Do It For Yourself with Stephen A. Taylor, JD, CFP®

Do It For Yourself with Stephen A. Taylor, JD, CFP®

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Do It For Yourself with Stephen A. Taylor, JD, CFP® episodes

  • How Tricia Brady wrote the book for Women to become Independent

    In this episode of the Do It Yourself Podcast, Tricia Brady joins host Steve Taylor to discuss her journey as a business consultant, writer, and advocate for women in financial services. She shares insights into overcoming writer’s block, the importance of community support, and the challenges of transitioning to independence. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, writer, or financial professional, this conversation offers valuable takeaways.


    Tricia Brady is a seasoned business consultant specializing in financial services and practice management. With years of experience helping financial advisors transition to independence, she has developed valuable insights into overcoming challenges in the industry. Tricia is also passionate about empowering women and recently collaborated with experts to co-author a book that supports advisors on their independent journey.

    34 min
  • How Smart Business Owners Manage Risk while saving money with Captive Insurance with Van Carlson

    Van Carlson is a leading expert in risk management and financial strategies, specializing in captive insurance solutions. As the founder and CEO of SRA 831(b) Admin, Van has spent years helping business owners take control of their insurance costs, reduce tax liabilities, and gain financial security through innovative risk management approaches. His deep expertise in alternative risk financing has made him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the industry.

    In this episode of the Do It Yourself Podcast, host Steve Taylor speaks with risk management expert Van Carlson to discuss how business owners can leverage captive insurance to reduce costs, improve cash flow, and safeguard their financial future. Traditional insurance models often leave businesses overpaying and undercovered. Van explains how captive insurance offers a strategic advantage by allowing businesses to self-insure and retain more control over their risk. If you’re self-employed or running a business, this episode is packed with valuable insights that could help you save millions over time.

    0:00 - Intro

    03:20 What is captive insurance & why businesses use it?

    06:17 Biggest financial risks with traditional insurance.

    08:10 How captive insurance reduces taxes & boosts cash flow.

    11:49 Top industries benefiting from captive insurance.

    13:39 Legal & regulatory aspects of captive insurance.

    18:54 How captive insurance covers gaps in policies.

    24:06 Steps to set up captive insurance.

    32:14 Success stories: Businesses saving millions.

    41:37 Myths & misconceptions about captive insurance.

    43:17 How to get started with captive insurance.

    Host: Steve Taylor – https://linktr.ee/meritedwealth

    Guest: Van Carlson – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancarlson/

    Leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode.

    Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates and expert insights.

    47 min
  • Trump’s Tariffs: Hidden Costs & Smart Moves for Business Owners

    Manny Gaunaurd is a seasoned distributor and industry expert with years of experience navigating the complexities of global trade and supply chain management. His expertise spans trade regulations, tariff implications, and how businesses adapt to economic shifts. With a deep understanding of import/export strategies, Manny has helped numerous companies optimize their operations amid changing tariff landscapes.

    In this episode of the Do It Yourself Podcast, host Steve Taylor sits down with trade expert Manny Gaunaurd to unpack the effects of tariffs on businesses. They explore how tariffs influence global trade, impact pricing strategies, force companies to rethink supply chains and quality of their products. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business owner, or simply interested in understanding how international trade shapes the economy, this conversation provides key insights.


    Key Takeaways:


    0:00 - Intro00:16 - Tariffs & Their Impact on Small Businesses08:40 - Global Market Dynamics & Supply Chain Challenges15:09 - How Global Tariffs Shape Trade & Business Strategies25:44 - Diversifying Supply Chains Post-COVID35:45 - Government Incentives, Inflation & Rising Shipping Costs41:06 - China’s Shift to Automation Due to Labor Shortages46:29 - Subsidized Imports & Their Economic Impact51:16 - New Tariffs & Their Effect on Pricing & Factory Deals

    57 min
  • Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Start a Franchising Business with Adam Goldman

    Adam Goldman has spent the past 14 years in the franchising industry, helping aspiring entrepreneurs find the right franchise opportunities. Starting with office cleaning franchises after a career in real estate, Adam’s journey has been about learning what works in franchising and sharing that knowledge with others.

    In this episode of theDo It Yourself Podcast, Adam Goldman joins us to break down the world of franchising. We discuss the ups and downs, key considerations for potential franchisees, and how to determine if franchising is the right path for you. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or exploring a new venture, this conversation will help you navigate the process and set realistic expectations.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The Appeal of Franchising (00:14): Adam shares how franchising offers structure, support, and reduced risks for new entrepreneurs compared to starting from scratch.
    • Different Business Models (06:28): Learn about owner-operator and semi-absentee franchise setups and what makes them work.
    • The Role of Sales Skills (08:19): Why strong sales skills are often a game-changer in finding success as a franchisee.
    • Managing Expectations (12:16): Franchisees sometimes overestimate the level of support provided. Adam explains why self-assessment and realistic goals are essential.
    • Importance of Management (17:56): Successful franchises often hinge on effective management and strategic decisions, like hiring the right general manager.
    • Low-Entry Options (23:27): Franchising doesn’t always require massive investments. Adam discusses how to assess your financial readiness.


    Host: Steve Taylor –https://linktr.ee/meritedwealth

    Guest: Adam Goldman –franchiseadam.com


    Share your thoughts on this episode by leaving a review.

    Contact us with your questions or suggestions for future

    25 min
  • Importance of Tax Advisors with Shauna Wekherlien – Strategies for Smart Tax Management and Savings

    In this episode of Do it Yourself, Shauna Wekherlien shares her insights on the importance of tax strategy and how it differs from traditional CPA services.


    She explains how working closely with clients to create personalized tax plans can lead to long-term financial success and wealth building. If you're ready to take control of your tax strategy and explore ways to save money while achieving your financial goals, this episode provides valuable advice and actionable steps.


    Shauna Wekherlien, also known as the "Tax Goddess," is a highly experienced tax strategist specializing in personalized tax planning and proactive financial strategies. With a passion for helping individuals and business owners reduce their tax liabilities and build long-term wealth, Shauna has carved out a niche in tax strategy beyond the traditional role of a CPA.


    Her unique approach involves working closely with clients to understand their personal and business needs, creating tailored tax strategies that maximize savings and support their financial goals.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Tax Strategists vs. CPAs – Learn about the unique role of tax strategists in providing personalized, long-term tax strategies, compared to the more transactional approach of CPAs.
    • Building Wealth Through Strategic Tax Planning – How a tax strategist helps clients with long-term financial goals, such as funding surgeries or purchasing luxury items, by implementing tax strategies.
    • Proactive Communication and Financial Collaboration – The importance of consistent communication with your tax advisor and collaborating with other financial professionals for optimal outcomes.
    • Captive Insurance for High-Revenue Business Owners – Why business owners earning over $750,000 should consider captive insurance to secure their financial future.
    • Maximizing Tax Savings – Shauna shares how implementing high-impact tax strategies can save clients hundreds of thousands of dollars

    • Host: Steve Taylor – LinkedIn

      Guest: Shauna Wekherlien – Website


      Leave a review to share how this episode helped you.


      Have a topic suggestion? Email us with ideas for future episodes.

      31 min
    • How to Build a Generous Workplace Culture with Bob DePasquale

      In this episode of the Do It For Yourself Podcast, host Stephen Taylor, sits down with Bob DePasquale, a workplace culture expert, to explore how organizations can foster more generous and supportive environments. Bob shares his insights on building meaningful workplace relationships, creating a culture of generosity, and the long-term benefits of doing so for both employees and businesses.

      What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

      • The Importance of Generosity in the Workplace: Learn why generosity isn’t just a nice-to-have but a must-have in creating a thriving company culture.
      • How Generous Cultures Impact Employee Well-being: Understand the direct link between a generous work environment and employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention.
      • Practical Tips for Building a Generous Culture: Bob offers actionable strategies for leaders to implement in their organizations to encourage generosity from the top down.
      • Overcoming Challenges to Generosity: Discover common hurdles organizations face when trying to build a more generous culture and how to overcome them effectively.
      • Meet the Guest:

        Bob DePasquale is the founder of The Generosity Culture, a consultancy that helps businesses create thriving, generous workplace cultures. With years of experience in leadership and organizational development, Bob specializes in cultivating workplaces where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to give their best.

        Who Should Listen:

        • Business leaders looking to improve their workplace culture and employee engagement.
        • HR professionals seeking strategies to increase workplace satisfaction.
        • Anyone interested in learning how generosity can transform business environments.
        • Relevant Links:

          • The Generosity Culture Website
          • Bob DePasquale on LinkedIn
          • Do It For Yourself Podcast Youtube

            • Subscribe to Do It For Yourself Podcast for more insightful conversations.
            • Leave a review and let us know how this episode inspired you to create a more generous culture.
            • Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and resources.
            • Have a topic suggestion? Email us with ideas for future episodes
            • 36 min
            • Building a Business That Works for You with Michael McLean

              Michael McLean found his path in entrepreneurship after overcoming challenges and chaos. With a focus on resilience and setting boundaries, he built a business that supports his personal and professional life. Through lessons from his father, he learned how to prioritize, create systems, and say "NO" to distractions, giving him the space to succeed.


              In this episode of Do it Yourself, Michael McLean shares his journey of turning a chaotic start into a focused, successful business. He explains how saying "NO" creating systems, and setting boundaries allowed him to build a business that works for him. If you're looking to regain control of your time and grow your business, this episode offers practical steps you can take.


              Key Takeaways:

              • Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Michael talks about how bouncing back from setbacks is key to long-term success.
              • The Power of Saying "No": Michael shares why saying "no" helps protect your time and energy.
              • Setting Boundaries: Learn how boundaries keep your business and personal life balanced.
              • Creating Systems: Michael explains how systems help streamline operations and focus on growth.
              • Lessons from His Father: Michael’s father taught him how to focus on what truly matters in business and life.

              • Guest and Crew Information

                Host: Steve Taylor – LinkedIn

                Guest: Michael McLean – Youtube

                https://go.badassletter.com/


                Leave a review to share how this episode helped you.

                Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and resources.

                Have a topic suggestion? Email us with ideas for future episodes.

                41 min
              • How to Successfully Transition from IBD to RIA

                In this episode, host Catherine Tindall, CPA (Dominion), is joined by Steven Taylor, CFP® and Attorney, to demystify the transition process for financial advisors moving from the Independent Broker-Dealer (IBD) model to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) structure.


                • IBD vs. RIA: Key Differences
                • The Benefits of Transitioning to RIA
                • Challenges to Anticipate
                • Practical Steps for a Smooth Transition
                • Catherine Tindall is a Certified Public Accountant and Partner at Dominion Enterprise Services. She focuses on helping business owners optimize their tax strategies to maximize profitability and reduce liabilities. Catherine’s expertise spans across industries, with a keen focus on leveraging the latest tax regulations to benefit her clients.

                  • Financial advisors currently operating under the IBD model who are contemplating a transition to RIA.
                  • Advisors looking to better understand the operational and compliance aspects of the RIA structure.

                  • Relevant Links

                    Dominion Enterprise Services Website


                    [IRS Guide on Employee Retention Credit](https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit#:~:text=Check your eligibility for the credit,-ERC Eligibility Checklist&text=The credit is available to,when the business impacts occurred.)


                    Merited Wealth Website


                    Guest and Host Information

                    Guest: Steve Taylor – LinkedIn

                    Guest Host: Catherine Tindall, CPA – LinkedIn, Firm Profile


                    Leave a review to share how this episode helped your practice.


                    Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and resources.


                    Have a topic suggestion? Email us with ideas for future episodes.

                    26 min
                  • John Dwyer's Top Marketing Tips to Boost Your Business Now

                    Hello Friends! Welcome to another episode of the Do It For Yourself Podcast. I’m your host, Steve Taylor, here to bring you conversations packed with valuable insights for your business and personal growth. If you’re new here, welcome! And if you’re a returning listener, thank you for your support.

                    Today, I’m thrilled to introduce John Dwyer, or “JD,” the creative force behind the Institute of WOW. Known as a “direct response customer attraction expert,” JD’s approach centers on creating powerful “wow” moments that captivate and convert. He’s the mastermind who famously brought Jerry Seinfeld out of retirement to lead an iconic “free vacation” home loan campaign for Australia’s Greater Building Society—a campaign that broke records and is still legendary in the industry.

                    With a client roster including Disney, KFC, and 7 Eleven, JD’s expertise in incentive-based marketing on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube has helped businesses of all sizes bring in waves of new customers. His incentive packages—from fuel savings to free vacations—are tailored to attract specific audiences and amplify revenue.

                    In this episode, JD shares his journey from advising global brands to helping small and medium-sized businesses create “wow factors” that drive success. We unpack the difference between networking and marketing, the importance of finding a profitable audience, and JD’s direct response tactics that deliver real results. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, JD’s insights offer practical advice that will transform your marketing approach.

                    This episode is a goldmine for entrepreneurs and service-based business owners looking to attract the right customers without getting lost in the complexities of marketing. Enjoy, and if you like what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe for more insights and inspiration to fuel your journey!

                    33 min
                  • Understanding Non-Compete Agreements and Recent FTC Regulations

                    Host: Steve Taylor, Founding Advisor at Merited Wealth


                    Guest: Andrew Adams, Practice Leader of Labor and Employment at Darrow Everett


                    Episode 48 Summary


                    In this episode, Steve Taylor dives into a detailed conversation with Andrew Adams, an experienced attorney specializing in labor and employment law. Together, they discuss the complexities surrounding non-compete agreements, the implications of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed rule changes, and how these changes may affect both employers and employees. Andrew shares valuable insights on what makes non-compete agreements reasonable, when they might be considered overreaching, and how non-solicit clauses fit into the broader legal framework.


                    Content Warnings

                    Discussion of legal and employment practices

                    Mentions of Labor Law Nuances


                    Guest Bio


                    Andrew Adams is a seasoned attorney with a robust background in labor and employment law. After earning his undergraduate degree in marine biology, he served in the Navy and worked in law enforcement while attending law school.


                    He has extensive experience representing both employer and employee interests and currently leads the labor and employment practice at Darrow Everett.

                    Key Points

                    • Non-Compete Agreement Basics: Explanation of non-compete agreements, their purpose, and situations where they are typically applied.

                    • FTC’s Proposed Rule Change: Overview of the potential ban or limitations on non-compete agreements and its implications for both employers and employees.

                    • Employer Overreach: Discussion on how employers sometimes misuse non-compete agreements, applying them too broadly.

                    • Non-Compete vs. Non-Solicit Clauses: Insights into how non-solicit agreements differ from non-competes and what could remain enforceable if the FTC rule is enacted.

                    • Practical Guidance: Advice for employers on creating reasonable non-compete agreements and tips for employees navigating these contracts.


                    • Main Topics Discussed

                      1. Non-Compete Agreement 101: Definition, use cases, and enforceability.

                      2. Reasonableness and Justification: When non-compete agreements are appropriate and justified.

                      3. FTC Regulation Overview: What the new rule proposes and its potential effects.

                      4. Employer Obligations: Notification requirements and adjustments if the rule is enforced.

                      5. Non-Solicit Agreements: What stays in play even if non-competes are ruled unenforceable.


                      6. Relevant Links

                        FTC Press Release on Proposed Rule Change

                        Legal Resource on Non-Compete and Non-Solicit Clauses


                        Merited Wealth Website


                        Guest and Crew Information

                        Host: Steve Taylor – LinkedIn

                        Guest: Andrew Adams – LinkedIn, Firm Profile


                        Subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes.


                        Leave a review if you found this episode helpful.


                        Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content: LinkedIn, and Instagram.


                        Send us your suggestions for future topics or guests you'd like to hear from.

                        41 min

                      About Do It For Yourself with Stephen A. Taylor, JD, CFP®

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                      Join Steve Taylor and his professional business owner and entrepreneur guests as they have those discussions on the challenges around starting and growing your own business. From starting his law firm…