Episodios

  • Financial Planning for Inheritors with Daria Victorov
    Jul 31 2024

    Today, we’re joined by a special guest, Daria Victorov, who is a financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners, and specializes in working with young professionals in tech and those who have come into wealth at a young age. Join us as we dive into the topic of financial planning for young inheritors. We'll explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by those who come into wealth early in life, and Daria will share her insights on how to navigate this complex journey. Whether you're a young inheritor yourself or simply curious about the financial dynamics of inherited wealth, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical advice.

    For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

    What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
    • How Daria got into the niche of working with young inheritors
    • The age demographic of a “young inheritor” and a few things they struggle with
    • When inheritors typically come to seek guidance from a financial advisor
    • The approach many inheritors take after inheriting wealth
    • Why managing money is important for everyone, regardless of your income level
    • The emotional and social struggles young inheritors face
    • Why some young inheritors struggle with lifestyle adjustments
    • Some of the initial responses financial advisors see with the inherited money
    • How family dynamics play when it comes to inheritance and trusts and how an independent party can help navigate those family dynamics
    • How long it can take some to create a build financial confidence
    Stay Connected:
    • Connect with Daria via email at daria@abacuswealth.com or on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Mary Beth on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Neela on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on LinkedIn
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    27 m
  • The AI Tools You Should Know About As a Consumer with Gabe Brenner
    Jul 17 2024

    In today's discussion, we're diving into the world of artificial intelligence and its implications for consumers. We’re joined by Gabe Brenner, a financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners, who shares his perspective on the integration of AI tools in financial planning and everyday life. Gabe will walk us through the potential and practical uses that AI holds, from boosting productivity to navigating complex information effortlessly, and even aiding in our creative ventures. We'll also discuss the dual nature of AI, covering both its benefits and potential risks, including AI-driven scams and the necessary precautions to protect ourselves against them. Gabe will share some of his recommended AI tools and his experiences with them. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to leverage AI effectively, its importance in our rapidly evolving technological landscape, and ways to safeguard yourself against its potential pitfalls!

    For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

    What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
    • Understanding the basics of AI tools and how they show up in the consumer market
    • How to use AI for creative tasks effectively
    • Leveraging some of the AI tools out there (and which one is best for different tasks)
    • The impact AI is having on several careers and industries
    • Gabe’s top 4 AI tools
    • Why it’s important to verify the data obtained from AI
    • Some of the potential risks and scams and how to implement security measures
    • Some of the upcoming advancements in AI
    • A few of the companies that are working to keep AI ethical and use it for good
    • A discussion on how AI is being integrated into educational processes
    • Why consumers should integrate AI into their daily tasks for better outcomes

    Resources Mentioned on the Show:
    • Perplexity
    • Claude
    • Chat GPT-4o
    • Gemini
    Stay Connected:
    • Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Mary Beth on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Neela on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • How to Be a Conscious Consumer and Investor with Kate Barron-Alicante
    Jul 3 2024

    Today, we bring on Kate Barron-Alicante, Director of Impact and Financial Advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners. Kate is here to guide us on a journey to becoming conscious consumers and investors. She'll share her insights on aligning our spending and investment decisions with our deeply held values, making mindful choices that do more than just serve our immediate needs—they help to sustain the communities and the planet we care about. In this episode, Kate will walk us through her own experience and offer practical, personalized steps to initiate meaningful change. We'll explore the concept of B Corps, explore the importance of impact reports, and discuss the broader implications of our financial decisions, from everyday purchases to the banks we choose. By the end of our conversation, you'll have a better understanding of how to evaluate companies on their treatment of workers, environmental practices, and social impact—so you can make choices that reflect what matters most to you. So let’s jump in and get started!

    For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

    What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
    • What is meant by conscious consumerism
    • Why we should pause, slow down, and be mindful of our spending decisions
    • What Impact Spending is and how to maximize your conscious consumerism impact
    • Where to start to build conscious consumer habits
    • How to tailor your conscious consumer decisions based on your personal life
    • Some criteria to use when searching for ethical companies
    • B Corp explained and the impact these companies have
    • How to read and analyze a company’s impact report
    • Why you should focus on being 1% better on your conscious consumerism
    • Other industries to include in your conscious consumer choices to leverage a collective impact in the world
    Resources Mentioned on the Show:
    • B Corporation
    • Find a B Corp
    Additional Resources:
    • 2023 Abacus Impact Report
    Stay Connected:
    • Connect with Kate Barron-Alicante on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Mary Beth on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Neela on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    34 m
  • Winning the Credit Card Game: Making Sense of Perks
    Jun 19 2024

    Today we’re exploring a topic that excites many and mystifies others:Credit Cards. Learn how to make your credit cards work for you! From understanding the perks to making sense of rewards, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of maximizing your credit card benefits. Whether you're a seasoned cardholder or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to help you leverage your credit cards effectively. Mary Beth and Neela give insight into how they use their credit cards to maximize the offered benefits. Let's jump right in and decode the credit cards and ways to be a strategic credit card holder.

    For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

    What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
    • How to figure out the best credit card for you based on your lifestyle
    • Understanding the different types of rewards and where they can fit into your plan
    • The best way to balance annual fees and rewards
    • How many credit cards should you have?
    • If you are paired up, how to approach the credit card game with your significant other
    • Some good practices to follow to avoid hits on your credit score
    • A great way to maximize the benefits from the cards you currently have
    • What positively and negatively impacts your credit score (and how it all works)
    • A few tools and resources to use when exploring the credit card game
    • The best way to utilize credit cards responsibly
    Stay Connected:
    • Connect with Mary Beth on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Neela on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • Financial Planning for Families with Young Kids with Emily Benedetto
    Jun 5 2024

    Today, Mary Beth is joined by Abacus advisor, Emily Benedetto to discuss financial planning for families with young kids. Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for young parents grappling with the new financial responsibilities that come with expanding their family. Mary Beth and Emily discuss everything from managing emergency funds, life insurance, the importance of discussing money openly, to how to save for your children's future. Whether you're expecting your first child or navigating financial planning with little ones running around, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

    For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

    What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
    • The reason having an emergency fund is a necessity, especially with young kids
    • Some savings adjustments you can make to continue to focus on your financial goals and meet the needs of your littles
    • Two things you should take care of within the first year child’s life
    • How to manage the cost of childcare and other options to consider
    • When right time is to be thinking about your kids’ college savings
    • The importance of revisiting your financial plan once your child has been born
    • Ways to make ends meet without breaking the bank
    • Adjustments you can make to your financial decisions, so it doesn’t feel like you’ve pushed your financial goals aside for your kid
    • The importance of having open discussions with your partner about money
    Resources Mentioned on the Show:
    • How to Teach Your Children About Money with Gabe Brenner

    Stay Connected:
    • Reach out to Email at Emily@abacuswealth.com or on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Mary Beth on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Neela on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Investing 101: Wall Street without the Jargon
    May 22 2024

    In today's episode, Mary Beth and Neela demystify the world of investing. They explore the crucial differences between saving and investing, underscore the importance of starting early to take full advantage of compound interest, and explain why diversification is your best defense against market volatility. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to make wise investment decisions and set you on the path to financial security. Get ready to transform the way you think about money, as we break down complex financial concepts into easy-to-understand language. Let's dive into the basics of investing and learn how to let your money work for you!

    For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

    What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
    • The best way to leverage the power of compound interest and maximize wealth accumulation
    • Inflation explained and how to outpace it
    • Why diversification is so crucial to your financial success
    • How to approach your emotions around investing
    • The reason to focus on long term planning for your investments
    • Sorting out the differences between saving and investing
    • How to evaluate and understand your risk tolerance
    • The best way to get started on your investment journey
    Stay Connected:
    • Connect with Mary Beth on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Neela on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • Truth and Lies About Retirement Planning
    May 8 2024

    In today's episode, Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP® and Neela Neela Hummel, CFP® dive into common misconceptions and hidden truths about retirement planning. They unpack quotes and beliefs about retirement, investing, and saving, providing clarity on important financial concepts that directly impact your retirement future. Tune in to see if you know which of these sayings are true and which ones are lies!

    For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

    What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
    • Why you should examine your retirement plan before approaching retirement age
    • Why it’s important to start early when saving and investing
    • How to approach Social Security when it comes to retirement planning
    • The truth about long-term healthcare costs and what to consider
    • Why even saving a small amount consistently can help in the long run
    • How to approach retirement if you are a small business owner
    • The difference between saving and investing
    • Tools to leverage for retirement planning
    Stay Connected:
    • Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Mary Beth on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Neela on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    24 m
  • How Do You Know When You're on Track to Being Financially Free?
    May 1 2024

    In today’s episode, Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP® and Neela Neela Hummel, CFP® explore the concept of financial freedom and how to know if you're on track to achieve it. They discuss the different interpretations of financial freedom, retirement planning, the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early), the impact of savings and investment on achieving financial freedom, and the importance of having a diversified financial portfolio. They also touch upon the psychological aspects related to money, the significance of tracking net worth and budgeting, and the use of online retirement planning calculators to gauge progress toward financial freedom. They emphasize the personalized nature of financial planning and the need for a holistic approach when considering factors such as expenses, income streams, assets, and tax allocation. Tune in as Mary Beth and Neela share their insights on achieving financial freedom and providing valuable advice to help you on your path to financial independence.

    For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

    What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
    • Why being financially free means different things to different people
    • How to define what financial freedom means for you
    • Other definitions of being financially free besides retiring
    • Why many people continue to work once they’ve reached financial freedom
    • What the FIRE movement is and the sacrifices that come with it
    • The 4% retirement rule and how to apply it to your life
    • The importance of having a combination of assets when approaching retirement
    • The tax implications if you are solely relying on your 401k during retirement
    • The importance of tracking your net worth throughout your life
    • The importance of a budget and understanding your household expenses as you approach retirement
    Stay Connected:
    • Connect with Mary Beth on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Connect with Neela on Twitter, Instagram, and on LinkedIn
    • Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    24 m