Behind The Designs

What Pancreatitis Taught Us About Caring in Crisis

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0600

How do you care for someone well in the middle of a crisis? In this episode, Michelle interviews Anna Lewis, about what she’s learned after her mom spent a month in the ICU with severe pancreatitis. We explore the ways both community and finances shaped the way her family was supported.

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👋 ABOUT US: We are a team of financial advisors based Chicago. We specialize in helping professionals plan their retirement through investment management, tax efficiency, and executive compensation.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of FDS, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to other parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.

What You Should Expect If You Are Named as Trustee

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0600

As trustee, your role is to distribute someone else's money. But the emotions, expectations, and estate rules can make this role more complex than you expected. In this episode we explain how the legal process of inheritances work, how to manage beneficiary relationships, and how to accomplish all this in a tax efficient way.

What You Forget to Plan, Until After Your Spouse Passes

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

If your spouse knows how your finances work, what happens after they pass? In this episode, we helped our fictional client Renee, a recent widow, understand the moving parts of her financial picture, work through the inheritance process, and adjust her taxes for the individual tax bracket.

What to Learn from Retirees Who Donated All Their Money

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we walk through all the years of planning we've done for two fictional clients near the end of their retirement. Adam & Alice have saved super well but don't have any family to pass these assets onto. Their plan covers how to give everything away, healthcare in your older years, and building estate plans.

Case Study 3: Repairing DIY Retirement Mistakes

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this fictional case study, we repair an outdated, one time, DIY retirement plan for recently retired professionals. With us on their side, its easy to repair common mistakes, start implementing strategies, and have peace of mind while enjoying retirement.

Case Study 2: Relocating to Care for Aging Parents

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0500

In this fictional case study, we help a couple nearing retirement decide how to fund the purchase of a new home, as they adjust to relocating to care for aging parents, without taking on debt and pushing back their retirement date.

Case Study 1: Retiring Early to Travel

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In this fictional case study, we walk you through a financial plan for two executives retiring in five years. They wonder how they will retire early without dealing with large withdrawal penalties or taxes on short term gains. And while they feel good about how much they saved, they still worry that they won't have enough after they start traveling in their retirement years.

2024 Tax Season Recap and 2025 Tax Planning

Wed, 28 May 2025 10:00:00 -0500

You might think about taxes once a year, but as financial advisors, we think about it all year round! In this episode, we share what we noticed while filing 2024 tax returns and how, in light of upcoming legislative changes, you can start your 2025 tax planning today.

Hack Your Travels with Credit Card Points with Ism Shovan

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Luxurious, regular travels might be more possible than you realize. Ism Shovan is a digital nomad that slow travels the world with his family using credit card points. In this episode, he talks about the travel lifestyle, how he plans his trips and funds them using points and miles.

How to Plan for RMD Taxes

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0500

If you have a retirement account, one day you will face Required Minimum Distributions. And the sooner you plan for these the better it will be for your taxes! In this episode, we walk you through how RMDs work, how to plan for them in advance, and how all this works for inherited accounts as well!

A Crash Course on Equity Compensation

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0600

How can executives make the best use of their company stock? In this episode, we break down a few common forms of granting stock, and strategies for how to exercise them in a tax efficient way. But that's not all, so take a listen for a crash course on equity compensation!

The True Cost of Healthy Living with Rachel Staycheff-Hamm

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0600

The cost of healthy living be an expensive commitment. But you might find its worth it for your retired self. In this episode, our guest, Rachel Staycheff-Hamm shares how a diagnosis changed how she lives. She shares the ways she focuses on health for her family, from food to medicine, and the resources they use to achieve this.

The Anti-Consumerist Manifesto

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0600

More isn't always better. Maybe living more really means living with less. In this episode, Anna breaks down the history of consumerism and where the dangers lie, as well as ways that you can chose to live differently.

How to Get Involved and Make a Difference

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0600

Living a full life isn't about what you keep, it's about what you give. In this episode, we interview Marsha McClary who knows how to get involved, from her local town politics to international non-profits, like Feed My Starving Children. She shares her story, why she cares to make an impact, and ways that others can look to get started.

The Secret to Holiday Hosting with Chris and Kathy

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0600

Memorable gatherings leave you with stories for years. And this is what Chris and Kathy work to accomplish through their legendary parties, and their decor, themes, and guest lists. In this episode, these seasoned hosts share how they do holiday hosting, as well as a few stories and lessons learned from across the years.

Start with Why: Steve's Story

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we interview Steve Smalenberger, the CFO and tax specialist at FDS. Get to know the man behind the scenes as he talks about his expereinces caddying, starting his own company, and training new accountants.

What the Election Results Mean for Your Money

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0600

The 2024 presidential election results are in. Whichever candidate you voted for, we want to look at the next four years from a purely financial standpoint. In this episode, we talk though the market's historical trends, how potential initiatives will impact the economy, and what changes we might see to financial policies.

So, You Want to Start a Business

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0500

What do you need to know before taking a hobby full time or launching a start up? In this episode, we break down the financial side of how to start a business. From finding funding, to deductions and distributions, and tax implications, we share our expertise as planners and experience as business owners.

Healthcare for Aging Parents with Leah McNamara

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Providing healthcare for aging parents (or yourself!) can be the most expensive part of your financial plan. In this episode, Leah McNamara, an ICU nurse, shares her story and the options you have for finding the right care for both your family and your budget.

How to Lower Your High Insurance Costs, with Ryan Delp

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0500

Expensive insurance seems to be the new normal. In this episode, Ryan Delp, an insurance agent, talks with us about why that is the case, ways you can look to lower your own high insurance costs, and what we might see going forward.

What Can I Do With My Mortgage with Tom Cramer

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0500

I have a mortgage but . . . whether you want to refinance, purchase a second home, or are getting divorced, you have a lot of options. In this episode, Tom Cramer, a mortgage officer at Wintrust, explains what is currently effecting the lending industry and what you can do with the mortgage you have.

Changes to Estate Tax Exemptions with Heather Walser

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Estate planning can be as much about taxes as it is about beneficiaries. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 sunsetting in 2025, there are going to be significant changes to the Estate Tax Exemptions. In this episode, our guest Heather Walser, an estate planning attorney, shares the changes we expect as well as how people are structuring their estate plan to prepare.

Making the Most of Your Life Insurance Policies

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Young families, professionals, and retirees will come to us with questions about their life insurance policies. Do they have enough coverage? Should they keep this old policy? And how can they can actually be used? We talk through each of these issues in this episode.

Where Does Your Money Go?

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:00:00 -0500

You probably have questions about your money. We think most of the answers depend knowing where your money actually goes. So, in this episode we help you figure that out. By understanding your personal cash flow, you analyze how you spend and begin to plan for bigger goals.

Start with Why: Rob's Story

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we interview the CIO of FDS! Rob shares what he learned from his parents, how he went from meteorology to investing, and his journey from corporate America to entrepreneur.

How to Steward Your Inheritance Well

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we pick up from episode 45 on how to steward your inheritance well. Once the money is in your account, how to do process the emotions and decide where to put that money now?

Understanding the Inheritance Process

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0500

Whether you are preparing to structure or leave an inheritance, we want to help you build, not destroy, relationships. In this episode, we discuss the roles involved and how they work in each stage of the inheritance process.

Should You Rent or Buy (or Build)?

Wed, 29 May 2024 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we talk about whether you should rent or buy a home, and even when it might be time to build one instead. We talk with Rob who explains the 2024 housing market, his own experiences as a buyer and seller, and things to consider about building.

2023 Tax Review & 2024 Tax Planning

Mon, 13 May 2024 13:00:00 -0500

After preparing almost 200 tax returns, our team shares what we noticed about the 2023 tax season . . . and what to know for 2024 taxes. We cover everything from charitable gifts, IRA contributions, rental properties, and child credits. If you want to learn more about tax planning, find our guide to Tax Savings Strategies in the shownotes!

Start with Why: Trevore's Story

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we interview the COO of FDS! Trevore shares how he started his first business, how he discovered what he cares about, and the importance of focus to maintain balance.

How to Set Goals (if you're already succeeding)

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0500

We want to take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way. That's why coach Sarah Fincher shares why doing "the right things" isn't always enough. In this episode we talk about how defining what you want matters for how to set goals.

Target Date Funds: Are They the Right Choice?

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Sometimes target date funds, or age based funds, are your only choice. Where should they fit into your investment portfolio strategy? In this episode, we explain what target date funds are, their pros and cons, and when the might be an important piece of your strategy.

Investing Across Your Lifetime

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0500

If you want to grow your wealth, you've probably looked into investing. But what does it take to succeed long term at investing across your lifetime? We explain investing ideas like diversification, asset allocation, and time horizons.

Helping Kids Make College Choices with Nathan Bargar

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0600

How do you help guide your kids through one of the most impactful financial choices of their life? Nate Bargar, a post-secondary counselor, joins us to discuss how to help high schoolers think through their college choices. In this episode, we cover everything from selecting a major, calculating non-financial costs, and finding real scholarships.

How to Spot Scams and Avoid Financial Fraud

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0600

Anyone can be scammed and the financial consequences can be devastating. As financial advisors, people often come to us in the aftermath so we've learned a thing or two about scammers. That's why in this episode we want teach you how to spot scams by understanding common tactics, red flags, and what you can do to avoid them.

How to Set Your Kids Up For Success

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:00:00 -0600

We all want the best for our kids, but how do we set them on the path to success? In this episode, we interview Anna Lewis, our Creative Director, to see how this might be viewed from the younger generation's perspective. She shares the opportunities her parents gave her and how they shaped who she became.

The College Funding Challenge

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0600

There have been some major changes when it comes to college funding. So in this episode we discuss what parents and grandparents need to know about the total cost, to reducing that cost with the updated FAFSA, and how to save up with the 529 college savings plans.

Start with Why: Michelle's Story

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0600

In this episode we interviewing the CEO of FDS! Michelle shares her passion for lifelong relationships with money, what led to starting FDS, and why what matters to you is important. What you care about will shape how you live. As financial advisors, we want to hear what matters to our clients!

2023 Investment Review and 2024 Outlook

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600

At year end we always review market performance with our clients. In this episode, Rob Stoll, our Chief Investment Officer, shares his 2024 investment review and thoughts for what 2024 might bring.

Transitions with Emotional and Financial Contexts with Stephanie Geisler

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:00:00 -0600

Life is going to happen. How will you respond? In this episode, Stephanie Geisler, a Licensed Professional Counselor talks with us about how different life events, like a death or a promotion, shape our emotions and finances. She walks you through how to process each context so you can move forward.

From Passion to Action: Becoming a Not-For-Profit with Shelly Nysinski-Reese

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:00:00 -0600

We want our finances to make a difference, but how? In this episode Shelley Nizysnki-Reese, founder of A Better Life for Kids, shares her story and how she started her charity. She talks about ways people can vet charities, maximize their donations, and make a real world impact.

Smart Holiday Shopping

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 13:00:00 -0600

End of year holiday spending can create start of year tax and budgeting headaches. We want to help you be smart with your holiday shopping. In this episode, our team discusses smart holiday shopping for for kids or adults, creating family traditions, finding bargains, and giving experiences.

Storytime: Adopting from Africa

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Trevore and his wife Courtney just brought home their adopted son from Africa! Family is very important to our team here at FDS so we want to celebrate them. In this episode, they share their journey, what the adoption process is life, and what you should consider if you are adopting.

Organizing your possessions (or your parents!) with Ashley Rapp

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Maybe you are trying to sell, downsize, or pass on. Or maybe you are helping your parents do the same. This is where how we organize our possession matters for our financial plan and family relationships. In this episode, Ashley Rapp, a professional home organizer and stager, shares how she walks her clients through these transitions.

What Buyers Need to Know about Mortgages with Tom Cramer

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0500

High interest rates and low housing supply put buyers at a disadvantage. In this episode, Tom Cramer, a mortgage officer from Wintrust, explains the different options homebuyers have whether they are looking for their first home or a second.

Are You Getting the Best Insurance Money can Buy? with Ryan Delp

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Insurance. Everyone needs it, but no one understands it. That's why in this episode we invited Ryan Delp from Bradish Associates shares his expertise. Learn what's behind the rising prices, the different types of enrollments, and things to ask your agent.

Creating Successful Estate Plans with Heather Walser

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Estate planning is so much more than documents, it's about relationships. Which also makes this such a tricky topic. This episode, estate planning attorney Heather Walser joins us from Lavelle Law to share her perspective on the legal and relational side to estate planning. See the show notes to register for the estate planning webinar!

How to Manage Your Aging Parent's Finances

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Finances and family can be complicated. What happens when you need to step in to manage your parents finances on top of yours? In this episode, we discuss how we help clients work through the emotions, paperwork, and estate planning.

Will Social Security Run Out?

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0500

The headlines say it's ending, but what do financial advisors think? In this episode, Rob walks you through the history of Social Security, what the trustees report says, and how this influences retirement planning process.

Should I Save for My Kid's College Education?

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0500

The answer depends...so here's what you need to consider! In this episode, we walk you through how we as advisors and as parents consider funding college. We also breakdown the different tools you might consider using to accomplish this.

Financial Decisions Don't Have to Be Permanent

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 13:00:00 -0500

With all the changes happening in the world, interest rates to inflation, many people can feel trapped by their plan. But in this episode, we explore how your plan, from your mortgage to your retirement, should be resilient enough to withstand any change.

How do Financial Advisors Vacation?

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

How do the financial experts vacation? In this episode, get to know some of the FDS team as we share our experiences as well as tips and tricks we have learned the hard way.

How to Finance Your Summer Projects

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 12:00:00 -0500

High interest rates might discourage you from borrowing to working on that project in your home. But, that doesn't need to be true. In this episode, we break down different ways to finance your summer projects from HELOCs to refinancing your mortgage.

Forever to Never Tax, with Roth Conversions

Mon, 29 May 2023 13:00:00 -0500

What if you never had to pay taxes again? With the Roth conversion, this is actually possible! In this episode, we cover everything from taxable accounts to the mega backdoor Roth conversion.

Insurance Mistakes and Misconceptions

Mon, 15 May 2023 15:00:00 -0500

What happens if the worst case scenario comes true? Insurance helps you avoid that risk, but it can be its own nightmare to deal with. In this episode, we explore what each type of insurance coves and common mistakes to watch out for.

2022 Tax Season in Review

Mon, 01 May 2023 14:00:00 -0500

What is tax season like for financial professionals? In this episode, Steve, our tax specialist, shares his experience, trends we have noticed over the years, upcoming changes to tax legislation, and how tax planning makes a real impact in real life. Take a listen to hear how you should prepare for next year.

Who do you call . . . CFP®? EA? CFA?

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0500

When you are too busy or overwhelmed, that's when you should bring in a professional. But, who should you turn to for financial help? This episode breaks down the cost of staying the same as well as what key financial designation actually mean.

Don't Make Retirement Your Dream

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0500

The traditional idea of working to retirement is outdated. But to wrap your head around retirement for this age, you need to dream bigger. Our goal as advisors is to take you to retirement, and then beyond. This episode will help you reevaluate when and how you want to stop working, and how you really want to spend your time.

Financial Advisors on Silicon Valley Bank

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0500

With all the banking news, there are a lot of questions going around. This episode is a clip of the video we sent to all of our clients. We wanted to take the time to share the specific things our team has done to protect FDS client finances. We also breakdown how this bank failure happened and address what this impacts. As always, please reach out with any question you have!

The Biggest Threat to Your Financial Plan

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0600

This episode will breakdown the threats you need to watch out for. If your financial plan isn't protected from these dangers, you are vulnerable. But when you understand what the risks are, as well as opportunities, you can make the most of your finances.

How to Get Where You Want to Be

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0600

Where do you want to be with your finances? Do you have what it takes to get there? In this episode, Jake and Michelle take a high level view of how goals work, how to reach them, and how this applies to your personal finances.

Cash is King. So What?

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Right now, where is the best place to put your money? It's important to make you are maximizing your money . . . and there are more opportunities than you might realize. Michelle and Trevore will break down the different options and how they can serve your financial plan.

Save Me Taxman!

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0600

Do taxes scare you? We want to take the fear out of taxes for you. Take a listen to this episode featuring Steve, our Tax Specialist! We will be discussing why he loves taxes, what he actually does, and how you can be ready for the April deadline. As you think about taxes, check out our Tax Savings Strategies Downloadable! Find it in our shownotes on our website.

Storytime: From Consumer to CFP

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0600

What does it even mean to be a CFP? A lot more than you might think! Jake will share his story and how he switched to this path. From life insurance policies and uncertified advisors to study plans and FDS, you'll get an inside perspective about becoming a Financial Planner.

Looking Back, Giving Back

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

As the year wraps up, it's important to reflect. Time and money are too valuable resources to waste. Listen in to hear us reflect on how we have given back, and get some ideas for how you can serve your community in the new year. Check out our shownotes for links to everything mentioned here. Happy holidays from the team at FDS!

The Structure to Build Wealth With

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 16:00:00 -0600

How do you build wealth? It turns out, a large paycheck is not the silver bullet. You need to have a plan, and that's what we are discussing! Hear how we as advisors think about having high income and what you should be doing with it.

What About Cryptocurrency?

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0600

Everyone has heard about crypto. It's all over the news, but is it the future? Hear from Rob, our Chief Investment Officer, on what he thinks about the FTX collapse and the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrency.

Holidays and Awkward Finance Questions

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0600

At the holidays, what do you do if a family member brings up money? Finances are definitely an important yet touchy subject. Learn how we, as advisors, deal with everything from awkward questions to creating family estate plans!

Is Buy & Hold Investing Dead? (Part 2)

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Will riding out the market highs and lows create give you the investment return you need? Continuing the conversation in the last episode, we are discussing the changes happening in the economy. And more importantly, how this affects how you manage your investments.

Investing Ahead of the News (Part 1)

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Have you noticed the changes in the economy? So have we. Listen in to hear what Rob, our Chief Investment Officer, thinks about how we should respond to inflation, high interest rates, and even rising gas prices. Listen to Part 2 about what this means for investment management!

Designed for Life: Our Story

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0500

In our very first episode, learn more about who we are! From what we love about our jobs, to how we started Financial Design Studio, you will get a glimpse into our story. Our years of experiences are what shape our financial advise and this is your chance to learn how.