The Green Zone

Winstone Wealth Partners

The Green Zone Podcast is your go-to source for financial insights, market trends, and strategies to help you take command of your wealth and live in the green. Hosted by seasoned financial advisors Jeff Green and Lauren Smith, this monthly podcast breaks down the economy, stock market movements, and practical ways to maximize your most valuable asset—your time. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions. Tune in each month for professional perspectives and actionable advice to help you feel confident in your financial future. Please Note: Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Winstone Wealth Partners is not a broker/dealer. Content represents the opinions of the speaker and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Important Disclosure Information: http://raymondjames.com/smicd.htm. The rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.

  1. 3H AGO

    Staying The Course When Money Gets Emotional (Ep. 102)

    Money is never just about numbers. It’s about fear, responsibility, pride, guilt, confidence, and security. And whether we realize it or not, those emotions influence nearly every financial decision we make. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith explore how emotions shape the way we think about, react to, and manage our money—and why unchecked feelings can quietly undermine even the best financial plans. They explain why self-awareness is essential to long-term financial success, how to work with your emotions instead of against them, and how disciplined decision-making leads to greater confidence over time. Together, they walk through practical ways to keep emotions from driving your decisions, including: Identifying the hidden fears and pressures behind money choicesUnderstanding how guilt and responsibility affect spending and savingAvoiding reactive decisions during market volatilityLearning when “doing nothing” is the smartest moveSlowing down emotional timelines before making major changesUsing planning as a foundation for confidenceLetting values—not comparison—guide your financial lifeBuilding discipline that holds up in uncertain marketsDeveloping healthier conversations around money with familyAnd more! Connect With Winstone Wealth Partners: jeff@WinstoneWP.com(713) 244-3030Schedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenWinstone Wealth PartnersLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

  2. JAN 22

    How Family Office-Style Wealth Management Can Simplify Your Financial Life (Ep. 101)

    As wealth grows, life rarely gets simpler. More accounts, more advisors, more decisions… and eventually, even successful families start to wonder whether everything is actually working together. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith unpack a modern family office–style approach to wealth management, designed for families who want clarity, coordination, and confidence without needing a $50 million balance sheet. They explore why financial complexity often comes from too many advisors working in silos, not from a lack of expertise—and why the real solution isn’t adding more people, but improving alignment among the professionals you already trust. Jeff and Lauren walk through the five pillars of a modern family office blueprint, including: Consolidating your financial world into one coordinated systemBuilding a true “board of advisors” who communicate with one anotherPlanning proactively for after-tax growthInvesting with purpose, not market noisePreparing the next generation through thoughtful legacy planning and communication Along the way, they discuss why families shouldn’t be forced into the role of project manager for their own wealth—and how a family office mindset can help reduce decision fatigue, uncover missed opportunities, and bring everything back to what matters most. If you’re looking for a clearer, more coordinated way to manage your financial life, this episode is a must-listen. Connect With Winstone Wealth Partners: jeff@WinstoneWP.com(713) 244-3030Schedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenWinstone Wealth PartnersLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

    15 min
  3. 12/16/2025

    100 Episodes In: What We’ve Learned About Money, Meaning & What Really Matters (Ep. 100)

    100 podcast episodes in… many more to go. So, what have we learned from helping families plan for their wealth and their lives? In this special centennial episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith reflect on the most-played conversations, the smartest lessons clients have taught them, and the surprising podcast topics that have resonated with audiences most. They share listener insights, the themes that keep coming up, and the core truth behind every great wealth plan: your money should support the life you want, not the other way around. Together they discuss: The top ten lessons that have shaped their advice over 100 episodesWhy the “human side” of money keeps outperforming market talk in downloadsWhat clients really worry about heading into retirementWhy avoiding preventable mistakes matters more than chasing big winsHow advisors play coach, counselor, and guide during life transitionsThe role of tax strategy in preserving lifestyle and legacyWhat they’re excited to explore over the next 100 episodesAnd more! Top Green Zone Episodes The Roles of Values in Retirement PlanningTransition Into Retirement With A Coach As Your GuideHow to Build Wealth Wisdom in the Next GenerationTax Surprises Through the 4 Stages of RetirementFinancial Advice for My Younger SelfThe Top Retirement Traps to AvoidHidden Costs of Retirement: What You Might Be OverlookingFinancial Strategies For Life's Big Transitions AheadHaving The Tough Conversations About Death & FinancesIs Your Financial Advisor Showing You The Love?Find Your Why With The Birkman Assessment             Wealth Wisdom: The Financial Playbook of the Ultra-Wealthy Connect With Winstone Wealth Partners: jeff@WinstoneWP.com(713) 244-3030Schedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenWinstone Wealth PartnersLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

    20 min
  4. 11/20/2025

    Non-Profit Spotlight: The Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation (Ep. 99)

    In this special episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Andrea and John Ferruzzo to share the story of their daughter, Katherine, one of the two young counselors who lost their lives—along with 25 children campers—in the devastating Kerr County flood at Camp Mystic this past July. In the months since the flood, the Ferruzzos—along with the other families who lost daughters that night—have come together as Heaven’s 27, an organization committed to honoring their lost daughters and advocate for stronger camp safety across Texas. Andrea and John have also launched The Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation, dedicated to supporting special education classrooms, a mission rooted deeply in Katherine’s heart and the work she was already doing long before college. In this episode, Andrea and John share their story of parents transforming heartbreak into hope—and we’re honored to help share Katherine’s story and the legacy she continues to inspire. Together they discuss: The circumstances surrounding the Kerr County flood at Camp MysticKatherine’s passion for special education and the work she was already doing in classroomsWhy the Ferruzzos chose to start a foundation instead of a GoFundMe—and how the Foundation is already supporting teachers and special needs studentsThe impact the foundation is making across Spring Branch ISD and future plans to expand statewideThe ongoing legislative efforts of the Heaven’s 27 families to strengthen Texas camp safety lawsAnd more… If this episode moves you, we encourage you to learn more, get involved, and help carry forward the work Katherine cared so deeply about. Resources The Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy FoundationLive Like Katherine Ferruzzo InstagramHeaven’s 27Campaign for Camp SafetyJohn & Andrea Ferruzzo’s op-ed in the Austin StatesmanKatherine Ferruzzo’s Obituary Connect With Winstone Wealth Partners: jeff@WinstoneWP.com(713) 244-3030Schedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenWinstone Wealth PartnersLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith  Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse any of the organizations mentioned above and within this Podcast episode.

    30 min
  5. 09/10/2025

    The Truth About Retirement Planning: Separating Fact From Fiction (Ep. 97)

    Retirement is one of the biggest transitions you’ll ever face—and with it comes a lot of myths, misconceptions, and half-truths that can cost you if you’re not prepared. On this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith break down the most common retirement planning myths they hear from clients and set the record straight with real-world strategies. From Social Security to Medicare, taxes to investment strategy, you’ll learn why the old rules of thumb don’t always hold up today—and what strategic planning really looks like for the next chapter of your life. Together, they discuss: Why Social Security isn’t enough to rely on—and how to think about when to take itThe myth of “spending less” in retirement (and why every day starts to look like Saturday)The risks of assuming you’ll “just keep working” if money gets tightWhat Medicare does—and doesn’t—cover in retirementWhy going too conservative with your investments too soon can potentially backfireTaxes in retirement: required minimum distributions, Roth conversions, and early planningHow longevity changes everythingWhy retirement planning doesn’t stop the day you leave the officeAnd more! Whether you’re still years away from leaving the workforce or already thinking about your retirement income strategy, this conversation will help you separate fact from fiction and plan with clarity. Connect With Winstone Wealth Partners: jeff@WinstoneWP.com(713) 244-3030Schedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenWinstone Wealth PartnersLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

    25 min
  6. 08/12/2025

    How To Think About Personal & Charitable Giving After Tragedy Strikes (Ep. 96)

    When tragedy strikes, how do we respond with both heart and wisdom? What are the right—and potentially wrong—ways to support grieving families after a devastating loss? In the wake of the catastrophic flooding in Central Texas this past July, co-hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith take a compassionate, candid look at how individuals and communities can offer meaningful support during times of unimaginable tragedy. While this episode was prompted by the loss felt throughout the Camp Mystic and Hunt, Texas communities, the insights shared apply to any situation where grief runs deep and help is needed. With warmth, honesty, and practical guidance, Jeff and Lauren explore how to give generously without adding unintended stress—and why thoughtful financial decisions matter more than ever during moments like these. Together they discuss: Common missteps people make when trying to help—and what actually makes a lasting differencePros and cons of using platforms like GoFundMe (including tax and privacy considerations)Alternatives to GoFundMe, including donor-advised funds and how they can create lasting legaciesHow to vet charities and ensure your donations are going to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofitsThe importance of showing up after the funeral, when grief lingers but support often fadesThe role of MealTrain and other practical ways to support families long-termWhy it’s essential to pause before making major financial decisions in the wake of traumaIf you're looking for actionable ways to give with both heart and clarity—this episode is worth a listen. Connect With Green Financial Group: jeff@WinstoneWP.com(713) 244-3030Schedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenWinstone Wealth PartnersLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

    17 min

About

The Green Zone Podcast is your go-to source for financial insights, market trends, and strategies to help you take command of your wealth and live in the green. Hosted by seasoned financial advisors Jeff Green and Lauren Smith, this monthly podcast breaks down the economy, stock market movements, and practical ways to maximize your most valuable asset—your time. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions. Tune in each month for professional perspectives and actionable advice to help you feel confident in your financial future. Please Note: Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Winstone Wealth Partners is not a broker/dealer. Content represents the opinions of the speaker and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Important Disclosure Information: http://raymondjames.com/smicd.htm. The rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.