Welcome to this week's "What Works Wednesday" episode as Leland delves into the intricacies of debt management. Join us as we explore efficient repayment strategies, including the debt avalanche and debt snowball methods. Then, discover how to make informed decisions about allocating extra funds between debt repayment and investments. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that could reshape your financial future. Tune in and take the first step towards financial freedom.

My guest today is Cosette Lambourne—a powerhouse entrepreneur, devoted mother, and respected leader in the real estate world. Cosette’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to living a life rooted in joy and purpose.

In this episode, Cosette shares her journey from being a young mom working as a divorce paralegal to launching her construction company with her husband. She opens up about building businesses from the ground up, navigating a divorce with nothing but a real estate license and a deep belief in her own potential, and how every chapter of her life has fueled the next—both professionally and personally.

What’s unique about Cosette is her ability to turn challenge into clarity. She talks about her leadership ascent within Keller Williams, her philosophy of building generational wealth through experiential learning, and how she’s now intentionally stepping away from external leadership roles to focus on creating a legacy-driven business with her children.

In our conversation, Cosette unpacks her financial mindset, how she taught her kids financial independence from their teen years, and why she believes success isn’t measured by money—but by joy. Her blend of strategic thinking, passion for empowering others, and deep-rooted values makes this a conversation full of wisdom and inspiration.

So with that, I hope you enjoy today’s episode of The Real Estate Success Podcast with Cosette Lambourne.

Today we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood (but incredibly powerful) tax tools for business owners and real estate investors: bonus depreciation. 

If you’ve ever wondered how some folks seem to write off huge purchases – or how real estate pros manage to wipe out their income with the right tax strategy — this episode is for you. 

We are talking about how bonus depreciation actually works, what qualifies, and why you can’t ignore depreciation recapture when it comes time to sell. I’ll also break down how bonus depreciation compares to Section 179, and why choosing the right approach could mean the difference between a huge tax win and an unexpected liability. 

As always, I’m keeping this practical and strategy-focused. Whether you’re buying equipment, investing in real estate, or planning ahead for a big purchase — this conversation will help you make smarter, more confident decisions.

Today I have the joy of sitting down with two of my very best friends—John and Kaylee Powers. These two are not only incredible real estate professionals here in Virginia Beach, but they’ve also played a huge role in my life—including the small detail of introducing me to my wife!

John and Kaylee lead a thriving husband-and-wife real estate team that’s evolved through many seasons—navigating leadership transitions, raising four young kids, and learning how to build a values-driven business. In today’s conversation, we explore their leap of faith into real estate, the entrepreneurial curveballs they faced early on, and how their marriage and business partnership has grown through both challenges and coaching.

We also talk about the importance of focusing on relationships over transactions, why they chose to invest in life coaching alongside real estate coaching, and the spiritual perspective that now grounds their definition of success.

Whether you’re leading a team, running a business with your spouse, or thinking about taking a big leap of your own—there’s so much wisdom in John and Kaylee’s story. So with that introduction, I hope you enjoy this episode of the Real Estate Success Podcast with John and Kaylee Powers. 

Today we’re diving into one of the most common questions I get from parents and future parents alike: how do I start saving for my child’s future?

Now if you know me—you know I like to keep financial planning both practical and purposeful. And when it comes to college savings, there’s no one-size-fits-all. From traditional bank accounts to 529 plans to custodial investment accounts, there are more options than ever—and more confusion.

In this episode, I break it all down. I talk about the pros and cons of each savings vehicle, how taxes—like the kiddie tax—can impact your strategy, and a new twist that’s changing the game: the ability to roll unused 529 funds into a Roth IRA. It’s a conversation packed with clarity, strategy, and a few surprises that could make a big difference in how you plan.

Whether you're just starting to save or reevaluating your approach as your kids grow, this episode will help you make informed, value-aligned choices that support your family’s future.

So with that, let’s jump into today’s conversation on saving smart for what matters most.

Today, we're joined by Richard Calderon, whose path from Navy air crewman to managing broker is anything but ordinary.

After serving in the military, Richard found his footing in real estate through the world of affordable housing in California, helping families find stable ground. That same spirit of service guided him through a return to the East Coast, where he built his reputation in property management, carved out a niche in new construction, and steadily rose through the ranks to become the managing broker of over 100 agents.

But what sets Richard apart isn’t just his resume—it’s his mindset. From cold calls and open houses to development strategy and mentorship, he’s always treated real estate like a business built on relationships. Along the way, he’s used social media—and tacos—to build connection and community, proving that authenticity is a powerful marketing tool.

In this episode, Richard shares the pivotal moments, lessons learned, and the leadership values that guide him today. If you're ready to think bigger about what real estate can be—and how you can grow within it—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of What Works Wednesday, CFP® Leland Gross tackles one of the most common questions he receives: “What should I do with an old 401(k) or 403(b) from a previous employer?” This is especially relevant for self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs who’ve left corporate jobs to start their own businesses.

Leland breaks down the high-stakes options for handling old retirement accounts, emphasizing how the wrong decision can lead to significant taxes and penalties. He outlines two and a half main strategies for managing a previous employer's 401(k), starting with the often-overlooked option of simply leaving it where it is. He also explains how retirement accounts are governed by ERISA laws and how employers and third-party administrators handle inactive accounts.

Whether you're a millennial with multiple 401(k)s or a small business owner navigating your retirement planning, this episode offers clear guidance on how to make smart, tax-efficient choices with your old retirement savings.

 Key Topics Covered:

• Why job changes often leave people with multiple 401(k) accounts
  
  
  
• How to avoid taxes and penalties on old retirement accounts
  
  
  
• What ERISA means for your old 401(k)
  
  
  
• Why doing nothing might cost you—or help you
  
  
  
• Leland’s personal experience with rolling over his 401(k)

My guest today is Cavelle Mollineaux—a Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and the visionary founder of Onyx Real Estate.

Cavelle is a powerhouse in the Hampton Roads real estate market, not just because of the volume his brokerage produces, but because of the culture of excellence, impact, and community he’s built. He’s a board member for organizations like The Up Center and the Minority Business Council, and he serves on multiple real estate industry boards as well. But what truly sets Cavelle apart is his ability to lead with vision, integrity, and a deep desire to elevate those around him.

What’s unique about Cavelle is the full scope of his journey—from immigrating to the U.S. at 17, to serving in the Navy, to eventually becoming a leader in real estate with over 75 agents under his brokerage. In this episode, we dive into the mindset shift that took him from agent to business owner, the systems he put in place to create freedom, and the moments—both high and low—that shaped his entrepreneurial path.

Cavelle opens up about building a career that supports his family, his philosophy on team building, and the tension every high-producing agent faces: how do I grow a thriving business without burning out or missing what matters most? He shares how he intentionally built a scalable team, the lessons he’s learned in leadership, and why he believes in lifting others as he climbs.

We also get into the realities of entrepreneurship—the sacrifices, the setbacks, and the power of staying the course. And make sure to listen until the end as Cavelle shares his definition of success, the surprising lessons he’s learned along the way, and the daily routines that keep him grounded.

So with that introduction, I hope you enjoy today’s episode of The Real Estate Success Podcast with Cavelle Mollineaux

onyxrealtypros.com

@realestateswagg - Instagram

@cavelle mollineaux - Facebook

What makes this episode stand out isn’t just the financial insights—it’s the reminder that behind every dollar is a deeply personal story. Personal finance isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s a reflection of our values, desires, and the unique journey each of us is on.

In this episode, we explore why money is just one of many resources we have—and why it’s only powerful when aligned with what truly matters to us. We dive into how understanding your own goals, story, and motivations is the foundation of any meaningful financial plan, and why the best advice isn’t just smart—it’s personal.

We talk about how financial decisions impact every area of our lives, why no two strategies are the same, and what it looks like to align your resources with your real-life dreams. You’ll hear why financial planning should always start with the person, not the portfolio, and how clarity around your values can drive better decisions and lasting peace of mind.

Whether you’re running a business, building a family, or just trying to get unstuck financially, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful approach to aligning your money with what matters most.

So with that, I hope you enjoy today’s episode of the Real Estate Success Podcast: Personal Finance—More Personal Than Finance.

My guest on today’s episode is Stephanie Clark. Stephanie is the founder and team leader of Stephanie Clark Real Estate at RE/MAX Alliance, a powerhouse group that’s grown to over 30 team members spanning both sales and property management.

What makes Stephanie stand out isn't just the scale of her success—it's how she’s built it. From working out of her mother’s house with her mom and sister to now leading one of the largest and most respected teams in the area, her story is grounded in family, faith, abundance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

In this episode, Stephanie shares how she entered the business as a second-generation realtor, what it was like growing a team before “real estate teams” were even a thing, and how she built a boutique property management division that now oversees nearly 300 homes—without ever compromising on service or values, to the point of taking pay cuts to ensure quality service and team success.

We talked a lot about how she leads with a mindset of abundance, why generosity is at the heart of her business, and how she's fostered a team culture that puts people first—even in the face of downturns like 2008 or the challenges of today’s market. Stephanie also opens up about her faith, the surprising joy of leadership, and how she defines success in a way that goes far beyond numbers.

This conversation is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical insights for anyone building a business or leading a team with purpose.

So with that, I hope you enjoy today’s episode of the Real Estate Success Podcast with Stephanie Clark.