FiduciWho

Leonard Raskin

Leonard Raskin, author of "FiduciWho? What a Real Fiduciary Will Tell You About How to Protect, Grow, Enjoy, and Transfer Your Wealth," isn't your average financial expert; he's more like a trusted friend, diving deep into your aspirations and concerns to create a holistic plan beyond mere finances. With over three decades of experience, Leonard's approach breaks away from conventional wisdom, offering refreshing insights that go beyond traditional financial advice. Through his book and podcast appearances, he infuses humor and storytelling to revolutionize the way people perceive and manage their wealth, empowering them to seize control of their financial destinies with confidence.

  1. Classic Rewind - Fritz Gilbert: Living The Retirement Manifesto

    11 hr ago

    Classic Rewind - Fritz Gilbert: Living The Retirement Manifesto

    Retirement isn’t just a money milestone. Fritz Gilbert shares why identity, purpose, and “refirement” may matter just as much as your portfolio. In this episode, Leonard and Fritz discuss: How Fritz launched The Retirement Manifesto blog and wrote 440+ articles on retirement strategyThe most overlooked yet critical element of retirement successWhy many retirees struggle with identity and purpose post-careerThe story behind Fritz and his wife founding the nonprofit “Freedom for Fido”The essential difference between “retirement” and “refirement” Key Takeaways: A fulfilling retirement doesn’t come from savings alone—it requires thoughtful planning around identity, structure, and a renewed sense of purpose. Without this preparation, many retirees find themselves unfulfilled despite being financially secure.Starting the mental and emotional preparation for retirement at least two to three years before leaving the workforce significantly increases the chances of a smooth and meaningful transition. It’s not just about the money—it’s about mindset.Think of retirement not as a finish line, but as the beginning of a new chapter filled with passion projects, adventure, and personal reinvention. It's the opportunity to finally do what lights you up—on your own terms.When you contribute your time and energy to causes that matter, like volunteering, you often discover deeper relationships and a renewed sense of connection. Giving back adds purpose that money simply can’t buy.Following your curiosity can unlock unexpected joys in retirement. For Fritz, that curiosity led to founding a nonprofit that builds fences for dogs—proof that passion often starts with a single step. “The number one key to a successful retirement is to start planning early—ideally two years out, one year at minimum. And don’t just focus on the financials. That’s a common mistake. You’ve got to expand your thinking into the non-financial areas as well.” - Fritz Gilbert About Fritz Gilbert: He is the founder of The Retirement Manifesto, an award-winning blog dedicated to “Helping People Achieve a Great Retirement.” He’s also the author of Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years. After a 33-year career in Corporate America, Fritz retired in 2018 at age 55 and now shares practical lessons to help others navigate their own retirement journey. He and his wife live in the Appalachian Mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia, with their three dogs, where they also run Freedom for Fido, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds free dog fences for low-income families with chained pets. Connect with Fritz Gilbert: Websites: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/ , https://freedomforfido.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritzgilbert/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRetirementManifesto  Fritz’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Successful-Retirement-Staying-Productive/dp/164611339X  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com   Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    40 min
  2. Ari Rastegar: Risk, Resilience, and Playing the Long Game in Real Estate

    3 days ago

    Ari Rastegar: Risk, Resilience, and Playing the Long Game in Real Estate

    Real estate “passive income” is anything but passive, especially when markets are volatile and fear is high. In this episode, you’ll hear how disciplined risk management, zoning arbitrage, and psychology-driven investing can create long-term wealth. In this episode, Leonard and Ari Rastegar discuss: Risk management and “risk-adjusted returns” in real estateZoning, entitlements, and asset-class agnostic developmentNavigating fear, market cycles, and investor psychologyMisconceptions about “passive income” and DIY real estate investingInvestor alignment, accessibility, and co-investment with institutions Key Takeaways:  Effective real estate investing starts with obsessing over how you could lose money and building structures to manage, not eliminate, that risk.Being asset-class agnostic and focusing on zoning and entitlements can unlock hidden value long before a shovel ever hits the ground.The most attractive deals often emerge during periods of fear, volatility, and negative headlines, precisely when most investors are the most reactive and hesitant.So‑called “passive income” in real estate usually demands intense, around-the-clock active management, making professional oversight far more valuable than many high performers assume.Long-term success in investing and business requires psychological endurance: the willingness to endure cycles, confront hard conversations, and continuously learn from failure.  “Private equity in real estate, in particular, real estate is about counter-punching, and it's about knowing when to, when others are scared, when others are selling, when things are going whatever, knowing when to be aggressive and buy things at a discount, and that's exactly what this time is right now.” - Ari Rastegar About Ari Rastegar: Ari Rastegar is the Founder and CEO of Rastegar Capital, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm based in Austin, Texas. Known as one of America’s most forward-thinking real estate investors, Ari has built a diverse national portfolio spanning multifamily, industrial, self-storage, and mixed-use assets. A first-generation Iranian-American and author of the acclaimed book The Gift of Failure, Ari’s journey from modest beginnings to building a billion-dollar enterprise embodies his core belief: failure isn’t final — it’s fuel. His philosophy of turning adversity into opportunity has made him a sought-after voice on leadership, resilience, and the future of American growth markets. Ari has been featured on Fox News, CNBC, Forbes, Bloomberg, and Business Insider, where he speaks on the intersection of real estate, economics, and mindset — offering sharp insights into why people and capital flow where they’re treated best. Connect with Ari Rastegar: Website: http://www.rastegarcapital.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arirastegar  X: https://twitter.com/AriRastegar   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arirastegar  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ari_Rastegar   Book: The Gift of Failure – https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Failure-Turn-Missteps-Success/dp/1544523211/ref=asc_df_1544523211/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=598354936952&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12557661389217729104&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028310&hvtargid=pla-1678938210209&psc=1   Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    35 min
  3. Classic Rewind - Jesse Cramer: Smart Planning Beats Smart Investing

    26 Jun

    Classic Rewind - Jesse Cramer: Smart Planning Beats Smart Investing

    What if the smartest retirement move isn’t picking better investments, but understanding how your whole financial life actually works? Jesse Cramer joins Leonard to explain why smart planning beats smart investing. In this episode, Leonard and Jesse discuss: Journey from aerospace engineer to personal finance educatorWhy understanding your real spending habits is critical to retirement planningHow the engineering mindset helps break down complex financial systemsThe most common financial mistakes people make—and how to prevent themHow podcasting and financial education can empower individuals at all life stages Key Takeaways: Many individuals drastically underestimate their actual monthly spending, leading to flawed financial plans that feel solid—until the numbers don't add up.Financial planning mirrors a spider web: every financial decision pulls on another thread, revealing an intricate system where nothing exists in isolation.While investments often take center stage, the true value lies in holistic planning—blending tax strategies, risk protection, and long-term income coordination.Clarity begins with humility: assuming no prior knowledge, effective educators break down complex topics to their first principles, avoiding industry jargon.When people truly understand both their risk exposure and spending habits, they gain the confidence to make intentional, informed financial choices. "It's the idea that I don't want to say investing is table stakes in our industry, because it's probably not, but I think investing can be the easier part of our job... I just like learning all the cool stuff in the planning world that I didn't know before.” - Jesse Cramer About Jesse Cramer: He is the founder and voice behind The Best Interest Blog and the Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors Podcast, where he educates over 25,000 DIY investors and financial advisors every month. With a background in mechanical and aerospace engineering, Jesse has a gift for making complex financial topics surprisingly simple. Today, he brings that same clarity and precision to his work as a fiduciary, fee-only advisor at a wealth management firm in Rochester, New York. Connect with Jesse Cramer: Website: https://bestinterest.blog/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-cramer-11b58155/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors-the-best-interest/id1553180943  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com   Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    44 min
  4. Tom Ruwitch: From Boring to Brilliant with the PLAN Storytelling Framework

    23 Jun

    Tom Ruwitch: From Boring to Brilliant with the PLAN Storytelling Framework

    Discover why most expert content falls flat and how a simple PLAN framework can turn everyday stories into client-magnet messages. In this episode, Leonard and Tom Ruwitch discuss: Early days of email marketing and media industry lessonsWhy information-only content fails to attract clientsThe PLAN framework: Promise, Lesson, Anecdote, Next StepStories as a repeatable system for content creationImplementum: combining strategy, technology, and team support to help business owners execute consistently Key Takeaways:  Information alone rarely moves prospects; pairing a meaningful promise with a clear lesson is what makes content matter.Story-driven content keeps people engaged for years, so that when the timing is right, they’re already primed to buy.A simple framework, Promise, Lesson, Anecdote, Next Step, turns content creation from a creative struggle into a repeatable assembly process.Great marketing isn’t just about better tools; without strong content and consistent implementation, even the fanciest tech underperforms.Business owners often become their own bottleneck, and freeing them from tech and execution work lets them focus on serving clients and closing sales.  “The difference between content that is blah and boring and prospect repelling and content that is captivating and entertaining and client attracting is that framework promise lesson anecdote next step.” - Tom Ruwitch About Tom Ruwitch: Tom Ruwitch is a business advisor, storytelling standout, and content marketing pioneer who helps business leaders create, deliver, and track client-attracting content and cure tech headaches. In 2001, Tom founded the email marketing software and services company MarketVolt. This was before most business people had even heard of email marketing, much less tried it. MarketVolt licensed its groundbreaking software to businesses around the globe, and it operated as a full-service agency – helping businesses of all sizes attract prospects and land clients with online and offline marketing strategies and tactics. After selling MarketVolt in 2019, Tom founded Story Power Marketing. Authors, coaches, and other experts hire Tom to transform their content from boring to brilliant – without writer’s block – so prospects tune in, turn on, and buy. In 2021, Tom launched Implementum -- an all-in-one marketing, operations, and analytics platform that includes customized, done-for-you campaigns, strategy, and hands-on training. Implementum helps business leaders build automated marketing machines so they can grow and profit without tech headaches. Connect with Tom Ruwitch: Website: https://storypowermarketing.com  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tomruwitch  Facebook: https://facebook.com/tomruwitch  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tom-ruwitch  Book: https://storypowerbook.com  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    42 min
  5. Tommy Whitehead: Building Success Through Community, Construction, and Leadership

    18 Jun

    Tommy Whitehead: Building Success Through Community, Construction, and Leadership

    A layoff in the Great Recession pushed him out of hospitality and into thousands of renovation projects—now he’s building homes, communities, and entrepreneurs across Tampa Bay. In this episode, discover how he uses construction, strategic networking, and large‑scale events to create lasting impact and opportunity.   In this episode, Leonard and Tommy Whitehead discuss: ●    Transition from finance and hospitality into construction and development ●    ADUs, affordable housing, and Florida’s evolving regulations ●    Disaster renovation, floodplains, and long-term real estate plays ●    Leadership, hiring, and building an executive team for growth ●    Community impact, networking strategy, and the Building Success Summit   Key Takeaways: ●    Career pivots often start in crisis: unemployment during the Great Recession led to thousands of renovation projects and ultimately a thriving construction firm. ●    Accessory Dwelling Units are becoming a critical tool for affordability, multi‑generational living, and rental income, but they live and die by local zoning and regulation. ●    Reputation is built less by ads and more by visible community contribution, from nonprofit partnerships to hosting high‑value networking events without expecting an immediate return. ●    Trying to save money by skipping professionals—accountants, attorneys, permits, inspections—almost always creates bigger, more expensive problems down the road. ●    Over‑customizing a property and making emotional renovation decisions can crush resale value; smart owners run the numbers first and design with the next buyer in mind.   “You're your number one fan, and you're your number one obstacle.” - Tommy Whitehead   About Tommy Whitehead: Tommy is the Founder and CEO of TomCo Solutions, a rapidly growing design-build construction firm focused on innovative housing solutions, including custom builds, renovations, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). A recognized leader in the Tampa Bay business community, Tommy is also the founder of the Building Success Summit and author of the Amazon Best-Selling book Building Success: A Toolbox for Coming Out On Top. With a passion for entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and community impact, Tommy has built multiple ventures spanning construction, real estate development, and business education. His work blends practical industry expertise with thought leadership, helping others scale their businesses and build lasting success.   Connect with Tommy Whitehead: Website: https://tommywhitehead.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommywhitehead/ Facebook TomCo: https://www.facebook.com/TomCoSolutions   Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com   Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    40 min
  6. Jacob Vanderslice: The Discipline Behind Smart Real Estate Investing

    7 Apr

    Jacob Vanderslice: The Discipline Behind Smart Real Estate Investing

    Jacob Vanderslice is a co-founder and Principal at VanWest Partners, a Denver-based real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of self-storage facilities. Under his fundraising leadership, VanWest has strategically deployed over $375 million in capital in value-add self-storage facilities across the United States.  In this episode, Leonard and Jacob Vanderslice discuss: Why disciplined investing sometimes means saying no to nearly every deal in the marketHow Van West evaluates self-storage opportunities through supply, rents, and downside riskThe difference between investing directly in real estate versus investing passively with an operatorWhat leverage, interest rates, and lower loan proceeds mean for today’s real estate returnsWhy operator quality can matter as much as the asset itself in private equity investing Key Takeaways:  In a difficult market, discipline is often defined by what you choose not to buy. Van West reviewed more than 900 acquisition opportunities, modeled about 250, and purchased just one.Value-add investing often comes from relentless attention to operational details. Small savings on expenses, taxes, contracts, and inefficiencies can compound into meaningful increases in net operating income and asset value.Passive real estate investing gives investors access to experienced operators, tax benefits, and income potential without the time, capital, and management burden of owning property directly.In today’s market, higher interest rates, lower leverage, and reduced loan proceeds have changed return expectations. Investors and operators must adapt to a more conservative environment.Strong underwriting begins with the downside. Great operators spend less time chasing the story for winning and more time understanding how a deal could go wrong and how to reduce that risk upfront.  “Leverage is a wonderful and terrifying thing. Leverage, when used appropriately, can really increase your deal returns, but when used inappropriately, it can exponentially increase your risk profile at the same time.” - Jacob Vanderslice Connect with Jacob Vanderslice: Website: https://www.vanwestpartners.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-vanderslice-02905b16b/  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    39 min
  7. Arias WebsterBerry: From Survival to Scalable Success in Digital Marketing

    24 Mar

    Arias WebsterBerry: From Survival to Scalable Success in Digital Marketing

    Arias WebsterBerry is an experienced entrepreneur and digital marketing expert with over a decade of success building revenue-driven brands. As Founder and CEO of WebsterBerry Marketing, he has helped hundreds of clients grow through services like web design, sales funnels, social media, CRM, and branding. He also created Launch Ignition AI, a business accelerator that automates marketing systems, delivering up to 312% lead growth and a 5× revenue increase. In addition to launching ventures like Ignite Funnels and authoring Content Cannon, Arias is a certified Scrum Master and Master Sales Coach who has mentored over 400 professionals and contributed to more than $112 million in client revenue. His leadership extends into cultural initiatives, including producing the Hip Hop 101 Music & Art Festival, recognized by the Los Angeles City Council, and his global experiences inform his ability to build scalable, human-centered growth strategies that empower entrepreneurs to achieve meaningful results.  In this episode, Leonard and Arias WebsterBerry discuss: How Arias turned adversity and instability into entrepreneurial driveThe real role of AI in modern business growth and automationWhy most entrepreneurs struggle to adopt new technology and how to overcome itThe biggest marketing mistakes business owners make todayHow to build authority instead of chasing attention Key Takeaways:  Entrepreneurship often begins as a necessity, but long-term success comes from systems, persistence, and continuous learning.AI is not optional; it’s a competitive advantage for those willing to adopt it early and experiment through the learning curve.Many business owners overcomplicate marketing; starting with a simple landing page and lead capture system can create immediate momentum.Building a personal brand is no longer optional; people connect with people, not logos.Perfection slows growth; authenticity and consistency build stronger trust with the audience than polished content.  “If I wanted stability and control over my future, I was going to have to build it myself.” - Arias WebsterBerry Connect with Arias WebsterBerry: Website: https://www.websterberrymarketing.com/  Ignite Funnels: https://www.ignitefunnels.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariasweb/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariasweb/  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    43 min
  8. Wendy Meadows: Navigating Divorce with Clarity, Mediation, and Resilience

    17 Mar

    Wendy Meadows: Navigating Divorce with Clarity, Mediation, and Resilience

    Wendy S. Meadows is a seasoned family law attorney, former litigator, certified life Coach and mediator. She is also the author of the best-selling book, Sparkle & GRIT, a framework that helps high-achieving women break free from burnout and live on Purpose.  Today, Wendy helps women who’ve “checked all the boxes” but still feel stuck. She blends practical strategies with a compassionate mindset to help them reboot their habits, re-ignite their purpose, and build lives that actually fit. She also works closely with lawyers— especially those ready to go solo or restructure their practices—offering strategic coaching, systems consulting, and speaking engagements for law firms looking to prevent burnout, increase retention, and foster sustainable success.  In this episode, Leonard and Wendy Meadows discuss: Mediation can often produce similar outcomes to litigation, but with less cost, stress, and timeThe most common financial mistakes people make when dividing assets during divorceWhy financial advisors are essential in showing whether a divorce settlement is actually sustainableHow identity loss and emotional stress impact professionals during major life transitionsThe warning signs of burnout and practical ways to recover from it Key Takeaways:  Divorce is often the largest financial transaction a person will experience in their lifetime. Without careful planning and professional guidance, simple decisions about assets, retirement accounts, or housing can create long-term financial consequences.Many couples believe they can save money by managing the divorce process themselves. In reality, DIY financial decisions, such as improperly liquidating retirement accounts, can trigger unnecessary taxes or penalties.Mediation can help couples resolve disputes faster and with less cost and friction than traditional litigation, even when the final buckets of division may look similar.Financial advisors play an essential role in helping divorcing clients understand long-term outcomes. Detailed projections and planning tools can reveal whether a settlement is truly sustainable for both parties.Burnout is a normal part of high-pressure careers, but recognizing the warning signs early makes recovery easier. Simple practices like journaling, movement, and structured daily planning can restore clarity and momentum.  “I have a baseline belief that everyone will be okay and everyone has the tools to be okay.” - Wendy Meadows Connect with Wendy Meadows: Website: https://www.sparkleandgrit.com/ & https://wendysmeadows.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-sare-meadows-ba80285/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072318214998  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_s_meadows/  Grab Wendy’s free sparkle & GRIT Playbook: https://www.sparkleandgrit.com/playbook  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    41 min

About

Leonard Raskin, author of "FiduciWho? What a Real Fiduciary Will Tell You About How to Protect, Grow, Enjoy, and Transfer Your Wealth," isn't your average financial expert; he's more like a trusted friend, diving deep into your aspirations and concerns to create a holistic plan beyond mere finances. With over three decades of experience, Leonard's approach breaks away from conventional wisdom, offering refreshing insights that go beyond traditional financial advice. Through his book and podcast appearances, he infuses humor and storytelling to revolutionize the way people perceive and manage their wealth, empowering them to seize control of their financial destinies with confidence.