Southern Character

James Lewis

The Southern Character podcast shines a light on the unique true-life stories of intriguing individuals who exemplify the authentic Southern values of grit and grace. From chefs and athletes to business leaders and entertainers, get ready to meet the people who leave lasting impressions on those they encounter. Listen in to discover and revel in the tales of these inspirational Southern Characters who live life with purpose and follow their compass.

Episodes

  1. Q&A with Jason Toole, CPA: Understanding Tax Benefits of Retiring in the South

    07/16/2025

    Q&A with Jason Toole, CPA: Understanding Tax Benefits of Retiring in the South

    CPA Jason Toole joins Southern Character for a practical, story driven conversation about tax planning, retirement strategy, Roth conversions, multi state returns, kid income rules, and how to think about taxes at every stage of life. Jason is a partner at Kelly Salmons Toole & Ellison with more than twenty seven years of experience helping families, entrepreneurs, and closely held businesses navigate complex tax issues. He breaks down the real differences between traditional and Roth 401k contributions, how backdoor Roth IRAs actually work, when to consider Roth conversions in low income years, and why so many retirees in the South pay little or no state income tax. We also talk about Jason's roots in Albany, his path to becoming a CPA, raising three daughters, and why Mexico Beach and the Forgotten Coast became his family's happy place. 👉 Read the full feature on Retire Southern https://www.retiresouthern.com/retiresouthernpodcast/jason-toole Topics Covered: • When kids need to file tax returns • Self employment tax for teen income • Roth IRAs for minors • Traditional vs Roth 401k decisions • Backdoor Roth rules • Secure Act 2.0 changes • Roth conversions during low income years • State tax friendliness in the South • Florida, Texas and Tennessee tax benefits • Georgia retirement income exclusions • Life on Florida's Forgotten Coast Southern Character is produced by Retire Southern. Our mission is simple: do not wait for retirement to start living. This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as specific recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the financial circumstances of any individual and might not be suitable for everyone. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any decision that you make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any financial planning considerations or decisions. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors.

    1h 1m
  2. Southern Character: Estate Planning without Pretension

    07/16/2025

    Southern Character: Estate Planning without Pretension

    Attorney Marc "Dearth Vader" Dearth joins Southern Character for a clear, practical breakdown of estate planning, tax strategy, probate, asset protection, and multistate planning for families across the South. Marc is a highly respected tax and estate planning attorney licensed in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina. In this episode, he shares a grounded and jargon-free look at how families can organize their information, avoid common blind spots, and build a plan that truly protects their legacy. We explore his journey from the restaurant industry to building Dearth Law, his musical family life, and why good planning always begins with organization, communication, and the right foundational documents. Marc also explains when trusts make sense, and how probate actually works in different states. If you want a practical guide to estate planning delivered with clarity, heart, and Southern storytelling, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Read the full feature on Retire Southern: https://www.retiresouthern.com/retiresouthernpodcast/marc-dearth What You'll Learn • How to start your estate plan with the right documents • Why organization is the number-one blind spot for families • When to use a revocable trust vs an irrevocable trust • How probate differs in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina • How trusts and LLCs help with asset protection • Practical steps to protect your legacy, family, and property across state lines • Why clear planning helps prevent issues with creditors and predators About Marc Dearth Marc Dearth is the founder of Dearth Law, a boutique tax, estate, and probate firm known for delivering highly personalized guidance for families and business owners. His approach blends deep technical expertise with a service-first mindset rooted in his early career in the restaurant industry. Learn more: www.dearthlaw.com About Southern Character Southern Character is part of Retire Southern, a media and lifestyle brand sharing character-driven stories about the people, places, and experiences that inspire intentional living across the South. Our mission is simple: Don't wait for retirement to start living. This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as specific recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the financial circumstances of any individual and might not be suitable for everyone. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any decision that you make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any financial planning considerations or decisions. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors.

    41 min

About

The Southern Character podcast shines a light on the unique true-life stories of intriguing individuals who exemplify the authentic Southern values of grit and grace. From chefs and athletes to business leaders and entertainers, get ready to meet the people who leave lasting impressions on those they encounter. Listen in to discover and revel in the tales of these inspirational Southern Characters who live life with purpose and follow their compass.