Life, Money, and Living Well

Ben Beshear
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After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life.

  1. 1h ago

    The Two-Hour Marathon and the Power of Who You Run With

    Two runners broke the two-hour marathon barrier in the same race. A third finished just seconds behind. What made such an extraordinary performance possible? In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections, Ben Beshear looks at the historic 2026 London Marathon and explores a powerful lesson that goes far beyond running: the people we surround ourselves with can push us to achieve more than we ever thought possible. Through three simple ways to measure personal growth, Ben challenges us to think differently about competition, relationships, and reaching our potential. Because sometimes the secret to becoming your best isn't just how hard you work. It's who you're running with. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

    The Two-Hour Marathon and the Power of Who You Run With

  2. Nov 3

    Life After Death : A Marine's Journey from Trauma to Purpose : Brad Fite

    On July 20, 2010, Marine Brad Fite's life changed in an instant. A roadside bomb in Afghanistan killed his best friend, Julio, and left Brad with catastrophic injuries. His family was told he had died. But surviving the explosion was only the beginning of his battle. In this powerful conversation with Ben Beshear, Brad shares his journey through physical recovery, survivor's guilt, depression, addiction, and suicide attempts, and how faith, relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose helped him rebuild his life. Together, they explore the dangers of tying our identity to something that can be taken away, why the choices we make compound over time, and how even the smallest interactions can change someone's life. Brad also shares the lessons he's learned about fatherhood, resilience, and taking ownership of the story we're still writing. Brad's story is a moving reminder that our worst moments don't have to define us, and that a meaningful life is built through the choices we make moving forward. Books by Brad Fite: Life After Death: A Survivor Story Rules of Warfare: A Combat Guide to Sales Both available on Amazon. Content note: This episode includes candid discussions of combat trauma, substance misuse, depression, and suicide attempts.   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

  3. Oct 27

    How Tech Professionals Should Think About Compensation Planning

    What should technology leaders really be looking at when they evaluate compensation? In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections, we bring to life an article by Ben Beshear exploring how compensation for senior technology professionals has evolved beyond base salary. From annual incentives and equity awards to deferred compensation, retirement plans, and executive benefits, the structure of a compensation package can have a significant impact on both short-term income and long-term financial planning.  The episode also highlights several planning considerations that can easily be overlooked, including concentration risk, vesting schedules, liquidity, taxes, retirement integration, and the value of reviewing the full package rather than focusing only on salary.  Because ultimately, compensation planning isn't just about negotiating for more. It's about understanding how each piece fits into your broader financial strategy so your income, equity, and long-term goals can work together. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

    How Tech Professionals Should Think About Compensation Planning

  4. Oct 20

    The Dark Triad: Three Forces Shaping the Markets | Market Perspectives

    What happens when oil prices, interest rates, and the U.S. dollar all rise at the same time? And what could that mean for investors? In the debut episode of Market Perspectives, a new series within Life, Money, and Living Well, host Ben Beshear welcomes LiveWell Capital Portfolio Manager Brian Hicks, CFA, PhD, for a deeper look at the markets, the economy, and the forces influencing investment decisions. Brian introduces what he calls the "dark triad": oil prices, interest rates, and the dollar. He explains how these three forces interact, why their simultaneous rise can signal tightening financial conditions, and what he believes investors should be watching as the economy moves forward. Ben and Brian also explore stock market valuations and whether strong corporate earnings can justify higher prices. They discuss why rising interest rates can actually benefit savers, how artificial intelligence could transform corporate productivity and the labor market, and whether economic growth can help address America's mounting national debt. The conversation also covers international investing, diversification, Brian's personal investment approach, and his outlook for the future. Despite the challenges and uncertainties facing investors, Brian shares why he remains cautiously optimistic about the long-term opportunities ahead. And because this is Life, Money, and Living Well, Ben closes by asking Brian what living well means to him beyond the markets. Topics include: The "dark triad" of oil prices, interest rates, and the U.S. dollar Higher interest rates and opportunities for savers Stock valuations, corporate earnings, and market expectations AI's potential impact on productivity, employment, and economic growth America's national debt and the role of economic growth U.S. versus international investing and diversification Finding balance between financial success and living well   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

  5. Oct 6

    The Lost Art of Human Connection : Tiffany Adams

    What if etiquette has less to do with knowing which fork to use and more to do with how you make people feel? In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well, Ben sits down with Tiffany Adams, Founder and President of the Cincinnati Etiquette & Leadership Institute, author of Polished: The Guide to Excellence for the Modern Professional, and an expert in business etiquette, leadership, and international protocol. Find Tiffany's book (an Amazon Bestseller) Polished: The Guide to Excellence for the Modern Professional https://a.co/d/0gFRq35X (Amazon Link) Tiffany explains why people skills may be becoming more valuable in a world increasingly shaped by screens, remote work, social media, and AI. She and Ben explore self-awareness, body language, first impressions, curiosity, listening, and the power of three simple words: "Tell me more." They also discuss how to disagree without damaging relationships, why handwritten notes still matter, what most people get wrong at business meals, and the small behaviors that can quietly build or erode trust. Because ultimately, good etiquette isn't about memorizing rules. It's about paying attention, showing respect, and becoming the kind of person who makes other people feel seen, comfortable, and valued. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

  6. Sep 15

    10 Questions to Ask Before You Retire

    In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections, we bring to life an article by David Schimberg exploring 10 important questions to consider before making the transition into retirement. Retirement readiness involves much more than reaching a certain age or hitting a number in your portfolio. From Social Security and Medicare to monthly spending, withdrawal strategies, taxes, investment risk, and long-term care, there are important financial decisions that can shape the decades ahead. But some of the biggest questions aren't strictly financial. How will you spend your time? Have you and your spouse talked about what retirement will actually look like? Is your estate plan in order? And have you prepared for the possibility of a long retirement? These 10 questions provide a practical starting point for thinking through the financial and personal pieces of retirement so you can approach your next chapter with greater clarity and confidence. Because ultimately, a successful retirement isn't just about having enough money. It's about having a plan for the life you want to live. Read the article here: https://www.livewellcapital.com/ten-questions-before-you-retire Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

    10 Questions to Ask Before You Retire

  7. Sep 1

    Your Success Is Meant to Be Shared : David Githuku

    The question is, what hasn't David Githuku done? He earned a PhD in Polymer Engineering at Texas A&M. He had a 26 year career at Procter & Gamble, eventually becoming the VP of Research and Development. In 2020, he founded the ACE SME Foundation, focused on equipping underserved business founders with funding, training, and mentorship to build sustainable, socially impactful businesses. With a special focus on Africa, ACE is helping change communities by investing in entrepreneurs. ACE has helped launch over 20 small and medium enterprises in Africa and continues to grow.  Besides ACE, David serves as a Board Chair, a scalable business advisor, and a brilliant business strategist and consultant. Today, we're talking about success—and the importance of investing in the success of others. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

  8. Aug 18

    The Surprising Habit Our Happiest Clients Share

    What if your financial plan could make you happier, not just wealthier? In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections, we bring to life an article by Ben Beshear exploring a surprising pattern among some of the happiest people we've had the privilege of serving. Over the years, we've noticed that many of these clients approach money with a similar mindset. They prioritize generosity, consistently save for the future, and intentionally keep their fixed expenses under control. The result isn't just healthier finances. It's greater freedom, purpose, and peace of mind. In this episode, Ben introduces the simple "20-20-20 Rule," a practical framework for balancing giving, saving, and spending. He also shares why automation matters, why small steps still count, and how organizing your finances around your values can help you enjoy what you have without constant financial stress. Because ultimately, living well isn't about keeping every dollar. It's about making sure your money serves the life you want to live. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

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After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life.

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