Paul Blanco's Small Steps, Big Wins

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Michael Leonard | Financial Planner | Financial Advisor | Barnum Financial Group

Bio

My goal is to provide families and business owners with assistance in building their financial freedom. I have the skills, knowledge and experience required to help meet my client’s established goals. My personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for each and every client. I am licensed to sell insurance and securities products in SC

• Retirement Strategies
• Group Benefits
• Personal Insurance
• Business Succession
• Asset Allocation Strategies
• Estate Conservation Strategies
• Executive Benefit Strategies

Local firms are sales offices of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. I am a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC (www.SIPC.org). Branch Office: 40 Calhoun Street, Suite 310, Charleston, SC 29401.

I will work with you and your tax and legal advisers to help you select the most appropriate product solutions to suit your specific needs and circumstances.

Podcast Episode Description: Tricks of the Trade

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

MetLife Disclosure:

PlanSmart is a product of MetLife Consumer Services, Inc. (MCS). MCS administers the PlanSmart program and has arranged to have specially trained third-party financial professionals offer financial education. The financial professionals providing financial education are not affiliated with MetLife but are providing the program under a service provider contract. 

Any content information provided as part of the PlanSmart program is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, tax, investment, or financial advice or make any recommendation as to whether any investment or savings option is appropriate for you. Each individual’s legal, tax, and financial situation is unique; therefore, you should consult with your own attorney, accountant, financial professional or investment advisor regarding your specific circumstances. MetLife does not provide legal, tax, or investment recommendation or advice.

Third-party financial professionals provide securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000. MMLIS is not affiliated with MCS or any of its affiliates.

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7300615

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Scott Sokolowski | Senior Vice-President | Barnum Financial Group

Bio: Scott Sokolowski is an industry leading Talent Acquisition expert focusing on identifying, recruiting, and transitioning experienced Financial Advisors, Wealth Managers and Insurance Agents. Scott has over 20 years of experience in this specialized field. He founded one of the top national recruiting firms in the country.

Scott works with each Financial Services professional on an individual basis to customize and identify unique business opportunities. His expertise in identifying business growth opportunities for experienced Advisors has led to substantial revenue increases. He has a track record of working with the most elite financial advisors in the business.

Scott has been awarded a number of industry honors including Fairfield County Business Journal’s 2012 Top 40 Under 40, and well as being featured on the cover of GAMA International Journal for his success in the Talent Acquisition sector. In addition, he co-authored an article in the 2011 GAMA International Journal titled “Attracting Top Talent” showcasing Scott’s strategy around the Talent Acquisition process.

In 2010 Scott founded a nonprofit organization, Save A Suit, which provides veterans and college graduates with professional business attire to enter the work force. In the 3 years since its inception, Save A Suit has become a nationally organization and has provided thousands of suits to veterans so they can interview for a civilian job. He has been a guest speaker on ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC news.

Prior to the start of his Talent Acquisition career, Scott served honorably as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force/Air National Guard. During his time in the Air Force, Scott also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Sports Medicine from the University of Connecticut.

Podcast Episode Description: A Love For Helping Others

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7192152

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Scott Martin, CFP®, CIMA®, ChFC®, CLU® | Financial Planner | Barnum Financial Group

Bio

When Scott was in grade school, his dad Roger would bring him to seminars that he taught on commercial real estate and taxes. He once introduced Scott as his “favorite tax deduction” (don’t tell Scott’s three older sisters). Scott inherited that love of learning and teaching, and a passion for helping people save on taxes.

Scott is one of only 70 instructors in the country selected to present the MetLife Retirewise financial education and wellness program. He presents seminars on retirement income planning, investment strategies, tax planning, and estate planning. He has earned the professional designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Certified Investment Management Analyst®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Chartered Life Underwriter®. He enjoys keeping his knowledge current and expanding it with continuing education and additional certifications.

One of Scott’s greatest skills is his ability to actively listen and deliver individualized client-centric solutions. Clients see their specific financial plan and cash flow in one place and watch how various changes help them reach their goals faster. Clients sometimes begin their first meeting with Scott feeling uncertain and worried about the future. Watching them become confident and knowledgeable fuels Scott’s passion for his work.

This work often involves resolving complex financial scenarios that can accompany owning properties in different states, running or selling a business, and participating in multi-generational planning. Through his understanding of these complexities, Scott delivers not just a plan, but a strategy to maximize and retain his clients’ wealth.

Scott is atypical because of his background. Prior to becoming a financial planner, he worked first in the banking and loan industry, then in the insurance industry, and finally as a real estate economist. He also owned a tax planning business for five years. He has deep comprehension in each of these areas and applies his knowledge with his financial planning experience.

Scott earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In his down time, he enjoys playing Scrabble with his wife Alisa and skiing (water and snow), mountain biking, and hiking. His family (and their Portuguese Water Dog, Mochi) split their time between Seattle, Santa Barbara, and Cave Creek, Arizona.

Podcast Episode Description: Life Experience Shapes Your Career

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7192259

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Bonnie Godsman, CPBC | President, Finseca | CEO, GAMA Global

Theme: Stackable Progress

Bio

In our increasingly complex digital age, a great deal of business comes down to strong relationship building. That’s especially true when you are the former CEO of an international membership association, GAMA International, that made the decision to merge with another organization, AALU, to unify the profession and create Finseca in September 2020.

As the President of Finseca, focused on the United States, and GAMA Global, focused on international business, I am intensely focused on building relationships and helping professionals stay relevant in the rapidly changing world of insurance, investment, and financial services.

I gravitated toward the financial security profession because I got caught up in the one-of-a-kind challenges our industry faces. And I was inspired by the stories we share about how insurance and financial planning helps families, businesses, and communities.

As President of Finseca and GAMA Global, I get so many opportunities to work with and learn from smart, influential people. I’m constantly learning from others, and try to model my own approach to leadership through:

• being forward-thinking and unafraid to change what doesn’t work
• welcoming challenges and going after the most important objectives, no matter how difficult
• building genuine connections with our Finseca and GAMA Global associates and members around the world

In my down time, I like to decompress outside the Beltway by spending time at my farmhouse in Pennsylvania. While I'll always be a political junkie at heart (I especially love presidential history—my dog is named Lincoln), I gain a sense of calm each time I head back home to spend time with family.

Specialties include: strategic leadership | long-range planning | team building | leadership development

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7121068

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Kenneth DiCairano, CFP®, CPA, CASL, MBA | Financial Services Executive, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ | Barnum Financial Group

Theme: Persistent and Consistent

Bio

A life-long resident of New York, Ken enjoys travel and golf. He is an avid runner and has participated several times in the New York City Marathon.

Ken transitioned from his early career as a CPA to offering financial advisory services through Ameriprise Financial for 10 years. He then joined MetLife as part of Barnum Financial Group over a decade ago, focusing his practice on wealth planning, investment management, and financial literacy. Today, Ken is part of Barnum Premier Client Group where he continues his commitment to helping clients achieve financial security and peace of mind.

At Barnum Premier Client Group, Ken is supported by a network of internal consultants that are experienced and trained in individual and business planning strategies. They use advanced analytical tools and provide comprehensive case consultations that help deliver sophisticated strategies and timely ideas.

Ken is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, the recognized standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning. He also holds Chartered Advisor for Senior Living® designation, which prepares financial advisors to lead clients from middle age through retirement and assist them with the management, preservation and transfer of wealth. He shares his knowledge and insights as a senior presenter of PlanSmart®, a financial education program he offers through a relationship with MetLife. To date, he has led sessions and facilitated discussions that have helped educate employees at companies across the greater New York area on the subject of retirement and financial planning.

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7121382

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Judah Piano, CFP® | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ | Barnum Financial Group

Theme: Be Comfortable with Failure

Bio

Growing up, Judah had the motto “ask every question, question every answer”. Although that made parenting difficult at times, it created the foundation for his love to investigate, analyze, and communicate his discoveries. He also had a thirst for education which continued through college where he applied his communication skills to translate complex concepts (like finance) into simple yet functional steps for his colleagues to understand. Once Judah realized he could build a career around this same process, it was destiny.

Empowering others to focus on what brings them joy and prosperity is Judah’s primary goal. Finances are often a stressful topic that many people avoid, and he understands the trust it takes for clients to share personal details about their lives. To help create enjoyable conversations that are also productive, he brings a refreshing sense of levity and humor whenever possible.

Judah believes that every dollar should have a purpose and does not use a “cookie cutter” approach to financial planning. As a client, you will feel his team’s passion for their work and a dedication to act in their clients’ best interest.

Many of Judah’s professional relationships start during transition periods, such as:

• Job changes
• Family planning
• Real estate transactions
• Income planning for retirement
• Tax consequences of a business sale/purchase
• Inheritance and estate planning

Judah graduated from Western Washington University with degrees in finance, economics, and international business. Since he began his career in 2012, Judah has proudly earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation and been nationally recognized for his leadership and client impact.

Judah is a Seattle native, currently residing in the Queen Anne neighborhood with his wife, Katie, and their Golden Retriever, Hendrix. He is tirelessly energetic and enjoys running, cooking, and playing tennis. In the winter months, they escape to California and split their time between La Quinta and Santa Barbara.

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7120942

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Justin Williamson, CFP®, ChFC® | Financial Planner | Investment Advisor Representative | Barnum Financial Group

Bio

• Earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification (CFP®)
• Earned designation for Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
• Licensed to offer Securities Products
• Licensed to offer Life, Health, Property, and Casualty Insurance
• Former MetLife Leaders Conference Qualifier 2008, 2011, and 2014
• Former MetLife Presidents Conference Qualifier 2016
• Former MetLife Chairman of Group Advisory Counsel from 2014-2016
• MassMutual Leaders Conference Qualifier 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
• 5 Star Wealth Manager Award Recipient (2018-2024)*
• Graduated Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business
• Community activities include sponsorship with Morristown Soup Kitchen & Outreach Center and March of Dimes
• Hobbies include traveling, cooking, and sports

Podcast Episode Description: Discover What Motivates Your Clients

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7075793

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Arthur Gallant, CFP®, ChFC® | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional | Financial Services Executive | Financial Advisor | Barnum Financial Group

Bio: Arthur R. Gallant graduated with his bachelor's in 2005 from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut. Post-graduation, Art wanted to pursue a career in financial services because he enjoys fast-paced work environments, problem-solving, and helping other people- especially when it comes to their goals in life. Art began his career in finance in 2007 with the Barnum Financial Group. Since then, he has expanded his credentials by obtaining the Certified Financial Planner as well as Chartered Financial Consultant designations from the American College of Financial Services.

At Barnum, Art assists clients and their families and teaches financial workshops. As a financial planner, his methodology is to first coach his clients. When he coaches, Art is helping clients form a fundamental understanding of the intricate workings of their finances. As Art establishes a rapport with clients, he transitions from a coach to a teammate that supports them along the way to achieving their goals. Relationship building is a key part of Art’s job. With many of his clients, he is friendly and familiar, knowing about their families and friends. This relationship drives Art to work hard and provide exceptional service by listening to their wants and providing solutions.

Podcast Episode Description: Keep Winning the Day

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7044036

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Edward Alferoff, CFP®, RICP®, ChFC®, WMCP® | Co-Founder | Partner | Vital Planning Group

Bio: Edward Alferoff, CFP® is a Senior Partner of Vital Planning Group (VPG). With over 10 years of experience in the business, Edward is dedicated to helping individuals clarify their wealth accumulation and risk management goals as he helps them develop an effective plan. He is always available and willing to aid in implementing and reviewing that plan. As a valued member of the VPG team, Edward serves a diverse group of medical professionals, business owners and highly compensated, self-employed individuals throughout many states. Edward’s clients include medical residents and fellows, private practice and hospital-based attending physicians, locum tenens physicians, realtors, and professional consultants.

Edward has achieved the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Additionally, he holds multiple industry Series registrations and various insurance licenses and is a multiple qualifier for the Million Dollar Round Table, one of the financial services industry’s top distinctions.

Edward received his Master of Science in Communications Degree from Brooklyn College. Outside of his normal business activities, Edward works closely with medical and health related non-profit organizations, associations, educational institutions and hospitals to host workshops and seminars that educate medical professionals on financial literacy and financial planning.

Edward and his family currently reside in Weehawken, NJ.

Podcast Episode Description: Getting Better Every Single Day

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7044087

Small Steps, Big Wins. A podcast focused on the financial world and more. Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group, sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector. He’ll explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives and learn what shapes our industry.

Guest: Matthew Barrett | Financial Advisor | Financial Services Executive | Investment Advisor Representative | Barnum Financial Group

Bio: Through my practice, I offer a full range of services for individuals and families including retirement planning, investment management, estate conservation strategies and asset protection strategies. I have been with Barnum Financial Group for 22 years and consider myself a life-long learner with a strong commitment to continuing my education on the most up-to-date knowledge required to help you navigate today’s complicated financial landscape.

I've gained a number of important industry designations throughout my career including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificate, Chartered Financial Consultant® designation, Chartered Life Underwriter® designation, and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living® designation. A strong work ethic and commitment to my clients have helped me earn a number of awards and recognitions in my tenure.

I'm a graduate of the University of Connecticut, a resident of Fairfield, Connecticut and a very proud father of my two children, Madelyn and Carter. In my spare time, I'm an avid runner and have run several marathons. My favorite of which is the NYC marathon that I run in as a guide to my friend Joe who has autism.

Podcast Episode Description: Success Starts with Consistency

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paul.f.blanco

Podcast Disclosure:

All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. 

Investments or strategies mentioned in this program may not be suitable for you and you should make your own independent decision regarding them. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You should strongly consider seeking advice from your own investment adviser.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000.

CRN202709-7035671