In this episode of The Retire Readiness Podcast, we sit down with our newest advisor, Chris Zollo, to talk about why most financial firms are playing the wrong game—and how WealthMax Financial Group does it differently.

Chris joins us from Merrill Lynch with a strong background in investment management and client advising, and he brings a behind-the-scenes look at how the big banks often focus on pushing products over building real retirement strategies.

Here’s the problem:
 Most firms start with the tools—mutual funds, annuities, model portfolios—and then try to force-fit those into your life. But that’s backwards.

At WealthMax, we flip the script:
 ✅ Start with your goals
✅ Build a strategy
✅ Then use the tools to support the plan

We’ll dive into:

• Why many bank clients get pushed into cookie-cutter portfolios—or sent to virtual call centers if they don’t meet minimums
• How Chris’s transition from Merrill shows the difference between product-pushing and true fiduciary advising
• Why Roth conversions are a major advantage most banks don’t even bring up
• The truth about pre-tax accounts: every $1 saved might really be just $0.70 after taxes
• How trusts, beneficiary designations, and basic estate planning can keep your legacy out of probate
• And the core idea: Having a portfolio is not the same as having a plan

Whether you’re just getting started or are already retired, this episode gives real insight into how strategy—not just product—drives success.

🔗 www.wealthmaxfg.com

www.wealthmaxfg.com

www.wealthmaxfg.com