Best James Conole Podcasts (2024)

1
067: The Power of Human-First Financial Guidance with Ross Marino 52:29

1d ago52:29

52:29

Today, I’m talking with Ross Marino, the founder and CEO of Transitus Wealth Partners, as well as Advisor 2X. Ross is a seasoned financial planner with over 35 years of experience and a pioneer of the human-first financial guidance movement. As Ross wisely says, "Life happens, plans change." As a financial advisor, your role goes beyond crunching n…

1
Early Retirement Health Insurance Strategies | Roth Conversions vs. ACA Subsidies 33:36

1h ago33:36

33:36

Healthcare subsidies are like a tax break and should always be optimized, right? That seems like an easy question that should have a straightforward answer. But the correct answer is, “It depends.” Cole from Move Health is back, as he and James explain how advanced premium tax credits work, when you might not want to take them, and why it’s imperat…

1
066: Why an Executive Assistant is the #1 Overlooked Role in Finance with Brooke Martin 57:31

8d ago57:31

57:31

Today, I’m chatting with Brooke Martin – an incredible human being and very talented Executive Assistant who has worked with me for the past 3 years. While Brooke manages my calendar with exceptional skill, her impact goes way beyond scheduling. Brooke allows me to excel not just in my business, but also as a husband, father, and in every other asp…

1
Health Insurance Options for Early Retirement 29:25

7d ago29:25

29:25

We meet many people who are in a position to retire early. But when they think about healthcare in retirement and not being eligible for Medicare until age 65, they feel stuck, even though they’re ready for retirement in every other way. Cole Craven of Move Health Partners chats with James about the healthcare options that are available for early r…

1
Should I Invest in My Health Savings Account? 27:16

2h ago27:16

27:16

Are you using your Health Savings Account to its full potential? HSAs are great for covering immediate healthcare costs, but with careful planning, they can also become a strategic part of your long-term wealth plan. This week, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, take on HSAs, sha…

1
065: From Solo Advisor to Family Office & Marketing to the Sports Card Niche with Tom Ruggie 1:02:50

15d ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Today, I’m talking with Tom Ruggie, the founder and CEO of Ruggie Wealth Management – the flagship company of independent RIA, Destiny Wealth Partners, which has surpassed $1B in managed assets and is recognized among Forbes 250 Fastest-Growing RIA Firms. The funny thing is, it’s actually our shared passion for sports collectables that brought Tom …

1
Everything You Need to Know About Medicare: Q&A with a Medicare Expert 42:21

14d ago42:21

42:21

Drew Shockley of MOVE Health Partners joins James to address questions about Medicare. He overviews the Medicare system, explains Parts A, B, C, and D, and breaks down what Medicare does and doesn’t cover, who is covered, and when/why you might want alternative coverage. Questions Answered: I’m 65, still working and qualify for Medicare, but I have…

1
064: Triad Member: Jordan Flowers – Unlocking Rapid Growth by Empowering Your Team & The Power of Selfless Leadership 1:04:30

22d ago1:04:30

1:04:30

In this episode, I’m talking to Triad member and financial advisor Jordan Flowers who leads Wealth Financial Services & Tax Advisory along with his father Thomas. When Jordan and his company first joined Triad in 2022, they had roughly $20 million of AUM. Fast-forward to 2023 and they nearly doubled their total assets to $39.4 million. And what’s e…

1
What Should You Do With Your Stock Portfolio? 25:35

39m ago25:35

25:35

Deciding what to do with your stocks can prove to be a problem, challenge, and opportunity all at once. With a huge portfolio in front of you, what can you do to slim it down? This week, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, provide insights on how to cut down on your stocks to achi…

1
How to Prepare for Retirement Within 5 Years: 401k, Savings & Investment Changes 30:28

23d ago30:28

30:28

Graham and his wife are in their early 50s and plan to retire in 5 years. He wonders if they should continue maxing out their 401ks, how their investments should change, and what they should do with savings accounts to best prepare for their retirement goals. James addresses these questions, Graham’s biggest risk as he nears retirement, and potenti…

1
What Should You Do With Your Pile of Cash? 23:09

5d ago23:09

23:09

Is your cash currently sitting under your mattress, withering away with inflation? While stashing your cash seems like a safe bet, it limits your access to investment opportunities. With inflation rising, the value of your cash may not have the longevity you hoped for. If you currently have a pile of cash and are asking yourself, “Well…what now?” t…

1
Is It Possible To Actually Reach FIRE? 25:34

1d ago25:34

25:34

What does being financially independent mean to you? Those chasing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) are choosing to live frugally now to achieve early retirement. FIRE is a means to unlock a life where work is optional and the freedom of choice reigns supreme. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flo…

1
How Can You Avoid Surprises Next Tax Season? 26:07

4h ago26:07

26:07

Does your anxiety spike every time tax season rolls around? The possibility of receiving an unexpected tax bill can bring a sense of dread to the entire month of April. We all have to pay taxes, but we don’t have to stress about them. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, is joined by Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, t…

1
063: It Pays to PLAY & Building a Winning Workplace Culture with Kristi Herold 1:08:16

29d ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Today, I’m chatting with Kristi Herold, a workplace culture expert who has built a multi-million-dollar global organization called JAM. Kristi founded JAM in 1996 and grew it into one of the largest adult recreational sports league providers in the world. When the 2020 pandemic forced sports to pause, Kristi and her team pivoted to helping corporat…

1
How to Know When You Should Stop Saving for Retirement (and What to Do Next) 31:23

29d ago31:23

31:23

Drew, a burnt-out, financially responsible 40-something father of two, hopes he can scale back from his stressful job and still be okay when it’s time to retire. James offers a practical and philosophical take as he tackles Drew’s question. He demonstrates how to determine when Drew and his wife will be in a good position to fully retire. He also c…

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062: How a Financial Advisor Used YouTube to Generate $400M+ of AUM with James Conole 1:07:45

1M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Today, I’m talking with James Conole, a financial advisor and the founder of Root Financial Partners, a fast-growing RIA with over $400 million AUM. Between his Ready for Retirement podcast and James Conole, CFP® YouTube channel, James has generated over 10 million views and listens in the last 12 months alone. That traffic led to over 700 inbound …

1
3 Simple Steps to Determine If You Can Retire 21:19

1M ago21:19

21:19

How do you know if you can retire? It seems straightforward, but the answer is far from simple. Beyond portfolio balances and age thresholds, there are other things to consider. James explains his three-step test to determine your retirement readiness. By pulling together principles from the 4% Rule, straight-line projection, and a Monte Carlo anal…

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061: Attracting Ultra-Wealthy Clientele and Becoming a Photographer to the Stars with Jeffrey Shaw 1:19:59

1M ago1:19:59

1:19:59

This week, I’m talking with Jeffrey Shaw, who is an entrepreneur, business coach, and one of the most preeminent portrait photographers in the United States. His portraits have appeared on The Oprah Show, CBS News, in People and O Magazine, and even hang on the walls of Harvard University. His unique style made him the go-to photographer for renown…

1
Tax Planning for Widowed Retirees: How to Optimize Your Tax Strategy 21:54

1M ago21:54

21:54

Jennifer, 54, plans to retire soon. Her husband, 70, is retired, on Social Security, and dealing with some severe health issues. Jennifer worries about possibly becoming single in retirement, which could result in a higher tax bracket for her. Jennifer is considering whether to convert her traditional accounts to Roth to lower future taxes or to ch…

1
060: Triad Member: Arcadia Financial – Authentic Brand Messaging, Acquiring a Tax Practice, and Building a Moat Against AI 1:25:54

2M ago1:25:54

1:25:54

Today, I’m sitting down with Triad Members Mike and Jess Panico, the husband-and-wife founders of Arcadia Financial. Mike and Jess are living proof that you can have success in our industry at a young age — and they’ll tell you exactly how they did it. After taking the leap to start a practice in their 20s, Mike and Jess have quickly grown Arcadia …

1
Lump Sum vs. Annuitization: Tax Implications for Your Non-Qualified Annuity 17:43

2M ago17:43

17:43

Joe is planning for retirement and wants to minimize his tax burden, especially on the interest earned from his three annuities. James explains that non-qualified annuities are purchased with post-tax money and offer tax deferral on growth until withdrawal. When taking out funds, the principal is tax-free, but earnings are taxed at ordinary income …

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059: The Secret to NFL RedZone’s Success & Prepping for 7 Hours of Commercial Free Football with Scott Hanson 59:23

2M ago59:23

59:23

In this episode, I’m talking with the host of NFL RedZone, Scott Hanson. For 15 seasons, Scott has hosted the wildly popular RedZone where he entertains millions of viewers (including Tom Brady) every Sunday of football season for 7-hours straight without taking a single bathroom break! Listen in to learn about Scott’s extraordinary preparation pro…

1
At What Age Should I Work with a Financial Advisor? 24:02

2M ago24:02

24:02

Deciding to work with a financial advisor is about more than how much you've stashed away. It's also about determining whether an advisor's benefits outweigh the costs. In your higher earning years, finances become more complex. More money means more decisions and more chances to make mistakes or miss out on opportunities. That's where a quality ad…

1
058: How to Tell Your Story & Turn Clients into Superfans with Brittany Hodak 1:10:16

2M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

In this episode, I’m talking with Brittany Hodak about how financial advisors can build a diehard community of superfans using the same system Taylor Swift used to create an army of Swifties. Brittany came up with her game-changing system, the SUPER Model, while working with globally known brands like Walmart, Disney, Amazon, Katy Perry, the Boston…

1
Sell, Rent, or Borrow? Best Ways to Use Home Equity in Retirement 24:48

2M ago24:48

24:48

Listener Ray is wondering what to do with his home as he embarks on a nomadic, van-life journey in retirement. Should he sell it to finance his travels or retain it for potential appreciation and cash flow? James explores the nuances of home ownership as an asset versus an investment. He considers cash flow and leverage as he looks at Ray’s three o…

1
057: The Science of Happiness and Helping Retirees Find Passion & Purpose with Arthur Brooks 1:00:56

2M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Today, I’m joined by a very special guest, Arthur Brooks, to discuss a very special topic: happiness. Arthur is a Harvard professor, author, and social scientist specializing in happiness. He has written 12 books, including the New York Times bestseller “Strength to Strength,” along with “Build the Life You Want,” a book he co-authored with Oprah. …

1
Pay ZERO Capital Gains Tax vs Roth Conversions in Retirement: How to Determine Which is Best 34:55

2M ago34:55

34:55

Listener Drew asks about a tax strategy for juggling capital gains and Roth conversions. While it can be a complicated question – especially when large accounts are involved – James provides some general guidelines that can be helpful for anyone with similar gnarly tax strategy challenges in retirement. In this episode, we’ll cover the extent to wh…

1
056: Triad Member: Russ Ross – Overcoming Addiction & Learning to Let Go of Control 53:35

3M ago53:35

53:35

Today, I’m sitting down with Triad Member Russ Ross for an honest and raw discussion about overcoming adversity and navigating the stressful environment of financial services. Russ is the president and founder of Russ Ross Wealth Group, where he specializes in helping his clients navigate the phases of their retirements. Together with his wife Mich…

1
Tax-Smart Strategies for Wealth Transfer: Secure Your Family's Future 28:25

3M ago28:25

28:25

James responds to listener Jerry’s question about the optimal time to distribute inheritance or charitable gifts: before or after passing away. James walks listeners through four important things to consider when it comes to gifting and inheritance: your gifting goal, whether you have a strong desire to see the assets gifted within your lifetime, t…

1
055: The Advisor Transformation & How Financial Advisors Can Build a Legacy That Outlives Them with Shawn Sparks 1:11:35

3M ago1:11:35

1:11:35

Well, we've got a special one for you today! Triad's very own, Shawn Sparks is jumping on the pod to talk about his new book, The Advisor Transformation. Now, if you've been following my journey, you'll know that Shawn isn't just my business partner; he's been by my side through thick and thin, and has been a trusted friend for years. Shawn's exper…

1
Roth Conversion Strategies to Protect Your Spouse's Future Tax Burden 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

A listener says, “Eventually, one spouse will pass before the other, which will often catapult the survivor into a significantly higher tax bracket. Shouldn’t a Roth strategy take this into account?” James explores several factors that could positively and negatively impact a survivor’s tax liability and what to consider when creating a Roth conver…

1
054: Taking Online Relationships to Real World Clients with Robert Sofia 1:00:16

3M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Today, I’m talking with Robert Sofia, the co-founder and CEO of Snappy Kraken – an award-winning marketing technology firm that provides financial advisors with a complete digital marketing system to foster and deepen relationships with clients and prospects, while making it easier for advisors to fulfill all of their marketing needs in one place. …

1
Should I Fund my Retirement Needs by Purchasing an Annuity? 19:17

3M ago19:17

19:17

Jason and his wife face a crucial decision: whether to purchase an annuity or pursue traditional investments as they prepare for a full-time, slow-travel retirement. With a diverse array of income sources, including pensions, 401k, property sales, and Social Security, they estimate their monthly expenses at $7,500. James analyzes their situation, e…

1
053: The Miracle Morning & Evening, and Overcoming Adversity with Hal Elrod 52:58

3M ago52:58

52:58

Today’s episode is a fun one. I’m talking with my good friend and one of the most inspiring human beings I’ve ever met, Hal Elrod. In case you don’t know, Hal is the author of one of the highest rated books in the world, The Miracle Morning – which has over 6,000 five-star Amazon reviews and has sold over 2 million copies. But it’s much more than a…

1
How Should I Invest Bucket #1 of my Retirement Portfolio (3 Bucket Strategy) 26:01

3M ago26:01

26:01

The "Three Bucket Strategy" is a popular retirement income planning method. The first bucket covers immediate expenses in retirement. Listeners John and Donna are seeking advice on constructing their first bucket. With $1.6 million in assets and pension incomes, they aim to retire in 2026. James analyzes their needs, income sources, and portfolio a…

1
052: Triad Member: Virtus Financial Group – The Power of Community, Creating a Culture of Trust, and Building a Life of Significance 1:14:36

4M ago1:14:36

1:14:36

Today, I’m interviewing Triad Members Tyler Wrezinski and Andrew Hall, the co-founders of Virtus Financial Group. As you’ll find out, these guys are a ton of fun to hang out with, super authentic, and are proof of what can happen when you surround yourself with the right people and you’re willing to step into the unknown. In two short years, they w…

1
At What Point Should I Take the Tax Hit on Unrealized Gains? 31:07

4M ago31:07

31:07

Benjamin, nearing retirement at 65, faces a familiar dilemma with his taxable account housing expensive mutual funds. Despite their underperformance, converting to low-cost index funds entails a significant tax hit due to long-held appreciable value. James explains weighing the immediate tax consequences against the risk of holding onto underperfor…

1
051: Becoming a Lifestyle Investor, Hiring A+ Talent, and Building a Life by Design with Justin Donald 58:07

4M ago58:07

58:07

Today, I’m talking with my good friend, Justin Donald. He’s a successful entrepreneur and the founder of The Lifestyle Investor – a company that teaches people how to create wealth, without creating a job. Justin went from being stuck in the rat race and putting work before family to mastering low-risk cash flow investing and passive income strateg…

1
Maximize Your Early Retirement: Should You Save to 401k or Brokerage Accounts? 32:08

4M ago32:08

32:08

Typical retirement strategies assume a retirement age of over 60. With an earlier retirement goal, a careful look is required to determine what strategies will create the best outcome. James responds to a listener’s question about where to invest as he anticipates an early retirement. James walks through the steps of Root’s Sequoia System to explor…

1
050: The Soul of Wealth, Money vs Happiness, & How to Write a Book with Daniel Crosby 1:15:24

4M ago1:15:24

1:15:24

Today, I’m talking with Dr. Daniel Crosby, a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who helps organizations understand the intersection of mind and markets. As the Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions, Daniel develops tools and tech that make it easier for financial advisors to apply behavioral science to the real world. He’s aut…

1
Safe Withdrawal Rate Myths: Debunking 3 Common 4% Rule Mistakes 20:00

4M ago20:00

20:00

The 4% rule helps us understand how much we can safely take out of our portfolio each year without running out of money in retirement. Yet, as simple as the 4 percent rule seems, the practical implications are drastically misunderstood. I explore the three common mistakes people make when applying this rule and how to avoid them. Questions Answered…

1
049: Unlocking Client Referrals from Attorneys, CPAs, & other COIs and The 24-7 Mindset with Wally Elibiary 1:07:15

4M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Today, I’m talking with Wally Elibiary – a leader in the mortgage industry and the author of 24-7 Mindset. Wally has been in the mortgage business for 20+ years and has a ton of wisdom when it comes to leveraging people, systems, and technology to scale a business. In this episode, Wally shares his story and the problems he faced in his own company…

1
Secrets to a Happy Retirement: What the Research Shows 31:21

4M ago31:21

31:21

Retirement is not just about financial readiness; it's also about finding purpose, passion, and personal growth. James and guest Cynthia Meyer debunk the arrival fallacy, the illusion that reaching retirement will bring lasting happiness. Having structure in retirement and pursuing your passions is vital to feeling fulfilled. Although it's easy to …

1
048: Triad Member: Stephen Stricklin – Mastering Educational Events vs Dinner Seminars & the Impact of Building a Firm vs an Agency Model 1:15:05

4M ago1:15:05

1:15:05

Today, I’m chatting with Triad Member Stephen Stricklin, who is the president and founder of Wise Wealth LLC, an independent, full-service wealth management firm. As a former teacher, Stephen took his passion for educating others and adapted it to the financial services industry. His firm's motto, "First Wisdom, Then Wealth," says it all – they're …

1
What's the Right Roth Conversion Amount to Avoid a Tax Nightmare in the Future? 26:40

4M ago26:40

26:40

Sammy, a 51-year-old retiree, is seeking advice on how much she should convert from her traditional IRA to a Roth IRA each year to avoid jumping tax brackets and minimize the taxation of her social security benefits. James analyzes Sammy's current financial situation and offers guidance on approaching the tax planning aspect of her retirement strat…

1
047: Top Moments of 2023 | Top Guest Stories, Moments, and Ideas 1:24:36

5M ago1:24:36

1:24:36

What's up, DBDL listeners! We have a special episode for you this week. As some of you may know, at the end of last year, we released the DBDL Top Triad Member Moments of 2023, a roundup of the best advice shared on the pod from our valued Triad members. The episode was so popular that we thought, why not do something similar for all the non-Triad …

1
How to Maximize Social Security Spousal Benefits 20:07

5M ago20:07

20:07

James addresses a common concern for a couple approaching retirement through a listener’s question. Listener Rob plans to collect Social Security early at 62, raising questions about his wife’s retirement. Understanding Social Security strategies to avoid potential losses during retirement is important. James explains the intricacies of spousal ben…

1
046: Jeff Bezos' Secrets to Success, the DNA of Unicorn Leaders, and How to Bet on Yourself with Ann Hiatt 1:01:16

5M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Today, I’m talking with Ann Hiatt, a Silicon Valley veteran with 15 years of experience as the Executive Business Partner for Jeff Bezos (Founder and CEO of Amazon), Marissa Mayer (former CEO of Yahoo!), and Chief of Staff to Eric Schmidt (CEO/Executive Chairman of Google). Ann now consults with executives and companies across the globe to reverse …

1
Bond Ladders in 2024: How to Build a Bond Portfolio for Your Retirement 35:16

5M ago35:16

35:16

As one listener prepares for an early retirement, James discusses the situation, covering how to build a bond ladder based on non-retirement funds. James provides a different way of looking at the stock-to-bond conversation. Learn how to determine the appropriate amount to have a bond ladder and whether you should own individual bonds or bond funds…

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045: Top Moments of 2023 | Triad Member Spotlights 1:31:17

5M ago1:31:17

1:31:17

What's up DBDL Fam and Happy New Year! This week, we’re shaking things up! After 40+ interviews with leading experts, entrepreneurs, and game changers in the financial world, I wanted to round up the best advice shared on the pod, and deliver it straight to your ear drums. I got the team to go back through the archives and pull the most meaningful …

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James Conole Podcasts

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