Gimme Some Truth | Investing, Financial Advice for High-Net-Worth Families and Individuals

Join us for a brand new episode of Gimme Some Truth as we welcome Emily, the newest member of the Walkner Condon Financial Advisors team! In this fun introductory episode, Emily shares her journey from lighting design and residential construction into the world of financial planning, and what drew her to a career helping people manage their finances.

We dig into her background as a D3 swimmer in college (200 free and 500 free were her events!), what surprised her most in her first month at the firm, why "everything you touch becomes an exception" in this industry, and how her process-oriented mindset makes her a great fit for the team. Plus, we cover the essentials: favorite pasta dishes, Olympic swimming, and a very important ramen-noodle announcement.

If you're curious about what it's like working in wealth management, considering a career pivot into financial planning, or just want to get to know the people behind Walkner Condon, this episode is for you.

🎙️ New episodes of Gimme Some Truth drop regularly — subscribe so you don't miss the next one!

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome back to Gimme Some Truth

00:22 – Meet Emily, the newest hire at Walkner Condon

01:03 – Emily's background and what brought her to the firm

01:27 – Her start in lighting design

01:43 – The move into residential construction

02:17 – Discovering her love for the financial side of the job

02:45 – What's surprised her most in her first few weeks

03:56 – The hidden nuances of transferring retirement accounts

04:20 – "Everything you touch becomes an exception"

04:52 – Emily's swimming background (D3 at La Crosse)

05:48 – Her events: the 200 free and 500 free

07:08 – Her least favorite stroke (breaststroke)

07:31 – Favorite Olympic swimmer to watch (Michael Phelps)

08:04 – Why the hands-on, process-driven role excites her

08:47 – Meeting Emily's mom and the podcast room reveal

09:11 – The great pasta dish debate

10:06 – Big announcement: the ramen noodle challenge

11:14 – Wrap-up and thank you

#GimmeSomeTruth #WalknerCondon #FinancialAdvisor #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #MeetTheTeam #FinancialPodcast #NewHire #FinancialAdvisorPodcast #CareerInFinance

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Choosing a health insurance plan during open enrollment is just the start. In this episode, financial advisors Nate, Clint and Andrew break down the insurance and protection gaps that most affect high-income and high-net-worth families — and how to fix them before they become expensive problems.

Topics covered in this episode:

✅ Disability insurance caps and how "own occupation" vs. "any occupation" coverage affects high earners

✅ Real-world scenario: how disability insurance payouts fall short for a $240K/year executive

✅ Life insurance strategies for high-net-worth families, including multi-generational wealth transfer

✅ Term life insurance vs. permanent life insurance — and why permanent insurance gets an unfair reputation

✅ How inflation has driven up property and casualty insurance premiums

✅ Umbrella insurance policies: why $1 million in liability coverage isn't enough anymore

✅ How often to review coverage with your property & casualty insurance agent

✅ Open enrollment tips: how to choose the right health insurance plan for your family and budget

If you're evaluating your insurance coverage this open enrollment season — or building a financial plan that accounts for real risk — this episode gives you the questions to ask your financial advisor and insurance agent.

Keywords: disability insurance for high income earners, life insurance for high net worth, umbrella insurance policy, open enrollment health insurance tips, term vs permanent life insurance, financial planning for executives, property and casualty insurance inflation

#DisabilityInsurance #LifeInsurance #UmbrellaInsurance #OpenEnrollment #FinancialPlanning #HighNetWorth #InsurancePlanning #WealthManagement

Timestamps

0:00 – Intro: protection & insurance planning beyond health enrollment

1:09 – Disability insurance blind spots for high-income earners

3:01 – Scenario: disability insurance caps vs. a $240K executive salary

4:28 – Life insurance for high-net-worth families & wealth transfer

5:34 – Term vs. permanent life insurance: common mistakes

7:02 – Why permanent life insurance gets a bad reputation

9:18 – How inflation increased property & casualty insurance premiums

9:43 – Umbrella insurance explained: why $1M isn't enough anymore

11:42 – How often to review coverage with your P&C agent

12:17 – Open enrollment tips: choosing the right health insurance plan

14:01 – Why insurance belongs in a holistic financial plan

14:42 – Outro

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Can AI replace your financial advisor? Clint Walkner and Nate Condon break down where artificial intelligence genuinely helps in investing, portfolio management, and financial planning — and where it still falls short.

In this episode, we cover early AI adoption at our firm, how AI compares to the early internet boom, why AI valuations are moving at record speed, and why human oversight and real client relationships still can't be replaced by algorithms.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introduction: AI's role in our world

1:57 – Early AI adoption at Walkner Condon

3:14 – Comparing the AI boom to the early internet era

3:32 – A cautionary investing story: Netscape to pets.com

4:55 – The industries and companies riding the AI wave

5:07 – Why AI valuations are moving at record speed (Anthropic case study)

6:43 – From macro to micro: how AI shapes investment decisions

6:58 – Why AI won't replace human oversight in portfolio management

8:07 – What AI does to human interaction and connection

9:20 – Why AI can't replicate decades of client relationships

10:32 – Preparing for the next 2008-style market event

13:45 – Why custom portfolios matter more than ever

14:26 – Unpacking what a "custom portfolio" really means

17:57 – Final thoughts: where human connection still wins

Whether you're curious about AI's impact on investing, financial planning, or wealth management, this conversation offers a grounded, real-world perspective on where technology helps — and where human expertise remains essential.

📩 Want to learn more about how Walkner Condon uses AI, or have a topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out — we'd love to hear from you.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.walknercondon.com

#AIinFinance #FinancialAdvisor #InvestmentManagement #WealthManagement #ArtificialIntelligence #FinancialPlanning #PortfolioManagement #GimmeSomeTruth #WalknerCondon #FinTech

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Direct indexing has become one of the hottest strategies in investing — but what is it, and does it actually work? In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Nate, Mitch and Clint break down how direct indexing works, why it can outperform traditional index funds and ETFs on an after-tax basis, and who should actually be using it.

Topics covered in this episode:

✅ What direct indexing is and how it differs from traditional index fund investing

✅ Tax alpha explained: how direct indexing creates tax savings that mutual funds and ETFs can't

✅ Real example: swapping individual stocks to harvest tax losses without losing diversification

✅ Why direct indexing offers flexibility ahead of a major capital gain event (like selling a business)

✅ How direct indexing helps retirees manage capital gains when withdrawing income

✅ Managing large unrealized gains from concentrated stock positions (early Apple investors, employees with company stock)

✅ Why rising capital gains tax rates make direct indexing more valuable over time

✅ Portfolio customization: excluding specific stocks for values-based, religious, or ESG investing

✅ Factor tilts: adjusting for growth vs. value, dividend income, and tax efficiency

✅ How direct indexing is customized based on your specific financial situation

Timestamps

0:00 – Intro: what is direct indexing?

0:26 – Index investing vs. direct indexing: the basics

1:41 – Tax alpha: the core benefit of direct indexing

2:29 – Example: harvesting losses without losing diversification

3:06 – Why it matters: flexibility before a major capital gain event

4:16 – Avoiding forced capital gains in retirement

6:17 – Managing concentrated stock gains (Apple stock, business owners)

7:01 – Why rising capital gains tax rates make this strategy more valuable

7:22 – More control: excluding specific stocks from your portfolio

7:51 – Values-based & religious investing customization

8:36 – Factor tilts: growth vs. value and tax-efficient asset allocation

9:48 – How portfolios are actively managed and rebalanced

10:52 – Customizing strategy based on your financial situation

11:42 – Wrap-up: direct indexing 101 (and what's next)

12:00 – Bonus: NFL season predictions

14:14 – Outro

If you're a high-net-worth investor, business owner, or retiree looking to reduce your tax bill while staying invested, this episode explains how direct indexing works and where it fits into a financial plan.

🔔 Subscribe to Gimme Some Truth for more straight-talk investing and financial planning advice.

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Walkner Condon's Managing Partners, Clint Walkner and Nate Condon sit down in their brand-new podcast studio to break down the biggest changes at Walkner Condon Financial Advisors this year— from a stunning new headquarters that brings four offices together under one roof, to major staff promotions, a retirement announcement, and the philosophy behind sustainable, client-first growth as the firm surpasses $1.25 billion in assets under management.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, you'll hear about the team's new state-of-the-art studio and building, Alicia's promotion to partner, Evan's promotion, Andy King's upcoming retirement, how Walkner Condon structures its advisory teams for redundancy and collaboration, and why the firm has no "finish line" when it comes to growth.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome back & new studio reveal

0:34 – Behind the scenes of the new studio design

1:48 – New building: bringing four offices into one

3:54 – Staff update: Alicia promoted to partner

5:27 – Big news: Andy King announces retirement

10:00 – Why team structure & collaboration matter

15:35 – Philosophy on growth: no finish line

19:46 – Hitting $1.25 billion in assets under management

20:47 – Thank you to clients & closing thoughts

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What if you could access the money in your investment account without selling a single share or triggering capital gains tax?

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Ian and Alicia break down pledged asset lines (PALs) — what they are and how they work — and then introduce a newer, lesser-known alternative: the box spread portfolio loan. With lower interest rates, lower minimums, better tax treatment, and fewer restrictions on how you use the funds, box spread loans are quickly becoming a go-to strategy for investors sitting on large unrealized gains.

If you've ever thought "I need cash but I don't want to sell," this episode walks you through exactly how to think about it.

🔑 Key topics covered:

* What a pledged asset line is and how secured lending works

* How box spread loans differ from PALs, HELOCs, and margin loans

* Why box spread loans offer rates around 4% with minimums as low as $10K

* The tax deductibility advantage most people don't know about

* How interest payments become capital losses (and why that matters)

* Real-world scenario: $100K invested, now worth $500K — what are your options?

* Using box spread loans to diversify a concentrated position without triggering taxes

* No restrictions on use of funds, setup in 1–2 weeks

📖 Check out our full blog post for more in-depth details on box spread loans.

📅 Book an appointment: walknercondon.com

📌 Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction & What Are Pledged Asset Lines (PALs)?

0:47 – The "PAL" Joke & Why Box Spread Loans Might Be Your Best Friend

1:04 – What Makes Box Spread Loans Different?

1:29 – What Is Secured Lending? How Does Borrowing Against Investments Work?

2:21 – Interest Rates & Other Lending Options Beyond PALs

2:41 – Introducing Box Spread Loans — A New Option for Individual Investors

4:26 – Benefits: Lower Rates (~4%), Lower Minimums ($10K vs. $100K), Better Tax Treatment

6:28 – The Tax Deductibility Advantage Over PALs and HELOCs

6:58 – Real-World Use Cases: Why Clients Are Choosing This

9:28 – Scenario Walkthrough: $100K Invested, Now Worth $500K — What Are Your Options?

10:33 – How Interest Becomes a Capital Loss — And Why That Matters

12:25 – Using Box Spread Loans to Diversify AND Eliminate Capital Gains Tax

16:00 – No Restrictions on Use of Funds (Unlike PALs or HELOCs)

17:22 – Speed & Flexibility: Set Up in 1–2 Weeks

20:25 – Why Working With a Financial Advisor Matters

23:45 – Disclaimer

#BoxSpreadLoan #PledgedAssetLine #PAL #CapitalGainsTax #TaxPlanning #InvestmentStrategy #HELOC #SecuredLending #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #TaxEfficient #Liquidity #UnrealizedGains

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Non-qualified deferred compensation could be one of the most valuable benefits you're not using.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we break down NQDC — a powerful but often overlooked benefit available to executives and high earners at many public companies. They cover how it works, who it's for, the key risks involved, and why planning ahead is critical before open enrollment season hits.

If you're a senior leader, executive, or high-income earner at a public company, this episode could save you a significant amount in taxes — or help you avoid a costly mistake.

🔑 Key topics covered:

* What "non-qualified" actually means and how NQDC differs from a 401(k)

* How elections work and why NQDC is so inflexible once you commit

* Choosing your payout timeline strategically

* The biggest risk: what happens to your money if your company goes under

* How investments work inside an NQDC plan

* RSUs, taxes, and why your situation requires a personalized approach

* What happens to your NQDC if you leave your company

* Why you can't afford to wait for HR to bring this up

📌 Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction to Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

0:42 – Who Has Access & How Common Is It?

1:52 – Why You Need to Ask About This Benefit

4:00 – What "Non-Qualified" Actually Means

4:54 – How Elections Work & The Inflexibility of NQDC

7:11 – Choosing Your Payout Timeline

8:14 – Best Use Cases: Who Should Use NQDC?

9:16 – The Key Risk: Company Creditworthiness

10:38 – 401(k) vs. NQDC — What's Protected?

11:13 – Annual Enrollment & The Exact Sciences Example

12:38 – How Investments Work Inside NQDC

13:26 – Don't Wait for Your Company to Tell You

15:25 – What Happens If You Leave Your Company?

16:13 – RSUs, Taxes & Why One Size Doesn't Fit All

16:55 – The Importance of Planning With Your Full Team

19:04 – When to Start the Conversation With Your Advisor

22:46 – Studio/Podcast Studio Announcement

24:09 – Disclaimer

📩 Have questions about your NQDC plan or open enrollment? Reach out to Walkner Condon to talk through your options.

#NQDC #DeferredCompensation #ExecutiveCompensation #FinancialPlanning #TaxPlanning #401k #RSU #OpenEnrollment #WealthManagement #HighEarners #ExecBenefits #StockCompensation

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The Wisconsin Retirement System is one of the best-funded public pension plans in the country — but most participants don't fully understand how it works or how to maximize it.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Nate, Andrew, and Clint break down everything you need to know about the WRS and ETF. Whether you're a state employee, teacher, or public sector worker in Wisconsin, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you make smarter decisions with your retirement benefits.

Topics include how the pension actually works, the Core vs. Variable investment decision, what to do as retirement approaches, common misconceptions that cost people money, and how to think about it if you're considering leaving public service for a private sector role.

🔑 Key topics covered:

* What the WRS is and how the pension benefit is calculated

* Why the WRS is one of the healthiest pension plans in the US

* WRS vs. Social Security as a guaranteed income floor

* Core Fund vs. Variable Fund: the 60/40 vs. 100% stock decision

* The one-time switch back to Core and what to do as retirement approaches

* Why "I have WRS, I don't need to save anything else" is a dangerous assumption

* Leaving for the private sector: is that 15% raise actually worth it?

* How to read your WRS statement and use ETF office projections

📌 Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction & Clint's Background With WRS

1:01 – Why This Topic Matters & Common Misconceptions

4:42 – What Is a Pension? WRS Basics Explained

6:51 – WRS vs. Social Security: Building a Guaranteed Income Floor

7:00 – Core vs. Variable: Investment Options Inside the Plan

9:36 – Approaching Retirement: The One-Time Core Switch & Practical Steps

11:27 – "WRS Is Enough" — Why You Should Still Save Outside the Plan

12:34 – Is Leaving for a Private Sector Job Worth It?

16:07 – Private Pensions: What's Different & What to Watch Out For

17:44 – Final Tips: Reading Your Statement & Visiting the ETF Office

📬 Have questions about your WRS benefits or retirement plan? Reach out to the team at walknercondon.com

#WRS #WisconsinRetirementSystem #ETF #WisconsinPension #PublicPension #RetirementPlanning #StateEmployees #TeacherRetirement #PensionPlan #FinancialPlanning #CoreVsVariable #PublicSectorRetirement #Wisconsin

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Clint and Nate are back for another honest conversation about what retirement actually looks like — and what most people don't see coming.

Retirement planning isn't just about the numbers. In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Clint and Nate dig into the real social and financial challenges that catch people off guard once they stop working. They start with something almost nobody plans for: what happens when spouses have completely different visions of retirement. One partner wants to travel, the other wants to keep working part-time — and neither has said it out loud.

From there, they tackle the "I'll just consult" plan that so many pre-retirees lean on. It sounds easy in theory, but the reality is more complicated than most people expect — especially once you factor in the tax implications, Medicare timing, and Social Security coordination.

The conversation also covers one of the most emotionally loaded topics in retirement planning: gifting money to your kids. Clint and Nate explain how well-meaning gifts can create unintended expectations, and why transferring your house to your children before you pass away can trigger serious tax consequences (including losing the stepped-up cost basis).

They also break down a growing line item in retirement budgets: wellness spending. Personal trainers, red light therapy, supplements, gym memberships — these costs add up faster than most people anticipate, and they're rarely part of the original plan.

Whether you're five years out from retirement or already there, this episode will help you think more clearly about the financial and personal decisions ahead — and why open communication with your spouse, your kids, and your advisor is the most valuable tool you have.

Topics covered:

- Why couples often enter retirement with completely different mindsets

- The "I'll just consult" plan and why it's harder than it sounds

- Financial impact of part-time consulting on taxes, Medicare, and Social Security

- How gifting money to your kids can create unintended expectations

- Why transferring your house to your children is usually a tax mistake

- The emotional hurdle of taking your first portfolio withdrawal

- Die With Zero philosophy and how to build a gifting plan the right way

- Budgeting for wellness in retirement — personal trainers, therapy, and more

- Why open communication is the #1 tool in your retirement toolkit

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction & Best Movie Sequels

2:10 – What Retirement Really Feels Like

3:25 – Couples & Mismatched Retirement Mindsets

5:55 – The "Maybe I'll Consult" Boomerang

8:19 – Gifting Money to Kids: The Slippery Slope

8:45 – Financial Impact of Consulting (Taxes, Medicare, Social Security)

9:33 – The First Withdrawal Is the Hardest

11:56 – Die With Zero & Gifting Plans Done Right

14:05 – Healthcare & Wellness Costs in Retirement

14:06 – Transferring Your House to Your Kids (Don't Do It)

15:28 – Red Light Therapy, Trainers & the Real Wellness Budget

15:55 – Final Thoughts & Communication as the Core Theme

16:34 – Disclaimer

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Thinking about gifting money or assets to your kids or other family members? Before you write that check or transfer that stock, there are some important tax rules and planning pitfalls you need to understand.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Nate, Evan, and Polly break down everything you need to know about lifetime gifting — from the 2026 annual gift tax exclusion ($19,000 per recipient) to the lifetime gift tax exemption ($15 million individual / $30 million for married couples). They explain when you need to file Form 709, what types of assets you can gift, and why gifting appreciated stock can actually backfire thanks to the step-up in basis trap.

The conversation goes beyond tax rules into the real-world side of gifting that most people overlook. How do you talk to your kids about receiving a large gift? What happens to your child's college financial aid if you gift them money at the wrong time? And why does relinquishing control over the gift matter more than most people realize?

They also cover custodial accounts vs. 529 plans, the tax implications of gifting real estate, and the most common pitfalls advisors see when clients try to gift without a plan. Whether you're thinking about helping your kids with a down payment, funding a grandchild's education, or simply passing along wealth while you're alive to see it enjoyed, this episode gives you the framework to do it the right way.

Topics covered:

- What assets you can gift (cash, stock, real estate, and more)

- 2026 annual gift tax exclusion ($19,000) and when to file Form 709

- Lifetime gift tax exemption ($15M individual / $30M married)

- The step-up in basis trap when gifting appreciated stock

- Real estate gifting considerations

- Why communication with gift recipients matters

- How gifting affects college financial aid and FAFSA

- Custodial accounts vs. 529 plans

- Why relinquishing control is essential

- Where to start before you gift

- Common gifting pitfalls to avoid

Check out the related blog post for additional information - https://walknercondon.com/blog/gifting-to-family-members-what-to-know-before-you-give/

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction & Evan's CFP Journey

1:49 – Polly's Milestone: First Tooth & the Tooth Fairy Economy

3:03 – What Assets Can You Gift?

4:50 – 2026 Annual Gift Tax Exclusion ($19,000) & Form 709

6:13 – Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption ($15M Individual / $30M Married)

6:50 – Gifting Stock: The Step-Up in Basis Trap

9:04 – Real Estate & Other Asset Gifting Considerations

9:57 – Why Communication with Recipients Matters

11:37 – Impact on College Aid & FAFSA

12:41 – Custodial Accounts & 529 Plans

14:52 – The Importance of Relinquishing Control

15:47 – Where to Start Before You Gift

18:13 – Common Gifting Pitfalls to Avoid

21:16 – Best Gifts We Ever Received

21:56 – Closing Thoughts & Contact Information

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