FIN-LYT by EWA®

EWA LLC
  • 5.0 (51)
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A catalyst into financial literacy for all listeners. EWA is a Wealth Management firm serving physicians, retirees, business owners & corporate leaders. EWA provides holistic financial planning, wealth management, retirement planning, asset protection & guidance in complex financial decisions. Our top priority is to help clients balance competing goals & ensure their only non-renewable resource is protected: TIME. Join us as we unpack the most important topics, make the complex simple & share how sound financial planning helps you live life by design. Connect with EWA https://ewa-llc.com/

  1. 5D AGO

    Why Great Financial Plans Need Constant Calibration

    In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki, Ben Ruttenberg, and Drew Deimel break down why a financial plan only matters if it’s actually lived and continuously updated. They dive into one of the most frustrating trends in the industry: paying a large one time fee for a plan that never gets executed, and then watching that plan become outdated as life inevitably changes.The conversation centers on the idea that financial planning has a start but no real finish. Income changes, promotions, bonuses, RSUs, job transitions, marriage, divorce, kids, buying or selling a home, shifting goals, and new tax laws can all create inflection points that require recalibration. Matt, Ben, and Drew explain why proactive planning helps reduce surprises, especially tax surprises, and why having an ongoing thought partner can prevent common pitfalls like lifestyle creep, overspending, or over saving out of fear.They also share real world stories that highlight the hidden risks of a set it and forget it approach like missed tax opportunities, inefficient withdrawal strategies in retirement, outdated beneficiaries that could derail an estate plan, or even a 401k sitting in cash for 15 years. Along the way, they cover practical guardrails for major decisions like home buying stress tests plus the importance of regularly reviewing insurance and disability coverage as your family and responsibilities evolve.If you want a plan that adapts with you and helps you balance enjoying life today while staying on track for the future this episode is a must listen.Connect with EWA:https://ewa-llc.com/https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV:https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

    28 min

  2. FEB 3

    Direct Indexing for High-Net-Worth Investors

    In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, the team dives into one of the a powerful yet often underutilized strategy in modern wealth management: direct indexing. Matt Blocki and Nick Stonesifer unpack why this approach has become a core part of EWA’s investment philosophy, not because it promises to beat the market, but because of how dramatically it can improve after-tax outcomes while maintaining index-level performance. The conversation begins with a simple breakdown of what direct indexing actually is and why traditional mutual funds and even ETFs can create hidden tax inefficiencies inside non-qualified accounts. By owning the individual stocks that make up an index instead of a single fund, investors gain the ability to harvest losses continuously, even during long bull markets, creating what the team refers to as “tax alpha.” Through real-world examples, they show how strategically realizing losses can offset future gains, business sales, real estate transactions, and distributions, often saving hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over time. From there, the discussion expands into the flexibility direct indexing creates for high-net-worth investors, executives with concentrated stock positions, and retirees taking regular distributions. Matt and Nick explain how this structure allows for precise decision-making around which positions to sell, which to hold, and how to fund withdrawals or charitable giving without triggering unnecessary taxes. The episode highlights donor-advised fund strategies, concentrated stock unwind plans, and why pro-rata selling inside traditional portfolios can quietly erode long-term wealth. The episode closes with an inside look at how EWA executes direct indexing differently. Rather than relying on fully automated corporate platforms, the team explains why combining sophisticated technology with human oversight is critical. Managing tracking error, protecting portfolio integrity, and making judgment-based decisions around highly appreciated positions requires more than software alone. It’s the blend of data, experience, and human decision-making that allows EWA to deliver index-like returns while maximizing tax efficiency and long-term flexibility. If you’re a high-income professional, business owner, executive, or retiree who wants to understand how direct indexing can reduce taxes, improve cash flow, and create more control over your wealth, this episode offers clear, practical insight grounded in real client experience. Be sure to like and subscribe for weekly conversations designed to help you make smarter financial decisions and build a plan aligned with what matters most. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

    29 min

  3. JAN 27

    Advanced Estate Planning: Special Needs, Second Marriages, and Smart Trust Design

    In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Jimmy Ruttenberg, Jamison Smith, and Matt Blocki tackle one of the more emotionally complex and often misunderstood areas of financial planning: trust and estate strategies for protecting the people who matter most. The conversation begins with special needs trusts, including Jimmy’s deeply personal experience planning for his autistic son and the realities families face when thinking about long term care, government benefits, and who will step in when parents are no longer able. The team explains how special needs trusts work, why assets must be structured carefully, and how thoughtful planning can protect both the child with special needs and their siblings. From there, the discussion expands into irrevocable trusts and life insurance strategies designed to reduce estate taxes, create liquidity, and prevent forced asset sales at death. Jamison breaks down how irrevocable life insurance trusts can move significant wealth outside of an estate, provide tax efficiency, and serve as a powerful tool for generational planning especially for families with young children or concentrated assets. The episode closes with an in depth look at QTIP trusts and marital trusts, a critical solution for blended families and second marriages. The team walks through real world examples of how these structures can protect a surviving spouse while ensuring children from a prior marriage ultimately inherit the wealth, reducing conflict and creating clarity during emotionally charged transitions. If you have a special needs child, are part of a blended family, or want to understand how advanced trust planning can preserve wealth and family harmony across generations, this episode offers practical insight grounded in decades of experience. Be sure to like and subscribe for weekly conversations that help you make smarter financial decisions and design a life aligned with what matters most. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

    24 min

  4. JAN 20

    Managing Concentrated Stock Risk: From Concentration to Confidence

    In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Jamison Smith, Drew Deimel, and Ben Ruttenberg tackle a common challenge facing high earners today: managing concentrated stock positions. With the rise of AI, tech, and the dominance of the “Magnificent 7,” many investors now hold a significant portion of their net worth in a single stock or sector. While this concentration may have created substantial wealth, it can also introduce serious risk and complexity as retirement or financial independence approaches. The conversation explores why selling a highly successful stock can feel so difficult emotionally, especially when it represents years of loyalty, belief, or career success. Jamison, Drew, and Ben break down the psychology behind concentration risk and explain why diversification isn’t about giving up upside, but about protecting what you’ve already built. They also discuss how creating a clear, rules-based exit strategy can help remove emotion from critical financial decisions. From there, the episode walks through practical strategies to reduce risk and manage taxes. These include direct indexing and tax loss harvesting, NUA strategies for company stock in retirement plans, donor advised funds, ETF tax free exchanges, Roth positioning, option strategies, and timing sales during lower income years. Each approach is framed around balancing tax efficiency, risk management, and peace of mind. Whether you’re holding a single stock that’s grown far larger than intended or navigating equity compensation from a long career at one company, this episode offers a clear framework for turning concentrated wealth into long-term financial security. Connect with EWA:https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV:https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

    21 min

  5. JAN 13

    Trust Strategies for Business Owners and Multigenerational Families

    In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Jamison Smith, Matt Blocki, and Ben Ruttenberg take a deep dive into advanced irrevocable trust strategies and how they can be used to preserve wealth, reduce taxes, and intentionally transfer assets across generations. Drawing on real-world client scenarios, they explain why thoughtful trust design is critical as the U.S. undergoes the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history. The conversation breaks down three powerful but often misunderstood trust structures: Charitable Remainder Trusts, Generation-Skipping Trusts (GSTs), and Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs). Jamison, Matt, and Ben walk through practical examples, illustrating how charitably inclined families can create tax-efficient income streams, how GSTs can prevent wealth erosion across generations, and how business owners can move future appreciation outside their estate while maintaining control and cash flow. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that trusts should never be driven by tax savings alone. Instead, these strategies must align with a family’s values, lifestyle needs, legacy goals, and long-term financial security. The episode highlights common pitfalls, the importance of education and intentional planning, and why the right structure in the wrong situation can do more harm than good. Join us each week as we share insights to help you align your wealth with the life you want to live. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

    20 min

  6. JAN 6

    Selling Your Practice or Business: Life After the Millions

    In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Jimmy Ruttenberg, Jamison Smith, and Drew Deimel dive into one of the biggest financial shifts happening today: the massive transfer of wealth driven by business sales and generational change. With most U.S. wealth now held by those over 65, the decisions business owners make before, during, and after an exit have never mattered more. The conversation explores what really happens when a founder sells their business. From the emotional whiplash of stepping away from something you built to navigating employment contracts, lifestyle changes, and newfound financial freedom, the team shares real world insights from decades of working with business owners through these transitions. They also unpack the risks that follow a liquidity event, including lifestyle creep, overcomplicated investments, and poor communication with family. You’ll hear practical guidance on aligning spending with values, building a strong advisory team, planning for estate and tax efficiency, and preparing the next generation so wealth becomes a benefit, not a burden. If you’re a business owner thinking about an exit, recently sold a company, or want to understand how generational wealth is built and protected, this episode offers clear perspective and thoughtful frameworks. Be sure to like and subscribe for weekly conversations that help you make smarter financial decisions and design a life aligned with what matters most. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

    26 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    Tax Season with EWA: Lessons from Year One and What’s Ahead

    In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki is joined by Tyler Bidwell for a deep dive into the evolution of EWA Tax Services and what it really looks like when tax planning is fully integrated inside a wealth management firm. Reflecting on year one and looking ahead to the 2025 tax season, they unpack the wins, lessons learned, and strategic upgrades designed to dramatically improve the client experience. Matt and Tyler discuss why embedding tax professionals within a wealth advisory practice creates massive efficiencies, from eliminating redundant client homework to proactively anticipating tax issues long before filing deadlines. Drawing on Tyler’s 15 years in traditional public accounting, they compare the old CPA model to EWA’s integrated approach where advisors, tax professionals, and planning teams work from the same playbook with the client firmly at the center. The conversation highlights how proactive planning, detailed advisor notes, signed powers of attorney, and shared systems eliminate the frustrating back and forth clients often experience between CPAs and advisors. They also introduce EWA’s new technology partner, Stanford Tax, explaining how customized document checklists, automated tracking, and enhanced cybersecurity will save clients time, reduce stress, and streamline the entire tax process. Matt and Tyler close by sharing what excites them most about year two, including a growing tax team, stronger processes, and a firm-wide commitment to operating as “one ship” all moving in the same direction to serve clients better. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how thoughtful systems, collaboration, and philosophy can transform one of the most stressful parts of financial life into a smoother, more proactive experience. Join us each week as we share insights to help you align your wealth with the life you want to live. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

    22 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    When Is Enough Enough? The Psychology of Wealth

    In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Jamison Smith and Matt Blocki explore the psychology behind “When Enough Moves” and why high achievers often struggle to feel financially satisfied, no matter how much wealth they accumulate. Drawing from nearly two decades of advising experience, they break down how identity, stress, purpose, and social comparison all contribute to the ever-shifting net worth goalpost. Jamison and Matt share real client stories that reveal the hedonic treadmill at work, from business owners whose net worth goals jump from $3 million to $100 million to retirees who have more than enough but still struggle to give themselves permission to enjoy what they have built. They explain how wealth can amplify both fulfillment and anxiety, and why, without a clear philosophy, emotional discipline, and purpose driven intentions, accumulating more money can actually decrease life satisfaction. The conversation highlights the difference between healthy growth and toxic goal-chasing, offering practical frameworks such as values exercises, the life wheel, and defining “minimum, ideal, and stretch” lifestyle targets. They unpack the dangers of comparison, the importance of emotional risk management, and why true wealth is less about the balance sheet and more about autonomy, alignment, and peace of mind. Join us each week as we share insights to help you align your wealth with the life you want to live. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

    30 min
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About

A catalyst into financial literacy for all listeners. EWA is a Wealth Management firm serving physicians, retirees, business owners & corporate leaders. EWA provides holistic financial planning, wealth management, retirement planning, asset protection & guidance in complex financial decisions. Our top priority is to help clients balance competing goals & ensure their only non-renewable resource is protected: TIME. Join us as we unpack the most important topics, make the complex simple & share how sound financial planning helps you live life by design. Connect with EWA https://ewa-llc.com/

Information

  • Creator
    EWA LLC
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © EWA LLC
  • Show Website
    FIN-LYT by EWA®

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