John Prendergast founded Blueleaf, an all-in-one wealth management platform that handles reporting, billing, rebalancing, and practice management while helping advisors connect with and deliver for their clients. John built Blueleaf into a client-centric company that provides direct tech support to advisors and their clients, helping thousands of financial advisors better engage with their clients to build trust and nurture long-term relationships. In addition to his role at Blueleaf, John hosts The Augmented Advisor podcast, featuring the most successful creators in wealth management. The podcast offers valuable real-world marketing tools and strategies for RIAs, wealth managers, and B/Ds to build an audience, establish a brand, and grow their business. John holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a BA from Boston College. &nbsp;  In this episode Luis and John discuss: &nbsp;  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How not to be afraid of taking risks as an entrepreneur  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How to test your idea with little investment  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How to be an entrepreneur while being an employee  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The importance of mission and passion while building your business &nbsp; And much more….. Resources:       &nbsp;

158: Becoming Your Own Boss with John Prendergast

In this episode, Luis speaks with Jonathan Wong, CFP®.  Jonathan Wong is the Founder and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional of Layari Financial, a&nbsp;&nbsp;comprehensive financial planning practice&nbsp;helping individuals, growing families, business owners and high-level executives organize, grow and protect their assets through life’s transitions.  &nbsp;  founded Layari Financial to offer a better experience.   After 15 years working for larger financial planning practices, he decided to follow his dream of starting his own firm. His mission is to serve people like himself: a first generation minority, ambitious in taking control of his financial future.&nbsp; &nbsp;  In this episode Luis and Jon discuss: &nbsp;  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The entrepreneurial journey and the importance of having a strong why  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How to setup a strong financial foundation  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Changing your mindset to set yourself up for financial success  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Empowering your children via education in order to create generational wealth &nbsp; And much more….. Resources:

159: From Surviving to Thriving with Jon Wong, CFP®

Dan Solin is the&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;bestselling author of the&nbsp;Smartest series of books, which include&nbsp;The Smartest Investment Book You’ll Ever Read, The Smartest 401(k) Book You’ll Ever Read, The Smartest Retirement Book You’ll Ever Read, The Smartest Portfolio You’ll Ever Own,&nbsp;The Smartest Sales Book You’ll Ever Read&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Smartest Money Book You’ll Ever Read. He is also the author of&nbsp;Ask: How to Relate to Anyone and&nbsp;Does Your Broker Owe You Money?   In 2005, he testified as an investor advocate before the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises of the Committee on Financial Services in the U.S. House of Representatives.   His latest book is&nbsp;Wealthier:&nbsp;The Investing Field Guide for Millennials. The website for&nbsp;Wealthier is&nbsp;.   Dan is a regular blogger for&nbsp;Advisor Perspectives.   Dan graduated from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. &nbsp;   He practiced law in New York City for many years before retiring. As an attorney, he represented many investors harmed by the misconduct of brokers.   He was formerly a registered investment advisor with several prominent advisory firms.   He resides in Bonita Springs, FL with his wife, Patricia. &nbsp;  In this episode Luis and Dan discuss: &nbsp;  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Why investing does not need to be complicated  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tips for Millennials and anyone getting started in their financial journey  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How to eliminate distractions in life and get focused on your goals  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Focusing on what matters most &nbsp; And much more….. Resources:

160: How to Get Wealthier with Dan Solin

When it comes to money, beneficiaries often fight - no matter how much or little the size of the estate. Michael Jackson's mother and children are no longer speaking as a result.

Michael Jackson's Children Tells Grandmother To Beat It | 7 - 4-24

Sarah Widmeyer and Brett Burke discuss why you should carefully consider the role of executor if you’re asked, emphasizing the time, energy and skills required. 

Brett shares the duties of an executor, including legal obligations, the importance of legal and tax advice, recording all transactions, digital asset management and obtaining executor liability insurance.

Essentials of being an executor

Shannen Doherty, a beloved actress, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, tragically caught too late for treatment. The day before her passing on July 13, 2024, she finalized her divorce from Kurt Iswarienko, ensuring her assets would be passed to her chosen beneficiaries.

In this episode, David Lenok and guest Shawn Goheen stress the importance of proactive estate planning. 

They discuss:
- The critical timing of Shannen Doherty's divorce, enabling her to secure her assets for her intended heirs;
- Essential strategies for advisors to promote early, comprehensive estate planning;
- The vital role of life insurance in safeguarding a well-rounded estate plan; 
- Navigating complex family dynamics and business ownership in estate planning;
- And more

Resources:

Listen to the latest episodes of Celebrity Estates: https://bit.ly/3N10V10 
Trust and Estates Magazine: https://bit.ly/3XXqoPn 

Connect With David Lenok:

david.lenok@informa.com 
https://www.wealthmanagement.com/ 
LinkedIn: David Lenok: https://bit.ly/DavidLenokLI 
LinkedIn: Informa: https://bit.ly/InformaLI 
LinkedIn: WealthManagement: https://bit.ly/WealthManagementLI 

Connect With Shawn Goheen:

https://goheeninsurance.com/ 
LinkedIn: Shawn Goheen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawngoheen/

Celebrity Estates: Shannen Doherty and The Importance of Timely Planning

Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with certain disabilities or medical conditions. The program is divided into different parts, with Medicare Part A covering hospital insurance and Medicare Part B covering medical insurance. For new beneficiaries, understanding the enrollment process for Parts A and B is essential to ensure timely and comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Eligibility for Medicare Part A and Part B

To enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria. Most people become eligible at age 65. If you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits at least four months before your 65th birthday, you are automatically enrolled in both Part A and Part B. However, those not receiving these benefits must actively sign up for Medicare.

Younger individuals may also qualify if they have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 consecutive months or have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Enrollment Periods for New Beneficiaries

New beneficiaries have specific enrollment periods to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is a seven-month window, starting three months before your 65th birthday, including your birth month, and ending three months afterward. Enrolling during this time ensures coverage starts as soon as you become eligible.


General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you miss your IEP, you can enroll in Medicare from January 1 to March 31 each year, with coverage beginning on July 1. However, late enrollment may result in penalties.


Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you have health coverage through an employer or union when you turn 65, you can delay enrolling in Part B without penalties. After losing employer-sponsored coverage, you have an eight-month SEP to enroll in Part B.


How to Enroll in Part A and Part B

Enrollment can be completed online, by phone, or by visiting your local Social Security office. You’ll need to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number, and any documentation proving your eligibility. If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll receive your Medicare card by mail before your coverage starts.

Costs of Medicare Part A and Part B

Medicare Part A is typically premium-free for individuals who have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If you don’t meet this requirement, you can purchase Part A by paying a monthly premium.

Part B requires a monthly premium, which is determined by your income level. In addition to the premium, you’ll also be responsible for an annual deductible and coinsurance costs for services covered under Part B.

Avoiding Late Enrollment Penalties

Enrolling in Medicare Part B when first eligible is crucial to avoid late enrollment penalties. The penalty is a 10% increase in your premium for each 12-month period you delay enrollment without qualifying for a SEP. This penalty can apply for as long as you have Part B.

Conclusion
Medicare Part A and Part B provide essential health coverage for new beneficiaries, including hospital and medical insurance. Enrollment begins during the Initial Enrollment Period, a seven-month window around your 65th birthday. If missed, you can enroll during Medicare open enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period if eligible. Part A is usually premium-free with sufficient work history, while Part B requires a monthly premium. Timely enrollment avoids penalties and ensures uninterrupted coverage.

Medicare Part A And Part B Enrollment For New Beneficiaries

During the early part of 2025, it is a very good idea for farmers, ranchers and others to review their estate planning program to make sure every aspect is up-to-date.

2/11/25 - Estate planning review for farm, ranch families

Although beneficiary designations avoid probate, it is often best to have your assets pass by will or trust since protection is often needed for your beneficiaries ranging from disability to tax planning.

10 Reasons Why Wills and Trusts are Often Better than Beneficiary Designations

Jeff Kowal discusses navigating market volatility and downturns in the market, shares insights on tax-loss harvesting, and touches on potential issues executors and beneficiaries face.

The Retirement Clinic-4-12-25 – Navigating Market Volatility

Jeff Kowal opens the show by answering common IRA questions clients are asking financial advisors. Later Chaunsy Weisensel joins to discuss the lack of progress workers are making with retirement savings. Then Jeff touches on considerations for aging in place and wraps up the show why you need to look at total planning, not just what you have in stocks.

The Retirement Clinic-11-15-25 – IRA Questions and Distribution Rules

Hi! I am Elena Diego, an expert in the Insurance Industry and I have been working in this Industry for the last 5 years. I am not the owner of the content which has been published here. This content is only for knowledge purposes. This content belongs to the respective owners and I do not hold any right for this content.

Michael B. Cohen is an elder law attorney whose Dallas law practice focuses on the legal needs of the disabled and elderly, including estate and Medicaid and other public benefits (such as Veterans benefits) planning. He is a frequent speaker on these topics.

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Conversations on Wealth is a podcast series dedicated to helping Canadians navigate the complexities of wealth through a multi-dimensional approach to planning and wealth management.

Host Sarah Widmeyer, Director of Wealth Strategies at Richardson Wealth, talks candidly with various experts, in-house and externally, asking key questions that draw useful insights on wealth-planning issues. Subjects range from multi-generational family issues to investment-related topics. These podcast conversations are intended to kickstart your own discussions – both with those close to you as well as with an Advisor – to help you protect and grow your wealth.

With retirement just around the corner, you need a partner you can trust to help navigate the ins and outs of retirement planning.  Whether you’re looking for a final push heading into your retirement, retirement asset management and consolidation, or assistance in transferring business assets to retirement assets, our team’s focus is on helping you realize your vision.

You can listen to the Kowal Investment Group - now Creative Planning, "Retirement Clinic" podcasts, with retirement and investment planning tips and news right here on Soundcloud. **This is a previously recorded show.**

New tracks tagged #Beneficiaries