Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Jason Gabrieli is joined by Brittany Tedesco from Bratton Law Group to discuss the essential steps and considerations when dealing with the death of a loved one. The conversation covers the importance of having a will, the difference between probate and non-probate assets, and practical advice on how to manage estate administration effectively. This episode aims to provide listeners with crucial insights to ease the burden during such challenging times.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• Key steps to take immediately after a loved one passes away.
• The role of a funeral representative in estate planning.
• Differences between probate and non-probate assets.
• Practical tips for managing estate accounts and distributions.

What we discussed

• [00:02:00] Immediate steps to take after a death, including waiting periods and obtaining death certificates.
• [00:04:13] Essential documents for estate planning: wills, powers of attorney, and HIPAA releases.
• [00:07:56] Differentiating between probate and non-probate assets and their impact on estate administration.
• [00:10:38] Opening an estate account and managing the deceased's assets.
• [00:13:22] Filing inheritance tax returns and handling the estate's financial obligations.
• [00:16:44] Preparing executors for their roles and ensuring open communication with beneficiaries.
• [00:19:22] The importance of updating beneficiary information and having detailed records.

3 Things To Remember

1. Always have essential estate planning documents in place, including a will and powers of attorney.
2. Understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets to streamline the estate process.
3. Open communication with your executor and family members can significantly ease the estate administration process.

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: LinkedIn

Connect with Brittany Tedesco : btedesco@BRATTONLAWGROUP.COM

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Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Jason Gabrieli and guest Brian Masessa, CPA from Premier Accounting Services, delve into the financial complexities that arise when a loved one passes away. They discuss the essential steps executors must take, the intricacies of probate, and the importance of proper documentation. Brian explains the different types of taxes involved, including income and estate taxes, and offers advice on how to manage and mitigate these liabilities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand how to handle financial responsibilities after a death.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• The critical steps in the probate process and why timely action is crucial.
• How to manage and minimize estate and inheritance taxes.
• The role and responsibilities of an executor in estate management.
• Tips for preparing and organizing financial documents before death.

What we discussed

• [00:01:19] Introduction to the sensitive topic of financial steps after death.
• [00:02:38] The role of an accountant in managing estates.
• [00:06:37] The probate process overview and key documentation needed.
• [00:10:43] Handling ongoing expenses and income after someone passes away.
• [00:16:09] Differences between estate and inheritance taxes.
• [00:24:07] Best practices for preparing and organizing financial documents.

3 Things To Remember

1. Understanding the probate process helps in managing estate complexities efficiently.
2. Proper documentation and early involvement of professionals can save significant tax expenses.
3. Executors must be diligent in their fiduciary responsibilities to ensure fair and legal asset distribution.

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: jgabrieli@HFMadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Connect with Brian Masessa: LinkedIn

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Learn more about HFM HERE

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In this episode of the Dollar Wise Podcast, host Jason Gabrieli is joined by Chad Willardson, president and founder of Pacific Capital, bestselling author, and co-founder of GravyStack. Chad shares his journey of teaching financial literacy to children, inspired by his experiences as a father of five. He discusses the development of GravyStack, an innovative app designed to help kids learn about money through practical activities, and the importance of financial education at a young age. Chad also delves into the philosophy behind his book "Smart Not Spoiled," offering practical advice for parents on raising financially responsible children.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• The inspiration and development behind the GravyStack app
• Practical steps for parents to teach their kids about money
• The importance of creating a family mission statement and financial values

What we discussed

• [00:02:27] Financial education and entrepreneurship for kids
• [00:04:29] Teaching kids about money at home vs. school
• [00:06:03] Practical tips: No allowance, earning through chores
• [00:09:11] Integrating GravyStack methodologies into family life
• [00:11:07] Starting financial education early
• [00:12:01] Long-term vision for GravyStack and financial literacy impact
• [00:14:13] Practical steps for parents to get started

3 Things To Remember

1. Kids learn about money through observation and practical experience.
2. Stop giving allowances; instead, offer opportunities to earn.
3. Create a family mission statement and discuss financial values regularly.

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: LinkedIn

Connect with Chad Willardson: LinkedIn

Like what you’ve heard…

Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE

Check out our Financial Wellness Program – HFM Ignite

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Jason Gabrieli and Catherine Allen-Carlozo, both CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS at HFM Investment Advisors, discuss the most loaded question they encounter: "How much do I need to retire?" This discussion unpacks the factors that influence the answer to this question, highlighting personal spending, lifestyle choices, and strategic financial planning. By exploring various scenarios and personal anecdotes, they offer a comprehensive look into tailoring retirement planning to individual needs.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• Why retirement planning is highly personalized and varies significantly from one individual to another.
• The impact of personal spending and lifestyle choices on retirement needs.
• Strategic approaches to reduce overhead costs and enhance financial readiness for retirement.

What we discussed

• [00:01:01] The complexity of determining the necessary retirement savings.
• [00:03:43] Strategies to reduce overhead and prepare financially for retirement
• [00:06:22] Implications of early retirement and maintaining lifestyle with reduced income.
• [00:09:57] The importance of a detailed personal budget or spending plan when planning for retirement.

3 Things To Remember

1. Retirement needs are highly personalized—what works for one might not work for another.
2. Reducing monthly overhead can significantly impact the amount needed for a comfortable retirement.
3. A detailed and realistic spending plan is crucial for effective retirement planning.

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: | LinkedIn

Connect with Catherine Allen-Carlozo | LinkedIn

Like what you’ve heard…

Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE

Check out our Financial Wellness Program – HFM Ignite

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Jason Gabrielli, a certified financial planner, discusses the current trend of keeping money in cash. With high-yield savings accounts offering around 5%, many investors are unsure whether to invest or leave their money in cash. Jason highlights the importance of understanding historical returns and differentiating between short-term and long-term financial goals. He demonstrates how long-term investments in bonds and stocks have historically outperformed cash, despite recent attractive yields. The episode encourages listeners to align their cash holdings with their financial objectives and offers insights into market trends and behavioral finance.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• The psychological factors influencing our financial decisions.
• The historical returns of cash, bonds, and stocks over 30 years.
• The potential risks of relying on high-yield savings accounts for long-term goals.

What we discussed

• [00:01:17] The current trend of keeping money in high-yield savings accounts.
• [00:04:07] Behavioral finance and the fear of losses over potential gains.
• [00:07:21] Historical returns of cash, bonds, and stocks over 30 years.
• [00:10:50] The importance of aligning cash holdings with financial goals.
• [00:14:40] How to balance short-term and long-term financial objectives.

3 Things To Remember

1. High-yield savings accounts offer short-term benefits but might not be ideal for long-term goals.
2. Investing in diversified assets, like bonds and stocks, has historically provided better returns over time.
3. Aligning cash holdings with financial objectives is crucial for effective financial planning.

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: jgabrieli@HFMadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Listen to EP.39 “Let’s Talk About Cash” - Apple | Spotify

Like what you’ve heard…

Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE

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Jason Gabrieli and Tyler Reedman, both CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS at HFM Investment Advisors, dispel common misconceptions about 401(k) contributions. They dissect the difference between matching the employer’s contribution and maxing out a 401(k). They discuss contribution limits and strategies to increase contributions incrementally so you can optimize your savings. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take full advantage of their 401(k) potential.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• The real meaning of 'maxing out' your 401(k) and common misconceptions.
• How automatic escalation can effortlessly boost your 401(k) savings.
• The impact of choosing between Roth and pre-tax contributions on your take-home pay.

What we discussed

• [00:01:22] Misconceptions about maxing out 401(k) contributions and the actual limits.
• [00:06:09] Insights from Vanguard's 'How America Saves' report and average saving rates.
• [00:08:41] The concept of reverse budgeting and its impact on savings habits.
• [00:11:00] The benefits of automatic escalation in 401(k) contributions.
• [00:13:32] The importance of focusing on contribution rates over market performance.

3 Things To Remember

1. Maxing out your 401(k) involves understanding and utilizing the actual dollar limits, not just the employer match.
2. Incremental increases in contributions can significantly impact your retirement savings without overwhelming your current finances.
3. Understanding the nuances between Roth and pre-tax contributions can optimize your long-term savings and tax benefits.

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: jgabrieli@HFMadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Like what you’ve heard…

Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE

Check out our Financial Wellness Program – HFM Ignite

When you retire, do you want to stay in New Jersey? Jason delves into the common concerns about retiring in New Jersey, such as the state’s reputation for high taxes and living costs. He also covers recent changes and programs like the Senior Tax Freeze and the Stay NJ program that make New Jersey a more appealing retirement destination. Lastly, he discusses the nuances of property and income taxes, providing valuable insights for those considering retirement in the Garden State.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• How recent tax reforms in New Jersey benefit retirees, particularly concerning property taxes.
• The implications of the Senior Tax Freeze and Stay NJ program for property tax relief.
• Key facts about New Jersey's income tax exclusions for retirement income.

What we discussed

• [00:01:00] Debunking myths about retiring in New Jersey due to high costs.
• [00:02:15] Understanding the Senior Tax Freeze program benefits for retirees.
• [00:04:23] Introduction to the Stay NJ program and its potential for senior citizens.
• [00:06:28] Insights into New Jersey's income tax benefits for retirement income.
• [00:10:02] The significant shift in New Jersey’s estate tax laws and its impact.

3 Things To Remember

1. New Jersey has made significant strides in becoming a more retirement-friendly state through various tax benefits.
2. Programs like the Senior Tax Freeze and Stay NJ aim to alleviate the property tax burden for seniors.
3. Understanding New Jersey’s unique tax exclusions and laws can benefit retirees financially.

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: jgabrieli@HFMadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Like what you’ve heard…

Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE

Check out our Financial Wellness Program – HFM Ignite

Home improvements, purchasing electric vehicles, and installing a qualified vehicle refueling and recharging apparatus at your home could entitle you to a tax credit. Jason reviews the different types of credits, their requirements, and the importance of consulting a tax advisor to optimize these opportunities to integrate them into your financial plan.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• Specifics of energy-efficient home improvement credits for installations like doors, windows, and HVAC systems.
• Details of the residential clean energy credit for adding renewable energy sources to your home.
• Insights into tax credits for purchasing new and used clean vehicles, including EVs and hybrids.
• Understanding the alternative fuel refueling property tax credit for installing EV charging stations.

What we discussed

• [00:00:24] Introduction to clean energy tax credits
• [00:01:39] Home energy improvements and applicable tax credits
• [00:03:15] Residential clean energy credits for renewable energy installations
• [00:05:07] Tax credits for purchasing new and used clean vehicles
• [00:09:26] Credits for installing vehicle refueling and recharging stations

3 Things To Remember

1. Clean energy tax credits offer financial incentives for eco-friendly home improvements and vehicle purchases.
2. Understanding the specifics of these credits is crucial for maximizing benefits.
3. Consultation with a tax advisor is essential for integrating these credits into your financial strategy.

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: jgabrieli@HFMadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Like what you’ve heard…

Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE

Check out our Financial Wellness Program – HFM Ignite