Handcrafting Your Retirement

Brett Ramsey

Welcome to Handcrafting Your Retirement with Brett Ramsey from Artisan Wealth Strategies. In this podcast we help retirees as well as those who are considering retirement overcome generic wealth management advice that limits your future. We do this by handcrafting customized financial strategies centered on your unique lifestyle. Jump on board for this journey where we delve into strategies that can help make your money outlast you as Brett draws from years of experience with guest experts to eliminate cookie-cutter savings strategies.

  1. FEB 25

    Building a Financial Planning Practice Centered on Leadership with Craig Clements, CLF® (Ep. 36)

    What transforms a chance meeting into a partnership that reshapes your professional future? How do you build a financial planning practice that truly puts clients at the center of everything you do? In this episode, Brett Ramsey interviews Craig Clements, CLF®, LPL Financial Advisor, about his journey from aspiring medical student to financial planning leader. Craig shares how a mentor’s focus on leadership over numbers shaped his career philosophy, his experience training over a thousand advisors, and the comprehensive seasonal service model he developed. They discuss the importance of building a team approach to financial planning and how chance meetings can transform your path. Craig discusses: His transition from pre-med to financial services and how a mentor taught him planning is about leadership Training over a thousand advisors and observing what makes financial planning practices deliver great value The seasonal client service model addressing planning, portfolio management, tax strategies, and protection Building a team-based approach where relationship managers coordinate subject matter experts for clients Creating ongoing accountability relationships that help clients avoid emotional financial decisions And more!  Connect with Brett Ramsey: (317) 660-2855 LinkedIn: Brett Ramsey Website: Artisan Wealth Strategies Facebook: Brett Ramsey Connect with Craig Clements: LinkedIn: Craig Clements About Our Guest: Craig Clements is a Financial Advisor at Artisan Wealth Strategies with over two decades of experience in comprehensive financial planning and leadership development. Originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, Craig attended Ole Miss on a baseball and academic scholarship before transitioning from pre-med studies to financial services. He began his career in Portland, Oregon at age 22, where a mentor taught him that financial planning is fundamentally about leadership, defining client goals and dreams, creating roadmaps to achieve them, and maintaining ongoing relationships to keep people on track. Throughout his career, Craig has held multiple leadership positions across several major financial services firms, including serving as Regional Managing Director overseeing advisors across Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky. He has trained and mentored over a thousand financial advisors, developing comprehensive planning models and the seasonal client service approach that addresses all aspects of financial life throughout the year. Craig is known for his team-based philosophy, believing that the best outcomes come from relationship managers coordinating subject matter experts across portfolio management, insurance, cash flow, estate planning, and tax strategies. Craig lives in Noblesville, Indiana, with his wife Carrie, who runs a volunteer lost dog recovery service for Hamilton County. His approach to financial planning emphasizes putting clients first, creating ongoing accountability relationships, and helping people avoid emotional financial decisions through proactive planning. Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

    28 min
  2. 08/06/2025

    When the Caregiving Role Reverses: A Heartfelt Look at Family, Responsibility, and Aging (Ep. 35)

    What do you do when the roles reverse, and your parents need your support? In this episode, Brett Ramsey shares emotional moments of caregiving, navigating difficult decisions for aging parents, and the complex transition from child to caregiver.  Joined by Christine Ramsey, Dean Mourfield, and Stephanie Inlow, each at different stages of caregiving, this conversation explores the practical, emotional, and financial challenges of supporting loved ones. Key Points: The emotional moment Brett’s grandmother entrusted him to make care decisions for her future, highlighting early promises and later realities The transition from sympathy to empathy in caregiving, and the shock of how quickly independence can disappear The logistics and emotional toll of long-distance caregiving, balancing children, careers, and elderly parents The pain and practicality of moving loved ones into care facilities and making end-of-life decisions The importance of community, flexibility, and preparation in managing the caregiving journey for both emotional and financial well-being And more!  Connect with Brett Ramsey: LinkedIn: Brett Ramsey Facebook: Brett Ramsey Website: Artisan Wealth Strategies Connect with Dean Mourfield:  LinkedIn: Dean Alan Mourfield dean@artisanwealthstrategies.com  Connect with Stephanie Inlow:  LinkedIn: Stephanie Inlow stephanie@artisanwealthstrategies.com  About Dean Mourfield:  Dean is the owner of Artisan Wealth Strategies, as well as our Senior Partner and Financial Advisor. Dean has been in the industry since 1988, when he started as a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed, Inc., a major American investment corporation. He went on to become Principal/Branch Manager of both the Louisville, KY, division of Waddell & Reed as well as the Indianapolis division, where he supervised and trained financial advisors from 1993 to 2010.  In 2010, Dean decided to move away from leadership back into the financial advisor role after being asked by 26-year veteran advisor Jim McFarland to take over care of his clients. When asked why he stepped out of the leadership role, his response was that he always knew that he would. His first love of the business was the personal nature of the advisor role and the ongoing opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.  Dean continues to work with the majority of those families and enjoys working to help with all phases of their financial lives.  Dean specializes in retirement income planning and multi-generational wealth transfer.  Dean attended Indiana State University, where he majored in Finance, and was involved in a wide variety of campus activities. About Stephanie Inlow:  Stephanie Inlow is our Director of Client Communications and Marketing. With her 20-plus years of customer service experience, she is looking forward to helping maintain, deepen, and enhance the relationships of current and future clients. Throughout her career with the different roles she has held, she has developed strong organizational, operational, and marketing skills, which she plans to put into practice to help grow the company. In one of the positions Stephanie held at a local church, she was given the opportunity to lead a Faith and Finance ministry, where Brett Ramsey was her key volunteer. Little did she know, at the time, that 10 years later their paths would cross again. Stephanie grew up in Zionsville, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana State University. After graduating from ISU, she started her work career and has learned over the years that it is important to have a good work ethic to achieve her goals. Stephanie began achieving her goals one step at a time. She learned that sometimes she had to step out of her comfort zone and take that step of faith, even when she wasn’t sure what lay ahead. Each step she has taken in her career has prepared her for the next step. By taking that step of faith, she has made a difference, not only in her life, but in the lives of others. She enjoys helping others pursue their goals. Today, Stephanie lives in Fishers, Indiana, with her husband Andrew and their two beautiful daughters, Ava and Jenna.  When she is not hard at work, you will find her spending time with her family, traveling, baking, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. She enjoys being active outdoors and relaxing in her happy place, which is in the sun by the beach. However, the Indiana girl has learned to be grateful for the sun that shines on her back patio.  Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

    42 min
  3. 06/06/2025

    Private Markets in Retirement Portfolios with Jay Wyckoff (Ep. 34)

    What if the smartest investors aren’t just picking the right stocks, but accessing an entirely different part of the investing universe?  Most people have never heard of private markets, but they might be the missing ingredient in a truly resilient retirement plan. In this episode, Brett Ramsey sits down with Jay Wyckoff of Blue Owl Capital to explore how private market investments can strengthen retirement portfolios by offering alternative sources of income, reduced volatility, and access to a broader range of companies and opportunities. Jay discusses: How private markets differ from public markets and why they are becoming essential in portfolio construction The three primary areas of private markets: private equity, real estate (including triple net lease structures), and private credit (like direct lending) How liquidity works in private investments, including quarterly redemption structures and semi-liquid investment vehicles The role of private investments in creating consistent income and reducing risk for retirees And more!  Connect with Brett Ramsey: LinkedIn: Brett Ramsey Facebook: Brett Ramsey Artisan Wealth Strategies Connect with Jay Wyckoff: LinkedIn: Jay Wyckoff Website: Blue Owl Capital About our Guest:  Jay Wyckoff is a Managing Director at Blue Owl and member of the Private Wealth Team. In his role, Jay leads a team focused on the Regional & Independent channel and is tasked to drive our continued success with this integral client segment as increased adoption with regional and independent advisors is among the largest of growth opportunities for Blue Owl.    Before joining Blue Owl, Jay had a long and successful career at BlackRock.  Most recently, he was the National Sales Manager for their Specialist Sales Teams, inclusive of Alternatives and ETF focused professionals.  Prior to his National Sales Manager responsibilities, Jay was a Divisional Director and a top-producing Market Leader with experience covering both coasts, and all segments in the wealth ecosystem.  He was BlackRock’s inaugural hire as they built out their R&I capabilities and is very excited to be back focusing on this group.  His entire career has been committed to intermediary distribution. Jay is based in our NYC office. He is a graduate of James Madison University with a BBA in Finance. Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors and should be considered as an investment for the risk capital portion of the investor’s portfolio. The strategies employed in the management of alternative investments may accelerate the velocity of potential losses. Hedge funds and other private investment funds (collectively, “Alternative Investments”) are subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles such as mutual funds. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual’s net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment’s trading profits. Alternative Investments are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information. Investors may have limited rights with respect to their investments, including limited voting rights and participation in the management of such Alternative Investments. Alternative Investments often engage in leverage and other investment practices that are extremely speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Such practices may increase the volatility of performance and the risk of investment loss, including the loss of the entire amount that is invested. There may be conflicts of interest relating to the Alternative Investment and its service providers. Similarly, interests in an Alternative Investment are highly illiquid and generally are not transferable without the consent of the sponsor, and applicable securities and tax laws will limit transfers. Private credit is non-publicly traded debt instruments created by non-bank entities, such as private credit funds or business development companies (BDCs), to fund private businesses.

    32 min
  4. 04/18/2025

    Navigating Retirement: Real Stories and Practical Tips with Ken and Tami Maynard (Ep. 33)

    What do a disrupted lacrosse schedule and retirement planning have in common?  Flexibility. In this episode of Handcrafting Your Retirement, Brett Ramsey discusses the art of adapting retirement plans with Ken and Tami Maynard, long-time clients who’ve been on the journey to retirement with Brett’s guidance. The conversation provides listeners with insights into why having a personalized, adaptable plan is crucial as life throws its curveballs. Brett chats with Ken, a dedicated family physician, and Tami, a vibrant stay-at-home mom involved in community activities. They unpack the complexities of retirement planning, including how Ken’s multiple work engagements and their age difference pose unique challenges. They discuss: A travel story from New Jersey and how it highlights planning flexibility Ken and Tami’s story of adapting retirement plans Navigating complex decisions like Medicare and Social Security The importance of a methodical and personalized approach to retirement planning And more!  Connect with Brett Ramsey: LinkedIn: Brett Ramsey Facebook: Brett Ramsey Artisan Wealth Strategies Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

    32 min
  5. 02/19/2025

    Planning for Assisted Living: What You Need to Know with Dave Holder (Ep. 32)

    The transition to assisted living is often a difficult and emotional journey, but with the right guidance, it can also lead to a better quality of life. How do you prepare for the challenges of finding the right community for your loved one? What are the key considerations to ensure they receive the best care while maintaining independence? In this episode, Brett Ramsey speaks with Dave Holder, owner of Assisted Living Locators of North Indianapolis, about the critical factors families should consider when transitioning a loved one to assisted living. They discuss how to plan ahead, avoid common mistakes, and ensure a smooth transition that improves the well-being of aging family members. Dave discusses: The emotional and financial challenges families face when transitioning a loved one to assisted living How to recognize the right time to begin exploring assisted living options and what factors to consider The different levels of care available, from independent living to memory care, and what each entails Common mistakes families make when choosing a facility and how to avoid costly missteps The unexpected benefits of assisted living, including increased social engagement and improved quality of life And more!  Connect with Brett Ramsey: LinkedIn: Brett Ramsey Facebook: Brett Ramsey Connect with Dave Holder:  LinkedIn: Dave Holder (317) 854 9030 DHolder@AssistedLivingLocators.com  Website: Assisted Living Locators About our Guest:  When families face the difficult transition of moving a parent or loved one from their home into an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community, the experience can be deeply emotional. It often brings feelings of stress, uncertainty, and even helplessness. Dave Holder understands this firsthand—when his own family realized that his father-in-law could no longer be cared for at home, they struggled with the overwhelming decisions that followed. Looking back, he wishes they had a trusted advisor to guide them through the process. That experience inspired Dave to dedicate his career to helping families understand their options, navigate the transition with confidence, and make informed financial decisions that ensure the best possible care for their loved ones. Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

    37 min
  6. 12/04/2024

    Navigating Financial Uncertainty Through Personalized Portfolio Management with Joyce Huang (Ep. 30)

    Planning your financial future requires resilience and adaptability, especially in today’s uncertain market conditions. How do you balance short-term changes with long-term goals? What strategies can help protect your investments from unexpected shifts? In this episode, Brett Ramsey sits down with Joyce Huang, a seasoned fixed-income portfolio manager, to discuss how navigating financial markets can be a lot like a road trip—sometimes you run out of gas when you least expect it.  They dive into how to avoid “running out of gas” in your retirement portfolio, especially in the wake of the recent elections and economic shifts. Joyce shares her journey from Wall Street to helping everyday investors, highlighting simple yet effective strategies for staying on course during uncertain times. Joyce discusses: The impact of recent elections on financial markets Why staying invested is more crucial than trying to time the market How interest rates and inflation could influence your investment strategy Her personal advice for navigating investment risks in the current climate And more!  Connect with Brett Ramsey: Website: Artisan Wealth Strategies LinkedIn: Brett Ramsey Facebook: Brett Ramsey Connect with Joyce Huang:  LinkedIn: Joyce Huang About our Guest:  Joyce Huang, CFA, is vice president and senior client portfolio manager for American Century Investments, a premier investment manager headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. She is based in the company’s New York office. Joyce is responsible for representing portfolio management in communicating fixed income investment strategies and results to the firm’s clients. She joined American Century in 2018 from First State Investments, where she was an investment director for fixed income and multiasset solutions. Previously, she served in roles as a senior investment strategist and senior portfolio specialist for BNY Mellon Investment Management. Prior to that, she was a vice president and account manager in the capital markets fixed income group at Citigroup. She started in the industry with Lehman Brothers/Barclays Capital, where she was a vice president within their fixed income research group. She has worked in the investment industry since 2006. Joyce holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a CFA® charter holder and a member of the CFA Institute. Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.  Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.

    32 min
  7. 10/30/2024

    Estate Planning Simplified: Organizing Your Legacy with Shari Ferris (Ep. 29)

    Handling the transition of financial responsibilities can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can ease this burden for your loved ones. In this episode, Brett Ramsey sits down with Shari Ferris to discuss the nuances of estate planning and the emotional journey of organizing one’s financial affairs.  Shari shares her personal experiences as she goes through estate planning both for herself and her mother, offering insight into the practical ways to prepare and support family members through these transitions.  By tuning in, you’ll learn the importance of communication, the significance of preparation, and the tools necessary to make the process smooth and effective. They discuss:  The emotional challenges and solutions involved in estate planning with family How an organized approach can simplify estate planning tasks, like managing passwords and account access Practical advice on maintaining a family’s legacy through an effective estate plan How the Family Love Letter can assist with preparing and documenting essential estate information And more!  Connect with Brett Ramsey: LinkedIn: Brett Ramsey Website: Artisan Wealth Strategies Facebook: Brett Ramsey Connect with Shari Ferris:  Facebook: Shari Ferris Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

    31 min

About

Welcome to Handcrafting Your Retirement with Brett Ramsey from Artisan Wealth Strategies. In this podcast we help retirees as well as those who are considering retirement overcome generic wealth management advice that limits your future. We do this by handcrafting customized financial strategies centered on your unique lifestyle. Jump on board for this journey where we delve into strategies that can help make your money outlast you as Brett draws from years of experience with guest experts to eliminate cookie-cutter savings strategies.

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