The Confident Retirement

The Confident Retirement

The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi aims to empower listeners with simple, common sense financial wisdom. Kris and Mark are the partners of LPF Advisors, a financial services firm in Sarasota, Florida. On the show, they deliver entertaining insight and a wealth of knowledge from experts in the financial world. From time to time, Kris and Mark share their own experiences as financial experts - how to retire in a way that’s aligned with what people seek most - the right advice from the right people at the right time in the right way based on what they value most in life.Each week on The Confident Retirement Podcast, Kris and Mark bring you experts who are in the trenches everyday – assisting people with life’s big decisions and navigating the certainty of uncertainty. Join them for dynamic conversations highlighting tried and tested strategies to feel more confident in your financial journey.

  1. College Planning for HENRYs

    MAY 29

    College Planning for HENRYs

    What are the smartest ways for HENRYs (High Earners, Not Rich Yet) to save for their child’s future college expenses—and what are the pros and cons of each option?In this episode of The Confident Retirement Podcast, host Kris Flammang and LPF Advisors’ Armando Faucy-Smith and Collin Habig take a deep dive into college planning for HENRYs. They break down the three most popular ways to save for your child’s education—529 plans, custodial accounts, and parent-owned brokerage accounts. The team explains how each account works, key differences in flexibility, tax treatment, and financial aid impact, plus common mistakes to avoid when choosing the right college savings path.5 Key Takeaways→ A 529 plan offers tax advantages for education expenses and is generally the most “financial aid friendly” option for parents. → Custodial accounts (UGMA/UTMA) offer more flexibility but come with fewer tax benefits and count more heavily against financial aid eligibility. → Parent-owned brokerage accounts provide the most control and flexibility but lack tax perks for education and count as parental assets for financial aid. → Tax treatment, account ownership, and how funds are used (or not used for college) can have a huge impact on long-term savings outcomes. → It’s essential to understand your goals, your state’s rules, and to work with a financial advisor to tailor the right strategy for your family.Best Quotes from the Episode “The 529, of all the plans we’re going to talk about today, is probably the broadest one in terms of defining higher education.” “People often underestimate how limited the flexibility is in a 529, and overestimate how free custodial money is—once your kid turns 18 or 21, that account is their money.” LPF Advisors Website: lpfadvisors.com Kris Flammang (LinkedIn): Kristopher Flammang Collin Habig (LinkedIn): Collin Habig Armando Faucy-Smith (LinkedIn): Armando Faucy-Smith Schedule a Consultation: Take your "money temperature" and create a personalized wealth-building strategy. Subscribe: Follow the podcast for more Smart Money strategies for HENRYs. Connect with the Advisors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    11 min
  2. Building A Financial Legacy HENRYs

    MAY 22

    Building A Financial Legacy HENRYs

    How can HENRYs (High Earners, Not Rich Yet) start building a lasting financial legacy, even before reaching traditional “wealthy” status? In this episode of The Confident Retirement Podcast, host Kris Flammang is joined by LPF Advisors’ Armando Faucy-Smith and Collin Habig for the next installment in their special series tailored to HENRYs. They break down practical, actionable steps for high earners still on their journey to building true wealth, covering everything from foundational planning to mindset, investing, and preparing for life’s significant milestones.5 Key Takeaways → Understand the importance of starting legacy planning before you feel “wealthy.” → Learn how to align your financial strategies with your values and long-term goals. → Discover common mistakes HENRYs make—and how to avoid them. → Get actionable tips for optimizing savings, investments, and tax strategies. → See why working with the right advisor makes a difference in your financial journey.Best Quotes from the Episode “Building a legacy isn’t just about money—it’s about intention, impact, and the life you want to create.” “Even if you’re not ‘rich yet,’ you have the power to make smart decisions today that set up a stronger tomorrow.” LPF Advisors Website: lpfadvisors.com Kris Flammang (LinkedIn): Kristopher Flammang Collin Habig (LinkedIn): Collin Habig Armando Faucy-Smith (LinkedIn): Armando Faucy-Smith Schedule a Consultation: Take your "money temperature" and create a personalized wealth-building strategy. Subscribe: Follow the podcast for more Smart Money strategies for HENRYs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9 min
  3. Lifestyle Inflation HENRYs

    MAY 15

    Lifestyle Inflation HENRYs

    Are you earning more but saving the same? How to avoid the lifestyle inflation trap that keeps HENRYs from building real wealth.In this episode of The Confident Retirement Podcast, host Kris Flammang and advisors Armando Faucy-Smith and Collin Habig from LPF Advisors continue their special series designed for HENRYs (High Earners, Not Rich Yet). They break down why so many professionals who make excellent money still struggle to build wealth, and provide actionable strategies to reverse this common pattern.Key Takeaways:→ Lifestyle inflation is the gradual habit of spending more as you earn more, causing your savings rate to remain flat even as income increases→ HENRYs are particularly vulnerable to lifestyle creep, especially in professions like medicine, law, and tech where income can double in short periods→ Take your "money temperature" regularly by asking: Have fixed expenses increased recently? Are you upgrading just because you can? Would a 20% income drop cause financial trouble? Are you saving a higher percentage than last year?→ Automate your savings first (aim for 20-30% of gross income) and then enjoy spending what remains without guilt→ Focus on controlling the "big rocks" of spending (housing, cars, travel) rather than stressing about small purchases like coffee or takeoutQuotes from the Episode:"You can afford almost anything if you're in that high-income bracket—you just can't afford everything at once." - Collin Habig, Financial Advisor "Take your money temperature, get a clear picture of your priorities, and upgrade intentionally, not automatically." - Armando Faucy-Smith, Financial Advisor Connect with LPF Advisors: Website: https://www.lpfadvisors.com/ Connect with Kris Flammang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/ Connect with Collin Habig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinhabig/ Connect with Armando Faucy-Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-faucy-smith/ Schedule a consultation to take your "money temperature" and create a personalized wealth-building strategy Subscribe to the podcast for more Smart Money strategies for HENRYs New boost Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    8 min
  4. Building Wealth Through Investing - HENRYs

    APR 24

    Building Wealth Through Investing - HENRYs

    The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor, or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations. Are you a high earner who hasn't built wealth yet? Here's how to strategically invest and grow your money. In this episode of the Confident Retirement Podcast, host Kris Flammang and advisors Armando and Colin continue their HENRY series (High Earner, Not Rich Yet). They tackle the common challenge that many high-income professionals face: having the capacity to invest more but lacking knowledge about where and how to do it effectively. The team explains the three-bucket approach to organizing financial goals based on time horizons, discusses which investment vehicles are appropriate for different goals, and explores the benefits of retirement accounts, including employer-sponsored plans. Key Takeaways: → Understanding your risk tolerance is essential to developing a sound investment strategy that aligns with your financial goals and time horizon. → The "three bucket approach" categorizes your financial goals into short-term (3-5 years), intermediate (5-10 years), and long-term (10+ years) buckets, with appropriate investment vehicles for each. → For short-term goals, focus on principal-protected vehicles like high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit, or Treasury bills to ensure your money is available when needed. → Long-term investments (10+ years) can include growth-oriented options like ETFs, mutual funds, and individual stocks since you have time to weather market fluctuations. → Maximize employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s, especially when matching contributions are available, as they offer higher contribution limits than IRAs and potential tax advantages. Connect with LPF Advisors https://www.lpfadvisors.com/ Connect with Kris Flammang https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/ Connect with Collin Habig https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinhabig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    8 min
  5. Financial Pitfalls for Henry's

    APR 3

    Financial Pitfalls for Henry's

    The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations. Why is diversification important for managing risks for high income earners? In this episode, we explore effective tax strategies tailored for high earners, including the importance of maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like 401ks and backdoor Roth IRAs, and implementing tax loss harvesting to efficiently manage tax liabilities. The discussion highlights a diversified investment approach, recommending a balanced portfolio of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and real estate to mitigate risk and avoid over-concentration in high-risk assets. Listeners will discover how these financial principles can help prevent lifestyle inflation, manage debt effectively, and ultimately establish long-term financial stability and wealth accumulation, with practical tips on prioritizing saving before upgrading lifestyle and managing investment risks specifically relevant to high-income earners. Key Takeaways Tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and backdoor Roth IRAs are essential tools for high earners to minimize tax liabilities. Tax loss harvesting serves as an effective strategy for managing tax obligations while optimizing investment returns. A diversified investment portfolio including mutual funds, ETFs, and real estate helps mitigate risk for high-income individuals. Preventing lifestyle inflation by prioritizing saving before upgrading your lifestyle is crucial for long-term financial stability. Deliberate debt management combined with strategic investment diversification creates a foundation for sustainable wealth accumulation. Connect with LPF Advisors https://www.lpfadvisors.com/ Connect with Kris Flammang https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/ Connect with Collin Habig https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinhabig/ Connect with Armando Faucy-Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-faucy-smith/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  6. Demystifying Diversification

    MAR 27

    Demystifying Diversification

    The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations. Why should over-diversification be avoided in portfolio management? Diversification in investments is a fundamental strategy akin to spreading bets at a casino to mitigate risk, ensuring that not all financial eggs are in one basket. Kris Flammang articulates that true diversification goes beyond merely owning a multitude of investments; it's about how these investments interact with market changes. He advises focusing on asset classes like stocks, bonds, and alternative investments, and stresses the importance of consulting professionals to create a portfolio that acts as a protective buffer during volatile periods. Similarly, Colin Habig underscores diversification as a pivotal method for risk management and enhancing long-term returns, emphasizing the need to spread investments across various asset classes, industries, and geographies. He warns that over-diversification can complicate portfolio management, highlighting the value of professional guidance to ensure alignment with personal financial goals and time frames. Key Takeaways Diversification in investments is akin to spreading bets at a casino to lower risk Over-diversification should be avoided to prevent complications in portfolio management Balancing asset classes and seeking professional advice can help establish a well-rounded investment strategy Connect with LPF Advisors https://www.lpfadvisors.com/ Connect with Kris Flammang https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/ Connect with Collin Habig https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinhabig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  7. Emergency Fund Basics

    MAR 20

    Emergency Fund Basics

    The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations. What is the purpose of an emergency fund? Armando Faucy-Smith, a credentialed financial advisor at LPF Advisors, is a fervent advocate for establishing an emergency fund as a cornerstone of personal financial stability. He underscores the importance of having a safety net to handle unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, medical bills, or job loss, without resorting to credit cards or loans. Emphasizing the need to keep these funds separate from regular checking accounts to curb impulse spending, Faucy-Smith suggests placing them in a high-yield savings or money market account. He advises clients to start with modest savings targets, such as $500 or $1,000, and gradually build towards covering three to six months of living expenses, celebrating milestones along the way to maintain motivation. Key Takeaways Having an emergency fund is crucial for handling unexpected expenses and avoiding reliance on credit cards or loans. It is important to distinguish between true emergencies and non-essential expenses when using the emergency fund. Experts recommend saving three to six months of living expenses in the emergency fund, considering individual circumstances like marital status and proximity to retirement. Connect with LPF Advisors https://www.lpfadvisors.com/ Connect with Kris Flammang https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/ Connect with Armando Faucy-Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-faucy-smith/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    8 min
  8. Estate Planning 101: The Basics

    MAR 13

    Estate Planning 101: The Basics

    The information I am providing is my opinion and not necessarily that of my firm or this platform. I am only providing general educational information and not any customized investment recommendations. You should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor or Attorney on your specific situation. Nothing shall be construed as Financial, Tax or legal advice or recommendations. What is the difference between a will and a living will? Estate planning is essential for individuals of all ages and financial statuses, emphasizing the importance of having the right documents in place to manage one's affairs. These key documents include a will, a living will, a healthcare surrogate, and a power of attorney. Together, they play a crucial role in ensuring that personal wishes regarding asset distribution, medical decisions, and estate management are respected. The will is particularly vital as it allows individuals to designate guardians for minor children and protect assets from default state laws that might not reflect personal intentions. Additionally, a living will can provide significant peace of mind by specifying medical treatment preferences, which helps reduce the emotional strain on family members and offers guidance to healthcare professionals in critical situations. Key Takeaways Will Essentials: A will ensures assets are distributed as desired and allows appointing guardians for minors. It's crucial to prevent state default rules from overriding personal wishes. Living Will Importance: A living will specifies preferences for life-sustaining treatments, guiding both medical professionals and loved ones, thereby avoiding family disputes and ensuring medical decisions align with personal desires. Comprehensive Planning: Colin Habig highlights the importance of having a complete estate plan that includes a will, living will, healthcare surrogate, and power of attorney to manage both assets and personal decisions effectively. Professional Guidance: For complex estate situations, Colin recommends consulting with an attorney to create a tailored estate plan that addresses specific legal and personal needs. Connect with LPF Advisors https://www.lpfadvisors.com/ Connect with Kris Flammang https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-lpfadv/ Connect with Collin Habig https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinhabig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    8 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Confident Retirement Podcast with Kris Flammang and Mark Picchi aims to empower listeners with simple, common sense financial wisdom. Kris and Mark are the partners of LPF Advisors, a financial services firm in Sarasota, Florida. On the show, they deliver entertaining insight and a wealth of knowledge from experts in the financial world. From time to time, Kris and Mark share their own experiences as financial experts - how to retire in a way that’s aligned with what people seek most - the right advice from the right people at the right time in the right way based on what they value most in life.Each week on The Confident Retirement Podcast, Kris and Mark bring you experts who are in the trenches everyday – assisting people with life’s big decisions and navigating the certainty of uncertainty. Join them for dynamic conversations highlighting tried and tested strategies to feel more confident in your financial journey.

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