The Agent of Wealth

The decisions you make today could have a big impact on your taxes, savings, and investments next year. Are you ready to act? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis dives into the essential financial planning tasks to complete year-end. With December 31st deadlines looming, Marc provides actionable advice to ensure you're maximizing your financial opportunities and staying ahead of potential tax pitfalls.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to leverage tax-loss harvesting and manage capital gains effectively.
• The benefits of Roth conversions and how to determine if they’re right for you.
• Key considerations for retirement contributions, RMDs, and 401(k) strategies.
• Tips for optimizing charitable giving and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Why annual financial checkups are critical and how year-end planning can set the stage for financial success.
• And more!

Resources:
Episode Transcript & Blog | The 2024 Last-Chance Financial Planning Checklist | Episode 222 – Maximize Your 401(k): Roth vs Pre-Tax Contributions | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Are you looking to maximize your real estate investments while minimizing tax liabilities? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis is joined by Stephen Haskell, Vice President of 1031 Exchange Sales at RealtyMogul, to explore powerful strategies like 1031 exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts, and Qualified Opportunity Zones. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build wealth and diversify your portfolio.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The tax implications of property sales, and how a 1031 exchange helps 
• How to prepare for a successful 1031 exchange, including strategies to meet the strict identification and closing deadlines.
• What a Delaware Statutory Trust is (DST), and how it can provide diversification and a hands-off investment option.
• How Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) work and their benefits, including tax deferral for non-real estate assets and tax-free appreciation after 10 years.
• The latest trends in real estate investing, including a discussion on the use of technology to optimize investment decisions.
• And more!

Resources:
Episode Transcript & Blog | www.realtymogul.com | [email protected] | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Are you making the most of your 401(k)? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis dives deep into the 401(k) – a cornerstone of retirement planning that has transformed how Americans save for the future. Tune in to discover the nuances between Roth and pre-tax contributions, including their immediate and long-term implications.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The evolution and history of the 401(k) and its impact on retirement savings.
• The key differences between Roth and pre-tax 401(k) contributions and their tax implications.
• How to determine whether Roth contributions may be more beneficial based on your current and future tax situation.
• The significance of employer matching contributions and how the Secure Act 2.0 has changed matching rules for Roth accounts.
• The concept of required minimum distributions (RMDs) and the recent changes affecting Roth 401(k)s.
• The Mega Backdoor Roth strategy, allowing high earners to maximize contributions to Roth accounts beyond standard limits.

Resources:
Episode Transcript & Blog | Checklist: Should I Contribute to My Roth 401(k)? | Checklist: Can I Make a Mega Backdoor Roth Contribution? | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? What if you could transform the way you approach your time, shifting from simply managing it to truly optimizing it? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis is joined by David Buck, co-author of The Time-Optimized Life: Moving Everyday Preparation, Execution and Control from Finite to Infinite. With over 35 years of experience in organizational and time management, he founded Kairos Management Solutions and the Infinity Lifestyle design program. David specializes in helping business professionals navigate the challenges of inflexible schedules, empowering them to create strategies that optimize their time for a life filled with meaning, purpose, and joy.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The difference between “time management,” which is often reactive, and “time optimization,” which encourages a proactive approach to structuring time effectively.
• What the PEC framework is, and how this approach can optimize both short- and long-term planning.
• The importance of long-term goals and planning, and how these guide our daily actions. 
• How to audit your time to identify areas for improvement and waste.
• The meaning of “infinite time.”
• And more!

Resources:
Episode Transcript & Blog | infinitylifestyledesign.com | The Time-Optimized Life: Moving Everyday Preparation, Execution and Control from Finite to Infinite | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Learn how fractional ownership can revolutionize your approach to real estate investing! In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis explores the concept of co-investing in real estate with Brian Davis, co-founder of SparkRental and an expert in passive real estate investing. Brian shares valuable insights on how fractional ownership allows investors to diversify their portfolios and minimize risks while accessing opportunities that may have previously seemed out of reach.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The fundamentals of co-investing and how it differs from traditional real estate investing.
• The benefits of fractional ownership for both novice and seasoned investors.
• How SparkRental facilitates co-investing for its club members, making real estate investment more accessible.
• Practical tips for getting started in co-investing and maximizing your investment potential.
• And more!

Tune in to unlock the power of fractional ownership!

Resources:
Episode Blog & Transcript | SparkRental.com | Live Off Rents Podcast | [email protected] | [email protected] | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Read to turn your service into an extraordinary experience? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, the Bautis Financial team discusses the most recent book assignment in their monthly Book Club, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara. 

Unreasonable Hospitality is a captivating book about how going above and beyond can create unforgettable experiences for customers, or clients. Discover actionable takeaways, inspiring anecdotes, and strategies to elevate your service to new heights!

In this episode, we discuss:

• What unreasonable hospitality is, and what sets it apart from traditional notions of hospitality.
• The importance of empowering team members to exceed expectations and foster a culture of creativity and collaboration.
• How affirmation can be leveraged as a tool for motivation and trust-building within teams.
• The challenges of executing unreasonable hospitality effectively in various contexts, and how to overcome them.
• And more!

Resources:
Episode Transcript & Blog | Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Ever wondered why some organizations thrive while others struggle despite having strong values and mission statements? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis dives in deep with Kyle McDowell, former senior executive turned bestselling author and leadership coach, as he reveals the transformative power of shifting from a 'me' mindset to a 'WE' culture. Discover the '10 WEs' that can revolutionize your team's dynamics and drive unparalleled success. 

Tune in to find out how simple yet profound changes can reshape your organization from the inside out!

In this episode, you will learn:

• The power of “WE,” and why leaders in all kinds of organizations should avoid the "me-oriented" paradigm.
• The “10 WEs” – principles focused on fostering collaboration and collective accountability.
• How to implement and integrate these principles into daily operations, and hold individuals accountable. 
• How successful adoption of the principles can create meaningful change.
• And more!

Resources:
Episode Transcript & Blog | Begin With WE: Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence | KyleMcDowellInc.com | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Are you a millennial looking to take control of your financial future? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis sits down with Daniel Solin, a renowned financial expert and New York Times bestselling author. With his latest book, Wealthier: The Investing Field Guide for Millennials, Solin delivers expert advice tailored to help younger generations navigate their financial journey with confidence. Discover essential strategies for managing debt, making smart investments, and avoiding common pitfalls. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights that will set you on the path to financial success.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why millennials should prioritize paying off high-interest debt and building an emergency fund before focusing on investing.
• How financial advisors can help millennials manage emotions and prevent costly mistakes. 
• How millennials can avoid over-trading, emotional impulses, and falling victim to media hype. 
• The benefits of early and strategic saving.
• The value of simplicity in investing.
• And more!

Resources:
Episode Transcript & Blog | wealthierbook.com | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Are you, or your child, facing the daunting challenge of funding a college education without going into debt? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis is joined by Elizabeth Rosner, also known as DrRoz, the trailblazing founder of DebtFreeDegree with DrRoz, a transformative movement aimed at enabling students to achieve their educational dreams without the debilitating weight of student loan debt. Her unique blend of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to community engagement lays the foundation for a future where generational wealth is accessible to all.

This episode is packed with actionable advice that could transform your family’s approach to higher education funding!

In this episode, you will learn:

• The importance of pursuing a debt-free degree in today’s financial landscape.
• Effective strategies for managing higher education costs while maintaining overall financial wellness.
• Key approaches and timing for introducing debt management concepts to adolescents.
• How to evaluate colleges/universities with the goal of a debt-free degree, considering both cost and academic objectives.
• The importance of exploring unconventional scholarships and financial aid options, even for high-earning households.
• Real-life examples and community resources to support a debt-free educational journey.
• And more!

Resources:
Episode Transcript & Blog | DrRoz.love | DebtFreeDegree with DrRoz | DebtFreeDegree: Graduate Without Student Loans While Getting Good Grades, Having Tons of Fun, and Landing Your Dream Job! | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Are you an aspiring author struggling to navigate the complex world of self-publishing? Curious about how to transform your manuscript into a high-quality book without losing control or earnings? Join us on this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, where host Marc Bautis is joined by Michele DeFilippo, owner of 1106 Design and an accidental author advocate. With more than 50 years of experience in book publishing, Michele is on a mission to help authors ask the right questions to make informed decisions about publishing their books. She also wrote a guide: Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What self-publishing is, how it has evolved over time, and tips for avoiding common pitfalls in the industry.
• What authors need to know about editing, cover design, interior design, and more.
• The essential services authors need to publish a book.
• The real impact of Artificial Intelligence on the book market.
• And more!

Episode Transcript & Blog | 1106design.com | Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing| Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call