Health insurance and Medicare often feel like a black box, especially for retirees, entrepreneurs, and anyone facing a major life transition. In this episode, Travis Maus (CEO of S.E.E.D. Planning Group) welcomes Cole Craven, founder and Head of Growth at Move Health, to shine a light on the complexities of healthcare coverage and empower listeners with practical, actionable knowledge.

Whether you’re planning for retirement, launching a business, or simply trying to make sense of your options, this conversation breaks down common myths, uncovers industry realities, and offers insights to help you make informed decisions about your health coverage. Cole shares his personal journey into the healthcare space, the founding story of Move Health, and why education is the key to overcoming uncertainty and fear around health insurance.

Listeners will learn how Move Health helps advisors and clients navigate the maze of coverage options, why understanding your unique health and financial situation matters, and how to avoid common pitfalls, like choosing plans based solely on price or following advice that isn’t tailored to your needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Why health insurance is a top concern for retirees and entrepreneurs
• The importance of education and healthcare literacy
• How Move Health empowers advisors and clients with real data and objective advice
• The difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans
• Why working with a trusted, objective partner is crucial

Call to Action:

Don’t let health insurance be a source of stress or confusion. Seek out education, ask questions, and make sure you’re working with someone who puts your best interests first. If you’re unsure about your coverage, get informed and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

In this episode of Ditch the Suits, we are going to dig deeper into the question: Is the middle class truly disappearing in America? Building on last episode’s discussion of statistics and public opinion, we’ll examine the long-term trends from 1980 to 2020, breaking down how shifts in income, demographics, and retirement patterns have impacted the middle class. We are going to challenge the narrative of a shrinking middle class and encourage you to focus on your own financial journey rather than getting caught up in comparisons or hype.

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

In this episode of Ditch the Suits, we are going to dive deep into the evolving story of the American middle class, exploring why it’s shrinking, why that matters, and what you can actually do about it. You’ll hear both sides of the debate: the familiar narrative that the middle class is disappearing as the rich get richer, and a counter-narrative that challenges those assumptions with fresh data and perspective. We’ll break down arguments and examine whether the “shrinking middle class” is really a crisis or simply a sign of changing times. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what’s really happening, why it impacts you, and how you can take control of your financial future.

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

Introduction

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Kain, Senior Wealth Manager from S.E.E.D. Planning Group, to tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of financial planning: how advisors get paid and what real value looks like at every stage of wealth. We break down the myths around fees, commissions, and the true cost of financial advice, especially for smaller investors. This episode is all about empowering you to make informed decisions about your money and your life by exposing industry practices and clarifying what you should expect from a transparent, fiduciary advisor.

Key Topics Covered

1. Misconceptions About Advisor Compensation

• Many people believe the size of their portfolio should dictate how much they pay an advisor. For example, someone with $5,000 may think they should pay far less than someone with $1 million, but the reality is that smaller accounts can require just as much, if not more, work.
• There’s a common misunderstanding about what services are provided and how much work comprehensive planning actually takes, regardless of account size.

2. The Challenge for Small Investors

• Small investors often face unique challenges. It can be hard for them to work with fee-only advisors, and they are more vulnerable to practices like “churning,” where advisors repeatedly sell products just to earn commissions, often at the client’s expense.
• This cycle can keep small investors from growing their wealth, as excessive fees and poor investment performance from structured products eat away at their returns.

3. The Value of Fiduciary Advice

• Paying a fiduciary advisor, even if it seems like a higher upfront cost, can be crucial for long-term growth. Fiduciaries are legally obligated to act in your best interest, and their guidance is based on experience and a deep understanding of your unique situation.
• The value you receive isn’t just about the time spent; it’s about the expertise and the hundreds of similar situations your advisor has navigated before. Implementing their advice can lead to significant improvements in your financial situation, sometimes by six or seven figures.

4. Comprehensive Planning Goes Beyond Account Size

• The amount of money you have doesn’t always correlate with the complexity of your planning needs. Someone with less money might have more complicated estate or tax planning issues than a wealthier client whose finances are on autopilot.
• An effective process involves digging into the details of each client’s life to determine the real scope of work required, not just basing it on the size of their portfolio.

5. The Emotional and Practical Value of Professional Advice

• Many clients are frustrated by the cost of planning, especially if it’s their first time working with a professional. But the real value comes from the advisor’s experience, ability to see the big picture, and the potential to improve your financial outcomes.
• If you’re only looking for free advice or don’t see the value in paying for expertise, you may miss out on opportunities to significantly improve your financial future.

Conclusion

This episode is an educational look at the realities of financial advisor compensation and the true value of fiduciary advice. Whether you’re just starting out or have significant assets, understanding how advisors are...

Introduction

In this episode, Travis sits down with Dan Kain, Senior Wealth Manager from S.E.E.D. Planning Group, to dig into the transformation from a traditional financial advisor to a truly holistic planner. This isn’t just about changing job titles, it’s about evolving how we serve people, mastering new skills, and building trust through every step of the financial planning process. Whether you’re a financial pro or just curious about what it takes to guide clients through meaningful decisions, this episode offers a candid look at the ongoing learning and adaptability required in our field.

Professional Transition: From Company Guy to Client-Centered Advisor

Dan shares his experience moving from a company-focused financial advisor role to one that puts the client’s whole life at the center. The transition wasn’t just about learning new technical skills, it was about shifting perspective and embracing a more collaborative, team-based approach.

The Art of Holistic Planning

Holistic planning means seeing how all the pieces fit together, including taxes, investments, estate plans, and more.

• Dan describes how these areas are interconnected, and how mastering them requires thousands of hours of experience and countless “reps.”
• Building trust is essential. Clients may have similar financial profiles, but their personalities, communication styles, and learning preferences are unique.
• The best planners adapt their advice to each client’s needs, treating every person as an individual rather than just another account.

Why Human Advisors Matter

We talk about the limitations of algorithms and artificial intelligence in financial planning.

• While technology can replace bad advisors or those unwilling to learn, it can’t replicate the nuanced, relationship-driven work of a good planner.
• Every client’s situation is unique, and the ability to guide them through complex, emotionally charged decisions is an experience-based skill that can’t be automated.

Ongoing Growth and Learning

Dan emphasizes that the journey to becoming a holistic planner is never finished.

• The learning never stops. Changes in tax laws, estate rules, and investment strategies mean that every year brings new challenges and opportunities to grow.
• True expertise isn’t just technical knowledge - it’s knowing how to ask the right questions, prioritizing today versus tomorrow, and position advice to be genuinely advantageous for each client.

Conclusion

This episode is an educational, and empowering look at what it really takes to become a holistic financial planner. It’s about more than just technical expertise, a good financial planner needs to build trust, adapt to each client’s unique situation, and commit to lifelong learning. If you’re ready to get more out of your money and life, this episode will help you see the value of working with a planner who’s dedicated to your success, every step of the way.

Unapologetic Insights into Financial Planning

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of the financial planning industry, sharing candid stories and professional insights from Travis’ own journey and those of his colleagues. The conversation is direct and transparent, cutting through industry jargon to expose the differences between product-driven sales and holistic, client-centered advice. We discuss how genuine relationships and nuanced understanding can transform the way people achieve their unique definition of success, emphasizing that success is personal and varies from one individual to another. For some, it’s about reaching a financial milestone; for others, it’s about health and family. The art of a good planner is helping clients define what fulfillment means to them and guiding them through the challenges to reach those goals.

The Value of Experience and Teamwork

A recurring theme is the importance of experience and collaboration in financial planning. We highlight that when you engage with a financial advisor or wealth manager, you’re not just paying for their current time - you’re investing in the collective experience of the team. This experience allows us to anticipate likely outcomes and provide advice rooted in real-world scenarios, not just theory. There’s a stark contrast between advisors who are new to the field and those who have weathered many market cycles, and it’s crucial for clients to understand what they’re paying for.

Holistic, Fiduciary Approach vs. Product Sales

The episode explores the shift from a narrow, product-focused approach to a holistic, fiduciary model. Early in an advisor’s career, they often find themselves in a position to provide solutions without ongoing relationships, but as they find their way into fiduciary services, they must commit to understanding every aspect of a client’s life. This means regular meetings, ongoing support, and a focus on comprehensive planning - including tax strategies, estate planning, and cash flow management. The difference is clear: it’s not just about signing up for a product and moving on; it’s about building a relationship and staying engaged throughout the year.

Challenges in the Industry

We also address the challenges consumers face, such as the prevalence of asset-gatherers - advisors whose primary job is to bring in investments for their firm, often with little fiduciary responsibility to the client. We encourage listeners to look beyond titles and compensation arrangements, asking tough questions to ensure their advisor is truly working in their best interest. The episode stresses the importance of hiring a financial planner who can provide advice without requiring investment management, and the emotional benefit of having someone who tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

Emotional Benefits and Empowerment

Throughout the episode, we focus on empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their money and life. By sharing real-life examples and stories, we aim to help people realize what’s within their control and how prevalent success can be when it’s defined on their own terms. The emotional benefit is clear: with transparency, expertise, and a collaborative approach, clients can feel confident and supported as they navigate their financial journey.

Conclusion

This episode is a candid, educational, and empowering look at financial planning. It’s about moving beyond salesmanship and asset-gathering to build genuine, collaborative relationships that help clients achieve their personal definition...

Introduction and Theme In this episode, we wrap up a three-part miniseries focused on financial literacy. The conversation centers on compelling research that shows self-discipline is a stronger predictor of financial success than IQ. We dig into why willpower often trumps talent when it comes to achieving financial goals and how automating good habits can help you avoid relying on fleeting motivation. The episode also debunks the myth that some people are just “not good with money,” emphasizing that financial literacy is a skill anyone can develop with the right approach and mindset.

Key Topics Discussed

• Financial Literacy Before Adulthood: We talk about the importance of starting financial education early, highlighting the difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Jamie Shelton, a Senior Wealth Manager and board president for SEEDs of Hope, joins to share insights on teaching financial resilience alongside financial knowledge.
• Money as a Tool: Travis shares personal anecdotes about starting S.E.E.D. Planning Group and the challenges of building something without the right tools - drawing a parallel to how lacking financial knowledge and resources can make managing money much harder. The story underscores that having both the right knowledge and tools is essential for success.
• Building Good Habits: The discussion covers how automating positive financial habits can help you stay on track, even when motivation wanes. We explore practical strategies for making good financial decisions routine.
• Asking Questions and Seeking Knowledge: We stress the importance of curiosity and not being afraid to ask “why” and encourage listeners to seek out information, have conversations about financial literacy, and demand explanations in plain English from anyone they work with. If someone can’t explain financial concepts simply, they probably don’t understand them well enough themselves.

Emotional Benefits and Solution: The episode is solution-focused, aiming to empower listeners to take control of their financial future. By fostering self-discipline, automating good habits, and maintaining a curious mindset, you can build financial resilience and confidence. The emotional benefit is clear: you don’t have to feel overwhelmed or “bad with money”- with the right approach, you can gain clarity, control, and peace of mind.

Conclusion: This episode encourages you to view money as a tool, prioritize self-discipline, and never stop asking questions. Financial literacy is accessible to everyone, and the journey starts with curiosity, conversation, and a commitment to learning. The episode closes with a reminder to keep seeking knowledge and to make financial literacy a regular part of your life.

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit

Introduction: In this episode, dive into the second part of our three-part mini-series on financial literacy. This episode is all about the subtle ways people shift their ethical standards around money, how small compromises can become normalized, and why we justify overspending or under-saving. We’re joined by Jamie Shelton, Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group and board president of SEEDs of Hope, a nonprofit focused on financial literacy. Together, we unpack how financial habits drift off course and what it means to create a money culture that truly aligns with your values.

Key Themes and Takeaways

• Ethical Drift in Financial Behavior: We explore how small, seemingly harmless decisions can snowball into bigger financial issues. It’s easy to justify a little overspending or skipping savings, but over time, these habits can derail your financial goals.
• Influence of Family and Mentors: Many people who get ahead financially had someone - often outside their immediate family - who taught them the ropes early on. Whether it’s a sibling, mentor, or even a commanding officer, these influences shape our approach to money and adulthood.
• Balancing Saving and Living: Travis emphasizes the importance of moderation. Yes, saving for retirement is crucial, but life is meant to be lived today, too. The best years are often between 20 and 60, and it’s important to find a balance between preparing for tomorrow and enjoying today. Over-preparing can lead to stress and misery, while under-preparing can leave you vulnerable later in life.
• Generational Shifts in Money Mindset: There’s a noticeable shift from the old mindset of saving everything to leave a large inheritance, to a more balanced approach where people spend and enjoy their money while teaching the next generation valuable lessons. Life expectancy has increased, and financial tools have evolved, so the way we think about legacy and wealth is changing.
• Contentment and Financial Blind Spots: We discuss the “if onlys” of life - the idea that happiness is just one purchase or pay raise away. True contentment comes from knowing what’s enough for you and resisting the urge to chase more just because others are. Social media and technology can amplify these feelings, but it’s vital to stay grounded in your own values and identity.
• Wealth Creation and Living Beneath Your Means: Most wealth is built quietly, through boring but effective habits like driving used cars and living below your means. The flashy stuff isn’t what creates lasting financial success; it’s the discipline and consistency that matter.

Conclusion Episode 189 is a candid look at how our financial habits are shaped, the importance of finding balance, and the emotional benefits of living in alignment with your values. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your approach to money, the episode encourages you to reflect on your financial culture, seek out mentors, and focus on what truly matters for your happiness and financial well-being.

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best...