The Way2Wealth®

Unlocking the secrets of health and well-being inspires our conversation around healthy aging. We discuss how health ties into financial wealth and personal fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of functional medicine. Dr. Kogan shares insight from his medical journey and how it shapes his current practice.

• Importance of understanding the relationship between health and wealth 
• Functional medicine as a pathway to better living 
• Personal health journeys and their impact on professional choices 
• Exploring misconceptions surrounding biohacking and modern medicine 
• The mental and emotional factors that contribute to healthy aging 
• Why passion plays a key role in maintaining health 
• Investing in foundational health practices over trends 
• The connection between longevity and quality of life 
• Clarifying the significance of personalized health assessments 

Learn more about our guest:
Mikhail Kogan, MD, ABIOM, RCST

GW Center for Integrative Medicine  
908 New Hampshire Ave NW 
Suite #200
Washington D.C. 20037

Office phone: 202-833-5055
Office fax: 202-833-5755
[email protected]

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.

Unlock the secrets to smarter financial decisions as Darren Miller from Foundations Insurance and Eric Michalski from our Atlanta office join the Way to Wealth podcast to redefine the role of insurance in wealth management. Say goodbye to the outdated notion that lower premiums equate to better value. Discover how understanding your true insurable interest and exposure can lead to more comprehensive protection strategies that not only safeguard but also enhance your wealth.

Explore the intricate relationship between wealth strategy and property and casualty insurance, where focusing solely on cost can lead to costly mistakes. We discuss the power of teamwork in constructing a robust wealth plan that maximizes insurance coverage. Through personal anecdotes, we reveal how strategic coverage can prevent the pitfalls of underinsurance, turning unexpected claims into opportunities for financial savings. Learn how asking the right questions to your insurance agents can shift your focus from price to protection.

Equip yourself with the tools to master the insurance review process and optimize your coverage. By examining declaration pages and understanding potential exposures, you'll gain the confidence to engage in meaningful discussions with your insurance provider. Overcome the challenges posed by resistant agents and appreciate the process as an essential, cost-free opportunity to enhance your financial security. This episode is your guide to integrating insurance into your wealth management strategy, providing you with peace of mind and a path to financial freedom.

Learn more about our guests:

Darron Miller takes a fresh approach to insurance planning when working with his clients. Instead of focusing solely on minimizing premiums, he works on the bigger picture of maximized insurance. When you nickel and dime on the front end of insurance, it can cause issues later on when you need good coverage. Darron has seen poor insurance coverage affect many people, but he has also seen how comprehensive protection can save a person and their family untold amounts of financial stress.

Owner, Foundations Insurance
139 North Hunters Grove Lane, Suite #307
Lehi, Utah 84043

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Eric Michalski is a Partner and Wealth Advisor based in Atlanta, Georgia, who has been with Carson Wealth Atlanta since 2011. With a B.S. in Finance from Arizona State University and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation from UGA’s Terry College of Business, he has been in the financial services industry since 1999. His career spans roles in trading and relationship management at firms like TD Ameritrade and Nationwide, helping clients achieve their investment and financial goals. Originally from Chicago, Eric enjoys traveling, staying active, watching movies, and tackling home improvement projects.

Partner, Wealth Advisor
Carson Wealth Atlanta
211 Perimeter Center Parkway Suite 1025
Atlanta, GA 30346

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.

Our latest podcast episode explores the transformative potential of leadership and the journey toward infinite entrepreneurship with Brandon Allen. We dive into themes of clarity in personal desires, the importance of empowering teams, navigating the complexities of accountability, and overcoming scarcity mindsets to foster an abundant life.

• Importance of clarity in personal desires 
• The concept of infinite entrepreneurship and its four pillars 
• Navigating the tension between control and team empowerment 
• The cyclical nature of accountability in leadership 
• Transforming scarcity mindsets into an abundance mentality 
• The continuous journey of personal and professional growth 
• Resources for further engagement and self-discovery 


Learn more about our guest, Brandon Allen:
For 25 years Brandon has worked with leaders to help them organize their work life and transform their relationships by helping them see what they can’t see and do what they didn’t think possible. 

He is the founder of New Work Revolution and works with leaders of all kinds to create a path for simple, effective leadership.

When not coaching or training, Brandon, along with my wife and 4 daughters, live in Salt Lake City, Utah. When asked to describe himself, he will tell you that he is “funny, charming, interesting, and handsome,” all of which claims are highly questionable other than the first. Brandon enjoys running, sports, music, hanging out with family, and reading when he is not busy helping others capitalize on their potential.

https://www.newworkrevolution.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonrallen/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8lBSCEL9XfD0yfKNqK4Nxg
https://www.instagram.com/newworkrevolution/

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.

Understanding your investments is key to making confident financial decisions that align with your long-term goals.

This week's episode explores the growth bucket strategy - a systematic approach to managing long-term investments designed to help combat inflation while maintaining focus on your values and objectives. Our team of wealth advisors shares insights on diversification strategies, tax efficiency considerations, and the importance of maintaining perspective during market volatility.

We discuss how proper allocation across different investment vehicles - from traditional stocks and bonds to private equity opportunities - can help create a resilient portfolio aligned with your time horizon. The conversation emphasizes understanding what you own and why you own it, drawing inspiration from successful long-term investors.

This is a great discussion of practical approaches to structuring your growth investments and strategies for maintaining conviction through market cycles. 

• Structure investments using the bucket approach: foundation first, then savings, income, and finally growth for 10+ year timeframes
• Consider tax-efficient placement of assets across accounts (HSAs, Roth, taxable) to optimize after-tax returns
• Examine international and emerging market opportunities to diversify beyond U.S. markets
• Evaluate alternative investments like private equity when appropriate for additional portfolio diversification
• Focus on owning quality companies for their future cash flows rather than short-term price movements
• Maintain a consistent investment strategy through market cycles by understanding what you own

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.

Smart tax planning starts with understanding your current position and identifying opportunities that match your situation.

In this episode, Scott Ford and team members Jeff Socha - CEO & Founder, Socha Capital Wealth Strategies, Ashley Sowers - Partner, Wealth Advisor, Brian Staples - Wealth Advisor,  and John Saunders - Partner, Wealth Advisor, break down tax planning approaches across three asset tiers: $500k-2M, $2M-10M, and $10M+. We explore foundational concepts like qualified plans and itemized deductions while highlighting business-owner-specific strategies.

The discussion reveals how proactive planning early in the year opens up more options compared to reactive December moves. The team shares real examples of coordination between business structure, retirement accounts, and charitable giving that can help create tax efficiency without unnecessary complexity.

The conversation reinforces that effective tax planning isn't about chasing exotic strategies or quick fixes. It's about methodically reviewing options, understanding which ones align with your goals, and implementing them consistently over time. As one team member notes, "Small hinges swing big doors."

Highlights:

• How qualified plans and cash value life insurance work together as complementary planning tools
• The tax implications of the 2025 sunset provisions and what that means for planning windows
• Using tax-advantaged accounts - understanding the differences between tax-deferred, taxable and tax-free options
• Business entity selection impacts - comparing structures like S-Corps, partnerships and C-Corps for tax treatment
• Income shifting strategies for business owners, including legitimate ways to engage family members in business operations
• The value of proactive planning versus reactive December tax moves, including the "Augusta Rule" for business owners

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Jeff Socha is not an affiliate of Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC or CWM, LLC.

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.

Today I want to share a great conversation I had earlier this year with Kevin Thompson on his 'Million Dollar Relationships' podcast, sharing my thoughts on financial freedom and personal growth.

It was a great opportunity to share my journey from witnessing my parents' bankruptcy to becoming a leading wealth advisor and founding the organization we have today.

I'm passionate about helping people fully live their lives today, without waiting for a distant future, and the show dives into my philosophy of not only financial wisdom, but the incredible impact of connections.

This episode also explores how personal healing and self-work are crucial steps for meaningful relationships and how my "I will be" model, is a powerful mindset for entrepreneurs aiming to make a lasting difference in their communities and beyond. 

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how my childhood experience of my bankruptcy ignited his mission to simplify financial management and help others achieve financial freedom.
• I talk about my transition from working in insurance to founding Cornerstone in 1996, providing comprehensive family office services for entrepreneurs and business owners.
• Hear how influential mentors like Tony Robbins and WWII veteran Art Stamates shaped my perspective on life and the importance of loving people.
• We explore the profound spiritual experiences I shared with my children and how these moments have deeply impacted our relationships and personal growth.
• I talk about my holistic approach to personal and communal development through the "I will be" model, emphasizing the importance of self-work for meaningful relationships and impactful philanthropy.
• We discuss the importance of not waiting for a distant future to live your life fully, but rather finding ways to enjoy and make the most of today.

Join me for a great conversation that merges financial insight with the heartwarming power of human connection.

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.

Are you ready to redefine your financial future and solidify your path to wealth?

That's precisely the journey we embark on in our latest Way2Wealth podcast. With the experience of Andrew Stratton (Client Services Associate), Jeremy Day (Wealth Advisor), and Scott Toms (Partner, Wealth Advisor), we dissect the art of strategic savings and the underrated power of the war chest—your ultimate financial safeguard and opportunity reserve.

We'll critique the common investment-centric mindset and champion a fortified financial base as your starting line in the race toward financial freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• It's not just about saving; it's about mastering the three-bucket strategy that ensures you're prepared for today, tomorrow, and the distant future. 
• Learn the nuances of liquidity and the hidden gems in cash equivalents 
• Navigate the delicate balance of asset distribution, 
• Arm yourself with the practical wisdom needed to protect and grow your fortune. 
• The crucial role of the savings bucket for those eyeing retirement, our conversation pivots to the calculated distribution of assets that shelters you from sequence of returns risk.

 
Let's not just plan for wealth; let's build a foundation that can withstand the tests of time and opportunity. Join us for a session that promises to transform your approach to savings and wealth management.

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.

Unlock the secrets to securing your wealth and ensuring your financial future with our riveting discussion on asset protection and estate planning. Joined by the inimitable Jonathan 'Cub' Mullins (Wealth Advisor), the astute Alexis Bush (Wealth Advisor) from our Hagerstown, Maryland office, and the ever-insightful Bob Keebler (Partner,  Keebler Associates), we dissect the critical strategies that go far beyond mere insurance. Uncover the pivotal importance of structuring your assets to ward off risks, learn about leveraging legal entities like LLCs, and delve into strategic debt usage - all to safeguard your hard-earned wealth from unforeseen threats.

Key Takeaways:

• Hear real-world stories that illustrate the costly pitfalls of common mistakes and the power of trust structures and corporate trustees. 
• Our panel experts guide you through the maze, spotlighting the benefits of juridical tactfulness in asset protection, as exemplified by the advantageous laws of states like Wyoming and Nevada. 
• Learn strategies specifically tailored to shield your business in a volatile economic climate. Discover how multiple LLCs, strategic inter-family lending, and comprehensive insurance policies lay the groundwork for robust asset protection. 

Join us for this invaluable lesson in protecting both personal and business wealth, underscored by the critical roles of financial planners and lawyers, and leave with the confidence to navigate the complex landscape of asset protection.

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.

Unlock the secret to a financial strategy that evolves with you, as we gather insights from a team of finance ninjas; Scott Toms (Partner, Wealth Advisor), Ashley Sowers (Partner, Wealth Advisor), Jake Stone (Partner, Wealth Advisor), and Sam Wilkerson (Partner, Wealth Advisor). Together, we debunk the myth of the lone financial advisor and showcase the unparalleled strength of a synergistic team. By tapping into the collective expertise of various professionals, we reveal how a robust dream team approach can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of your financial landscape. Just imagine the confidence you'll gain knowing that every angle of your wealth management is scrutinized by specialists who treat your financial goals as their own.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why a financial quarterback could be the game-changer in aligning your wealth strategy with substance
• How proactive, silo-breaking communication can adapt to life's twists and turns. 
• We're pulling back the curtain on strategies to vet potential team members, emphasizing the importance of ego-free collaboration for your benefit. 

It's a masterclass in assembling your dream financial team—once a privilege reserved for the ultra-wealthy, now within your grasp. Join us for a journey to financial wisdom where collaboration is king and your financial confidence is the ultimate prize.

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.

Uncover the secrets to safeguarding your assets and steering through the world of interest rates and credit in a riveting discussion that promises to arm you with the knowledge to fortify your financial future. Joined by Garret Gunderson and key members of the team, Alexis, Shane and Ashley. Whether you're a retiree navigating the complexities of a fixed-income portfolio or an investor seeking stability amidst economic uncertainties, our deep-dive with wealth advisors Alexis and Ashley will equip you with the strategies for intelligent asset allocation and capital preservation.
Expect to learn a ton from today's show, including:

• Challenging common conceptions about debt, equity, and the efficiency of interest rates. 
• The paths to leveraging loans judiciously and prioritizing quality of life over stringent financial doctrines. 
• The psychological underpinnings of fiscal decisions, reminding you that ultimately, you are your most valuable asset.
• The critical role of credit scores in shaping your financial well-being. 
• Practical tips on rectifying credit report inaccuracies and the profound impact these scores have on insurance costs.
• The sophisticated use of cash value insurance in wealth-building — a move that could redefine your approach to financial freedom. 

Tune in for a session brimming with actionable insights that could redefine the way you manage your wealth.

Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com

Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/

Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing.  Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.