In this episode of the SFS Power Up Wealth Podcast, James Derrick and Mikal Aune discuss the surprising financial strategy of giving away wealth to preserve and grow it. Mikal highlights the transformative power of giving, emphasizing that teaching heirs to donate money and time can instill a deeper understanding of money's potential for good. By shifting focus from personal gain to community impact, individuals often rethink their relationship with money and its role. Mikal also discusses how these charitable actions are not about the size of the donation but about fostering values that can transform inherited wealth.

In this podcast episode, James Derrick and Parker Thompson discuss how to prepare for unexpected life events such as death, disability, or divorce, which can significantly alter one's financial landscape. Parker emphasizes the importance of having essential documents like wills, trusts, and medical directives ready and accessible. They also highlight the often-overlooked area of digital assets, stressing the necessity of keeping track of online accounts and passwords securely. Parker recommends maintaining a detailed inventory of financial assets and ensuring loved ones know the stories and values behind one's financial decisions to facilitate smoother transitions.

In this episode of the Power Up Wealth Podcast, financial expert Jordan Hadfield shifts the conversation from typical monetary subjects to the invaluable nature of time. He explores how, at the age of 40, he's come to recognize the fleeting nature of time, particularly with aging parents and growing children. Jordan emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time with loved ones over work, valuing moments that create lasting memories. By understanding time as a currency and spending it wisely, we can lead more fulfilling lives. He advocates for intentional living without stress, which enhances both personal happiness and financial decision-making.

The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' passed on July 4, 2025, brings nuanced changes to tax policy. Major takeaways include the indefinite continuation of tax cuts from 2017 and slight increases to the standard deduction, now indexed to inflation. Among the bill's varied effects, the SALT deduction cap rises to $40,000, mainly benefiting itemizers. Social Security taxes remain unchanged, but a new temporary senior bonus deduction offers slight relief. While businesses gain from returning depreciation benefits, American families see minor adjustments with the child tax credit increase, and the introduction of 'Trump accounts' for newborns, seeded with $1,000 from the government.

The threat of cyber-attacks, scams, and just simply being taken advantage of continues to be a major concern. 

Welcome, I’m James Derrick, and today, I will be joined by Mikal Aune to discuss allowing your financial advisor to be your financial bodyguard.

Expect the unexpected. I’m James Derrick. Today, we will explore specific actions you can take with our expert, Parker Thompson, to prepare for any unexpected transitions coming in your life.

Thank you for joining me today. I’m James Derrick, President of Smedley Financial Services. Joining me today will be Sharla Jessop. After helping so many of you prepare and transition into retirement, we have the honor of celebrating Sharla’s career with one final interview.

Yields on many savings accounts are up, but if you have a significant amount of money sitting in your checking account, you may need to make a change. I’m James Derrick, and today we will explore how much “cents” there is in savings with Jordan Hadfield.

It seems the new administration is making good on its promise for big changes. I’m Sharla Jessop, President of Smedley Financial. And today my guest, James Derrick, will share his perspective on how some of the changes will impact investors.

Breaking news with alarming headlines can easily divert us from our long-term ambitions. It has never been more important to anchor yourself to a set of values and goals.