What happens when there's no one to manage your finances as you age? This question haunts millions of Americans aging without traditional family support networks.

Jennifer Szakaly, co-founder of Silverstone Financial Fiduciary, reveals how her decades of gerontology experience led to creating a solution for this growing demographic crisis. With the fastest-growing segment of older adults being those without children or family support, Jennifer identified a critical gap in elder care services – professional fiduciaries who can serve as financial power of attorney agents.

The conversation delves into the practical challenges solo agers face: unopened mail piling up, utilities being disconnected due to unpaid bills, and vulnerability to financial scams. Jennifer explains how Silverstone bridges this gap through a fiduciary relationship built on trust, care, and loyalty, working alongside existing financial advisors and CPAs rather than replacing them. Her partnership with Philip Markson combines her care management expertise with his financial acumen to create a service that helps prevent court-appointed guardianship – a situation that strips individuals of their rights and should be "avoided at all costs."

Most compelling is Jennifer's insight into the psychology of aging: "We just don't want to believe that, as we age, we're ever going to get to a point where we can't do something ourselves." This denial leads many to delay critical planning until it's too late. For adult children living far from aging parents, Silverstone provides peace of mind through local oversight and coordination of services.

Whether you're planning your own solo aging journey or supporting an aging loved one, this episode offers crucial insights into protecting financial independence and dignity through professional fiduciary services. Visit SilverstoneFF.com to learn how professional financial fiduciaries can provide the support network many Americans increasingly need.

Silverstone Financial Fiduciary

Jennifer Szakaly

704-749-3118
6135 Park South Drive, Suite 510, Charlotte, NC 28210
[email protected]
silverstoneff.com

What happens when corporate limitations push you to reimagine your career path? Felipe Aranha's journey from supply chain management to financial advising reveals a refreshing alternative to traditional employment. With candor and enthusiasm, Felipe shares how finding Primerica transformed his professional trajectory from one dependent on supervisors' approval to one where results alone determine success.

The conversation delves into what makes Primerica distinctly different from both corporate environments and other financial services companies. Felipe explains, "You don't need people to like you necessarily... that's not decisive of if you're going to keep progressing." This results-oriented approach creates a meritocracy where advisors can advance based on their own efforts rather than waiting for recognition from above. For those tired of workplace politics or feeling stuck on the corporate ladder, Felipe's experience offers an intriguing alternative.

Most compelling is the flexibility Primerica offers to newcomers. Whether you're seeking part-time income ($500-$1000 monthly with just 5-7 hours weekly) or a complete career change, the company invests in your success by covering licensing costs, providing comprehensive training, and establishing a mentor relationship. Unlike competitors who expect candidates to obtain licenses before joining, Primerica takes a "learn while you earn" approach. Felipe emphasizes that you don't need prior financial experience—just a willingness to help others achieve financial independence and the commitment to learn. For those wondering if they could thrive in this environment, Felipe's enthusiasm and clear explanation of the path forward makes a compelling case to explore this opportunity.

Primerica - Felipe Aranha 

Instagram @PrimericaFelipeA 

(803) 795-2156

What happens when your financial knowledge doesn't cross borders with you? For foreign professionals working in America, navigating the complex US financial system can feel like trying to read a map in an unfamiliar language. Enter Felipe Aranha, a Brazilian-born financial advisor with Primerica who transformed his own experience as an international worker into a mission to guide others.

Felipe shares how his journey from supply chain planning to financial advising gave him unique insight into the challenges foreign professionals face. "I've been there," he explains, highlighting common misconceptions about employer-provided benefits. Think your company 401(k) will fully fund your retirement? Or that your group life insurance offers comprehensive protection? These assumptions could leave significant gaps in your financial safety net, especially for those splitting their lives between countries.

The conversation reveals how Primerica's approach differs from traditional financial services—offering advisor services without charging clients directly and making investment accessible with plans starting at just $50 monthly. Felipe's "financial GPS" methodology helps families plot their course toward concrete goals like debt reduction, college savings, and retirement security. His personal touch extends beyond transactions; when economic turbulence hits, he's on the phone checking in with clients, providing the steady guidance that comes from both professional knowledge and personal understanding.

Whether you're new to America or simply new to financial planning, Felipe's expertise serves families across the country, not just in the Charlotte metro area. Ready to align your financial strategy with your family's goals? Connect with Felipe on Instagram @PrimericaFelipeA and discover how your international perspective can become an asset in building your American dream.

Primerica - Felipe Aranha 

Instagram @PrimericaFelipeA 

(803) 795-2156

Money shouldn't be a mystery, yet too many families navigate financial waters without a compass Felipe Aranha, a financial advisor with Primerica, is changing that narrative one family at a time.

After an 18-year corporate career in supply chain management, Felipe made a dramatic pivot when Primerica found him. What sealed the deal? Their refreshing mission to help everyday Americans—not just the wealthy—achieve financial independence. "Primerica helps clients get out of debt," Felipe explains, contrasting this with most financial institutions that profit from keeping people indebted. This mission to serve "Main Street families" resonated deeply with his desire to make a meaningful impact.

Felipe specializes in working with married couples between 25-55 with children—families who are starting to feel the weight of retirement planning and financial security. His approach is refreshingly accessible: clients never pay directly for his services (he's compensated by financial companies when clients implement solutions), and investments start at just $50 monthly. The process begins with a Financial Needs Analysis where he collects information about your current situation and goals, then returns with customized recommendations spanning investments, insurance, debt reduction, and more.

What truly distinguishes Felipe is his "white glove" service philosophy. "I like to treat people the way I would like to be treated," he shares. This translates to thorough follow-up emails after every meeting, celebrations of financial milestones, and proactive communication when better opportunities arise. For clients intimidated by financial jargon, he translates complex options into "plain English," empowering informed decisions without requiring financial expertise.

Ready to transform your financial future with a guide who treats you like more than a number? Connect with Felipe on Instagram @Primerica_Felipe_A or call 803-795-2156 to schedule your complimentary consultation. Your future self will thank you for taking this first step toward financial confidence.

Primerica - Felipe Aranha 

Instagram @PrimericaFelipeA 

(803) 795-2156

Mike Sposato brings nearly 25 years of real estate expertise to this fascinating conversation about Charlotte's waterfront property market. The owner of Carolina Realty Advisors shares his unique approach to client relationships, focusing first on establishing genuine connections before applying his diverse skill set across multiple market segments.

What sets Mike apart is his innovative approach to showing lakefront properties. For potential buyers coming from out of state, he conducts property tours by boat, allowing clients to experience homes from the water while learning crucial information about lake depths, navigation challenges, and ideal locations. This hands-on approach demonstrates his deep knowledge of not just the properties, but the entire lakefront lifestyle his clients are seeking.

The conversation reveals surprising insights about timing in the waterfront market. Unlike traditional real estate that follows predictable seasonal patterns driven by school calendars, lakefront properties maintain consistent demand year-round because buyers are typically empty-nesters or second-home purchasers. Current market analysis shows a healthy "conveyor belt" of inventory moving every month, with properties taking about six months from listing to closing. For strategic buyers, the November-January window might offer slight advantages when dealing with sellers who've had properties listed through the busy season.

Most valuable is Mike's candid discussion about buyer representation. He explains why contacting listing agents directly through real estate websites can be a costly mistake, comparing it to "going to court without an attorney when the other side has one." This becomes particularly problematic in North Carolina with its unique due diligence fee requirements. His passionate advocacy for proper buyer representation serves as a crucial reminder that real estate transactions remain complex negotiations where professional expertise matters tremendously.

Reach out to Mike directly at 704-619-7070 or visit CarolinaLakeFrontHomes.com to explore waterfront properties and learn more about Charlotte's lakes. Whether you're ready to buy now or just beginning to explore options, his expertise can help you navigate these specialized markets with confidence.

Carolina Realty Advisors

Mike Sposato

 (704) 619-7070
[email protected]

carolinarealtyadvisors.com

Meet Christine Davies and Ashley Bunn, the creative minds behind Little Pumpkin Decorators, a South Charlotte business transforming residential porches with stunning autumn displays. What started as a three-week venture has blossomed into a full seasonal operation with a heartfelt mission at its core: supporting local mothers through flexible employment opportunities.

The pair shares their vision of building a team of creative, detail-oriented moms who can earn extra income during the fall season. "It means the most to me," Christine explains, describing how contractors can complete porches while their children are in school, earning money for special holiday experiences or gifts. This thoughtful business model reflects their commitment to community and understanding the unique challenges working mothers face.

From sourcing exclusively from North Carolina farms to creating truly customized designs, these entrepreneurs take pride in their craft. They recount their most memorable projects, including a European-inspired display with unusual textured pumpkins and vines for a client hosting international guests, and incorporating meaningful elements like star-shaped pumpkins for a young dancer's family. Each installation culminates in a "reveal" moment that consistently delights homeowners—with even husbands requesting family photos by their decorated porches.

Ready to join their "pumpkin dream team" or transform your own porch this season? Visit littlepumpkindecorators.com, follow them on Instagram @littlepumpkindecorators, or call 704-840-3017. With deliveries running from September 22nd through Halloween and hints at expanding into other seasonal decorating opportunities, these innovative friends are just getting started on their journey of bringing joy to Charlotte homes while supporting local moms.

Little Pumpkin Decorators

Christine Davies & Ashley Bunn

Charlotte, NC

(704) 840-3017

[email protected]

littlepumpkindecorators.com

What happens when two entrepreneurial moms combine their creative talents with their love for fall? Christine Davis and Ashley Bunn answer this question with Little Pumpkin Decorators, their South Charlotte business transforming ordinary porches into spectacular seasonal displays.

The magic begins when clients select from four thoughtfully designed packages—ranging from the modest Mini to the show-stopping Grand Pumpkin—along with three distinct color palettes that complement different architectural styles. While many clients initially focus on pumpkin quantities, Christine and Ashley emphasize that the true transformation comes from understanding the overall aesthetic. Their expert combinations of heirloom pumpkins, traditional orange gourds, strategically placed hay bales for dimension, and vibrant mums create displays that repeatedly inspire spontaneous entertaining.

"You just changed my whole holiday!" exclaimed one client who immediately planned a Friendsgiving after seeing her completed porch. This reaction exemplifies why these decorators find their work so rewarding—they're not just arranging pumpkins; they're creating gathering spaces that foster family connections and community. With sustainability built into their model (all pumpkins eventually become treats for animals at local farms), Little Pumpkin Decorators has established a business that aligns perfectly with their values as mothers and entrepreneurs.

Ready to transform your entryway this fall? Whether you're looking to enhance your home, business storefront, or even create a stunning backdrop for a fall wedding, visit littlepumpkindecorators.com or call 704-840-3017 to discuss your vision with Christine and Ashley today.

Little Pumpkin Decorators

Christine Davies & Ashley Bunn

Charlotte, NC

(704) 840-3017

[email protected]

littlepumpkindecorators.com

When motherhood and career ambitions clash, something has to give—but what if it didn't have to? This eye-opening conversation introduces us to Ashley Bunn and Christine Davies, two mothers who rejected the false choice between professional fulfillment and family life by creating Little Pumpkin Decorators, a seasonal porch styling business in Charlotte's Waxhaw area.

After years in demanding corporate environments where pregnancy announcements were met with questions about return dates and children's events created workplace tension, both women made bold exits. Ashley left a decade-long medical sales career when juggling work and three children became unsustainable. Christine departed corporate banking searching for something more compatible with motherhood. Their chance encounter at their daughters' dance studio—where the simple mention of pumpkin decorating sparked immediate recognition of a shared vision—launched an entrepreneurial adventure that transformed both their lives.

What makes their business truly revolutionary isn't just their stunning seasonal displays, but how they've structured everything around family life. They've created a marketplace where other mothers can work as freelance designers on their own schedules, bringing their children along or working during school hours. Even their business meetings happen at playgrounds where their children can be present. Through their four different styling packages—from vibrant fall colors to classic seasonal arrangements—they're not just decorating porches; they're modeling a new kind of work-life integration where mothers don't have to choose between their creative ambitions and their children. As Ashley poignantly shares, the business has "brought a lot of peace and joy, which I was missing." Check out their work on Instagram @littlepumpkindecorators or visit littlepumpkindecorators.com to learn more about how they're redefining entrepreneurship one pumpkin-adorned porch at a time.

Little Pumpkin Decorators

Christine Davies & Ashley Bunn

Charlotte, NC

(704) 840-3017

[email protected]

littlepumpkindecorators.com

Luxury waterfront properties are defying market trends, with multi-million dollar homes on Lake Norman and Lake Wylie moving quickly despite economic headwinds. What's driving this surprising resilience? Cash buyers—many relocating to Charlotte from other regions—are snapping up premium lakefront homes without batting an eye at the price tag.

Mike Sposato, owner of Carolina Realty Advisors, takes us deep into the specialized world of lakefront real estate, sharing insights that go far beyond typical property transactions. The conversation reveals the complex web of regulations governing waterfront properties—from Duke Energy's "760 rule" to dock permits and septic system considerations that can make or break your lakefront dream. For those considering teardowns, Mike explains the critical importance of understanding grandfathered structures, setbacks, and permit requirements before making costly mistakes.

Not everyone has millions to spend, though, and Mike offers practical advice for both high-end buyers and those seeking more affordable options. Areas like Denver, Sherrill's Ford, and northern parts of Lake Norman still offer relative value compared to premium locations like Cornelius. First-time lakefront buyers might consider condos or townhomes starting around $300,000. Most fascinating is Mike's breakdown of creative financing strategies in today's high-interest environment, including the "3-2-1 buydown" that can temporarily transform a 7% loan into a 4% rate for the first year—a tactic that requires skilled negotiation but can make homeownership possible now rather than later. Whether you're dreaming of lakefront luxury or seeking investment opportunities in Charlotte's diverse real estate landscape, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who knows the market inside and out. Ready to dive in? Visit carolinalakefronthomes.com or contact Mike directly to explore your options.

Carolina Realty Advisors

Mike Sposato

 (704) 619-7070
[email protected]

carolinarealtyadvisors.com

Meet Christi Kisela , the creative force behind Aura and Ember Company, who traded her twenty-year corporate leadership career for a studio filled with "wax, wicks, and wonder." What began as a simple search for clean-burning candles for her son with asthma has blossomed into a luxury candle and fragrance business that's capturing Charlotte's attention through scent and story.

Christi takes us behind the scenes of her Charlotte-inspired Queens Boulevard Collection, where each candle is named after local streets with rich histories. As a self-proclaimed "closet history nerd," she reveals fascinating tidbits about how Charlotte's roads were originally named to guide people to churches, and how historic intersections like Trade and Tryon transformed from horse-and-buggy commerce centers to modern urban hubs. Each fragrance carries these stories and connects users to Charlotte's vibrant past and present.

What truly sets Aura and Ember apart is their custom business fragrance service. Christi designs signature scents exclusively for companies that become their olfactory trademark—a formula they own for life. "When a business gets to give out something as an appreciation that is their signature moment, it creates that elevated customer experience," she explains. The artistry extends beyond beautiful scents; it's precise chemistry requiring specific temperatures, mixing times, and cooling periods to create the perfect candle. From their popular Selwyn Reserve and Glen Eagles fragrances to their new Explicit Desire collection, Aura and Ember is redefining luxury as both accessible and personal. Visit them online at auraember.com, follow their market appearances on Instagram @auraandember_co, or look for their upcoming permanent location at The Local Focal in Charlotte's Elizabeth neighborhood. Your new signature scent awaits!

Aura & Amber Co.

Christi Kisela 

[email protected]

Auraember.com