The biggest tax reform in years has officially been signed into law and it brings sweeping changes that financial professionals can’t afford to ignore.

In this episode of The Life Matters Podcast by Penn Mutual, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales, sits down with Jen Fox, VP of Government Affairs at Finseca, to break down what’s in the Triple B Tax Bill (H.R. 1) and how it impacts your clients.

Whether you're advising on estate planning, Qualified Business Income (QBI), State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions, or life insurance strategies, this episode is your roadmap to the new rules.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why H.R. 1 is a win for the life insurance profession
• Key tax changes every financial professional must understand
• How estate tax exemptions, QBI, and SALT rules are evolving
• What might be coming next in a second reconciliation bill

Keep your strategies sharp. Tune in to explore key insights that can help you navigate what’s next. 

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected] 

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state.

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In this episode of Life Matters, a Penn Mutual podcast, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales, sits down with Ruvin Levavi, former trust and estate attorney and now Founder of Power Forward Group to explore how financial professionals can effectively serve specialized niches, such as corporate attorneys, and address their unique planning needs. 

Ruvin shares firsthand insights into why many high-earning professionals feel financially stuck—and how strategic planning, including the use of life insurance as a non-correlated asset, can help unlock long-term financial freedom.

In this episode, you’ll gain perspective on:
• How to guide high-earning professionals in optimizing their benefits and 401(k) allocations
• Risk management strategies using both term and whole life coverage
• The role of non-correlated assets in a high-income client portfolio
• How to engage time-strapped professionals in long-term planning

Tune in now for actionable insights you can use to elevate your conversations with legal professionals and other high-income clients.

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected] 

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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The way clients discover and choose financial professionals has evolved—and outdated marketing tactics just don’t cut it anymore.

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast by Penn Mutual, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales, sits down with Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG, to discuss how modern marketing is reshaping the financial services industry. From the rise of short-form video to the importance of authenticity and consistency, Samantha shares practical strategies to help financial professionals stay relevant and build trust in today’s digital world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why old-school marketing no longer works
• How short-form content builds visibility and trust
• The power of “done over perfect”
• Tips for growing your personal brand at scale

Tune in now to modernize your approach and future-proof your practice.

Have a question or comment for Bill?  Drop him an email at: [email protected] 

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state.

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Premium financing is often pitched as a silver bullet for high-net-worth clients—but is it really that simple? In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, we’re cutting through the industry noise and getting real about what works… and what doesn’t. 

Join Bill Bell, Penn Mutual’s VP of Advanced Sales, as he sits down with Marc Schechter, President of Schechter Wealth, for a candid conversation about the real-world mechanics of premium financing. With decades of experience and a second-generation firm behind him, Marc pulls back the curtain on the strategies, the risks, and the mindset needed to serve clients at the highest level. 

What you’ll learn:

• The biggest myths financial professionals still believe about premium financing 
• How to identify if it’s truly the right fit for your client 
• Why Marc scaled to a 75-person advisory team without sacrificing trust 
• What every financial professional should consider before offering financing 
• The long game: interest rates, returns, and the bigger picture 

If you're a financial professional who wants to separate hype from reality—and grow your practice with integrity—this episode is a must.

Have a question or comment for Bill?  Drop him an email at: [email protected]  

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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Women are transforming the financial industry with expertise, leadership, and a client-first mindset. As more women take on financial professional roles, they’re building trust, specializing in niche markets, and addressing the unique financial needs of business owners and families.

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, Bill Bell Penn Mutual’s VP of Advanced Sales and Jenna Washatka Penn Mutual’s Director of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, speak with Kate Seastone, CEO of Simplicit Financial, and Claire Gallagher, a financial professional with Empire Wealth Strategies, to discuss how women are reshaping financial services and making a lasting impact on clients and the industry.

Key Topics Covered:

• How women financial professionals build trust and lasting client relationships

• The power of niche specialization in financial services

• Why exit planning is critical for business owners

• Closing the gender gap in financial planning

• The role of mentorship in career growth and advancement

Whether you're a financial professional, business owner, or simply interested in the future of financial services, this episode delivers valuable insights and expert perspectives. You won’t want to miss it!

Have a question or comment for Bill?  Drop him an email at: [email protected] 

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state.

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Estate planning isn’t just about passing on wealth—it’s about protecting it, maximizing flexibility, and ensuring a seamless financial transition for future generations. With tax laws evolving, high-net-worth individuals must stay ahead to safeguard their legacies.

In this episode, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, sits down with renowned estate planning attorney Jonathan Forster of Baker & Hostetler to break down key strategies for minimizing estate taxes and preserving wealth in an uncertain tax environment.

Key Topics Covered:

• Major estate planning changes expected in 2025 and beyond
• The impact of tax law uncertainty on estate planning decisions
• Why liquidity is essential for wealth preservation—and how life insurance plays a role
• The complexities of trusts and effective family wealth transfer strategies
• How estate planning is evolving for longer, more active retirements

Whether you're a financial professional or someone looking to protect and optimize your legacy, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable strategies to help you stay ahead. Don't miss it!

Have a question or comment for Bill?  Drop him an email at: [email protected] 

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual

www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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Get ready for a deep dive into tax reform and its potential impact on financial professionals, estate planning, and wealth transfer strategies in this episode of the Life Matters Podcast. Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, sits down with Jen Fox, Vice President of Federal Affairs at Finseca, to explore the latest developments in financial services legislation.

Key Topics Covered:

• The upcoming tax reform and its possible effects on financial professionals and their clients. 

• Changes to federal transfer taxes and the Qualified Business Income deduction. 

• The increased regulatory scrutiny around Private Placement Life Insurance.

• How bipartisan policy challenges are influencing estate planning strategies.

• Finseca's role in advocating for financial security professionals and protecting life insurance policies.

Whether you're a financial professional looking for practical tax strategies or interested in the future of wealth transfer and tax deductions for business owners, this episode offers valuable insights.

Don't miss out on expert perspectives from someone at the heart of public policy on Capitol Hill. Subscribe now to stay informed on the latest tax reform and policy changes shaping the financial world.

Have a question or comment for Bill?  Drop him an email at: [email protected] 

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual

www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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In this must-listen episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, sits down with Tom Harris, President of Penn Mutual's Life and Annuity Division, for one of his final interviews before his upcoming retirement at the end of the year. Packed with invaluable insights, this conversation captures decades of leadership wisdom and strategic foresight from one of the industry's most respected voices.

Tom reflects on the challenges and opportunities shaping the life insurance landscape, revealing how Penn Mutual’s innovative operational model attracts top-tier talent and ensures long-term stability. They also discuss how the pandemic has reshaped business practices and dive into the game-changing ACE (Accelerated Client Experience) platform, revolutionizing the way clients and financial professionals engage with life insurance.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The Mutual Advantage: How mutual companies like Penn Mutual deliver stability and lasting value for financial professionals and their clients.

2. Winning the Talent War: How innovation and flexibility are key to attracting and retaining top talent.

3. Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Why personalized guidance still outshines direct-to-consumer models in today’s market.

4. Driving Efficiency with ACE: How the Accelerated Client Experience platform is making life insurance easier, faster, and more intuitive for professionals and clients alike.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Tom’s reflections and forward-thinking strategies as he prepares to close an incredible chapter in his career. Tune in for actionable takeaways and fresh inspiration to elevate your financial practice!

Have a question or comment for Bill?  Drop him an email at: [email protected]

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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In this riveting episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales for Penn Mutual, sits down with Caleb Guilliams, the visionary founder of BetterWealth, to explore how the life insurance industry is evolving and how financial professionals can thrive in this changing landscape. Caleb shares his innovative approaches to client engagement, marketing, and company culture—offering practical, transformative strategies that can empower financial professionals and strengthen relationships with clients.

Key Takeaways:

1. Starting with "Why": Creating Meaningful Client Connections
   Learn how asking the right questions can turn financial planning into a powerful tool for helping clients live more fulfilling lives. By uncovering deeper motivations, you can build lasting trust and transform how clients view their wealth.
2. Refining Your Offer for Maximum Impact
   Discover the secret to creating a clear, client-centered offer that resonates. By defining your ideal client and addressing their specific needs, you’ll not only stand out from the competition but also build stronger, more engaged relationships.
3. Penn Mutual: Values + Innovation
   Explore how Penn Mutual’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and unwavering core values equips advisors to provide real, lasting value—strengthening client trust and fostering long-term satisfaction.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

Have a question or comment for Bill?  Drop him an email at: [email protected]

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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In this insightful episode, Bill Bell and Jenna Washatka are joined by the entire Advanced Sales Team at Penn Mutual. Directors of Advanced Sales—Lindsay Cigler, Jay Perlman, George Bradley, and Amy Bryant—dive into a range of critical topics in financial and estate planning. From the evolving implications of the SECURE Act and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) to strategic uses of Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT) and life insurance, this episode offers practical guidance on navigating the complexities of year-end planning. The team also addresses the approaching sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, highlighting innovative wealth transfer strategies that span generations. Tune in for expert advice on optimizing your clients’ financial plans.

1. Key Takeaways for Financial Professionals:

Proactive Estate Planning Before Tax Law Changes

Understand the importance of updating estate plans before the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunsets. Learn how to maximize transfer tax exemptions and minimize future tax liabilities for your clients.

2. Navigating the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Sunset

Discover critical strategies that leverage life insurance and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans to help business owners ensure long-term financial security, even in a shifting tax landscape.

3. Charitable Planning for Tax Optimization

Explore the advantages of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) and Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT) to optimize tax deductions while providing steady income for beneficiaries, creating dual benefits for clients.

4. Efficient Retirement and Wealth Transfer Strategies

Gain insights into managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) and utilizing life insurance as a tax-efficient tool for passing wealth to future generations, ensuring clients leave a lasting legacy.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

Have a question or comment for Bill?  Drop him an email at: [email protected]

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
www.PennMutual.com

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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