The Green Zone

March is Women's History Month, a time when we commemorate the social, political, economic and cultural achievements of women. And those big accomplishments have to start somewhere… perhaps it’s at SheSpace, a women’s co-working space and community located in Houston, Texas. Jeff Green and Lauren Smith recently sat down with Stephanie Tsuru, Co-Founder of SheSpace, to learn more about the humble beginnings and big plans for the women of SheSpace. In this conversation, they discuss: 

• Why SheSpace felt like a need in the Houston community
• Why women need a dedicated place to learn, study, connect and flourish
• How the co-founders got started – and the ways they’ve pivoted as they’ve grown
• The ways in which SheSpace serves the women of Houston, including multiple levels of membership options
• The intentional build out process for constructing the right atmosphere for the building and how they continue to evolve to meet the needs of their members
• And more!

About Our Guest: Stephanie Tsuru, Co-Founder of SheSpace

Stephanie Tsuru comes from a long line of female trailblazers. Her grandmother, widowed at 55, remained on the family farm in northern Missouri to successfully run the operation through blizzards and droughts. This woman even had the audacity to wear pants! She raised Stephanie’s mother, a small-town farm girl, who at the age of 22, left rural America with her new husband and flew 24 hours to live in Marrakesh, Morocco. Her parents’ wanderlust lifestyle worked out nicely for Stephanie, who was later born on the outskirts of Paris. After working her way through college in a steel mill (hard hat and steel-toed boots included) she piled her belongings into her bluebird-colored car that she purchased with her steel mill earnings and drove 1,300 miles away. (No radio or phone but lots of singing.)

As her 60th birthday approached, Stephanie decided she had the energy, passion and commitment to see another adventure through. In homage to her mother and grandmother and to leave a legacy for her daughters, granddaughters and the deep pool of women in Houston, she decided the time was right for her to launch her first entrepreneurial venture, SheSpace.

Stephanie’s mantra believes in the power of SHE. We will provide a home away from home to build a community of bold, intrepid and fearless women. We will push and lift each other to create, learn, inspire, and grow to be better tomorrow than we are today.

Connect with SheSpace:

• Website: https://shespacehtx.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shespacehtx/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shespacehtx 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shespace/ 

Connect With Green Financial Group:

• [email protected]
• (713) 244-3030
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
• Green Financial Group
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the services of SheSpace.

Inflation is here and it’s no joke. Prices are going up. Returns in the market seem to be going down. And it can be confusing to know how to set yourself up for success. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith discuss what’s going on with inflation and how each of us as individuals may want to consider approaching our finances during this time. Together they discuss:

• Why do we have inflation?
• The silent effects of inflation
• What types of assets increase in cost and value during inflationary times
• Strategies for the “average Joe” to approach financial management during a recessionary time
• And more!

Connect With Green Financial Group:

• [email protected]
• (713) 244-3030
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
• Green Financial Group
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Do you understand how the changes to the Secure Act will affect you?  Don’t worry, we won’t ask you to read the 4,155-page document to find out.  Instead, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith will discuss some of the key takeaways of the Secure Act 2.0 and how it may impact you in this episode of The Green Zone Podcast. Together they discuss: 

• What the Secure Act is and who it applies to 
• The updated age for RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) and how to be strategic about taking yours 
• How RMD penalties have been reduced 
• The way increased catch-up provisions can benefit you 
• Why you may want to consider a larger charitable donation this year 
• And more! 

Connect With Green Financial Group: 

• [email protected] 
• (713) 244-3030 
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren 
• Green Financial Group 
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green 
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith 

Please Note: While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. RMD's are generally subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax advisor to assess your situation. Opinions expressed those of the Jeff Green and Lauren Smith and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. 

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff and Lauren discuss the importance of setting simple yet effective financial goals and resolutions – including how to ensure you pick the ones that are right for you. Together, they discuss ways to: 

• Intentionally set aside and save more money 
• Leverage credit card points and benefits 
• Improve your credit score 
• Set and maintain a realistic budget 
• Consolidate debt (including credit card debt) 
• Rely on apps and technology to help you reach your goals 
• And so much more! 

Resources 

• The Experian Boost 
• CreditWise 
• Mint App 

Connect With Green Financial Group: 

• [email protected] 
• (713) 244-3030 
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren 
• Green Financial Group 
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green 
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith 

In this special episode of The Green Zone, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith are joined by members of the Green Financial Group team as they share their favorite holiday gifts to both give and receive. If you have been on the fence about what to buy for a loved one this holiday season – or what to put on your own list! –this episode is for you. Tune in to see why these following items made the cut for the GFG Holiday Gift Guide:

• Country Kettle Fudge
• Stainless Steel Kitchen Cutting Board ($40-100)
• Nest Holiday Classic Candle ($46)
• Clutch Portable Phone Charger ($50)
• Artifact Uprising Brass Easel & Calendar ($60)
• Estelle Colored Wine Glasses (Set of 6) ($185)
• Christopher Radko Holiday Ornaments
• Furbo Dog Camera ($200)
• Therabody Theragun Mini ($200)
• iRobot Roomba ($600)
• Therasage Portable Sauna ($1,200+)

Connect With Green Financial Group:

• [email protected]
• (713) 244-3030
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
• Green Financial Group
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor does it endorse any of the products or companies mentioned within this podcast.

This episode of The Green Zone podcast is part of a special series to raise awareness of several non-profits that support special populations and their families. Hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith hope that once you've heard these stories, you may choose to recognize the work being done with your time and your dollars. In this episode, Jeff and Lauren learn about and discuss: 

The PTSD Foundation of America 

Interview with David Maulsby, Executive Director of the PTSD Foundation of America 

• The mission of the PTSD Foundation of America, which is to bring hope and healing to Combat Veterans and their families suffering from the effects of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress. 
• Important facts about PTSD and how it can affect the lives of those who have served in the military as well as their families 
• How we can help support their mission 

Support the PTSD Foundation of America 

How To Donate: https://ptsdusa.org/give-help/  

Amazon Smile: https://smile.amazon.com/ Search: PTSD Foundation of America 

Website: www.PTSDUSA.org  

Instagram: @ptsdfoundationofamerica   

Twitter: @ptsdusa  

YouTube: @ptsdusa   

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 

Interview with Ted Probert, President & CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 

• The mission of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF), the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children 
• The impact and ripple effect that these scholarships make for military families 
• How we can help support their mission 

Support the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 

How To Donate: https://www.mcsf.org/donate/  

Website: https://www.mcsf.org  

LinkedIn: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 

Instagram: @marinescholars 

Facebook: @marinescholars 

Additional Notes 

• The MCSF scholarship application opens on January 1st. Children of Marines and Sailors who served with Marines are encouraged to apply. More information about eligibility can be found here: https://www.mcsf.org/apply/eligibility/   
• MCSF At A Glance One Pager 

Connect With Green Financial Group: 

• [email protected] 
• (713) 244-3030 
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren 
• Green Financial Group 
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green 
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith 

Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the PTSD Foundation of America or the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund. 

This episode of The Green Zone podcast kicks off a special series to raise awareness of several non-profits that support special populations and their families. They hope that once you've heard these stories, you may choose to recognize the work being done with your time and your dollars. In this episode, Jeff and Lauren learn about and discuss: 

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 

Interview with Courtney Egan 

• The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the world's leader in the search for a cure for CF 
• Important facts about Cystic Fibrosis and how it affects individuals and families 
• The personal story of Courtney and her daughter, who has Cystic Fibrosis 
• How we can help support their mission, particularly in Green Financial Group’s home base of Houston, Texas 

Support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation  

How To Donate: https://www.cff.org/give-monthly  

Website: www.cff.org 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFFTXGulfCoast  

Instagram: @cff_texasgulfcoast or @cf_foundation  

Twitter: @CFF_Houston or @CF_Foundation  

Upcoming Events in the Houston area: 

• November 15, 2022: Houston Great Strides at the Houston Zoo 

Gigi’s Playhouse (Sugarland, Texas Location) 

Interview with Ammie Blahuta 

• The mission of GiGi’s Playhouse, a network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers that provides support for people with Down syndrome and their families. 
• Important facts about Down Syndrome and its impact on people’s lives 
• The personal story of Ammie and her daughter, Sadie, who has Down Syndrome 
• How we can help support their mission, particularly in Green Financial Group’s home base of Houston, Texas 

Support GiGi’s Playhouse 

How To Donate: Visit their website and click DONATE in the menu 

Website: https://gigisplayhouse.org/sugarland/ 

Facebook: GiGi’s Playhouse Sugarland 

Instagram: @gigisplayhousesugarland 

Upcoming Events in the Houston area: 

• April 29, 2023: Fun Run 
• March 10, 2023: Fashion Show 
• March 21, 2023: World Down Syndrome Day  

Connect With Green Financial Group: 

• [email protected] 
• (713) 244-3030 
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren 
• Green Financial Group 
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green 
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith 

Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or GiGi’s Playhouse. 

Earlier this year, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith interviewed Sharon Birkman, the CEO of Birkman International, about finding your “why” using their proprietary social and psychological assessment, the Birkman Assessment. Since then, Jeff and Lauren have each taken the Assessment and personally debrief with Sharon. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff, Lauren and Sharon come back together to discuss:

• What the Birkman Assessment is
• Why the Birkman Assessment is a great tool for retirees as they consider the next phases of their lives
• Jeff and Lauren’s individual Birkman Assessment results
• How we can all can leverage the Birkman Assessment to work better together

Resources

• Want to take The Birkman Assessment? Email Sharon directly: [email protected]
• Understanding The Birkman’s Colors

Connect with Sharon Birkman

• Email Sharon: [email protected]
• Call Birkman: 800-215-2760
• Birkman International Website

About Our Guest: Sharon Birkman, CEO of Birkman International

As the daughter of company founder and influential industrial-organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman, Sharon Birkman cultivated her deep expertise in human perception and organizational behavior through her lifelong interest in The Birkman Method.

Sharon, CEO of Birkman International, has been recognized with a multitude of awards, including EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, the Women President’s Organization’s Mary Lehman MacLachlan Award, National Best and Brightest Places to Work For, and the Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award.

In addition to her responsibilities at Birkman, Sharon volunteers her services as a Board Member of Houston Public Media, Goodwill Industries of Houston, and a long-time Board member for ESCAPE Family Resource Center. Sharon co-authored the book “The Birkman Method: Your Personality at Work” and authored the book “Creatures of Contact” by ForbesBooks.

Birkman International is an industry-leading behavioral and occupational assessment company founded by innovative organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman in 1951.

The Birkman Method remains a preferred instrument to better understand interpersonal dynamics through positive psychology. It is used widely in the fields of career and life coaching, leadership development, human resources management, and organizational design today.

Connect With Green Financial Group:

• [email protected]
• (713) 244-3030
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
• Green Financial Group
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith

2022 has been a volatile, tumultuous year for the market. As we move into the final quarter, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith offer up their opinions on what’s going on and how to think about that based on the timing of market and economic cycles. Together they discuss:

• Why they believe we’re not currently in a Recession (and when it may be coming)
• What types of investments that are generally strategic for: Bear Markets, Bull Markets & Recessions
• The differences between Economic Cycles vs. Market Cycles
• Different sectors that tend to do well in various types of markets and cycles
• And more!

Connect With Green Financial Group:

• [email protected]
• (713) 244-3030
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
• Green Financial Group
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith

Your retirement is one of the most important things you’ll ever plan for. And because of that, the thought of any risks can weigh heavily on our minds. Do you know the top risks to consider as you approach retirement?

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith discuss what they feel are the top six financial and retirement risks that folks need to think about – and have a plan for addressing. Together, they discuss:

1. Inflation
2. Longevity Risk
3. Health & Long-Term Care Risk
4. Stock Market & Home-Price Market Risk
5. Tax Policy Risk
6. Policy Risk

Connect With Green Financial Group:

• [email protected]
• (713) 244-3030
• Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
• Green Financial Group
• LinkedIn: Jeff Green
• LinkedIn: Lauren Smith