The Wealth Development Studio

Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning

The Wealth Development Studio invites you to get confident about your financial situation. Hosted by Genevieve George, Senior Financial Advisor, this podcast helps you navigate life’s evolving chapters with clarity. With over two decades of experience in financial planning, investment management, and tax strategy, Genevieve brings a calm, thoughtful approach to topics that shape your financial wellness, from preparing for retirement and managing wealth to navigating life transitions like divorce, business growth, or legacy planning. Each episode blends technical expertise with real-life financial empowerment.  Whether you’re balancing a busy career, seeking financial independence, or preparing for a new life stage, make sure you understand your financial situation.  For more information and all episodes, go to pelicanfinancialplanning.com/podcast

  1. 6d ago

    The Data Trade-Off: How to Take Back Control of Your Money in an AI-Driven World

    What are you really giving away every time you tap "accept," download an app, or hand your information to AI? Technology runs on our personal data, and every app, loyalty program, and AI tool asks for something in return for convenience. Those small exchanges add up to detailed profiles that quietly shape pricing, insurance rates, and financial decisions most people never think twice about. Sanjana Chintalapudi, founder of the Data Conscious Collective, helps people build real agency in a data-driven world. A data scientist by training, she explains the "data trade-off," why AI is a language generator rather than a financial expert, and where the real risk lies when you hand over sensitive information. Listen in as Sanjana shows how to spot the tech anxiety behind impulsive money decisions, protect your financial information from AI and scams, and use technology on your own terms. What You’ll Learn: What the "data trade-off" is and how apps quietly collect more than you realize.Why uploading tax returns and financial documents into AI tools is genuinely risky.Why AI generates language well but often gets math and analysis wrong.How tech anxiety and constant notifications push people toward emotional money decisions.How to recognize get-rich-quick pressure around crypto, day trading, and market FOMO.Why data literacy matters as much as financial literacy today.How business owners can use AI while keeping humans on high-risk work. Ideas Worth Sharing: “AI's intelligence is not human intelligence, and the danger is thinking those are interchangeable. I love AI for the access it provides, but at some point you will need a human, because humans are the experts.” - Sanjana Chintalapudi“These models are definitely game-changing, but they are not life-changing. And I think we forget that these are just tech and tools and not water and food. They're not the things we need to survive.” - Sanjana Chintalapudi“Accessibility does not always mean better. Just because you've opened it up—you've democratized an idea, a concept, a tool—doesn't mean it's actually a better way of living and doing for users and people.” - Sanjana Chintalapudi Resources: Sanjana Chintalapudi: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Bits of UsGenevieve George: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Us: If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together. And if you want ongoing guidance, clarity, and confidence as you grow your wealth, subscribe to our newsletter for financial insights delivered right to your inbox.

  2. Jul 14

    Beyond the Spreadsheet: How Meeting Clients Where They Are (Literally) Builds Lasting Trust

    What if the secret to great financial advice isn't more data, but more trust? For years, the industry treated every client the same: a spreadsheet, a return rate, and a handshake. Melissa Montalvo, Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Atticus Wealth Management, breaks that mold. In this episode, she explains how blending technical expertise with real human connection changes the way families plan for their money and their legacy. Listen in as Melissa shares what trends she has noticed in serving women, as well as how she has deepened trust with her clients. You’ll learn her philosophy on meeting clients where they are (sometimes even meeting them in their own homes!), what helps families feel confident about their financial futures, and more.  What You’ll Learn: Why women want reassurance and clarity over jargon from a financial advisor.How donor-advised funds let clients donate stock and avoid capital gains tax.Why in-person visits and shared passions deepen advisor-client trust over time.How proper trust planning prevents probate delays and preserves family wealth.Why every dollar should be assigned a specific, purposeful financial goal.Why removing fear and greed keeps clients aligned with their financial plan. Ideas Worth Sharing: “Women just want to know that you are their biggest fan, and they're in it for the long run.” - Melissa Montalvo“I feel like trust is just critical when it comes to alignment, and working with one person, one family, one household at a time.” - Melissa Montalvo"I think there's a lion inside of everybody, and you have to get to the place where you're unleashing that, finding confidence in where you're at." - Melissa Montalvo Resources: Melissa Montalvo: LinkedIn | Atticus Wealth Management | Phone: 561-425-9500Genevieve George: Website | LinkedInYoung Life Connect with Us: If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together. And if you want ongoing guidance, clarity, and confidence as you grow your wealth, subscribe to our newsletter for financial insights delivered right to your inbox.

  3. Jun 30

    Cracking the Code: A Retirement Roadmap for Educators and Academics with Kevin Roche

    What happens when the most educated people in the room have no idea what's in their own retirement accounts? Retirement planning for educators looks nothing like it does for everyone else. Between layered 403(b) contracts, fixed annuities with strict liquidity rules, and pensions that interact with Social Security in unexpected ways, the complexity is real… and largely underserved. Kevin Roche, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Authenticity Financial, worked inside TIAA before going independent. He now specializes in helping educators untangle their retirement accounts, understand what they actually own, and build a tax-efficient strategy for the long term. Listen in as Kevin breaks down how TIAA Traditional's liquidity restrictions work, why the timing of your pension and Social Security elections changes your tax picture for life, and how to turn the gap between retirement and age 70 into a powerful planning opportunity. What You’ll Learn: Why 403(b) plans are far more complex than a standard 401(k).How TIAA Traditional's six versions differ and why liquidity rules matter.What the 5-, 8-, and 10-year payout schedules mean for your flexibility.How pensions and Social Security timing change your tax picture for life.What the "low tax corridor" is and how to use it strategically.Why 457 plans are an underutilized tool for higher-earning educators. Ideas Worth Sharing: “Going to a financial planner is like going to a doctor. If you wait until there's a crisis, you're probably going to get bad news. You’ve got to go when you think you don't need it, and that's when you're going to make sure you probably are in good shape.” - Kevin Roche“It's almost like when you first sit down to create a puzzle. You’ve got to dump all the pieces out, and then you lay them all out… look for the corners and the edges, and you start putting them together.” - Kevin Roche“It's not just about managing income, it's about managing taxes as well. It's about managing investments.” - Kevin Roche Resources: Kevin Roche: LinkedIn | Farther Financial | EmailGenevieve George: Website | LinkedInAuthenticity FinancialLongevity Science FoundationTIAA Connect with Us: If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together. And if you want ongoing guidance, clarity, and confidence as you grow your wealth, subscribe to our newsletter for financial insights delivered right to your inbox.

  4. Jun 16

    The Emotional Side of Money: How Financial Therapy Helps You Build a Healthier Relationship with Wealth

    Does every money conversation in your house end in a fight? Do you leave financial meetings feeling good, then go home and do nothing? The problem might not be your finances. It might be your relationship with them. Erika Wasserman, founder of Your Financial Therapist and one of a small number of certified financial therapists in the country, breaks down what financial therapy actually is and why it matters. She explores how childhood money stories shape adult behavior, how shame keeps people stuck, and how couples, individuals, and professionals can start having the conversations that lead to real change. Listen in as Erika examines the emotional architecture behind money decisions, offering practical tools and frameworks that help listeners move from avoidance and shame to awareness, action, and lasting financial confidence. What You’ll Learn: What financial therapy is and how it differs from traditional financial planning.How childhood money stories become patterns that shape financial behavior.How the emotional side of money shows up at work, in negotiations, and elsewhere.Why 90% of financial decisions are emotional (and what to do about it).The Money Mindset Method: a five-step framework for productive money conversations.How to tell if you are a "how" or a "wow" person and why it changes how you plan. Ideas Worth Sharing: “90% of financial decisions are emotional, 10% are logical.” - Erika Wasserman"Every single person has made a financial mistake. Let that shame go, and let's start thinking about how you build the confidence to make better decisions." - Erika Wasserman"A plan doesn't fail; people fail. And so we need the people involved to keep you on track, to keep the conversation going, and to give you those check-ins." - Erika Wasserman Resources: Erika Wasserman: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramGenevieve George: Website | LinkedInConversations with Your Financial Therapist by Erika WassermanLet’s Talk Finances: Divorce Edition | Conversation CardsLet’s Talk Finances: Couple’s Edition | Conversation Cards Connect with Us: If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together. And if you want ongoing guidance, clarity, and confidence as you grow your wealth, subscribe to our newsletter for financial insights delivered right to your inbox.

  5. Jun 2

    Real Estate in Estate Planning: Managing Inherited Properties and Charitable Gifts

    What happens to the family home when a loved one passes or transitions into care? Real estate is often the largest and most emotionally loaded asset a family holds, and when the time comes to act, it rarely transfers cleanly. It comes with logistical complexity, financial decisions, and family dynamics that can stretch for months or years. Chris Losquadro, founder of Quantum Realty Advisors, has spent nearly three decades specializing in estate, trust, and inherited properties. He breaks down how families and advisors can handle the sale of inherited real estate, from multi-state coordination and property optimization to the growing trend of donating real estate to charitable organizations as part of a planned estate. Listen in as Chris walks through the full lifecycle of an estate property transaction: what happens when estate planning is airtight versus when it isn't, how families can avoid costly delays, and why donating appreciated real estate can generate far greater philanthropic impact than a cash gift. What You’ll Learn: Why inherited real estate requires a specialized advisor.How to manage estate property sales across multiple states with one point of contact.The carrying costs that quietly drain estate value while a property sits unsold.Why the timing of a property sale (before or after death) changes the tax outcome.How donating real estate can generate 6X the impact of a cash gift.What families and charities must know before designating property as a charitable gift. Ideas Worth Sharing: "If you donate non-cash assets—whether it's appreciated stock, whether it's real estate, whether it's tangibles like artwork or jewelry—you are giving six times the average of a cash donation." - Chris Losquadro"I represent the property. I don't represent you. How the pie is cut up when it's all said and done is up to you." - Chris Losquadro"Consult with somebody like [a financial advisor]. Consult with your attorney. Some of these decisions are not easy... but at the end of the day, you don't want to leave your spouse, your children, in a little bit of a lurch." - Chris Losquadro Resources: Chris Losquadro: Website | LinkedInGenevieve George: Website | LinkedInPalm Beach and Martin County Community Foundation Connect with Us: If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together. And if you want ongoing guidance, clarity, and confidence as you grow your wealth, subscribe to our newsletter for financial insights delivered right to your inbox.

  6. May 19

    Navigating the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026-2030

    What do the latest tax law changes actually mean for your money, and are you making the most of the opportunities available right now? The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was enacted and made effective in 2025, creating an unusually compressed window for planning that caught many professionals off guard. It touched nearly every corner of personal finance: standard deductions, SALT caps, estate tax exemptions, inherited IRAs, and charitable contribution rules, all in one sweeping bill. In this episode, Aaron Hattenbach, founder of Rapport Financial, breaks down the key elements of the new legislation and how they show up in real financial decisions. He explains the most consequential provisions of the OBBBA and how each piece connects, so you can bring more questions to your financial planner and CPA before the next planning window closes. Listen in to learn how to evaluate planning opportunities within this new structure, align tax strategies with your long-term goals, and make informed decisions that support both your current financial life and the legacy you want to build. What You’ll Learn: Why the OBBBA created a compressed planning window inside the 2025 tax year.How the $40,000 SALT cap increase works and when it phases out.When Roth conversions make sense and how to avoid a higher tax bracket.How the Secure Act 2.0 inherited IRA rule affects legacy planning.What the $30 million estate tax exemption means for families through 2030.How donor-advised funds reduce taxes while growing your charitable giving power.Why standard deduction filers now qualify for a $1,000-$2,000 charitable deduction.How cash balance pension plans help small business owners lower taxable income. Ideas Worth Sharing: “With the passing of the OBBBA, there's certainty with tax planning… for the next four years. We can do a lot of tax planning for our clients.” - Aaron Hattenbach"Each little decision matters, and that's why you don't want to make a decision in isolation because it will impact something else in your financial plan." - Aaron Hattenbach"A hundred million people in the United States don't even have a basic will. It ends up putting an unnecessary burden on your spouse, on your children to interpret. Probate is very expensive and public." - Aaron Hattenbach Resources: Aaron Hattenbach: Website | LinkedInGenevieve George: Website | LinkedInDAFgiving360 (Schwab Charitable)Fidelity Charitable Giving Account Connect with Us: If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together. And if you want ongoing guidance, clarity, and confidence as you grow your wealth, subscribe to our newsletter for financial insights delivered right to your inbox.

  7. May 5

    The Special Needs Trust Playbook: Protecting Your Child’s Benefits and Future Care

    If something happened to you tomorrow, do you know exactly how your special needs child would be cared for—and by whom? Planning for the future often means preparing for scenarios no one wants to face. For families caring for a loved one with special needs, the financial and legal decisions made today can directly impact long-term stability, access to benefits, and quality of life. As government programs evolve and costs continue to rise, proactive planning has become not just important, but essential. In this episode, Nancy Ferraro, estate planning attorney and founder of Ferraro Law in Palm Beach, shares both her professional expertise and personal experience as a special needs parent. She breaks down how special needs trusts work, why they are critical for protecting government benefits, and the common mistakes families make when trying to navigate this complex space on their own. Listen in as Nancy explains how to create a plan that protects your loved one without jeopardizing essential support, how to avoid costly missteps, and how thoughtful legal structures can provide both flexibility and peace of mind for the future. What You’ll Learn: Why improper inheritance can disqualify someone from Social Security or Medicaid.How special needs trusts protect assets while preserving government benefits.The difference between revocable, irrevocable, and self-settled trusts.Common estate planning mistakes that can create long-term financial risk.How to choose and structure the role of a trustee responsibly.Why naming minors directly as beneficiaries can create serious complications.How to plan for disabilities that arise later in life. Ideas Worth Sharing: “If you fail to plan, the state of Florida has a plan for you—I always say. And you’re probably not going to like it.” - Nancy Ferraro“Love alone is not enough. But advocacy is love in motion.” - Nancy Ferraro“You cannot have more than $2,000 in his own name because that would technically disqualify him from Social Security disability.” - Nancy Ferraro Resources: Nancy Ferraro: Website | LinkedIn | FacebookGenevieve George: Website | LinkedInWhen the Bough Breaks: A Mother's Story of Carnage, Courage, and the Triumph of Faith by Nancy Ferraro Connect with Us: If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together. And if you want ongoing guidance, clarity, and confidence as you grow your wealth, subscribe to our newsletter for financial insights delivered right to your inbox.

  8. Apr 21

    The 3M Wealth Formula: How to Give Every Dollar a Job and Align Your Money With Your Values

    What if the problem isn’t how much money you make, but what your money is doing once you earn it? Money decisions don’t usually fall apart because of bad math. More often, they break down because life gets busy, habits take over, and financial choices lose connection to what actually matters. In a world built for convenience and constant consumption, managing money with intention has never been more important. In this episode, Sherron Permashwar, CPA/PFS and founder of Modern Savvy CPA, introduces her 3M Wealth Formula to create sustainable financial clarity. She explains why financial progress requires more than budgeting tactics, how everyday choices quietly shape long-term outcomes, and what it really takes to create a financial life that feels aligned and sustainable. Listen in as Sherron breaks down the mindset shifts, decision-making patterns, and practical strategies that can help you feel more in control of your money, more confident in your choices, and more connected to the life you’re building. What You’ll Learn: What the 3M Wealth Formula is designed to help you do.Why financial success is about more than just numbers.How unintentional spending quietly pulls you away from your goals.The role mindset plays in your financial decision-making.Why your financial “why” matters more than most people realize.How to create better habits around spending, saving, and planning.How entrepreneurs can use their numbers more strategically. Ideas Worth Sharing: “We do so much unintentionally. We really need to take money as a tool. And the thing about money is it is a tool if I give it a job, but if I don't give it a job, it's like a cartoon that it finds its own jobs.” - Sherron Permashwar“It doesn't matter how much money you make… high earners without discipline and education still is poverty.” - Sherron Permashwar“A lot of times people lie to themselves… With money, especially, they tell themselves that they're good at it. They tell themselves that they're bad at it. They tell themselves whatever story they want to tell themselves to make the excuse to not address it. But it's part of your life.” - Sherron Permashwar Resources: Sherron Permashwar: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | InstagramGenevieve George: Website | LinkedInThe Rich Life BlueprintThe Prosperity AcademyGet Wealthy With Me Podcast Connect with Us: If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together. And if you want ongoing guidance, clarity, and confidence as you grow your wealth, subscribe to our newsletter for financial insights delivered right to your inbox.

About

The Wealth Development Studio invites you to get confident about your financial situation. Hosted by Genevieve George, Senior Financial Advisor, this podcast helps you navigate life’s evolving chapters with clarity. With over two decades of experience in financial planning, investment management, and tax strategy, Genevieve brings a calm, thoughtful approach to topics that shape your financial wellness, from preparing for retirement and managing wealth to navigating life transitions like divorce, business growth, or legacy planning. Each episode blends technical expertise with real-life financial empowerment.  Whether you’re balancing a busy career, seeking financial independence, or preparing for a new life stage, make sure you understand your financial situation.  For more information and all episodes, go to pelicanfinancialplanning.com/podcast