Financial Confidence Podcast

In this episode of the Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike Schuster hosts guest, Rick Krebs, merger and acquisition advisor and business valuation expert.
In this episode, we cover:
Business Strategy and Readiness for businesses 1 million-30 million in revenue

4 D’s
o Divorce
o Disaster
o Disability
o Death (forced exit)

The importance of starting to plan early
Access current valuation of your business
Options for exiting your business
Certified Valuation vs. Market Valuation

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The early years of retirement matter more than most people realize—and the mistakes made during this window can be difficult to reverse.

In this episode of the Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike Schuster breaks down four of the most common mistakes people make early in retirement—and what you can do to avoid them.

From claiming Social Security too early to underestimating healthcare costs, these decisions can have a lasting impact on your long-term financial confidence

In this episode, we cover:

• Claiming Social Security too early
• Over Spending in the Early Years and the Different Stages of Retirement
• Ignoring Sequence of Return Risk
• Poor tax and withdrawal planning

These aren’t small decisions—they can affect your financial future for decades.

The good news: with the right strategy and planning, they’re avoidable.

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This week on The Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike sits down with Herson Castaneda, Financial Advisor and Director of Business Retirement Plans at Schuster Anderson Wealth Advisors, for a thoughtful conversation about artificial intelligence and its limitations through the lens of financial planning.

Together, they explore where AI can be useful, where it falls short, and why human guidance still matters—especially during major financial decisions and life transitions. They also discuss the risks of relying on independent AI platforms for personal financial planning and share a few key considerations to keep in mind.

0:26 Herson’s Introduction

1:11 3 Biggest Mistakes We’re Seeing in AI

1:28 Putting Personal Financial Data into Public AI

2:12 Secure AI vs Non-Secure AI

2:50 Rising Concerns Falling for AI Deepfakes and Voice Scams

3:53 Why Dual Authentication is Important

4:13 Is AI Going to Replace Your Financial Advisor?

4:41 HI + AI = ROI

5:06 Different Levels of Risk Using AI for Financial Planning/Decision Making

5:45 Herson’s Life Updates

6:17 What is Herson Listening to/Reading Currently?

7:13 Conclusion

Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of Financial Confidence Podcast. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content! 

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In this episode of The Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike is joined by John Schonberg CFA®, Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge Capital Advisors, for a grounded discussion on today’s economic landscape.

They explore AI investing, the rising energy demands supporting AI growth, and how interest rates and government spending factor into long‑term market positioning. The conversation cuts through the noise to focus on economic fundamentals, disciplined thinking, and key considerations investors should keep on their radar as technology and markets continue to evolve.

0:27 John Introduction

1:57 John’s Background 

3:02 AI Investing in Today’s Markets

6:01 AI + HI = ROI

6:09 Energy Aspect of AI — What Happens to Low-Cost Energy?

7:21 How Can we Grow AI Effectively? 

8:34 Milton Friedman Quote

9:00 Interest Rates and Positions 

11:06 Are their Concerns with Government Spending Levels and the Effects on Long-Term Interest Rates?  

13:17 What is John Listening to/Reading Currently?

14:35 Conclusion

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Market volatility can feel unsettling—but it can also create opportunity.

In this episode of the Financial Confidence Podcast, Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Assistant Vice President of Client Solutions Matthew Guba joins Mike in conversation to unpack the emotional reality of market swings, why volatility matters, and how thoughtful planning can play a role during uncertain times. They explore bracket maximization, mindset shifts that help build confidence, and how staying focused on long-term goals can matter more than reacting to headlines.

A steady, grounded conversation for anyone navigating uncertain markets.

0:29 Matthew’s Introduction

1:49 The Emotional Reality of Market Volatility

3:21 Volatility Leads to Opportunity

5:43 Bracket Maximization

7:15 How to Build Confidence During Volatility?

9:05 What Is Matt Reading/Listening To?

10:51 Conclusion

Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of Financial Confidence Podcast. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content! 

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In this week’s episode of the Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike sits down once again with Kevin Denney, Police Chief of the Grand Island Police Department, to talk about a growing concern impacting individuals, families, and communities: AI‑driven fraud.

Chief Denney shares how artificial intelligence has evolved over the past year, how criminals are using it to increase both the volume and quality of fraud attempts, and what local law enforcement is seeing firsthand. He also offers practical, preventative measures the community can consider, along with insights into how officers are being educated to keep up with cybercrime trends.

This conversation is an important reminder that awareness and education play a key role in prevention.

0:32 Kevin’s Introduction 

1:35 How Has AI Changed Within the Last Year?

1:42 AI-Generated Fraud & Criminal Activity Increasing

2:04 Criminals are looking for Quantity and Increased Quality of Crimes

2:44 What Calls GIPD Are Handling?  

4:48 Use of Trusted Contacts

5:11 Educating Officers About Cybercrime

5:53 Preventative Measures  

8:14 What Does Kevin Listen to or Read Up On?

10:00 Remarks To GIPD

10:23 Conclusion

Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of Financial Confidence Podcast. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content! 

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In this week’s episode of the Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike sits down with a longtime friend and Grand Island–based Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Professional Counselor, Rick Huls, for a thoughtful conversation about what it truly means to retire to something, not just from something.

As many people transition out of the workforce and into retirement, this episode invites listeners to pause and reflect on a deeper question: Who are you when you’re no longer clocking in? Together, Mike and Rick discuss purpose, identity, and fulfillment in life after work, offering insight into how intentional planning extends beyond finances.

0:36 Rick’s Introduction 

1:46 The Emotional Side of Retirement Without a Plan

3:09 How Do You Get People to Retire to Something?  

3:56 Couples Alignment in Retirement

5:25 The Fear of Money in Retirement

6:26 Overcoming the Fear of Spending in Retirement

7:28 It’s Not about the Number: Finding Your Purpose and Balance

8:22 The Cycle of Works vs The Cycle of Grace

 11:37 Conclusion

Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of Financial Confidence Podcast. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content! 

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This episode marks an important transition as we officially step into our new chapter as the Financial Confidence Podcast—where every conversation is designed to help you feel more secure, informed, and confident in your financial decisions.

Host, Mike Schuster breaks down tax strategy planning in a clear, practical way, focusing on how smart, forward-looking tax decisions can protect your income, your family, and your long-term goals. Rather than reacting to taxes year by year, this episode helps you understand how proactive planning builds lasting financial confidence.

0:38 Introduction 

0:48 Why Rebrand?

1:20 The New Direction with Financial Confidence Podcast 

1:40 What is Tax Strategy Planning? 

2:16 Three Common Tax Mistakes

2:24 Mistake #1: Not Paying Taxes at the Lowest Rate

2:31 The OBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) Explained

3:18 Mistake #2: Roth Contribution in 401k or Roth Conversion?

4:06 Mistake #3: Only Planning One Year At A Time

4:50 Conclusion

Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of Financial Confidence Podcast. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content! 

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What happens to your business when you’re ready to step away or when the unexpected happens?

In this episode of The SA Update, Mike sits down with Scott Snider, President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI), to explore why so many business owners go to market unprepared and how the absence of a clear contingency plan can significantly diminish business value. Together, they break down the biggest threats to long-term value, the critical role of intentional exit planning, and practical strategies owners can implement today to safeguard what they’ve built.

Whether you’re years away from selling or simply want to strengthen your business for the future, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you plan proactively and protect your legacy.

0:38 Scott Introduction 

1:35 Business Owners Going to Market: Why so low?

3:00 Why Are Business Owners Failing to Have Contingency Plans?

3:50 The 5 Destroyers of Businesses

5:17 Value Acceleration Methodology: Explained

8:50 What are Some Big Cornerstones Businesses Should Adopt?  

10:14 What percentage of Net Worth are Most Businesses for Business Owners? 

11:30 Scott’s Go-To Podcasts

12:35 Conclusion

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This week on The SA Update, Mike sits down for an inspiring conversation with Venus King, Central Community College Faculty Instructor and Women’s Performance Coach. Together, they dive deep into the world of women and finances, tackling the tough but crucial conversations around women and money. Tune in for practical insights, real examples, and strategies designed to help you navigate financial barriers with clarity and confidence.

0:37 Venus Introduction 

1:16 Venus Upbringings and First Season of Life

3:27 Women Lead Financial Decision-Making in Most Households (Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board, 2025) 

 5:00 Mo-Nection Podcast: By Community and Connection, We Help Each Other Rise Together: The Impact on Young Women 

5:34 Internal GPS System: Where are You Today and Where Do You Want to Go? 

5:56 Establishing Your Core Values 

6:24 Accessible Resources for Those Looking to Take the Next Step: Podcasts and Books

6:46 Handling Money in Marriages: Best Practices

8:26 Venus Kings Podcast Favorites

9:30 Conclusion

Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of The SA Update. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content! 

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