Category: Truth

The Intersection of Energy and Wealth: Key Trends to Watch with Mitch Kerr (Ep. 130)

The Intersection of Energy and Wealth: Key Trends to Watch with Mitch Kerr (Ep. 130)

Are you ready for the next energy revolution?

John and Michael Parise from Copper Beech Financial Group explore this critical topic with Mitch Kerr, Senior Portfolio Manager at Ategenos Capital.

John, Michael, and Mitch examine the forces shaping global energy markets, from record-breaking oil production to the innovative potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Mitch unpacks the complexities of LNG exports, the challenges renewables face in scaling, and how nuclear innovations are changing the energy landscape.

Tune in as they also discuss strategies for building future-ready portfolios, the role of cryptocurrencies and precious metals in uncertain markets, and the path forward for investors navigating a rapidly evolving global energy economy.

Key Talking Points:

  • (03:09) Oil production: Why high production meets low prices—and what it means for the future
  • (04:07) LNG exports: How natural gas is shaping geopolitics and global energy security
  • (14:29) Renewable energy: Addressing AI-driven electricity demand and scaling challenges
  • (16:40) Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Why nuclear technology is poised for growth
  • (31:02) US energy independence: Policy shifts and their implications for global dominance
  • (32:14) Bitcoin, gold, and silver: Smart diversification strategies for an evolving economy
  • And much more! 

Connect with Michael Kerr, CFA:

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About Our Guest: 

Mitch Kerr is a Senior Portfolio Manager for Ategenos Capital. As part of the Private Wealth team, he partners with advisors to serve their high-net-worth and institutional clients. He is also a member of Ategenos Capital’s Investment Committee.

Before joining Ategenos Capital, Mitch was the associate head of the wealth advisory practice at Brinker Capital Investments. He and his team collaborated with financial advisors to design and implement customized investment solutions for high-net-worth individuals and institutions.

Mitch brings over 22 years of experience in the investment management industry, with previous roles in portfolio management and investment research at TD Wealth, Wells Fargo Private Bank, and Gardner Lewis Asset Management.

Mitch received his Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Japanese from the University of Notre Dame. He holds his FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses and is a CFA charter holder.

The Future of Money: Gold, Silver, and You with Andy Schectman (Ep. 129)

The Future of Money: Gold, Silver, and You with Andy Schectman (Ep. 129)

What happens when gold outpaces all expectations in a world where currency devalues?

In this episode, John and Michael Parise from Copper Beech Financial Group delve into this intriguing question with Andy Schectman from Miles Franklin. 

John and Michael take you on an exploration of gold and silver markets, challenging the notion of free markets as Andy unravels the complexities of managed markets and manipulated perceptions. 

So, tune in as they discuss the intriguing dynamics behind currency devaluation, the Western financial manipulation that impacts precious metals, and the growing global interest in precious metals.

Talking points include: 

  • (01:38) The historical and ongoing manipulation of precious metals markets
  • (13:35) The role of central banks in gold accumulation and market dynamics 
  • (16:44) The implications of the dollar devaluation on gold prices
  • (34:08) The emergence of a new BRICS settlement currency and its impact on global finance
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest: 

Andy Schectman is the president and owner of Miles Franklin. Prior to starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andrew became a Licensed Financial Planner, specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $9 billion in sales, Andrew has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve their clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions,  including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.

Estate Planning Essentials: Understanding Asset Succession (Ep. 128)

Estate Planning Essentials: Understanding Asset Succession (Ep. 128)

Have you reviewed your beneficiary designations lately? The impact could be more significant than you think. Ensuring your assets are inherited as you intend starts with one critical step: understanding the importance of asset succession and beneficiary designations.

Today on The Truth About Wealth, John and Michael Parise of Copper Beech Financial Group explore the complexities of asset succession in estate planning. From the nuances of beneficiary designations to the effects of the Secure Act, they highlight key information to ensure your wealth transitions smoothly to the next generation. Tune in to learn about protecting your family’s financial future and avoiding common estate planning mistakes.

John and Michael discuss:

  • Why it’s important to regularly review and update your beneficiary designations to ensure they reflect your current wishes and avoid potential familial conflicts
  • How the Secure Act impacts the inheritance of IRAs and strategies to minimize tax exposure for your heirs
  • How different asset titling affects inheritance and the importance of consulting legal advisors for proper asset protection
  • Why you should regularly meet with financial advisors to revisit your estate plan and accommodate any changes in your life or tax laws
  • And more

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

The Purpose of a Purpose Trust with David Warren (Ep. 127)

The Purpose of a Purpose Trust with David Warren (Ep. 127)

Take advantage of the full potential of your estate planning strategy by learning about purpose trusts. This episode, featuring David Warren from Bridgeford Trust, dives deep into innovative ways to protect your wealth for generations.

John and Michael Parise bring back David, co-founder and chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company, to explore the innovative concept of a purpose trust – an underutilized yet powerful tool for estate planning that can provide asset protection, perpetuate family values, and even accommodate unique needs like cryogenics. 

Tune in as this conversation may help you transform your approach to asset protection and long-term financial planning!

John, Michael, and David discuss:

  • An introduction to the purpose trust: its definition and primary functions
  • Real-world examples, including charitable purposes and maintaining lifelong commitments such as taking care of pets or holding a family property
  • The benefits of purpose trusts over traditional trusts, focusing on asset protection and longevity
  • How South Dakota’s favorable trust laws make it an ideal jurisdiction for establishing these trusts
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with David Warren:

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About Our Guest: 

David Warren is the co-founder and chairman of the Board of Bridgeford Trust Company. With over 20 years of experience as an attorney in the financial services industry, David has a wealth of knowledge on working with ultra-high-net-worth families across the nation and around the world. As a leader at Bridgeford Trust Company, he shapes the strategic growth and brand development. Outside of his roles at Bridgeford, David often speaks throughout the country and around the world on modern and progressive U.S. trust law, addressing several professional organizations and audiences each year.

Copper Beech’s Philosophy & Vision (Ep. 126)

Copper Beech’s Philosophy & Vision (Ep. 126)

Are you certain your family’s financial future is secure for generations to come? 

Understanding the true value of your wealth goes beyond numbers; it’s about creating a lasting legacy.

Today on The Truth About Wealth, John and Michael Parise revisit the foundation of Copper Beech Financial Group, explore the unique concept of a family CFO, and discuss strategies to effectively preserve and transfer wealth from the first to the third generation for 100-year families. 

Tune in and gain insights into their holistic approach, which incorporates financial planning, education, and maintaining family values to ensure long-term prosperity and unity.

John and Michael cover:

  • The evolution and vision behind Copper Beech Financial Group
  • The role and significance of a family CFO
  • Creating 100-year family plans and the importance of generational involvement
  • Using legacy videos to bridge value gaps between generations
  • And more!

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Hiring Leadership With Purpose Featuring Max Hansen (Ep. 125)

Hiring Leadership With Purpose Featuring Max Hansen (Ep. 125)

Do you need help to hire and retain top talent for your business?

In this episode, John and Michael Parise are joined by Max Hansen, CEO and co-founder of Y Scouts, the first-ever purpose-based leadership search firm. Together, they dive into the importance of hiring with purpose and discuss strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent to accelerate business growth and success. 

From aligning values to developing key leaders, they also share valuable insights on how businesses can unlock their full potential through strategic hiring practices.

Talking points include:

  • The concept of Hiring on Purpose and its impact on business success
  • Challenges faced by privately held companies in succession planning and talent retention
  • Strategies for developing a solid management team to increase company value
  • Balancing the need for outside talent with family involvement in closely held businesses
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Max Hansen:

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About Our Guest: 

Max Hansen, co-founder and COO of Y Scouts dedicated the last two decades to providing the best hiring practices in leadership search and consulting. Max was fortunate that his first job after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Arizona in Business Administration was with the Fortune 50 Recruiting firm Allegis Group / Aerotek. This experience gave him a solid foundation for understanding best-in-class business systems and selection processes. 

In January of 2002, Max founded his first recruiting/search firm, Job Brokers, Inc. Together with his team, they went on to hire more than 30,000 people across a wide swath of industries including engineering, manufacturing, education, healthcare, distribution, mining, finance, technology, and apparel. They proudly grew their annual revenues to over $35 million and expanded into other divisions and brands. The most notable being Y Scouts in 2012.

Preparing Tax Strategies for the Upcoming Tax Provision Changes (Ep. 124)

Preparing Tax Strategies for the Upcoming Tax Provision Changes (Ep. 124)

How do the changing tax provisions impact your financial planning?

Today on The Truth About Wealth, John and Michael Parise discuss the implications of the expiring tax provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. They underscore the necessity of proactive tax planning and the importance of consulting with advisors to maximize benefits before these provisions lapse. 

Their conversation spans estate planning, business tax laws, individual tax brackets, and charitable planning, highlighting the urgency for families to strategize for their financial future in light of these changes.

Talking points include:

  • Expiring tax provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
  • The need for proactive tax planning
  • What tax provisions are expiring, and what provisions are permanent
  • Considerations in estate planning
  • Updates on business tax laws
  • Changes in individual income tax brackets
  • Strategies for charitable planning
  • And more!

Resources:

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Increasing Tax Efficiency and Asset Protection Through MSOs with Doug Dickey (Ep. 123)

Increasing Tax Efficiency and Asset Protection Through MSOs with Doug Dickey (Ep. 123)

How can Management Services Organizations (MSOs) enhance tax efficiency and asset protection for businesses?

Today on The Truth About Wealth, John and Michael Parise welcome back Doug Dickey, CPA, CEPA, Manager, and Shareholder at DRDA, PLLC, for a conversation about the intricacies of management services organizations (MSOs). 

Doug provides a comprehensive explanation of MSOs, detailing their origins in asset protection and their evolution to include tax efficiency and increased purchasing power. He also emphasizes the importance of proper entity structuring to safeguard assets and avoid piercing the corporate veil. 

Key points include:

  • What are Management Services Organizations (MSOs)
  • The use of MSOs in tax efficiency and asset protection
  • IRS’s perspective on MSOs and creative ways clients can use MSOs for tax and cash flow advantages
  • Advantages of using a C corporation structure for real estate ownership
  • The importance of working with the right team
  • Estate planning concepts and transfer of wealth for multiple generations using C corporations
  • And more!

Resources:

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Is a C Corporation Right for You? with Doug Dickey (Ep. 122)

Is a C Corporation Right for You? with Doug Dickey (Ep. 122)

Is becoming a C Corporation the best tax strategy for your business?

Today on The Truth About Wealth, John and Michael Parise speak with Doug Dickey, CPA, CEPA, Manager, and Shareholder at DRDA, PLLC, about the benefits and tax implications of using C corporations for business structures post Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 

They explore the flat 21% tax rate for C corporations, the potential tax savings compared to flow-through entities, and strategies for managing double taxation on dividends. 

So, tune in as Doug highlights the importance of entity choice for asset protection, tax planning, and reinvestment opportunities, emphasizing the flexibility C corporations provide for businesses aiming to maximize after-tax profits and growth.

Talking points include:

  • What’s a C corporation
  • The use of C corporations after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
  • Tax implications and benefits of C corporations compared to other entities
  • Comparing the tax burden between C corporations and flow-through entities
  • The value of considering a C corporation structure for businesses with significant earnings
  • Tax efficiency and flexibility of C corporations for business growth and capital accumulation
  • And more!

Connect with Doug Dickey: 

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Case Study: How Upline Planning Helps Families Preserve Wealth Through Generations (Ep. 121)

Case Study: How Upline Planning Helps Families Preserve Wealth Through Generations (Ep. 121)

How can generational planning help secure your family’s wealth for the future?

Today on The Truth About Wealth, John and Michael Parise get together for a follow-up from the previous episode about upline generational planning.

This week, they explore two case studies: the first concerning a family business owner with asset protection needs due to the father’s illness and estate tax exposure, and the second involving a family’s desire to establish a philanthropic foundation.

The discussion covers the importance of estate planning documents, beneficiary designations, charitable trusts, and aligning philanthropic efforts with family values.

Talking points include:

  • Case studies related to estate planning and asset protection
  • The importance of involving multiple generations in the wealth planning process
  • How to minimize tax exposure and protect family assets
  • Charitable planning and the use of charitable remainder trusts
  • The value of educating families about planning strategies and potential impact on taxes and wealth preservation
  • And more!

Resources:

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