costs, and tax implications on inherited retirement plans. Key Takeaways 💡 When evaluating investment returns, it's crucial to consider the impact of taxes and inflation to determine the real after-tax rate of return. A seemingly good return of 10% can be significantly reduced to around 2.9% when factoring in a 40% tax rate and 3% inflation, highlighting the importance of tax-efficient investment strategies. Ignoring these factors can lead to an inaccurate understanding of how much money you're actually making and whether your investments are truly keeping pace with the rising cost of living. Even seemingly safe investments like money markets and interest-bearing instruments can result in negative real returns after accounting for taxes and inflation. For example, a 4.5% return on such investments can turn into a negative 0.29% real return when subjected to a 40% tax rate and 3% inflation, illustrating the need to consider all financial planning aspects. This underscores the importance of seeking professional advice to navigate the complexities of tax planning and investment strategies. Boomers like to spend money, and the X and Y generations should not rely on inheriting their parents' money for retirement. Boomers may be spending more than they can sustain, and long-term healthcare costs could deplete their funds. Additionally, inherited qualified retirement plans are subject to taxes within 10 years of inheritance, which could significantly reduce the amount received. Ignoring taxes and inflation in financial planning is a mistake, as Uncle Sam and inflation can significantly erode investment gains. However, there are strategies to mitigate these effects, such as creating tax-free investment vehicles and adjusting investment strategies. It's essential to consult with a financial professional to develop a comprehensive financial and tax plan that addresses these challenges and helps achieve long-term financial goals.
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2 months ago
18 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
What Do You Want Your Story to Be? (Rebroadcast)
In this episode, Angela encourages listeners to reflect on their lives and consider whether they are living with purpose. She shares an unusual obituary as a starting point for reflection and challenges listeners to envision their own lives and legacies, urging them to take steps to align their actions with their desired stories. Key Takeaways 💡 Reflecting on others' lives, such as through obituaries, can provide valuable insights into our own lives and help us consider our purpose. The story of Pat Stocks, a 94-year-old woman whose obituary was shared on the podcast, serves as a reminder that life is short and encourages listeners to think about what they want their own stories to be. It's important to periodically assess whether you are living the life you truly want and to align your actions with your values and goals. Many people get caught up in the busyness of life and fail to pause and reflect on whether they are living with purpose, often ignoring the signs that they may not be on the right path. To gain clarity on your life's purpose, imagine yourself in your favorite place during your final days, looking back on your life and consider what you want your story to be. Then, assess whether you are currently living that story and identify any areas where you need to make changes. We offer a tool called the "LifeScore Card" on our website (https://www.kennedy-financial.com/lifescore-card) to help individuals assess different areas of their lives and identify areas for improvement. This tool can provide a more detailed and nuanced understanding of how well you are living in alignment with your desired story. Most people only get one chance to raise their kids, enjoy their grandkids, and experience retirement, so it's crucial to live with intention and purpose. Instead of simply going through the motions, strive to live a life that reflects your values and passions. Writing your own obituary can be a powerful exercise to gain clarity on your priorities and identify areas where you may want to make changes in your life. This exercise can reveal discrepancies between what you consider important and how you are actually spending your time and energy. The poem "The Dash" by Linda Ellis emphasizes that the most important aspect of a person's life is not their possessions or accomplishments, but how they lived and loved during the time represented by the dash between their birth and death dates. Listeners should reflect on whether they would be proud of how they spent their dash.
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2 months ago
23 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
This Week in the Market - Episode 87 (8/29/25)
In this episode, Aaron and Kade discuss  the current market conditions, recent portfolio changes, and broader trends impacting investment decisions. Topics covered include the market’s recent lack of volatility, the influence of sentiment on bubbles, the semiconductor industry’s developments (especially Nvidia and ASML), changes in the portfolio such as selling Hershey’s and trimming Costco, and a new investment in Rolls-Royce with its innovative approach to power generation and motor leasing. The conversation provides detailed reasoning for each portfolio move and insight into current financial trends and psychology.
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2 months ago
22 minutes

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
How Much Will Uncle Sam Benefit from the Sale of Your Business?
In this episode, Angela discusses tax planning strategies for business owners considering transitioning or selling their business. She emphasizes the importance of proactive tax planning to maximize benefits and avoid common mistakes that could negatively impact the sale and future financial security. The episode outlines three critical 'don'ts' related to tax planning when transitioning a business. Key Takeaways 💡 Business owners should not be ignorant about potential taxes when selling their business, as guessing or adding estimated taxes to the business price can deter serious buyers. Understanding the tax implications for both the seller and the buyer can create negotiating power, potentially structuring the sale in a way that benefits both parties through deductions and favorable tax avenues. Business owners should seek professional advice to obtain accurate tax assessments, as demonstrated by an example where a second opinion significantly reduced the initial tax estimate. Many business owners incorrectly assume they cannot sell their business due to high taxes, but strategic tax planning can significantly mitigate these taxes, potentially creating tax savings during the sale and throughout retirement. Business owners should not wait until the last minute to engage in tax planning, as some tax strategies require years of implementation to be effective. For example, Section 1202 allows an exemption of up to $10 million or 10 times the basis when selling a business, but to maximize this benefit, planning needs to start six to seven years in advance. Business owners should not ignore estate planning when preparing to sell their business, as it presents an optimal time to mitigate estate tax risks. Gifting shares of the business to trusts or heirs can be done at a lower valuation, potentially saving millions in estate taxes and future growth. Business owners need expert assistance to navigate the complexities of tax planning during a business sale, as most lack the experience to simultaneously mitigate taxes during the sale, afterward, and at death. A team of professionals, including accountants and tax attorneys, can provide comprehensive support and specialized knowledge to optimize tax outcomes.
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2 months ago
18 minutes 6 seconds

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
3 Costly Mistakes When Transitioning Your Business
In this episode, Angela discusses costly mistakes business owners make when transitioning their businesses. She emphasizes the emotional aspect of business ownership and how it can lead to poor decision-making during the transition process. The episode focuses on three common mistakes: running on empty, building a honeybee business, and prioritizing everything, and provides tips for avoiding these pitfalls to ensure a successful transition and retirement. Key Takeaways Many business owners drive themselves too hard without planning for the future, leading to burnout, health issues, or even death, which forces them to transition their business under less than ideal circumstances. Waiting until a crisis occurs to plan for the transition often results in not getting top dollar for the business and a grimmer retirement outlook, both financially and physically. Business owners should start planning for their business transition now, regardless of their age, considering that they will eventually exit the business either vertically or horizontally. Business owners often create a "honeybee business" where every decision and approval must go through them, making the business unattractive to potential buyers or successors. Buyers are less likely to invest in a business that heavily relies on the owner, as it poses risks of instability and loss of customers or key employees after the owner's departure. Instead, business owners should aim to create a self-managing company, like a "Christmas tree," that can sustain and grow even in their absence. Business owners frequently prioritize everything in their business, living in the moment rather than strategically planning for the future and work-life balance. This approach can negatively impact the business, the owner's health, their family, and their future retirement. To avoid this, business owners should ensure their business is ready to transition or sell every quarter, giving them the choice to either keep growing it or sell it, and they should identify and address any gaps that prevent this from happening. Progress starts with honesty, especially with oneself, and business owners need to acknowledge the changes they must make to prepare their business for transition. If business owners want their business to be attractive and ready for transition, leave a lasting legacy, and retire successfully, they need to take action now. There are resources available to help business owners with this process, and they should take advantage of them rather than waiting until they are burned out and forced to make hasty decisions.
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2 months ago
18 minutes 19 seconds

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
This Week in the Market - Episode 86 (8/22/25)
In this episode, Aaron Kennedy, Sam Barker, and Kade Sparger discuss the week's market activity, the potential impact of interest rate cuts, and the importance of financial literacy and legacy planning. They explore how different sectors respond to economic announcements and the changing landscape of investment risk appetite. The guys also touch on the potential of Bitcoin and the need for financial education within families.
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2 months ago
28 minutes 5 seconds

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
This Week in the Market - Episode 85 (8/15/25)
In this episode, Aaron, Sam, Kade, and Henry discuss the psychological challenges of investing in individual stocks versus viewing oneself as an owner of a company. They delve into the importance of long-term investment strategies and analyze specific companies, Novo and Palantir, to illustrate the differences between stock trading and company ownership. The guys also touch on market trends, value investing, and the potential impact of AI on the economy.
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2 months ago
33 minutes 51 seconds

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
Where Are You Getting Advice?
In this episode, Angela discusses the importance of seeking sound advice and avoiding common pitfalls. She shares humorous anecdotes of bad advice and emphasizes the need to be cautious about the voices influencing our decisions. Angela highlights the significance of having a trusted team of professionals to address various aspects of life planning, including business, finances, and legacy. Key Takeaways 💡 It is important to be mindful of the sources of advice we receive and how they impact our decisions, not only in faith but also in relationships, raising children, business, and financial matters. There is a lot of advice available on every topic, but it's crucial to discern whether it's accurate and appropriate for your specific situation, especially with the rise of AI and readily available information on the internet. Relying solely on a single professional, even a trusted one, can lead to gaps and overlaps in financial plans because they may not have a holistic view or the necessary expertise in all areas. It is important to ensure that the professional is equipped with the right tools and knowledge to provide comprehensive guidance, as even well-intentioned professionals can give bad advice if they lack expertise in a particular area. Bad advice from even skilled professionals can stem from two main reasons: they may not know what they don't know, leading them to offer advice outside their expertise, or the right questions are not being asked, resulting in a limited or biased perspective. For instance, asking a banker how to pay for a business succession plan may lead to solutions involving banking products, while a broader approach might consider tax benefits, insurance, or alternative funding methods. As financial situations grow more complex, individuals outgrow the need for a single professional and require a team of experts, with a quarterback to lead the charge and coordinate efforts. The role of a life planner is to help individuals define what it means for them to live life on purpose, understand their future goals, current situation, family dynamics, and feelings about risk and money, and then identify the right professionals to involve at the appropriate times. When seeking advice for business, money, or legacy matters, it's beneficial to consult with a life planner first to help formulate the right questions and avoid costly mistakes down the road. Life planners can help identify holes in financial plans, determine which professionals need to be involved, and ultimately guide individuals towards living life on purpose.
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3 months ago
17 minutes 15 seconds

The Life Planning 101 Podcast
Join Angela Robinson of Smart Money Group and Kennedy Financial Services for Life Planning 101. Sharing over 40 years of experience to help you with financial planning, investment planning, tax planning, estate planning, legacy planning, retirement planning...and much more.