Ditch The Suits: Financial Planning Insights Without The Sales Pitch

Our special guest, Jeff Chase, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, is back! In this episode, we're diving deep into financial planning and exposing financial advisors and professionals who might be more about sales than sound advice.

We'll break down how to distinguish experienced, qualified financial planners from those who are just in it for the commission—because when it comes to your financial future, you deserve a true professional, not just a salesperson.

We discuss how to find someone who’s not only got your back but also understands the game, helping you make sound decisions for your future. It's your money and life!

Takeaways:

• Navigating the financial world can feel like a treasure hunt with no map; we need to be wise and cautious about who we trust with our cash.
• A good financial advisor isn't just selling you products; they should be helping you level up in life and finances, like your personal finance Yoda.
• Don't let financial jargon trip you up; understanding your own money situation is more important than ever in this complicated world.
• The key to financial planning is more than just numbers; it's about helping clients prioritize their goals and navigate life's financial rollercoaster with empathy.

About Jeff

Jeff is the Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, a fee-only financial firm committed to acting in its clients' best interests as a fiduciary.

He joined S.E.E.D. in 2020 and is a key member of the firm's leadership team. He currently oversees and leads the financial planning team, which consists of nine financial planners and wealth managers.

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

Navigating the world of financial advising can feel like wandering through a maze blindfolded. Not every financial advisor is created equal—some have the credentials and expertise, while others just have the title. So, how can you tell the difference?

In this brand-new four-part series, we’re joined by Jeff Chase, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Together, we're pulling back the curtain on the financial advising industry and trying to help you better identify and spot the real deal when it comes to working with a financial professional.

Together, we break down the various titles floating around and uncover what truly separates a knowledgeable, trustworthy advisor from those just playing the part.

Tune in as we demystify the world of financial planning and help you make more informed decisions about your financial future!

Takeaways:

• Understanding the difference between a so-called financial advisor and a truly qualified one is crucial for your financial future.
• The financial planning industry is filled with a plethora of misleading titles that often confuse clients about whom they can trust.
• Building a career in financial planning requires passion and dedication beyond just chasing the paycheck, which many professionals often overlook.
• Networking and learning from experienced colleagues can significantly accelerate your growth and understanding in the financial planning world.

About Jeff

Jeff is the Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, a fee-only financial firm committed to acting in its clients' best interests as a fiduciary.

He joined S.E.E.D. in 2020 and is a key member of the firm's leadership team. He currently oversees and leads the financial planning team which consists of nine financial planners and wealth managers.

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

Have you ever felt like the stock market is rigged against you? Well, you’re not alone in that sentiment, but we’re here to pull back the curtain and show you that it’s all about understanding the rules of the game.

Throughout the episode, we argue that many investors are distracted by the flashy allure of 'instant wealth' while ignoring the real strategies that could lead to sustainable success. We illustrate how knowledge and strategy can turn the tables.

The conversation weaves through the emotional rollercoaster of investing, debunking the idea that markets are inherently unfair. Instead, they emphasize the importance of discipline and a solid investment thesis. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with insights that make you question every investment decision you’ve ever made, and maybe even inspire you to approach your portfolio like a chess game—strategically and with purpose!

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive into the misconception that diversification always leads to better investment outcomes, highlighting that understanding the rules of investing is key.
• We explore how many people perceive the stock market as rigged, and how this perception often stems from a lack of knowledge about investment strategies and market dynamics.
• Understanding the importance of having an investment thesis can dramatically improve your investment outcomes, as it helps guide your decisions in a strategic manner.
• The discussion emphasizes the necessity of being disciplined and structured in investing, reinforcing that successful investors are those who play to win rather than play not to lose.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

Ever feel like the investment world is just one big emotional rollercoaster? Well, you’re not alone! We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of why the average investor is at a serious disadvantage and how to flip the script.

We kick things off by addressing the emotional rollercoaster that is the stock market, likening it to an emotional teenager throwing tantrums over price fluctuations. It’s all about understanding that while the market might be throwing a fit, we don’t have to join the chaos. We dive deep into the common pitfalls that trap everyday investors, highlighting the lack of knowledge about their own investments and the emotional decision-making that often leads to financial disaster.

Our conversation shifts to the practical side of investing, where we share Travis' top-ten actionable tips that folks can implement right away to regain control over their investment strategies. We’re talking about understanding what you own, looking past the price tag, and recognizing the real value of your investments

Takeaways:

• Investing is more than just buying stocks; it's about owning a piece of a company that should generate future profits, and knowing how to evaluate that is key.
• Understanding your investment statements is crucial; they should tell you not just the price, but the value of what you own and the story behind it.
• Don't let price fluctuations dictate your investment decisions; focus on the underlying value and long-term potential of the companies you invest in.
• If you're not confident in a company's future, or the leadership behind it, it might be time to reconsider your investment strategy altogether.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

Would you like your investments to have more good days than bad days? Are you tired of logging in and seeing your investment account balances dropping? Why does the stock market feel like an emotional teenager throwing tantrums and making drama? Well, that's what we're diving into today!

We’re breaking down how the ups and downs of your investments mirror the wild mood swings of adolescence—think mood swings but with dollar signs. Between the media's sensational headlines and our natural urge to know “why,” we often find ourselves spiraling into panic mode.

We’re here to dish out some wisdom on how to remain calm and steadfast amidst the chaos and why, sometimes, sticking to the boring, steady path is the real way to win the investment game.

Takeaways:

• The stock market behaves like an emotional teenager, having temper tantrums that leave investors questioning their choices.
• Investing isn't about quick gains; it's a long-term journey requiring discipline and patience, much like mastering a new skill.
• People often panic during market volatility due to the fear of losing money, missing the fact that markets naturally fluctuate over time.
• Understanding what you're invested in can help alleviate anxiety; many investors don't even know the details of their own portfolios.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

This episode dives into why teaming up with a competent attorney is essential for your financial well-being, especially when it comes to estate planning. We’ve got our go-to legal expert, Kristen Luce, Partner at Coughlin and Gerhart LLP, back in studio to share how the right attorney can make all the difference in ensuring your assets are handled according to your wishes.

We chat about the importance of communication, transparency, and doing your homework when choosing legal professionals—because let’s be honest, nobody wants to leave their loved ones tangled in a legal mess. Ask those tough questions and gauge how they respond. The right professionals will be eager to help you navigate your unique situation with ease, not just shove you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Plus, we tackle the misconception that estate planning is only for the elderly; hint: if you're 18 or have something you care about, it’s time to get your ducks in a row!

Takeaways:

• Understanding the importance of vetting financial advisors and attorneys can significantly impact your financial future.
• Collaborative efforts between attorneys and financial advisors can lead to better outcomes for clients' estate planning needs.
• Don't skip out on estate planning; even young adults need to have their own legal documents in order.
• Beneficiaries can trump what’s in your will, so it's crucial to check your accounts regularly for accuracy.
• Choosing a fee-only financial planner can help eliminate conflicts of interest that might arise with commission-based advisors.
• Always communicate your wishes clearly; ambiguity in estate planning can lead to family disputes down the line.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

Today, we're diving headfirst into the nitty-gritty of estate planning with our special guest, Kristen Luce, Partner at Coughlin and Gerhart, LLP, who knows this stuff like the back of her hand.

Our episode kicks off with a casual banter that sets the tone for a relaxed yet informative discussion. Kristen shares her journey and passion for helping clients navigate the often murky waters of estate planning. Together we discuss how many people feel overwhelmed and hesitant to start their estate planning because, let’s face it, nobody wants to think about their mortality. But Kristen reassures us that it’s all about getting organized and taking proactive steps. We touch on the importance of having a good team in your corner—fee-only financial planners and attorneys who actually communicate and work together.

Together, we unravel the mystery of why having a solid estate plan is essential, especially when life throws curveballs your way. We tackle the common misconceptions that make people hesitant to seek professional help and why you should throw your trust into the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing (spoiler alert: it’s not always the first Google result).

Kristen explains how you should navigate the legal labyrinth of financial planning, ensuring you don’t end up in a pickle when it counts the most.

Takeaways:

• Ditch the Suits podcast is all about sharing financial insights that the industry prefers to keep hush-hush, helping listeners navigate their money matters like seasoned pros.
• The transition to Patreon is a game-changer, making past episodes accessible and ensuring you never miss out on new content, so hop on board!
• Estate planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it’s crucial to work with an attorney who gets your unique situation and crafts a plan that truly reflects your wishes.
• Clients often struggle to get organized for estate planning, but with a solid questionnaire and guidance, the process can be smoother and less daunting than you think!
• Understanding the legal side of financial planning is essential, especially during tough times, as it helps to ensure your family’s stability and peace of mind in the future.
• Communication is key in estate planning; a good attorney listens to what’s important to you and explains things in plain English, avoiding the dreaded legalese.

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Ms. Luce joined Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP in 2007 and is a partner with the firm. She is chair of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group. Ms. Luce’s practice is concentrated in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust & Estate Administration, Guardianships, Adoptions, Litigated Estate Matters, and Real Estate. She practices in the firm’s main office, as well as the Owego branch office. She has been selected as a Rising Star among New York lawyers for Estate Planning from 2013 – 2018 by Upstate New York Super Lawyers magazine. In 2017 Ms. Luce was named in the 24th Edition of the Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of Trust & Estates. Ms. Luce has been given this award every year since 2017 (for the Best Lawyers in America© for Trust & Estates).

Ms. Luce is a current member of the Broome County and New York State Bar Associations. She is a member of the New York Bar Association’s Elder Law and Special Needs Section. Ms. Luce previously served on the Board of Directors to the local American Automobile Association (AAA) Club. She is a past Co-Chair of the Broome County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Committee. She served on the Board of Directors for the Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network (April 2008 – February 2016) and is a former member of the Owego Rotary. In 2014 and again in 2018 Ms. Luce was appointed by the Town Board of the Town of Binghamton to an interim position of Acting Town Justice.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

We’re diving deep into the world of trust (or lack thereof) in the financial services industry! This episode is all about how trust in your financial advisor should be more than just a warm fuzzy feeling; it needs to be backed by proactive planning and accountability.

We'll break down two compelling cases: one involving a major investment firm hit with a $17.5 million civil penalty for allegedly making misleading statements about its ESG-focused investments, and another where an advisor orchestrated a Ponzi scheme to deceive clients.

📢 We Want Your Input! Take our quick two-question survey here and tell us what’s most important to YOU when choosing a financial advisor.

Takeaways:

• Trust in financial advisors is crucial, but it must be verified through their actions and performance standards.
• Beware of investment firms that claim high returns with little risk; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• A Ponzi scheme can happen to anyone; always do your homework before entrusting your money to an advisor.
• Investing should align with your values, but ensure your advisor is genuinely representing those values.
• Don't follow the flashy marketing; focus on the fundamentals of investing for long-term success.

We'd love your input. Take our quick survey at https://forms.office.com/r/837zquxdET

Ponzi scheme source https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/raleigh-investment-advisor-s-40-year-sentence-ponzi-scheme-and-obstruction-affirmed

article referenced about Invesco at https://www.mofo.com/resources/insights/241220-top-5-sec-enforcement-developments-for-november-2024

Volkswagen article at https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772.amp

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

In this special episode of Ditch the Suits, Travis and Steve break down the results of a recent survey that asked 1,000 investors working with financial advisors: What matters more—trust or performance?

Should it be just one thing or a combination? Don’t you deserve to work with someone who you can both trust not to rip you off and expect performance from? Join us as we challenge the status quo and discuss why clients should raise their expectations.

Key takeaways from the survey:

🔹 Why 72% of investors prioritize trust over performance

🔹 How proactive communication and a clear financial strategy build confidence

🔹 The top reasons clients leave their advisors—and how to avoid the same mistakes

📢 We Want Your Input! Take our quick two-question survey here and tell us what’s most important to YOU when choosing a financial advisor.

🎧 Tune in now and start getting the most from your money and life!

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We'd love your input. Take our quick survey at https://forms.office.com/r/837zquxdET

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

Jess Blake, Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor and Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group returns for the last episode in this series to help clarify the common misconception that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy or elderly.

We engage in a lively debate, dispelling these myths and emphasizing that anyone over 18 with any form of asset should consider an estate plan. The discussion highlights the critical role of power of attorney documents and how vital they are, especially when the unthinkable happens.

Jess recounts real-life situations where families were left to navigate the murky waters of financial chaos due to lack of preparation, making it clear that estate planning is not just for the affluent but for everyone who cares about their loved ones. Listeners are treated to practical advice on getting started with their estate planning journey, with enough banter and light-heartedness to keep the mood upbeat despite the seriousness of the topic.

Takeaways:

• Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy; it's crucial for everyone, even those young and single!
• Delaying estate planning can lead to costly and complicated situations for your loved ones later on.
• Having a solid power of attorney in place is essential for managing your affairs if you become incapacitated.
• It's not just about having documents; you need to regularly check and update them to reflect your current wishes and needs.

_______________________________________

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.