The Live Greater View

Before you can plan your future, you must establish a clear baseline of your current financial health. In this kickoff episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, explore the essential steps to take ten years before your target retirement date. From analyzing asset location to auditing your debt, learn how to prepare your portfolio for the long haul.

Key Topics Covered:

• Calculating Net Worth: Learn how to organize diverse assets including 401(k)s, TSPs, real estate, and unique collectibles.
• Strategic Debt Management: Understand the difference between "good" debt like mortgages and "bad" high-interest liabilities.
• Asset Location & Taxes: Why your 401(k) shouldn't be your only bucket and how to utilize Roth options for better tax flexibility.
• Cash Flow Tracking: Move beyond digital spending to understand your true cost of living and identify "lifestyle creep".
• Optimizing Savings: Discover systematic ways to redirect pay raises and "found money" into wealth-building investments.
  
  

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 Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® Partner, Financial Advisor; VLP Financial Advisors, 8391 Old Courthouse Rd, Suite 203; Vienna, VA 22182. 703-356-4360.

In this special "Year in Review" episode, the team at VLP Financial Advisors dives into the biggest accomplishments, market reflections, and firm growth of 2025. They also look ahead to 2026, sharing major initiatives like a new office and an exciting new podcast series. Don't miss this candid conversation about the market's volatility, the impact of legislative changes, and the core values driving the firm's success.

Key Discussions and Takeaways:

• Firm and Podcast Growth: Review the significant growth in 2025, including the firm adding over 30 new client households and surpassing 1300 YouTube subscribers.
• Podcast Achievements: Highlights include reaching episode 42 and the success of "short form" content, such as the video on "Financial Scams in the World of AI" (over 7,000 views) and the top short with nearly 30,000 views.
• 2025 Market & Legislative Reflections: Discussion on the market's quick changes, the impact of "Liberation Day," and the "Big Beautiful Bill," which affected taxes, particularly the SALT cap.
• Firm Awards and Recognition: Highlighting awards such as the Investment News Top Places to Work (won again in 2025) and being named to the watchlist for fastest-growing female-led advisory firms.
• Looking Ahead to 2026: Exciting plans include a new office move off of Pinnacle Drive and the launch of a new "Retirement Readiness Journey" podcast series in January.

The team attributes their success to the continued trust and referrals from their clients, partners, and team. Gain valuable insight into how this growing firm manages volatile markets and leverages technology like AI and new social platforms, such as their new Instagram account (@vlpfinanciadadvisors), to better serve their clients.

Your questions and feedback drive the conversation! If you have topics or financial questions that come up during the holidays, please share them with the VLP team to inspire future episodes.

Deciding whether to retire now or work a little longer is one of the most common questions clients bring to our team. In this episode of The Live Greater View, Chris Malone and Dan Lash walk through the financial, emotional, and lifestyle factors that shape this decision. From the impact of one extra year of income to the psychological shift of spending down savings, they share the conversations they have every day with people nearing retirement.

Whether you feel ready to stop working or you’re unsure what life after full-time work would look like, this episode gives you a grounded look at what truly matters when choosing your timeline.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The financial benefits of working an additional year, including savings, reduced withdrawals, healthcare costs, and Social Security timing
• The emotional and lifestyle readiness needed for retirement and why the “vision” for your days matters as much as the numbers
• How forced early retirement, market risk, and distribution planning change the conversation

Why this matters:
Retirement is not just a date on a calendar. It is a major life shift that blends money, mindset, and lifestyle. Understanding each piece helps you enter retirement with confidence instead of second-guessing.

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review recent tax updates and how they could affect your financial plans. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we break down the latest tax law changes in simple terms and share strategies to help you prepare before filing season begins.

From deductions and retirement contributions to new tax brackets and planning opportunities, this conversation helps you understand what’s changing and how to make the most of it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Key tax law updates and what they mean for individuals and families
• End-of-year planning strategies to reduce your tax bill
• How to prepare for filing season with confidence and clarity

Why this matters:
A little preparation now can lead to big savings later. Understanding how these changes impact your income, investments, and retirement can help you make smarter decisions before December 31.

The holidays are a time for giving, celebrating, and connecting—but they can also be a time of financial stress. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we talk about practical ways to plan for holiday spending so you can enjoy the season without worrying about your wallet.

From setting a realistic budget to managing travel, gifting, and unexpected costs, this conversation offers simple steps to help you stay in control and still make the holidays special.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to create and stick to a holiday budget that fits your goals
• Smart ways to manage gifting and travel expenses
• Tips for starting fresh in the new year without financial regret

Why this matters:

A little planning can make a big difference. When you approach holiday spending with intention, you can focus on what truly matters—time with family, meaningful experiences, and peace of mind.

What if retirement didn’t just happen once at the end of your career, but instead showed up in smaller breaks throughout your life? In this episode of The Live Greater View, we explore the growing trend of “micro retirements” and what it means for how people are choosing to live, work, and plan for the future.

We look at why more people are taking intentional breaks from work to travel, volunteer, reset, or simply recharge, and how to prepare financially for this kind of lifestyle.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What micro retirements are and why they are becoming more common
• How to prepare financially, from savings to health insurance
• The importance of planning ahead and creating a reentry strategy

Why this matters:
Micro retirements can give you the freedom to enjoy meaningful experiences earlier in life without jeopardizing your long-term financial goals. With the right planning, you can take time away from work while staying on track for the future.

Choosing the right financial advisor can have a big impact on your future—but how do you know what to ask? In this episode of The Live Greater View, we walk through five key questions everyone should ask to make sure they’re getting advice that truly supports their goals.

These questions can help you feel more confident, understand how your advisor works, and know exactly what you’re paying for.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The most important questions to ask before hiring (or continuing with) a financial advisor
• How to clarify what services are included in your relationship
• What to look for in fees and compensation
• How to evaluate an advisor’s experience and planning process
• Ways to make sure your plan aligns with your long-term goals

Why this matters:
Asking the right questions helps you make informed decisions and build a strong, trusting relationship with your advisor.

Artificial intelligence is becoming more common in financial planning, but what does that mean for the role of human advisors? In this episode of The Live Greater View, we examine how AI is being used in the industry and what it can—and can’t—do for clients.

We look at the balance between technology and personal guidance, and how both can work together to help people reach their financial goals.

In this episode, we cover:

• How AI is currently being applied in financial services
• Where technology can improve efficiency and decision-making
• Situations where human judgment and experience are still essential
• The limitations and risks of relying only on automated tools
• Ways advisors can integrate AI to provide better client service
• What clients should consider when choosing a tech-supported advisor

Why this matters:
Technology is changing the way financial advice is delivered, but personal insight and understanding remain important. This episode offers a clear look at how AI fits into the bigger picture of financial planning.

One of the most common (and anxiety-inducing) questions in retirement planning is: How long will my money last? In this essential episode of The Live Greater View, we dive into the factors that influence the longevity of your retirement savings—and what you can do to take control of your financial future.

This isn’t just about spreadsheets and projections. It’s about lifestyle, choices, and peace of mind.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why “how long will my money last?” is the wrong question to start with
• How longevity, inflation, and healthcare costs impact your retirement
• Why having a personalized withdrawal strategy is critical
• The difference between running out of money and running out of options
• Real-life examples of how planning (or lack of it) plays out in retirement
• Tips for building flexibility and confidence into your retirement income plan

Why this matters:
Your retirement should be defined by what you can do, not what you’re afraid of. Whether you're already retired or just starting to plan, this episode will help you shift from worry to strategy—with actionable insights you can apply today.

Caught between raising kids and caring for aging parents? You're not alone. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we unpack the unique emotional, financial, and logistical challenges of being part of the sandwich generation—and offer guidance for finding balance.

With honest stories and practical strategies, we shed light on a generation that’s feeling stretched thin, yet often overlooked.

In this episode, we explore:

• What it means to be part of the sandwich generation today
• How to manage caregiving responsibilities without burning out
• Financial strain: supporting two generations at once
• The emotional toll—and how to protect your mental health
• How to communicate with aging parents and grown children about expectations
• Resources and planning tips to ease the burden and find support

Why this matters:
Caring for others while trying to care for yourself can feel overwhelming. This episode helps you feel seen—and gives you tools to create healthier boundaries and build a support system.