Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/HXuGsa7IzUE
Don’t wait to protect the wealth you’re building! Year end is quickly approaching.
In this Legal + Wealthy episode, host Lauren Klein, Esq. along with our special Guest Erik Brenner, CFP break down why wealth preservation requires entirely different strategies than wealth building. Learn the optimal timing for Roth conversions, tax-efficient charitable giving tactics, and how these strategic moves can save you thousands in taxes over your lifetime.
Erik Brenner is a Certified Financial Planner with over 30 years of experience specializing in high-net-worth individuals, pre-retirees, business owners, and professionals. As CEO of Hilltop Wealth & Tax Solutions, he leads a fiduciary firm that uniquely integrates advanced financial planning with in-house tax strategy. Erik is the author of The Personal CFO Revolution and pioneered the concept of bringing family office-level wealth management to professionals who aren’t yet billionaires.
Timestamps:
[00:01:00] – [00:07:30] Welcome & Introduction: Building Wealth You Won’t Lose. Lauren introduces Erik Brenner and sets up the episode’s focus on retirement planning from a wealth preservation perspective. The discussion promises insights on moving from accumulation to protection, understanding tax strategy, and creating a family office approach for professionals who aren’t yet billionaires. Erik explains his signature analogy comparing wealth building to climbing a mountain. Erik discusses how professionals must now navigate multiple decision points that previous generations didn’t face.
[00:07:30] – [00:15:20] Tax Diversification & Roth Conversion Window: 3 Buckets for Retirement Flexibility. Erik introduces the critical concept of tax diversification using three distinct account types and discusses forward-thinking approach that can significantly impact long-term wealth preservation.
[00:15:20] – [00:20:15] The Personal CFO Revolution: Family Office for Everyone. Erik shares his vision of democratizing family office-level planning for high-earning professionals. The Personal CFO approach integrates financial planning with tax strategy through a collaborative CPA-CFP partnership. This model breaks down the traditional silos between financial advisors and tax professionals, creating comprehensive planning that addresses the client’s complete financial picture rather than isolated pieces.
[00:20-15] – [00:28:30] Qualified Charitable Distributions & Estate Planning: Tax-Smart Philanthropy & Legacy Building Beyond Numbers. Erik discusses qualified charitable distributions and offer a powerful way to support causes while managing taxes. The conversation touches on how different generations view money and the critical need for transparency about family wealth.
[00:28:30] – [00:33:43] Choosing Your Financial Advisor and Avoiding the Diversification Trap/Why Lawyers Are Vulnerable! Erik emphasizes the importance of understanding whether an advisor is a fiduciary, how they’re compensated, and whether they have the expertise to serve your specific profession.
[00:35:07] – [00:37:05] Connect with Erik & Free Book Offer. Erik shares how listeners can access his book “The Personal CFO Revolution” for free and schedule an introductory consultation with his team. The episode closes with Lauren thanking Erik for sharing his expertise and encouraging listeners to take action on the strategies discussed.
HOST:
Lauren Klein, Esq., Flourish Law Group
Attorney, Law Firm Owner, Professor & Founder of Legal and Wealthy
Website: https://laurenalexisklein.com / Podcast: https://podcast.laurenalexisklein.com
Instagram (Personal): @lawyerlaurenklein | https://www.instagram.com/lawyerlaurenklein
Instagram (Law Firm): @flourishlawgroup | https://www.instagram.com/flourishlawgroup
GUEST:
Erik Brenner, CFP
Erik Brenner, CFP®, is the CEO and Financial Advisor at Hilltop Wealth & Tax Solutions, a fiduciary firm that uniquely integrates advanced financial planning with in-house tax strategy. With over 30 years of experience, Erik specializes in working with high-net-worth individuals, pre-retirees, business owners, and professionals navigating the transition from wealth accumulation to preservation.
Erik is the author of The Personal CFO Revolution, which outlines his vision for bringing family office-level wealth management to professionals who haven’t yet reached billionaire status. His approach centers on the integration of financial planning and tax strategy through collaborative CPA-CFP partnerships, breaking down traditional silos in the wealth management industry.
Website: https://hilltopwealthtax.com/
Personal Page: https://hilltopwealthtax.com/erik-brenner/
LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikbrenner/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/hilltopwealthtax/
Free Book: https://hilltopwealthtax.com/podcast – Download The Personal CFO Revolution
Thank you to our show sponsor:
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Don’t forget to follow Lauren Klein on Instagram @lawyerlaurenklein & Subscribe to the Legal + Wealthy Podcast: podcast.laurenalexisklein.com