Episodes

  • Laurie Spampinato: Balance and Preparing for the Unexpected
    Jul 15 2024

    Laurie Spampinato shares her experience of rebuilding her life and managing her finances after the tragedy of 9/11 with hosts Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian. She discusses the importance of being financially prepared and having a plan in place, as well as the role of women in managing wealth. Laurie emphasizes the need for open communication and involvement in financial matters, regardless of gender. She also highlights the importance of prioritizing goals and making smart financial decisions to ensure a stable future. In this conversation, Laurie discusses the importance of trusted support and the need for women to be involved in financial planning. She shares her experience of losing her husband and the challenges she faced as a widow. Laurie emphasizes the value of having a trusted advisor and the importance of preparing for the unexpected. She also talks about her changing priorities as her children have grown up and the need to balance saving for the future with enjoying the present.

    Takeaways

    • Be financially prepared and have a plan in place for unexpected events.
    • Open communication and involvement in financial matters are crucial.
    • Prioritize goals and make smart financial decisions for a stable future.
    • Trusted support is crucial for individuals who have lost a spouse unexpectedly.
    • Having a trusted advisor, such as a fiduciary, can provide guidance and help make informed financial decisions.
    • Everyone should be actively involved in financial planning and have open conversations with their partners about their financial goals and priorities.
    • Preparing for the unexpected, such as the loss of a spouse or divorce, is essential for financial security.
    • Balancing saving for the future with enjoying the present is a challenge that many individuals face.

    Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

    • 1-631-777-1030
    • Wealth Enhancement Group
    • LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
    • LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

    Disclosures

    The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

    Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

    All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    33 mins
  • The Bucket Strategy: How to Effectively Plan Your Retirement Income and Spending (Ep. 20)
    Mar 14 2024

    Imagine retiring right before the Covid-19 pandemic.. The markets plummeted by double digits!

    So how can you ensure your retirement plan is not significantly disrupted by such market volatility? More importantly, how can you ensure you don’t run out of money?

    Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian answer these questions in this episode. Tune in to learn how to use a “bucket” approach and effectively plan your income and spending for the rest of your life.

    Charlie and Peter discuss:

    • The pivotal shift from accumulation to distribution mode as retirement approaches
    • Short-term, midterm, and long-term buckets and their respective allocations
    • Avoiding common investment mistakes driven by emotions
    • How to prepare for unexpected life events in retirement
    • And more

    Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

    • 1-631-777-1030
    • Wealth Enhancement Group
    • LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
    • LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

      Disclosures

      The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

      Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

      All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

      All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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      18 mins
    • The Value-Driven Path to Wealth with Elena Beckius (Ep. 19)
      Feb 29 2024

      Have you ever let your emotions get the best of you? You’re not alone!

      But when it comes to financial planning, emotional decisions can prove to be very costly.

      In today’s thought-provoking episode, Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian speak with Elena Beckius, a leadership coach and senior vice president at Think2Perform. They help you be more reflective in your decision-making and be better aligned with your core values — so you can avoid knee-jerk choices you may regret later.

      Elena discusses:

      • The critical role of values and emotions in financial decision-making
      • Why you should narrow down your top 5 core values (and reassess them periodically)
      • Practice exercises to elevate your self-awareness
      • How to live in “alignment” with your core values i.e., integrate them into your daily life
      • And more

      Resources:

      • Think2Perform: Values Exercise

      Connect with Elena Beckius:

      • Think2Perform
      • LinkedIn: Elena Beckius

      Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

      • 1-631-777-1030
      • Wealth Enhancement Group
      • LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
      • LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

        About Our Guest:

        If you’re like the leaders Elena coaches, you have an ideal picture of who you want to be and what you want to accomplish in your business, in your personal life, and in your community. As a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author, Elena serves people by helping them make that ideal real. Elena is passionate about helping people know, embrace, and steward their gifts, and to understand their most important values to fully step into their purpose and reach their highest potential.

        Elena joined Think2Perform after 17 years in the Financial Services industry. In those years, she held every field role from Financial Advisor to Executive Field Vice President.

        Elena knows the unique challenges and opportunities for female leaders and female business owners in male-dominated industries. If you’re a woman looking to take your business, leadership, or influence to the next level, Elena invites you to have a conversation about the power of coaching. Elena also consults with leaders and companies to help them enhance the way they serve women. Nick Kristof said “If you want to change the world, empower a woman.” Elena is on a mission to do just that, empower women.

        Disclosures

        The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

        Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

        All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

        All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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        28 mins
      • Debunking Five Common Medicare Myths with Kevin Lawrence (Ep. 18)
        Feb 15 2024

        A whopping 72% of 1,260 surveyed adults said they wish they understood Medicare coverage better! This is according to the Nationwide Retirement Institute® 2023 Health Care Costs in Retirement Survey.

        It’s time to clear the confusion and dispel some common myths.

        Catch this informative podcast, where Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian speak with Kevin Lawrence, director of senior markets at Professional Group Plans (PGP). Together, they help listeners make informed decisions by breaking down various aspects of Medicare premiums and coverage.

        Kevin discusses:

        • Five common Medicare myths
        • The intricacies of different Medicare plans (Part B, Part D, Supplement, Advantage, etc.)
        • How Medicare differs from Medicaid
        • Finding a plan that meets your medical needs
        • What questions you should ask to a Medicare salesperson
        • And more

        Resources:

        • The Nationwide Retirement Institute® 2023 Health Care Costs in Retirement Survey

        Connect with Kevin Lawrence:

        • kevin.lawrence@pgpbenefits.com
        • Professional Group Plans (PGP)
        • LinkedIn: Kevin Lawrence

        Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

        • 1-631-777-1030
        • Wealth Enhancement Group
        • LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
        • LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

          About Our Guest:

          Kevin Lawrence joined Professional Group Plans (PGP) after 10 years at MetLife and 2 years as Vice President of Advanced Planning Partners. Over the last several years of his career, Kevin has concentrated his practice on helping seniors with their healthcare needs and has become a top producer in Medicare Supplement Plans, Part D Plans, and Medicare Advantage Plans.

          Kevin takes pride in educating his clients to ensure that they are confident that they have chosen the best product for their needs. He is well known in the brokerage community as an expert on eliminating the confusion surrounding Medicare. Many brokers rely on Kevin’s guidance to help them solve problems for their clients.

          Disclosures

          The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

          Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

          All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

          All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

          See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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          29 mins
        • Solving the Social Security Puzzle with David Freitag (Ep. 17)
          Jan 18 2024

          With a myriad of rules, regulations, and strategies to consider, Social Security can seem like a complex puzzle. It’s a topic our clients frequently ask us about!

          Join Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo as they speak with David Freitag, CLU, ChFC, CRPC, financial planning consultant at MassMutual Financial Group. Together, they debunk common myths and provide clarity on how to maximize your benefit so you can avoid suboptimal decisions that jeopardize your golden years.

          David discusses:

          • A quick background on Social Security and where we stand today
          • Why you should regularly check your Social Security earnings history
          • Finding the ideal time to claim Social Security (key factors to consider)
          • How taxes and inflation may affect your benefits
          • The importance of personalized planning for you and your spouse
          • And more

          Resources:

          • Social Security Administration (Official Website)

          Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

          • 1-631-777-1030
          • Wealth Enhancement Group
          • LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
          • LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

            Connect with David Freitag:

            • MassMutual Financial Group
            • LinkedIn: David Freitag

            Disclosures

            The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

            Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

            All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

            All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

            See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

            Show more Show less
            32 mins
          • Settling the 60/40 Debate: Is the Traditional Stocks-Bonds Mix Still Relevant? (Ep. 16)
            Dec 14 2023

            As the economy copes with high interest rates and stubborn inflation, you may have come across an unsettling question: Is the traditional portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds still relevant?

            The short answer is yes. But there are some caveats to consider, like everything else in investing.

            In this episode, Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo explain how the traditional 60/40 investment portfolio model can be strategically used to manage risk and navigate market volatility — so you can sleep better at night.

            Charlie and Peter discuss:

            • The importance of diversification, rebalancing, and patience (against being swayed by media narratives)
            • How to avoid common investing mistakes
            • The role of short-term treasuries in risk management and stability
            • Why you should consider individual risk tolerances, age, and other crucial factors
            • And more!

            Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

            • 1-631-777-1030
            • Wealth Enhancement Group
            • LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
            • LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

              Disclosures

              The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

              Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

              All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

              All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

              See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

              Show more Show less
              18 mins
            • Physicians & Finances with Dr. Chris Campese, Dr. Leo Penzi, and Dr. William Kruger (Ep. 15)
              Nov 30 2023

              Wealth management may look very different for different professionals.

              Today, we look at wealth management from the lens of physicians, specifically anesthesiologists who have accumulated wealth over several decades.

              In this episode, Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo speak with Dr. Chris Campese, chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Glen Cove Hospital, Dr. Leo Penzi, executive vice president and chief medical officer at North American Partners of Anesthesia, and Dr. William Kruger, a leader at TeamHealth. They share their personal and professional experiences with financial planning.

              Chris, Leo, and William discuss:

              • The evolution of anesthesiology as a profession
              • The importance of disciplined saving, working with trusted advisors, and planning ahead
              • How to overcome the emotional barriers of investing and delegate financial control to advisors
              • Challenges faced by new anesthesiologists (with tips for getting a financial head start)
              • And more!

              Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

              • 1-631-777-1030
              • Wealth Enhancement Group
              • LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
              • LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

                Connect with Dr. Chris Campese:

                • LinkedIn: Dr. Chris Campese

                Connect with Dr. Leo Penzi:

                • LinkedIn: Dr. Leo Penzi

                Disclosures

                The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

                Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

                All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

                All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

                See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

                Show more Show less
                40 mins
              • Understanding Volatility vs. Risk: The Key to Panic-Proof Investing (Ep. 14)
                Oct 26 2023

                In the world of investing, surprises can be the mother of panic. But what if you could be prepared and stay ahead of the curve to maximize protection in the marketplace?

                In this episode, Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo explore how unexpected twists and a lack of preparation can trigger investment panic, offering valuable insights on maintaining a level head.

                Discover the critical distinctions between volatility and risk, and how educating clients about market history can be a game-changer. They’ll equip you with strategies to prepare for market fluctuations and empower you to navigate the choppy waters of investing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to master the art of investment resilience.

                Charlie and Peter discuss:

                • How unexpected twists and a lack of preparation can trigger investment panic.
                • The critical distinctions between volatility and risk.
                • Strategies to prepare for market fluctuations and stay calm in turbulent times.
                • The role of media in creating panic and the importance of grounding decisions in historical data.
                • The significance of crafting a detailed investment plan tailored to individual needs and
                • life stages to maintain focus during market downturns.
                • And More!

                Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

                • 1-631-777-1030
                • Wealth Enhancement Group
                • LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
                • LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

                Disclosures

                The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable or you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

                Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

                All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are

                unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

                All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

                See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

                Show more Show less
                16 mins