The Live Greater View

Estate planning plays an important role in protecting your assets, preparing for the unexpected, and ensuring your wishes are carried out. But with so many documents, decisions, and strategies to consider, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.

In this special episode of The Live Greater View, VLP Financial Advisors welcomes Adam Abramowitz, Partner at FisherBroyles, to break down the essentials of estate planning and the decisions that can impact your family's financial future. From understanding wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to reviewing beneficiary designations, navigating family dynamics, and exploring tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, Adam shares practical insights on creating an estate plan that reflects your goals and evolves with your life.

Key Topics:

• Estate Planning Essentials: Wills, Trusts & Powers of Attorney: Understanding the purpose of essential estate planning documents, how wills and trusts serve different functions, and why preparing for incapacity is an important part of a comprehensive estate plan.
• Trust Planning, Beneficiaries & Family Considerations: Exploring when a trust may be appropriate, the importance of reviewing asset ownership and beneficiary designations, and how thoughtful planning can help address family dynamics, inheritance concerns, and potential conflicts.
• Tax-Efficient Wealth Transfer & Legacy Planning: Understanding how estate planning intersects with financial and tax planning, exploring charitable giving and inheritance strategies, and recognizing the importance of coordinating with your estate planning attorney, financial advisor, and tax professional to support your long-term goals.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Cetera Wealth Services LLC. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Cetera Wealth Services LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. Hosted by Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor. Co-hosted by Adam Abramowitz, partner at FisherBroyles. Adam Abramowitz is not affiliated or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by them is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives. VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102. 703-356-4360.

Is Social Security going broke? While the program faces significant funding challenges, Social Security is not expected to disappear entirely. However, without legislative changes, future retirees could face reductions in scheduled benefits.

In this episode of VLP Spotlight, VLP Financial Advisors Elizabeth Williams and Sarah Avila, CFP®, CDFA®, discuss the future of Social Security, the projected trust fund shortfall, and what potential changes could mean for your retirement. From understanding how Social Security is funded to exploring proposed reforms and retirement income strategies, they share insights to help individuals make informed financial decisions and prepare for potential changes to their benefits.

Key Topics:

• Will Social Security Run Out of Money? Understanding how Social Security is funded, why the trust fund faces projected shortfalls, and what potential benefit reductions could mean for current and future retirees.
• What Changes Are Being Proposed for Social Security? Exploring potential reforms, including raising the retirement age, adjusting payroll taxes, increasing the taxable income limit, and changing how retirement benefits are calculated.
• How Could Social Security Changes Affect Your Retirement? Examining how potential reforms may impact different generations, evaluating Social Security claiming strategies, and incorporating possible benefit reductions into a comprehensive retirement income plan.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Hosted by Liz Williams, Financial Advisor, and Sarah Avila, CFP®, CDFA®, Financial Advisor. VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102. 703-356-4360.

Taxes can have a significant impact on how much of your retirement savings you ultimately get to keep and use.

In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, break down six common tax planning mistakes they see and the strategies that can help retirees make more informed decisions. From balancing pre-tax, Roth, and taxable accounts to evaluating Roth conversions, withdrawal strategies, Social Security timing, and charitable giving, they discuss how proactive tax planning can create greater flexibility throughout retirement.

Key Topics:

• Building a Tax-Efficient Retirement Strategy: Understanding how different retirement income sources are taxed, avoiding overconcentration in pre-tax accounts, and creating a mix of traditional, Roth, and taxable assets that provides greater flexibility when it is time to take retirement income. 
• Roth Conversions, Withdrawals & Social Security: Identifying potential Roth conversion opportunities, determining which accounts to draw from and when, coordinating withdrawals with Social Security, and considering how these decisions can affect tax brackets, Medicare premiums, and future required minimum distributions. 
• Tax Law Changes & Charitable Giving Strategies: Staying informed as tax laws and retirement rules evolve while exploring tax-efficient charitable giving strategies, including qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and donor-advised funds, as part of a broader retirement and tax plan.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. This information may not be relied on for the purpose of determining your social security benefits or eligibility or avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from your own tax or legal professional. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Wealth Services LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102 | 703-356-4360.

For many successful business owners, the business still depends heavily on their knowledge, relationships, and decision-making. That may work well today, but it can make eventually stepping away much more difficult.

In this video, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, discusses why an important part of exit planning is understanding what would happen if you stopped showing up tomorrow. Who would make key decisions? 

Who would manage important client relationships? Are your processes documented? Can your leadership team operate independently?

Building a business that can operate without you can create greater resilience today while giving you more flexibility for the future. Whether you eventually sell, transition ownership, or choose another path, reducing the business’s dependence on you can help create more options when the time comes.

Every business owner will eventually leave their business. Planning ahead can help make sure that transition happens by design rather than by default.

Visit vlpfa.com to learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us


Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Hosted by Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, Financial Advisor. VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102 | 703-356-4360

Planning for senior living can feel overwhelming, especially when families wait until a health event forces a quick decision.

In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, are joined by Ginger Noce and Kristy Kennedy of Silver Bridges Consulting to break down how families can approach senior living decisions with more time, information, and confidence. From understanding independent living, assisted living, memory care, and Life Plan Communities to evaluating costs, waitlists, staffing, and overall fit, this episode provides practical guidance for older adults and families preparing for the next stage of aging.

Key Topics Covered:

• Choosing the Right Senior Living Community: Understanding the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, rental communities, and Life Plan Communities, while evaluating leadership, staffing, location, amenities, and the overall culture of a community.
• Senior Living Costs, Waitlists & Financial Planning: Comparing entrance-fee and rental models, preparing for future care costs, understanding contract and estate-planning considerations, and why families may need to begin exploring communities years before they expect to move.
• Planning for a Successful Aging Transition: Starting the conversation before a crisis, navigating the emotional challenges of moving, maintaining independence and social connection, and helping older adults adjust to a community that supports their safety, relationships, and quality of life.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor; Co-hosted by Ginger Noce and Kristy Kennedy from Silver Bridges Consulting. Ginger Noce and Kristy Kennedy are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by them is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives. VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102 | 703-356-4360.

Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re approaching age 65, planning for retirement, or trying to understand how your current coverage fits with what comes next.

In this special episode, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, are joined by Emily O’Halloran, Executive Director of EMP Group, to break down the Medicare decisions that often create the most confusion for retirees and pre-retirees.

The conversation covers when to start planning, how employer coverage and COBRA interact with Medicare, the differences between Parts A, B, C, and D, Medicare Advantage versus Original Medicare, Medigap coverage, IRMAA, prescription drug costs, open enrollment, and changes to watch for in 2027.

Key Topics:

• Medicare Enrollment & Working Past 65: Understanding when enrollment is required, when it may be postponed, how employer size can affect your options, and why COBRA may not work the way many people expect.
• Understanding Your Medicare Options: Breaking down Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, along with Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement insurance, and the tradeoffs that come with different types of coverage.
• Medicare Costs, IRMAA & Prescription Coverage: Exploring how income can affect Medicare premiums, how Part D costs can change, and why reviewing prescription coverage each year can be an important part of retirement planning.
• Open Enrollment & 2027 Changes: What current Medicare beneficiaries should review during open enrollment and some of the changes that may affect coverage and costs in the year ahead.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us


Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® Partner, Financial Advisor. Co-hosted by Emily O’Halloran. Emily O’Halloran is not affiliated or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by them is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives.  VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102 | 703-356-4360.

What is exit planning?

Exit planning doesn’t mean you’re ready to sell your business. In fact, starting the conversation years before you plan to step away can give you more time and flexibility to prepare for whatever comes next.

In this video, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, explains why business owners should think about exit planning well before a transition is on the horizon. From reducing the business’s dependence on you and developing key employees to improving processes, profitability, and overall business value, starting early gives you the runway to identify opportunities and make meaningful changes over time.

Your eventual transition could mean selling to a third party, passing the business to family, transitioning ownership to a key employee, or continuing to work longer than expected. You don’t need to have that answer today. Exit planning is about building a business—and a plan—that gives you options when the time comes.

Visit vlpfa.com to learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us


Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Hosted by Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, Financial Advisor. VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102 | 703-356-4360

The transition into retirement brings a new set of financial and personal challenges. After years of focusing on saving and investing, many retirees find that spending their money confidently can be one of the hardest adjustments to make.

In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, share practical retirement planning strategies for creating sustainable income, managing market volatility, and building confidence throughout retirement.

Key Topics Covered:

• Transitioning from Saving to Spending: Understanding the shift from the accumulation phase to the retirement income phase, creating a sustainable withdrawal strategy, and developing the confidence to spend your retirement savings while supporting your long-term financial goals. 
• Retirement Income Planning & Market Volatility: Managing the fear of running out of money, preparing for market downturns, and using a thoughtful retirement income plan to help maintain confidence through changing market conditions.
• Building a Meaningful Retirement Plan: Defining what a successful retirement looks like, navigating the emotional transition away from work, aligning retirement goals with your spouse, and creating a plan that supports the life you want to live beyond your career. 

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us

Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102. 703-356-4360.

The few years leading up to retirement are filled with important financial decisions, and avoiding common mistakes can make a meaningful difference in your long-term success. 

In this special episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, is joined by Partner Dan Lash, CFP®, AIF®, to discuss some of the biggest retirement planning mistakes they see pre-retirees make and how thoughtful planning can help you avoid them. From tax strategies and Social Security decisions to retirement income planning and coordinating with your professional team, this episode offers practical insights to help you prepare with confidence.

Key Topics:

• Tax Planning & Retirement Income Strategies: Understanding how different account types are taxed, making informed Roth and pre-tax contribution decisions, identifying Roth conversion opportunities, and creating a tax-efficient retirement income strategy.
• Social Security & Critical Planning Decisions: Evaluating when to claim Social Security, avoiding common claiming mistakes, understanding how benefits fit into your broader retirement plan, and recognizing important planning windows that can have lasting financial consequences.
• Building a Coordinated Retirement Plan: Why successful retirement planning goes beyond investments by coordinating your financial plan with your CPA, estate planning attorney, and other professionals while balancing savings goals, retirement timing, and long-term lifestyle objectives.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey.

Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us


Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Daniel Lash, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102. 703-356-4360.

You've spent your career saving for retirement. The next step is learning how to turn those savings into a paycheck that can support the lifestyle you’ want to live. The transition from saving for retirement to living on your savings requires an entirely different approach to financial planning.

In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey series, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the transition from accumulating wealth to living on it. From creating tax-efficient withdrawal strategies and coordinating multiple income sources to managing inflation and preparing for required distributions, this episode explores how thoughtful planning can help you retire with greater confidence.

Key Topics:

• The Shift from Saving to Spending: Understanding the psychological transition from earning a paycheck to creating one from your portfolio, adjusting to your "new normal," and building confidence during the first years of retirement.
• Creating a Tax-Efficient Retirement Income Plan: Coordinating withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts, Roth accounts, taxable investments, pensions, and Social Security to help manage taxes and maximize retirement income.
• Planning for Long-Term Retirement Success: Exploring withdrawal strategies, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Roth conversions, Medicare premium surcharges (IRMAA), inflation, and why flexibility is essential to maintaining your lifestyle throughout retirement.

Visit vlpfa.com to download resources or schedule a complimentary consultation to begin your personalized Retirement Readiness Journey: https://www.vlpfa.com/contact-us


Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views stated in this material are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. This information may not be relied on for the purpose of determining your social security benefits or eligibility or avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from your own tax or legal professional. Asset allocation is an investment strategy that will not guarantee a profit or protect you from loss. Rebalancing may be a taxable event. Before you take any specific action be sure to consult with your tax professional. A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Hosted by Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102. 703-356-4360.