Tag: Podcast

Feature
The State of the Economy and the Financial Markets with Mike Trudel, CFA, JD (Ep. 32)

The State of the Economy and the Financial Markets with Mike Trudel, CFA, JD (Ep. 32)

By |

Ready to untangle the web between the Federal Reserve, Big Tech, and your investments?

In this episode, Jim McGovern from McGovern Wealth Group sits down with Michael Trudel, CFA, JD, Managing Director and Global Strategist at BlackRock, to explore the complexities of today’s markets – from the U.S. economy’s surprising resilience to the tech sector’s influence on the stock market this year. Armed with over two decades of industry experience, Mike offers an insightful, well-rounded perspective on the economy and what’s been the financial markets.

Throughout this episode, Jim and Mike discuss:

  • Why the U.S. economy is showing resilience despite Federal Reserve actions
  • How the major tech companies are driving stock market gains
  • How the corporate inventory restocking contributes to positive growth in GDP
  • The earnings outlook in the recent years compared to the past
  • The rising interest rates and their impact on the overall stock and bond market 
  • The economic picture outside of the U. S. and how things are looking around the world
  • An overview of the bond markets and what investors could expect in the future
  • And more!

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

Connect with Michael Trudel:

About our guest:

Michael Trudel is a seasoned financial expert with a dual background in law and portfolio management. Michael is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Managing Director at BlackRock’s Global Allocation team. With over two decades in the industry, he’s an authority on macro strategy and portfolio analysis, having previously served at Merrill Lynch and the Bank of New York. Armed with multiple degrees, including a cum laude JD and an MBA, Mike offers a well-rounded perspective on global financial trends.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:46 — 37.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature
Hedging Risk in a Concentrated Stock Portfolio with Eric Metz, CFA of SpiderRock Advisors (Ep. 31)

Hedging Risk in a Concentrated Stock Portfolio with Eric Metz, CFA of SpiderRock Advisors (Ep. 31)

By |

Are you an investor with a large amount of money in just a few stocks? Are you concerned about how to protect against a decline in the stock, but also reluctant to diversify due to significant tax consequences? Are you curious about ways to continue to hold the stock while at the same time have a tax-efficient way to reduce risk in such a concentrated position?

In this episode, Jim McGovern talks to Eric Metz, CFA, President and Chief Investment Officer from SpiderRock Advisors, offering insights for those aiming to protect the wealth they’ve created.

Throughout this episode, Jim and Eric discuss:

  • How SpiderRock Advisors creates solutions designed to help maintain and safeguard wealth by using options strategies
  • How technology has enabled SpiderRock to solve complex problems with scalability for financial advisors and their clients
  • How derivatives can help generate income, provide downside protection and strategically manage risks
  • How SpiderRock’s strategies can minimize tax implications commonly associated with diversifying a stock with low cost basis
  • The importance of communication and customization at the core of investment management 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

Connect with Eric Metz:

About our guest:

Eric Metz is President and Chief Investment Officer at SpiderRock Advisors, key driving force behind SpiderRock Advisors’ investment strategies. With a career that began on the trading floors of the CME and CBOE, Eric went on to manage mutual and hedge fund assets at RiverNorth Capital Management. Prior to that, he was a senior trader at specialized firms like Ronin Capital and Bengal Capital.

Educationally, he holds a Magna Cum Laude B.S.E. and an M.S.E. with honors, both in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. He is also a CFA Charterholder and a board member of the OIC Institutional Advisory Council. Eric’s blend of practical experience and academic excellence make him a key asset in the realm of investment management.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:24 — 43.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature
Trust Companies vs. Individual Trustees: Which Is Right for Your Special Needs Trust? Discussion with Dan Ehrmentraut of Capital First Trust (Ep. 30)

Trust Companies vs. Individual Trustees: Which Is Right for Your Special Needs Trust? Discussion with Dan Ehrmentraut of Capital First Trust (Ep. 30)

By |

Supplemental Needs Trust is an often-underrated game-changer, paramount for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs.

In this episode, Jim McGovern talks with Dan Ehrmentraut, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Capital First Trust, about the ins and outs of Supplemental Needs Trusts. Together, they dive into the world of trust management, debunking common misconceptions, and shedding light on how these tools can protect assets and qualify individuals for essential government benefits.

Throughout this episode, Jim and Dan discuss:

  • The definition of Supplemental Needs Trusts, their key benefits, and who can benefit from them 
  • How a trust can qualify an individual for government benefits while protecting other assets 
  • The crucial role of estate planning in preserving the beneficiary’s access to resources and eligibility for benefits 
  • The reluctance of many corporate trustees to administer special needs trusts, and how Capital First Trust fills this gap 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Dan Ehrmentraut:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

About our guest:

Dan Ehrmentraut is a seasoned expert in trust management with an illustrious career in both law and finance. Holding a J.D. from the University of New York at Buffalo and admitted to the New York Bar in 1984, Dan carries a wealth of experience and knowledge. Over two decades, Dan worked his magic in traditional bank trust departments, navigating roles as Trust Officer, Regional Trust Manager, Supervisor of Trust Tax and IRA, Sales Manager, and Department Head. His journey took him further to the doors of several large financial service companies, playing significant roles in business development.

In 2013, Dan joined Capital First Trust Company, expanding its directed trustee presence across various financial and legal landscapes. His vast experience and knack for details have led him to successfully work with numerous financial advisors on complex estate plans, integrating the benefits of a directed trust structure for wealthy clients.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:42 — 36.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature
Unlocking Retirement Security: How Annuities Can Help Protect Assets and Guarantee¹ Lifetime Income, Part 2 (Ep. 27)

Unlocking Retirement Security: How Annuities Can Help Protect Assets and Guarantee¹ Lifetime Income, Part 2 (Ep. 27)

By |

In the second part of this two-part series, Jim McGovern discusses how annuities can help provide a secure “retirement salary” that cannot be outlived¹ and how to help position other assets to serve as a “bonus” component for retirement spending. Jim discusses some of the challenges retirees face when relying solely on market-based investments, limitations of the popular “4% Withdrawal Rate” concept, and different ways annuities can be structured to meet income, investment, risk, and protection objectives in retirement.

Jim discusses:

  • Why it is important to have a reliable source of guaranteed¹ lifelong income in retirement
  • The potential consequences of relying solely on market-based investments
  • The different types of annuities that provide guaranteed¹ lifetime income and some of their key features
  • Addressing the worry of retirement savings earning a poor return (and how to mitigate this risk!)
  • Other uses for annuities besides investing and retirement income
  • The fees and penalty withdrawals considerations for annuities
  • How to know which income strategy you should use in retirement according to your unique goals and objectives.
  • And more

 

1All guarantees including the death benefit payments are dependent upon the claims paying ability of the issuing company.

Resources:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:42 — 42.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature
Unlocking Retirement Security: How Annuities Can Help Protect Assets and Guarantee¹ Lifetime Income, Part 1 (Ep. 26)

Unlocking Retirement Security: How Annuities Can Help Protect Assets and Guarantee¹ Lifetime Income, Part 1 (Ep. 26)

By |

Whether you’re new to annuities or seeking to enhance your retirement income strategy, this episode offers valuable insights to support your financial journey.

In this episode, Jim McGovern uncovers the potential advantages of annuities. Join us as we explore annuities and understand the need for retirement protected asset growth and protected lifetime income.

Jim covers the following topics:

  • What annuities are and some of the key advantages of using annuities as a means of growing retirement assets compared to other investment options
  • How index-linked annuities offer some protection against market fluctuations compared to variable annuities or traditional Mutual Fund Investments
  • How index-linked annuities help address market fluctuations and may provide a hedge against inflation
  • Breaking down annuities into two different phases
  • The limitations including loss of access to principal and other factors that individuals should consider before deciding to invest in annuities to help with retirement asset growth and protection
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

1All guarantees including the death benefit payments are dependent upon the claims paying ability of the issuing company and do not apply to the investment performance of the underlying funds in a variable annuity contract. 2023-156764

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:07 — 42.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature
Alternative Investments for a Diversified Portfolio with James Costabile, CAIA (Ep. 25)

Alternative Investments for a Diversified Portfolio with James Costabile, CAIA (Ep. 25)

By |

Alternative investments can be a very attractive option, but it’s critical to consider the requirements each individual should meet and the risks involved before entering the space.

In this episode, Jim McGovern speaks with James Costabile, Managing Director and Head of Alternatives Distribution on iCapital’s Private Wealth Solutions team. James gives a broad overview of the alternative investing space. He details the pros and cons of private equity, private credits, real estate, infrastructure, and hedge funds as options for investors.

James discusses:

  • The background and mission of iCapital and their focus on teaching clients and advisors about alternative investments
  • An overview of the private equity space, its importance in iCapital, and a comparison with the public sector
  • Different options available for investors in private equity 
  • Benefits and risks to consider before entering private equity space
  • The differences in liquidity between open-ended mutual funds, closed-end registered funds, and unregistered private funds
  • Private credit investments, with an emphasis on careful credit analysis and selectivity in lending
  • Why companies prefer getting funds via private credit rather than the traditional bonds
  • How real estate fits into a portfolio, which offers diversification and durable yield
  • The different types of hedge funds and how they can fit into a portfolio
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with James Costabile:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

About our Guest:

James Costabile is a Managing Director and Head of Alternatives Distribution on iCapital’s Private Wealth Solutions team. He oversees a team of regional sales and national accounts professionals that work with top registered investment advisors, financial advisors, and financial intermediaries. He and his team deliver industry-leading alternative investment education, research viewpoints, and investment capabilities across hedge funds, private equity, private credit, and real estate strategies. 

James brings more than 25 years of financial services experience and began working with alternative investment strategies in 1997. Over this time, he has held roles across sales, marketing, and product management at Citi / Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch and most recently, Morgan Stanley Investment Management. He graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science, holds FINRA Series 7, 24, and 66 licenses, and is a CAIA charter holder.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:54 — 41.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature
Financing Your Small Business with David Miller of Enterprise Bank (Ep. 24)

Financing Your Small Business with David Miller of Enterprise Bank (Ep. 24)

By |

Are you a small business owner? Get ready for a deep dive into the world of financing for small business owners with Senior Vice President of Enterprise Bank, David Miller.

If you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to secure loans and grow your small business, then join us as we chat with David Miller about the numerous financial options and selling opportunities for your small business.

David shares his insights on the tools and resources available to small business owners, including the SBA loan program, the five Cs of credit (character, capacity, capital, conditions, and collateral impact), the options available for selling your business and what it takes for entrepreneurs and small businesses owners to secure financing. 

David discusses:

  • What is considered a small business according to Enterprise Bank
  • The unique lending needs of small business owners
  • The SBA loan program, what it is, and how it can benefit your business
  • The five C’s of credit and how they are used to determine the financing for a small business owner
  • What you can do to ensure you can secure financing 
  • Various options one can take when buying/selling companies. 
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with David Miller:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

About our Guest:

In September of 2003, David Miller assumed a position with Enterprise Bank in Allison Park, PA (north suburban Pittsburgh) as a Senior Vice President & Relationship Manager. His responsibilities at Enterprise Bank Presently include: Providing complete business banking services to small business clients across Western Pennsylvania. Underwriting conventional and SBA guaranteed commercial loan transactions. Managing the Bank’s business development efforts thru networking with existing Bank Customers, professionals, economic development agencies, and small business resources. Consulting with small business owners and principals on their financial needs and providing tailored and complete financial solutions for growing businesses. Providing referrals to small business technical assistance resources to help client businesses in implementing their growth strategies. Utilizing economic development, governmental and gap financing programs to supplement bank financing to provide overall lower costs of borrowing and more favorable loan structures to client businesses. Cross-selling of deposit and fee for service lines of business including bookkeeping, marketing, title insurance, online banking, and real estate services.

Presently, David Miller co-manages a Bank staff of seven commercial lenders/relationship managers and serves as the lead Business Development Officer for the Bank.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:31 — 46.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature
Using Life Insurance as an Asset in Your Portfolio (Ep. 23)

Using Life Insurance as an Asset in Your Portfolio (Ep. 23)

By |

In this episode, Bobby Samuelson, President and CEO of Life Innovators, breaks down the complexities of traditional fixed income investing options, and explores how life insurance can be used as an asset in your overall portfolio.

He breaks down how whole life insurance can be a versatile financial instrument, used for the protection of families and businesses, while helping build and enhance wealth. Bobby covers the unique benefits that differentiate whole life insurance from other financial instruments, how it works, its uses, and flexibility.

Bobby discusses:

  • His journey: Past work and what he’s currently doing as the president of Life Innovators
  • Why demand is on the rise for whole life insurance and annuities
  • The stability and returns trade-off of an insurance policy vs. a fixed-income portfolio
  • The complexities associated with investing in bonds
  • The benefits of whole life insurance
  • And so much more!

Resources:

Connect with Bobby Samuelson:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

About Our Guest:

Bobby Samuelson co-founded Life Innovators in 2018 and has been President and CEO since its inception. 

Bobby was formerly Senior Vice President and Head of Life Insurance and Annuity Product Development and Pricing at Brighthouse Financial and Vice President of Life Product Development at MetLife. 

Prior to joining MetLife in 2013, Bobby was a consultant to life insurers, distributors and high-end agents. He is the third generation of his family to work in life insurance. He is also the Executive Editor of The Life Product Review since 2012. 

Bobby is a regular keynote speaker at corporate and industry events.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:27 — 43.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature
How Much Life Insurance Can You Own? (Ep. 22)

How Much Life Insurance Can You Own? (Ep. 22)

By |

It’s impossible to measure the value of a human life. Who you are as a person, and what you mean to your family, friends, and your community, cannot be measured or a dollar value placed upon it. If you suddenly died, such a loss would be permanent, profound, and irreplaceable. Your future earnings potential is about the only thing that is replaceable through proper life insurance protection.

In this episode, we discuss the different mindset people tend to have when insuring material possessions vs. their own life. We also discuss how much life insurance you may be able to acquire based on your age and income, and why trying to figure out coverage amounts based on a needs analysis is the opposite of what most people truly want.

By the end of this episode, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how life insurance companies can determine the amount of coverage you’re eligible for, and what you can do to help protect the lifestyle you and your family worked so hard to create.

Jim discusses:

  • The importance of life insurance to help ensure that your family can maintain their lifestyle and financial security in the event of your death
  • Why insurance companies won’t allow someone to over-insure their property, income, or life
  • How trying to take a needs approach to determining your life insurance coverage is the opposite of how you treat your career
  • Life Insurance coverage amounts for business owners vs non-business owners
  • And a lot more!

Resources:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:31 — 33.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature
The Benefits of Employee Stock Ownership Plans for Business Owners with Ken Alter (Ep. 21)

The Benefits of Employee Stock Ownership Plans for Business Owners with Ken Alter (Ep. 21)

By |

With years of experience in helping businesses plan their exit strategies, Ken Alter, Managing Director at Planning Alliance, shares his insights on the mechanics of ESOPs(Employee Stock Ownership Plans), their benefits for both employers and employees and how they can be used as an effective tool for selling a business while maintaining control and achieving tax savings. 

If you’re a business owner looking to plan your exit strategy, this episode is a must-listen!

Ken discusses:

  • What an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is, and how it differs from other qualified plans
  • How ESOPs can be used as a tool for business owners to sell their businesses while maintaining control and achieving tax savings
  • Why ESOPs are attractive from a tax standpoint
  • The benefits of ESOPs for employees 
  • What employees can do to contribute to this plan
  • And so much more!

Resources:

Connect with Ken Alter:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

About Our Guest:

Kenneth L. Alter is a Managing Director with and Board Member of Planning Alliance. He provides financial, business, estate planning, and investment management solutions for entrepreneurs, their businesses, entrepreneurial families, and family (and multi-family) offices nationwide.

Since joining Planning Alliance in 2011, Kenneth has been a noteworthy leader in the wealth management space. In 2022, Forbes* ranked Kenneth as one of the Top 100 financial security professionals in the United States and as Top 5 in the state of New Jersey. He is active in various industry organizations, including Finseca, which represents the financial services industry on various legislative and regulatory issues that come before Congress and various federal agencies.  He also speaks at financial industry conferences nationwide and serves on the Living Balance Sheet faculty. He holds his Life, Accident and Health Insurance licenses along with FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:49 — 42.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More