Get Your House In Order

Elke Rubach

As a financial advisor to some of the world's most successful individuals, I've found that the greatest challenge isn't generating higher returns—it's ensuring their financial and estate affairs are properly structured and protected. Whether it's tax planning, estate strategy, or navigating complex family dynamics, these are the issues that can quietly unravel wealth if left unchecked. Each week on Get Your House in Order, I share best practices not only for smart investing but—more critically—for safeguarding your wealth. You'll gain actionable tools, expert insights, and conversations with some of the world's foremost authorities on building and preserving financial legacies.

  1. Sep 1

    What If You're Successful but Not Alive? with AJ Jones | #54

    What if nothing is technically wrong with your life—but something inside you knows it no longer fits? In this episode of Get Your House in Order, Elke Rubach sits down with AJ Jones, founder of More, and two-time survivor of widow-maker heart attacks, to explore the uncomfortable space between success and aliveness. After his first heart attack, AJ knew he needed to change—but fear, identity, financial security, and the comfort of what he already knew eventually pulled him back into the same world. It took a second wake-up call for him to fully confront what his life was telling him. Together, Elke and AJ explore: ● "Numb success" — what happens when achievement is high but aliveness is low. ● Why successful people postpone change: identity, golden handcuffs, fear, lifestyle expectations, and the difficulty of stepping away from a life that looks perfect from the outside. ● How to reinvent yourself without blowing up your life: AJ argues for intentional change, not recklessness, and encourages people to examine what no longer fits before making major moves. ● The five-year question: Will I be happy if this is my life in five years? If the answer is no, it may be time to start laying the foundation for change. AJ also shares a simple exercise for anyone feeling stuck: "I want..." Write down what you truly want—without caveats, expectations, or excuses—and then look for the patterns. Sometimes clarity starts with giving yourself permission to admit what you actually want. You don't need to wait for a crisis to change your life. The real courage may be having the difficult conversations, questioning your definition of success, and making intentional choices while you still have the luxury of choosing. Connect with AJ Jones Website: https://www.bemorealigned.com/ Connect with Elke Rubach Website: https://www.elkerubach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elkerubach/

  2. Aug 25

    Before You Move, Get Your House in Order with Lauren Cohen | #53

    In this episode of Get Your House in Order, Elke Rubach sits down with Lauren Cohen, an immigration lawyer, realtor, entrepreneur, and founder of Investing Across Borders, to unpack the complexities of moving, investing, and building a life across borders. Lauren explains why buying a home, changing residency, expanding a business, or pursuing a visa can trigger consequences across your taxes, investments, estate plan, business, and—most importantly—your family. Together, Elke and Lauren explore: Why your life plan should come before your financial plan—and why your situation can't be modeled on what worked for a friend. The hidden ripple effects of cross-border decisions, from property ownership and taxes to visas, business structures, estate planning, and family dynamics. Why coordination matters as much as expertise: having great lawyers, accountants, advisors, and other professionals isn't enough if no one is looking at how all the pieces fit together. How creating optionality and a roadmap can give families the flexibility to explore opportunities without locking themselves into a decision they may later regret. This conversation is a powerful reminder that a major move isn't just a transaction—it's a life decision. Before you buy the house, move the money, relocate the business, or pack the boxes, start with a plan. Connect with Lauren Cohen: Website: https://www.eb5investors.com/directories/immigration-attorneys/lauren-cohen/ Connect with Elke Rubach Website: https://www.elkerubach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elkerubach/

  3. Jul 21

    Say It Anyway | #49

    What if the only thing standing between you and success is a conversation you're avoiding? In this episode of Get Your House in Order, host Elke Rubach sits down with sales strategist and communication expert Klyn Elsbury, whose life story is as powerful as the message she teaches. Born with cystic fibrosis and once facing life-threatening odds, Klyn defied expectations—negotiating not just in business, but for her own survival—and ultimately rebuilt her life from disability to becoming a leading voice in sales and human connection. Together, they unpack why sales isn't about pressure or persuasion—it's about clarity, trust, and the courage to show up authentically. Klyn shares how her philosophy of "Sell the Dream" helps individuals and organizations break through hesitation and have the conversations that truly drive results.  In This Episode: Why hesitation—not skill—is the biggest barrier to success How authentic conversations outperform scripts and sales tactics The mindset shift that turns fear into action and opportunity Your life and your business don't change when you learn more tactics—they change the moment you decide to speak, act, and show up differently. Because the conversation you're avoiding might be the one that changes everything. Connect with Klyn Elsbury Website: https://klynelsbury.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klynelsbury/ Connect with Elke Rubach Website: https://www.elkerubach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elkerubach/

  4. Jul 14

    Whose Financial Plan Are You Living? | #48

    What if the biggest mistake in your financial plan is that it was designed for someone else's life? In this episode of Get Your House in Order, host Elke Rubach welcomes Scott Barnes, Certified Financial Planner and Senior Advisor to Childfree Trust, for a thoughtful conversation about why traditional financial planning often overlooks one of the fastest-growing demographics: adults who are child-free. Together, they explore how meaningful financial planning begins with understanding your values, goals, and vision—not outdated assumptions about marriage, children, and legacy. Whether you've chosen not to have children, life took you on a different path, or you're simply questioning conventional financial advice, this episode offers practical guidance on creating a plan that's as unique as your life. In This Episode: Why financial planning should start with your life—not a template The unique planning needs of child-free individuals and couples How to prepare for retirement, healthcare, and long-term care without relying on children The importance of powers of attorney, estate planning, and intentional decision-making Why great advisors ask better questions instead of making assumptions Your financial future shouldn't be built on society's expectations—it should reflect your own values, priorities, and definition of success. Because the best financial plan isn't the one everyone else follows—it's the one that's built for you. Connect with Scott Barnes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-barnes-cfp/ Childfree Wealth: https://childfreewealth.com Connect with Elke Rubach Website: https://www.elkerubach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elkerubach/

About

As a financial advisor to some of the world's most successful individuals, I've found that the greatest challenge isn't generating higher returns—it's ensuring their financial and estate affairs are properly structured and protected. Whether it's tax planning, estate strategy, or navigating complex family dynamics, these are the issues that can quietly unravel wealth if left unchecked. Each week on Get Your House in Order, I share best practices not only for smart investing but—more critically—for safeguarding your wealth. You'll gain actionable tools, expert insights, and conversations with some of the world's foremost authorities on building and preserving financial legacies.