Planning for retirement is about more than just finances—it’s about protecting your future, your health, and your peace of mind. In this episode of the Simplify Your Retirement Podcast, host Paul Brock welcomes Aaron Love, Elder Care Attorney at Love Law Group, to discuss what it truly means to age well and prepare for life’s uncertainties.

Together, they break down the critical difference between legacy planning (death planning) and incapacity planning (living planning), while highlighting the essential legal and financial steps you should take today to avoid crisis tomorrow.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

Whether you’re approaching retirement yourself or helping aging parents, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps to simplify your planning.

Contact Love Law Group:

Contact Wise Wealth:

Are you prepared for the “Silver Tsunami”? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Christina Wilkins, Chief Operating Officer of Advocates for Seniors, who reveals how their unique paralegal firm helps seniors navigate the complex challenges of aging.

From managing finances when a spouse passes away to coordinating medical care during life transitions, Christina shares how their team provides critical “boots on the ground” assistance for seniors who either don’t have children nearby or need specialized legal, health, and financial support.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Beyond Financial Planning: Discover why retirement planning must extend beyond finances to include preparation for the “go-go years,” “slow-go years,” and “no-go years” of retirement.

• Advocates for Seniors: Learn about this unique paralegal firm that provides comprehensive support in three critical areas: legal, health, and financial matters for aging adults.

• Crisis Prevention: Understand why establishing a relationship with advocates before a crisis occurs can make all the difference in your retirement journey.

• Real Support Services: Christina explains how her team provides hands-on assistance – from paying bills and attending doctor’s appointments to helping with transitions to assisted living.

Christina and her team serve as trusted advocates for seniors who may not have family nearby or whose spouse handled finances before passing. Whether you’re planning for your own retirement or caring for aging parents, this episode provides valuable insights on preparing for the later stages of life.

www.advocates4seniors.com

913.200.4008

To learn more about Wise Wealth, visit our website at www.wisewealth.com. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our team and we will schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with one of our qualified financial advisors.

If you’re like many Americans, the bulk of your retirement savings likely sits in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. But when tax rates rise—as many experts predict they will—how much of your hard-earned money will you actually get to keep?

With the national debt growing at an unsustainable pace and entitlement programs placing increasing pressure on the federal budget, significant tax increases appear inevitable.

In this episode, we’re honored to welcome David McKnight—nationally renowned tax expert and bestselling author of The Power of Zero, Tax-Free Income for Life, and The Guru Gap. David draws from years of experience and collaboration with leading tax authorities, including insights from his documentary film The Power of Zero: The Tax Train Is Coming.

America has made financial promises it simply can’t keep. With the national debt projected to hit $62 trillion by 2034, no combination of tax hikes or spending cuts appears capable of reversing the course. The “tax train” is coming—and retirement savers must prepare.

One of the most powerful tools for protecting your retirement income is converting tax-deferred accounts to Roth IRAs. Doing so—particularly within favorable brackets like the 24%—can dramatically reduce your long-term tax exposure. But it must be done strategically to avoid unnecessary tax consequences.

In this episode, we explore:

As an independent & full-service financial planning firm, Wise Wealth gives truly objective advice. If you want a retirement plan tailored to your goals and your future, we’re here to help.

📞 816.246.WISE (9473)

Stephen Stricklin, Founder and President of Wise Wealth, LLC is joined by COO, Paul Brock to answer frequently asked questions from clients and podcast listeners.

They cover common concerns such as:

Stephen and Paul discuss the importance of rebalancing portfolios, which they typically do once a year to maintain the desired asset allocation and capitalize on buying low and selling high. While portfolio managers adjust for short-term market trends, clients should stay disciplined and stick with their long-term plan, as short-term volatility shouldn’t dictate investment decisions. Trusting the plan and remaining invested is key to achieving the desired rate of return over time.

They also explain how investor behavior, such as trying to time the market, often hinders success more than market fluctuations themselves, as missing just a few of the best market days can drastically affect returns. The key is sticking with a long-term plan, trusting portfolio manager, and remaining disciplined regardless of short-term market volatility.

The key is understanding your time frame and risk tolerance—investing in the market should align with your long-term goals.

The episode also addresses the idea of “comparing” your savings and retirement plan to others. The truth is, your plan should be tailored to your unique goals, income needs, and lifestyle choices. Everyone has their own “number,” which represents what they need to achieve their goals in retirement, and the only way to determine this is through a personalized plan.

Ultimately, your retirement plan’s success isn’t about comparing it to others but ensuring it meets your individual needs and goals. True success is measured by the peace of mind and financial freedom it provides, allowing you to fully enjoy life in retirement.

Ready to take the next step?

www.wisewealth.com/contact-us

[email protected]

816.246.WISE (9473)

In this episode of The Blockchain Breakdown: Understanding Cryptocurrency, we explore the importance of understanding digital assets and cryptocurrency as they become mainstream.

Digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, are emerging as a new asset class with unique risks and opportunities for diversification. Tune in as we discuss key terms such as Bitcoin, tokens, NFTs, and share our insights on how to incorporate digital assets into a well-diversified portfolio

While investing in digital assets, like Bitcoin, can add significant potential upside to a portfolio, it should be a small allocation (around 1%) using only funds set aside for high risk. It’s also important to treat it as a long-term investment (5+ years) and be prepared for the possibility of losses.

The key to successful investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies is having time and discipline, rather than acting on fear or greed. A well-balanced, thoughtful strategy with small allocations (1-5%) and a long-term horizon (5+ years) is essential. Ultimately, investing should provide peace of mind, fit within your broader financial plan, and free you to focus on life’s most important priorities.

If you want to learn more about Wise Wealth and our Retirement Freedom Plan™ feel free to contact our team. One of our experience financial advisors will be happy to answer any questions you have!

Contact Us:

www.wisewealth.com/contact-us

[email protected]

816.246.WISE (9473)

Today, we’re joined by Starla Hendricks, Vice President of Intermediary Sales at KEEP by Stone Castle. With over 30 years in financial services, Starla works closely with RIAs and wealth managers to help them navigate the cash and deposit landscape, providing solutions like KEEP—a high-yield, FDIC-insured cash account that offers protection and a better rate than typical savings accounts at local banks.

We’re excited to dive into how KEEP can provide clients with a secure, higher-yield alternative to traditional banking.

• KEEP by Stone Castle offers a unique advantage by providing up to $100 million in FDIC insurance on a single account, compared to the typical $250,000 limit at a local bank. Unlike local banks, where individuals with larger sums must spread their funds across multiple institutions to maintain FDIC coverage, KEEP allows clients to consolidate their funds into one account with full protection, all under a single tax ID.

• It’s crucial for individuals to fully understand the limits of FDIC insurance. If you have more than $250,000 in a single bank account, any amount over that is not protected if the bank fails. Many people don’t realize that, for example, if they inherit money or have accumulated significant savings, they could be leaving a large portion of it uninsured. With over $7 trillion currently sitting above the FDIC limit, much of it earning zero interest, it’s essential to stay informed and ensure your funds are properly protected and earning a competitive return.

• KEEP not only offers higher returns but also makes a positive impact by investing in community banks and credit unions, particularly those serving underserved populations. Through the Keep Impact initiative, funds are directed to minority depository institutions and community development financial institutions, helping to fund housing, minority-owned businesses, and other vital community projects. It’s important to note, this is an option and there are other products to consider.

As a fiduciary advisor, it is our responsibility to consider all options available and determine what products are a good fit based on the individual needs and goals of every client.

Let’s create your Retirement Freedom Plan™, starting with the “Clarity Conversation”.

Reach out to us at 816-246-WISE or email [email protected] to start the journey toward freedom.

📅 SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION: 816.246.WISE (9473) [email protected] www.wisewealth.com

“Every client deserves the right to invest according to their values.” This is a quote from one of our guests, Mark Reifer. He’s a financial advisor, and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), with a long history of managing portfolios and experience in biblically responsible investing. He emphasizes the importance of asset allocation, strategy, and moral screening in portfolio management.

Along with Mark, we are joined by Ben Malick: A chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), Ben focuses on building biblically responsible portfolios under Bright Portfolios, which balance good returns with ethical investments.

In this episode, we dive into what kind of companies we are looking to include and which ones we want to exclude and why., The main focus is on finding companies that are “doing good” by treating employees, customers, and communities well, while also delivering positive products and services.

The goal is to invest in businesses that are ethically responsible, avoid exploiting people or profiting from harmful practices like addiction, and align with values like loving your neighbor. The process for selecting companies to invest in focuses on three key criteria: products, processes, and priorities.

1. We assess whether the products or services a company offers are morally sound. For example, they avoid companies involved in pornography, even if it’s just a small part of their business.

2. Then, we evaluate how the company treats its employees and suppliers, considering ethical business practices.

3. Finally, we examine the company’s charitable activities and overall stance in the marketplace.

A scoring system is used to evaluate companies based on these factors, aiming to find businesses that align with ethical standards. While the process is selective, it still results in a diversified portfolio, providing ample diversification while ensuring that investors can feel confident about the companies they own.

The conversation also highlights the importance of “good returns”, not only in terms of financial performance but also in the peace of mind investors get from knowing their investments align with their values. Contrary to common misconceptions, values-based investing does not sacrifice returns. Third-party studies on faith-driven and socially responsible investing show that applying a values overlay can enhance performance, rather than detract from it. Ethical investing can be both financially rewarding and aligned with personal values.

Have questions about Biblically Responsible Investing? Or, would you like to speak to one of our financial advisors about ethical investing?

Contact Us: [email protected]

www.wisewealth.com/contact-us

816.246.WISE (9473)

In this special edition of the Simplify Your Retirement Podcast, Stephen Stricklin, CFP® President of Wise Wealth, and Vice President Paul Brock discuss the recent 2024 U.S. election and its immediate impact on the stock market.

The episode focuses on three key questions people have about investing during election years and the broader economic outlook.

1. Why did the stock market respond favorably to Donald Trump’s second-term win?

2. Why didn’t the advisors change investment strategies before the election?

3. What can people expect economically from a Trump presidency?

The episode wraps up with the idea that time and discipline are crucial for successful investing. The focus should always be on having a solid financial plan, which should drive investment decisions, rather than chasing short-term trends or reacting to political events. The hosts encourage viewers to understand their own financial goals and stay disciplined in their approach.

In this episode, Stephen Stricklin and Paul Brock discuss the importance of providing clients with a balanced approach to investing, focusing on portfolio construction that aligns with both financial goals and values.

Guests Ben Malik and Mark Riefer offer their experience and expertise.

Ben Malik: A chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), Ben focuses on buildingbiblically responsible portfolios under Bright Portfolios, which balance good returns with ethical investments.

Mark Riefer: A financial advisor, and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), with a long history of managing portfolios and experience in biblically responsible investing. He emphasizes the importance of asset allocation, strategy, and moral screening in portfolio management.

Philosophy of Investing:

Wise Wealth emphasizes long-term investing and discipline, advising clients to stay committed to their growth portfolios despite short-term market fluctuations.

Modern Portfolio Theory: While both Mark and Ben appreciate the theory’s focus on risk-adjusted returns, they recognize inefficiencies in the market that provide opportunities for active management.

Diversification and Asset Allocation: They advocate a forward-looking approach in portfolio construction, taking into account market cycles, risk levels, and opportunities for adjusting asset allocations. 

Importance of Values-Based Investing:

A key element of the episode is the integration of biblically responsible investing (BRI), ensuring the companies they invest in align with ethical and moral values.

Their portfolios are regularly reviewed and adjusted, focusing on long-term growth without losing sight of the clients’ values.

Investor Behavior:

The hosts discuss the importance of investor discipline and how managing emotions during market fluctuations is critical to long-term success.

Wise Wealth builds investment portfolios that not only meet financial objectives but also adhere to clients’ moral and ethical standards, blending portfolio management with biblically responsible investing principles.

Interested in learning more about our portfolios?

Schedule a 15-minute Conversation with one of our experienced financial advisors.

www.wisewealth.com/contact-us

816.246.WISE (9473)

[email protected]