The Wealth Development Studio Tue, 06 Oct 2026 06:00:06 -0400 https://www.pelicanfinancialplanning.com/podcast en-us © 2026 The Wealth Development Studio yes 9d459a8b-5987-5ec2-b56c-980984e49a95 Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning episodic false 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

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) financial planning, financial advisor, financial advice, wealth management, investment strategy, financial education Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning https://storage.buzzsprout.com/1gvutn2nlg8po8lesslp1ffyd3p9?.jpg The Wealth Development Studio https://www.pelicanfinancialplanning.com/podcast Stuck at 3%: What Today's Mortgage Market Means for Buyers, Homeowners, and Divorcing Couples Stuck at 3%: What Today's Mortgage Market Means for Buyers, Homeowners, and Divorcing Couples Are you holding onto a 3% mortgage and wondering if moving will ever make sense again? 

With rates in the 6% range and home prices well above where they were a few years ago, many homeowners are staying put, and buyers have fewer homes to choose from.

Todd Sheppard, founder and owner of Inspired Mortgage Brokers and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, explains how he builds a preapproval around a comfortable monthly payment, how discount points and loan recasting work, and what divorcing spouses should know about keeping or buying a home.

Listen in as Todd shares real client examples to help you set a price range you can live with, decide when buying down your rate pays off, and plan your next home purchase during a divorce.


What You’ll Learn:

  • What's keeping homeowners with low rates from selling and what could change it.
  • The question to ask before "How much can I qualify for?"
  • A $250 option that can lower your mortgage payment without refinancing.
  • How to tell if buying down your rate is worth the upfront cost.
  • What's behind the rising age of first-time home buyers.
  • How divorcing spouses can buy a new home while still on the old mortgage.
  • What to expect when refinancing to buy out a spouse after divorce.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "One of the biggest mistakes folks make over the years is liquidating their retirement account because the stock market wasn't doing anything." - Todd Sheppard
  • "If it's spelled out in the settlement agreement that one spouse is responsible for it, then the other spouse is not. We don't have to include that mortgage payment in their debt-to-income ratio." - Todd Sheppard
  • "For every $100,000 you pay down the loan balance, it would reduce your payment by about $570 a month." - Todd Sheppard


Resources:


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.

]]> Are you holding onto a 3% mortgage and wondering if moving will ever make sense again? 

With rates in the 6% range and home prices well above where they were a few years ago, many homeowners are staying put, and buyers have fewer homes to choose from.

Todd Sheppard, founder and owner of Inspired Mortgage Brokers and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, explains how he builds a preapproval around a comfortable monthly payment, how discount points and loan recasting work, and what divorcing spouses should know about keeping or buying a home.

Listen in as Todd shares real client examples to help you set a price range you can live with, decide when buying down your rate pays off, and plan your next home purchase during a divorce.


What You’ll Learn:

  • What's keeping homeowners with low rates from selling and what could change it.
  • The question to ask before "How much can I qualify for?"
  • A $250 option that can lower your mortgage payment without refinancing.
  • How to tell if buying down your rate is worth the upfront cost.
  • What's behind the rising age of first-time home buyers.
  • How divorcing spouses can buy a new home while still on the old mortgage.
  • What to expect when refinancing to buy out a spouse after divorce.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "One of the biggest mistakes folks make over the years is liquidating their retirement account because the stock market wasn't doing anything." - Todd Sheppard
  • "If it's spelled out in the settlement agreement that one spouse is responsible for it, then the other spouse is not. We don't have to include that mortgage payment in their debt-to-income ratio." - Todd Sheppard
  • "For every $100,000 you pay down the loan balance, it would reduce your payment by about $570 a month." - Todd Sheppard


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19862840 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2509 25 full false How Negotiation Skills Shape Your Long-Term Financial Plan How Negotiation Skills Shape Your Long-Term Financial Plan How much is one skipped negotiation actually costing you?

A missed $10,000 raise does not stay a $10,000 problem. It resets the base that every future increase is calculated from, shrinks the employer match, and removes years of compounding from the retirement number. Compensation decisions are financial planning decisions, even when they feel like career decisions.

Stacy Jackson, executive coach and founder of SBJ Consulting, works with leaders on understanding total compensation as a leadership skill. She breaks down which parts of an offer are genuinely negotiable, where people undervalue themselves without realizing it, and what the research shows about the motherhood penalty and the fatherhood premium.

Listen in as Stacy explains how to anchor your number to the market instead of your current pay, how to ask direct questions without being labeled difficult, and what to protect during a career break so re-entry starts from a stronger position.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why base salary is often the least flexible part of a compensation package.
  • Where to find credible market data before entering a negotiation.
  • Why anchoring your ask to your current salary limits lifetime earnings.
  • How the motherhood penalty and fatherhood premium appear in pay research.
  • How mitigating language weakens a request before it is made.
  • Why equity, vesting schedules, and benefits belong in the total compensation math.
  • What to maintain during a career break to protect future earning power.
  • How workplace proximity and mentorship affect early-career pay outcomes.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "You should never anchor your base salary number off what you're currently making. That's another huge mistake." - Stacy Jackson
  • "If you haven't been compensated the way you want in the past, why is that? It's not necessarily because you didn't deserve it. It's because you didn't advocate for it." - Stacy Jackson
  • "All you need is somebody to answer one question, and you're off and running, because the next question will give you the next question, will give you the next question." - Stacy Jackson


Resources:


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.

]]> How much is one skipped negotiation actually costing you?

A missed $10,000 raise does not stay a $10,000 problem. It resets the base that every future increase is calculated from, shrinks the employer match, and removes years of compounding from the retirement number. Compensation decisions are financial planning decisions, even when they feel like career decisions.

Stacy Jackson, executive coach and founder of SBJ Consulting, works with leaders on understanding total compensation as a leadership skill. She breaks down which parts of an offer are genuinely negotiable, where people undervalue themselves without realizing it, and what the research shows about the motherhood penalty and the fatherhood premium.

Listen in as Stacy explains how to anchor your number to the market instead of your current pay, how to ask direct questions without being labeled difficult, and what to protect during a career break so re-entry starts from a stronger position.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why base salary is often the least flexible part of a compensation package.
  • Where to find credible market data before entering a negotiation.
  • Why anchoring your ask to your current salary limits lifetime earnings.
  • How the motherhood penalty and fatherhood premium appear in pay research.
  • How mitigating language weakens a request before it is made.
  • Why equity, vesting schedules, and benefits belong in the total compensation math.
  • What to maintain during a career break to protect future earning power.
  • How workplace proximity and mentorship affect early-career pay outcomes.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "You should never anchor your base salary number off what you're currently making. That's another huge mistake." - Stacy Jackson
  • "If you haven't been compensated the way you want in the past, why is that? It's not necessarily because you didn't deserve it. It's because you didn't advocate for it." - Stacy Jackson
  • "All you need is somebody to answer one question, and you're off and running, because the next question will give you the next question, will give you the next question." - Stacy Jackson


Resources:


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.

]]> Buzzsprout-19816609 Tue, 22 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0400 3507 24 full false The Personal Operating System: How High Achievers Stay Grounded Through Major Life Transitions The Personal Operating System: How High Achievers Stay Grounded Through Major Life Transitions How do you make the biggest decisions of your life when nothing around you feels stable?

Major life transitions strip away the routines that make people feel capable, and they tend to arrive right when the most consequential decisions need to be made. The instinct is to wait until the dust settles. But waiting is its own decision, and it usually costs more than people expect.

Marisa Messana, former professional golfer and founder of Marigold Elite Partners, coaches executives and high achievers on performance systems built for this kind of pressure. In this episode, she walks through her three pillars of mental resilience, physical optimization, and emotional intelligence, and how they combine into what she calls a personal operating system.

Listen in as Marisa breaks down the daily mental gym practice that sets the tone for an entire day, the weekly reflection ritual that builds self-trust, and the values exercise that reveals what people actually want.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why people in transition tend to make decisions based on past patterns.
  • How the mental gym practice works and why the first 30 to 60 minutes of the morning matter most.
  • The three foundational health levers that determine your available energy.
  • How the weekly reflection ritual builds discernment and removes the pressure to be perfect.
  • How zooming out and zooming in keeps long-term goals from becoming overwhelming.
  • What controlling the controllables looks like in practice during a chaotic season.
  • Why golf works as a setting for building confidence, trust, and business relationships.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "It's very common that I see women making decisions based off of the patterns of their past, rather than the desired future that they're looking to create." - Marisa Messana
  • “There's so many things in transition that you can't control, but what are the things that you can control? That's your own energy, your mindset, and how you show up in relationships." - Marisa Messana
  • "If there is an area that you're deficient in or maybe you don't feel comfortable, invest your resources in getting the support that you need to get there, whether it's golf, whether it's business, whether it's your finances." - Marisa Messana


Resources:


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.

]]> How do you make the biggest decisions of your life when nothing around you feels stable?

Major life transitions strip away the routines that make people feel capable, and they tend to arrive right when the most consequential decisions need to be made. The instinct is to wait until the dust settles. But waiting is its own decision, and it usually costs more than people expect.

Marisa Messana, former professional golfer and founder of Marigold Elite Partners, coaches executives and high achievers on performance systems built for this kind of pressure. In this episode, she walks through her three pillars of mental resilience, physical optimization, and emotional intelligence, and how they combine into what she calls a personal operating system.

Listen in as Marisa breaks down the daily mental gym practice that sets the tone for an entire day, the weekly reflection ritual that builds self-trust, and the values exercise that reveals what people actually want.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why people in transition tend to make decisions based on past patterns.
  • How the mental gym practice works and why the first 30 to 60 minutes of the morning matter most.
  • The three foundational health levers that determine your available energy.
  • How the weekly reflection ritual builds discernment and removes the pressure to be perfect.
  • How zooming out and zooming in keeps long-term goals from becoming overwhelming.
  • What controlling the controllables looks like in practice during a chaotic season.
  • Why golf works as a setting for building confidence, trust, and business relationships.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "It's very common that I see women making decisions based off of the patterns of their past, rather than the desired future that they're looking to create." - Marisa Messana
  • “There's so many things in transition that you can't control, but what are the things that you can control? That's your own energy, your mindset, and how you show up in relationships." - Marisa Messana
  • "If there is an area that you're deficient in or maybe you don't feel comfortable, invest your resources in getting the support that you need to get there, whether it's golf, whether it's business, whether it's your finances." - Marisa Messana


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19741936 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2376 23 full false The Fulfillment Formula: How High Performers Get Unstuck at Work and with Their Money The Fulfillment Formula: How High Performers Get Unstuck at Work and with Their Money What happens when you have done everything right and you are clearly talented… but you’re still stuck?

Today I’m joined by Jackie Roby, Executive Leadership Advisor and founder of Inspired Journey Consulting, who spent two decades inside performance-driven organizations watching this play out. In this episode, Jackie breaks down how “palatability culture” turns being easy to work with into a career ceiling, as well as how her Fulfillment Formula helps with recognizing your patterns and choosing instead of reacting.

Listen in as she explains what you can do to uncover the narratives behind your decisions and what changes when you lead from a regulated place. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how the patterns that limit your career also shape your financial decisions and a one-week assignment you can start today to get yourself unstuck.


What You’ll Learn:

  • What "palatability culture" is and how it quietly stalls talented careers.
  • How the Fulfillment Formula's five steps create awareness and calm the nervous system.
  • Why self-awareness is far rarer than people assume, and how to build it.
  • How to run a "thought audit" to catch the narratives holding you back.
  • Why regulated leadership outperforms leadership driven by insecurity.
  • How the patterns that limit your career also shape your financial decisions.
  • What it means to succeed without disappearing at work.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "Our brain does not know the difference between an unread email and being chased by a mountain lion." - Jackie Roby
  • "There was a study done that said 95% of people think they're self-aware, but in reality, only 5% to 10% of people are." - Jackie Roby
  • "Your busyness isn't proof of your value; it's proof that the system is broken." - Jackie Roby


Resources:


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.

]]> What happens when you have done everything right and you are clearly talented… but you’re still stuck?

Today I’m joined by Jackie Roby, Executive Leadership Advisor and founder of Inspired Journey Consulting, who spent two decades inside performance-driven organizations watching this play out. In this episode, Jackie breaks down how “palatability culture” turns being easy to work with into a career ceiling, as well as how her Fulfillment Formula helps with recognizing your patterns and choosing instead of reacting.

Listen in as she explains what you can do to uncover the narratives behind your decisions and what changes when you lead from a regulated place. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how the patterns that limit your career also shape your financial decisions and a one-week assignment you can start today to get yourself unstuck.


What You’ll Learn:

  • What "palatability culture" is and how it quietly stalls talented careers.
  • How the Fulfillment Formula's five steps create awareness and calm the nervous system.
  • Why self-awareness is far rarer than people assume, and how to build it.
  • How to run a "thought audit" to catch the narratives holding you back.
  • Why regulated leadership outperforms leadership driven by insecurity.
  • How the patterns that limit your career also shape your financial decisions.
  • What it means to succeed without disappearing at work.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "Our brain does not know the difference between an unread email and being chased by a mountain lion." - Jackie Roby
  • "There was a study done that said 95% of people think they're self-aware, but in reality, only 5% to 10% of people are." - Jackie Roby
  • "Your busyness isn't proof of your value; it's proof that the system is broken." - Jackie Roby


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19670885 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2913 22 full false Spend Wisely, Live Wealthy: How Money Coaching Turns a Financial Plan Into Lasting Habits Spend Wisely, Live Wealthy: How Money Coaching Turns a Financial Plan Into Lasting Habits What if the reason your financial plan isn't sticking has nothing to do with your investments?

Building wealth gets most of the attention in financial planning, but everyday decisions are where plans quietly succeed or fall apart. When daily spending isn't aligned with long-term goals, even a strong investment strategy ends up working uphill.

Kai Dickens, CEO and Money Coach at Dr. Budgets, works with individuals, couples, and small business owners to rebuild their relationship with money from the ground up. He joins the show today to share how money stories formed in childhood run in the background of adult decisions, why a spending plan works better than a restrictive budget, and how awareness paired with small, repeatable changes creates habits that actually last.

Listen in to learn how to close the gap between knowing and doing, how couples can talk about money without it turning into conflict, what keeps people stuck, and how clarity around your numbers can replace daily stress with lasting confidence.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why daily spending habits often decide whether a financial plan succeeds.
  • How childhood money stories shape adult spending behavior without us realizing it.
  • Why reframing a budget as a "spending plan" removes restriction and shame.
  • How couples can discuss money without falling into conflict.
  • How to review three months of expenses and adjust spending categories.
  • Why delivery apps and forgotten subscriptions quietly derail budgets.
  • How small business owners separate personal and business finances for taxes.
  • How money coaching and financial planning work together to build wealth.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The foundation of how everybody does money—and most of the time, it's from what they saw as a child, and it's been completely instilled, so they don't even know—it's… like a script that's running in the background.” - Kai Dickens
  • “Instead of focusing on budgeting and how a budget could restrict you, what we really do is we flip it, and we're focusing on spending, a spending plan. So instead of ‘you can't spend this money,’ it's, ‘you can spend up to this amount in these different categories.’” - Kai Dickens
  • "Getting clarity around your numbers takes away the stress, and it gives you the ability to live." - Kai Dickens


Resources:


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.

]]> What if the reason your financial plan isn't sticking has nothing to do with your investments?

Building wealth gets most of the attention in financial planning, but everyday decisions are where plans quietly succeed or fall apart. When daily spending isn't aligned with long-term goals, even a strong investment strategy ends up working uphill.

Kai Dickens, CEO and Money Coach at Dr. Budgets, works with individuals, couples, and small business owners to rebuild their relationship with money from the ground up. He joins the show today to share how money stories formed in childhood run in the background of adult decisions, why a spending plan works better than a restrictive budget, and how awareness paired with small, repeatable changes creates habits that actually last.

Listen in to learn how to close the gap between knowing and doing, how couples can talk about money without it turning into conflict, what keeps people stuck, and how clarity around your numbers can replace daily stress with lasting confidence.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why daily spending habits often decide whether a financial plan succeeds.
  • How childhood money stories shape adult spending behavior without us realizing it.
  • Why reframing a budget as a "spending plan" removes restriction and shame.
  • How couples can discuss money without falling into conflict.
  • How to review three months of expenses and adjust spending categories.
  • Why delivery apps and forgotten subscriptions quietly derail budgets.
  • How small business owners separate personal and business finances for taxes.
  • How money coaching and financial planning work together to build wealth.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The foundation of how everybody does money—and most of the time, it's from what they saw as a child, and it's been completely instilled, so they don't even know—it's… like a script that's running in the background.” - Kai Dickens
  • “Instead of focusing on budgeting and how a budget could restrict you, what we really do is we flip it, and we're focusing on spending, a spending plan. So instead of ‘you can't spend this money,’ it's, ‘you can spend up to this amount in these different categories.’” - Kai Dickens
  • "Getting clarity around your numbers takes away the stress, and it gives you the ability to live." - Kai Dickens


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19591812 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2291 21 full false The Data Trade-Off: How to Take Back Control of Your Money in an AI-Driven World 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:


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.

]]> 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:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19524275 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 3779 20 full false Beyond the Spreadsheet: How Meeting Clients Where They Are (Literally) Builds Lasting Trust 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:


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.

]]> 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:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19452752 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2441 19 full false Cracking the Code: A Retirement Roadmap for Educators and Academics with Kevin Roche 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:


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.

]]> 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:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19384463 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2336 18 full false The Emotional Side of Money: How Financial Therapy Helps You Build a Healthier Relationship with Wealth 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:


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.

]]> 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:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19312589 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2565 17 full false Real Estate in Estate Planning: Managing Inherited Properties and Charitable Gifts 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:


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.

]]> 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:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19241725 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2754 16 full false Navigating the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026-2030 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:


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.

]]> 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:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19134368 Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2675 15 full false The Special Needs Trust Playbook: Protecting Your Child’s Benefits and Future Care 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:


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.

]]> 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:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-19070914 Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2331 14 full false The 3M Wealth Formula: How to Give Every Dollar a Job and Align Your Money With Your Values 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:


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.

]]> 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:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18944286 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2600 13 full false The Missing Piece of Estate Planning: What Happens to the Stuff We Leave Behind The Missing Piece of Estate Planning: What Happens to the Stuff We Leave Behind How prepared is your family to handle more than just your money?

Major life transitions often come with more than paperwork and financial decisions. They also come with homes, storage units, closets, and inherited belongings full of items that carry emotional weight, practical questions, and sometimes real financial value. As wealth and possessions are passed between generations, families are increasingly faced with difficult decisions about what to keep, what to let go of, and how to handle it all thoughtfully.

In this episode, Robin Cartwright, founder of Mindful Moveouts, shares how she helps individuals and families deal with downsizing, estate cleanouts, inherited belongings, and major move transitions. She breaks down the emotional and logistical challenges that come with sorting through a lifetime of possessions, how to identify what may hold financial or sentimental value, and why having a plan for your physical belongings is just as important as having a plan for your money.

Listen in as Robin explains how to reduce overwhelm during life transitions, make intentional decisions about inherited items, avoid costly storage mistakes, and create more clarity for the people you love.



What You’ll Learn:

  • Why physical belongings can become a major financial and emotional burden during life transitions.
  • How inherited items may hold emotional value, financial value, or neither.
  • Why “wealth” passed down through generations often includes more than money.
  • The hidden long-term cost of keeping storage units for unused belongings.
  • How to thoughtfully sort items into what to keep, donate, sell, or revisit later.
  • Why families should document plans for household contents alongside estate documents.
  • How meaningful items can be preserved without keeping everything.
  • Why having passwords, records, and key documents accessible can reduce stress for loved ones.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “Wealth does not mean dollar. Wealth could be collections of items.” - Robin Cartwright
  • “You can keep the memory and not the item." - Robin Cartwright
  • “If we had just gone in with a slash-and-burn mentality—clean it out so we can sell the condo—we might not have found things like that.” - Robin Cartwright


Resources:


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.

]]> How prepared is your family to handle more than just your money?

Major life transitions often come with more than paperwork and financial decisions. They also come with homes, storage units, closets, and inherited belongings full of items that carry emotional weight, practical questions, and sometimes real financial value. As wealth and possessions are passed between generations, families are increasingly faced with difficult decisions about what to keep, what to let go of, and how to handle it all thoughtfully.

In this episode, Robin Cartwright, founder of Mindful Moveouts, shares how she helps individuals and families deal with downsizing, estate cleanouts, inherited belongings, and major move transitions. She breaks down the emotional and logistical challenges that come with sorting through a lifetime of possessions, how to identify what may hold financial or sentimental value, and why having a plan for your physical belongings is just as important as having a plan for your money.

Listen in as Robin explains how to reduce overwhelm during life transitions, make intentional decisions about inherited items, avoid costly storage mistakes, and create more clarity for the people you love.



What You’ll Learn:

  • Why physical belongings can become a major financial and emotional burden during life transitions.
  • How inherited items may hold emotional value, financial value, or neither.
  • Why “wealth” passed down through generations often includes more than money.
  • The hidden long-term cost of keeping storage units for unused belongings.
  • How to thoughtfully sort items into what to keep, donate, sell, or revisit later.
  • Why families should document plans for household contents alongside estate documents.
  • How meaningful items can be preserved without keeping everything.
  • Why having passwords, records, and key documents accessible can reduce stress for loved ones.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “Wealth does not mean dollar. Wealth could be collections of items.” - Robin Cartwright
  • “You can keep the memory and not the item." - Robin Cartwright
  • “If we had just gone in with a slash-and-burn mentality—clean it out so we can sell the condo—we might not have found things like that.” - Robin Cartwright


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18906649 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2318 12 full false Divorce in Motion: Understanding the Legal and Financial Process Divorce in Motion: Understanding the Legal and Financial Process What actually happens after the first call to a divorce attorney?

Once the decision has been made and legal proceedings begin, individuals enter a structured process that can involve filings, financial disclosures, mediation, and sometimes, a trial. For many people, the uncertainty surrounding timelines, legal requirements, and financial decisions can make an already difficult transition feel even more overwhelming.

In this second half of the conversation with family law attorney Linda Weiksnar, we continue the discussion on divorce by walking through what actually happens once the process begins. Drawing on decades of experience guiding clients through family law matters, Linda explains the real-world mechanics of divorce, from petitions and mandatory financial disclosures to mediation, settlement negotiations, and court proceedings.

Listen in as she outlines the stages of divorce and explains how courts approach property division, spousal support, and parenting plans. You’ll get practical insights that can help anyone move through the process with clearer expectations and greater confidence.



What You’ll Learn:

  • The first legal steps that officially begin a divorce case.
  • Why financial affidavits and mandatory disclosure are essential to the process.
  • How equitable distribution works when dividing property, accounts, and debts.
  • What courts consider when determining spousal support.
  • Why mediation is required before most divorce cases go to trial.
  • How parenting plans and time-sharing arrangements are structured.
  • What happens during a divorce trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
  • Why preparation and patience are critical throughout the process.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The judge is going to tell you the same thing I'm going to tell you right now: I can't fix your heartache.” - Linda Weiksnar
  • “You can be more creative in mediation. You can be the captain of your own ship in mediation.” - Linda Weiksnar
  • “Listen to your attorney because your attorney does want what's best for you, but has to get you there within what the law allows.” – Linda Weiksnar


Resources:


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.

]]> What actually happens after the first call to a divorce attorney?

Once the decision has been made and legal proceedings begin, individuals enter a structured process that can involve filings, financial disclosures, mediation, and sometimes, a trial. For many people, the uncertainty surrounding timelines, legal requirements, and financial decisions can make an already difficult transition feel even more overwhelming.

In this second half of the conversation with family law attorney Linda Weiksnar, we continue the discussion on divorce by walking through what actually happens once the process begins. Drawing on decades of experience guiding clients through family law matters, Linda explains the real-world mechanics of divorce, from petitions and mandatory financial disclosures to mediation, settlement negotiations, and court proceedings.

Listen in as she outlines the stages of divorce and explains how courts approach property division, spousal support, and parenting plans. You’ll get practical insights that can help anyone move through the process with clearer expectations and greater confidence.



What You’ll Learn:

  • The first legal steps that officially begin a divorce case.
  • Why financial affidavits and mandatory disclosure are essential to the process.
  • How equitable distribution works when dividing property, accounts, and debts.
  • What courts consider when determining spousal support.
  • Why mediation is required before most divorce cases go to trial.
  • How parenting plans and time-sharing arrangements are structured.
  • What happens during a divorce trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
  • Why preparation and patience are critical throughout the process.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The judge is going to tell you the same thing I'm going to tell you right now: I can't fix your heartache.” - Linda Weiksnar
  • “You can be more creative in mediation. You can be the captain of your own ship in mediation.” - Linda Weiksnar
  • “Listen to your attorney because your attorney does want what's best for you, but has to get you there within what the law allows.” – Linda Weiksnar


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18795399 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 5040 11 full false Rental Property or Real Estate Syndication? How to Choose the Right Strategy for Your Wealth Plan Rental Property or Real Estate Syndication? How to Choose the Right Strategy for Your Wealth Plan Is owning a rental property really the smartest way to build wealth—or just the most familiar one?

For many investors, the first instinct is to buy a rental property and become a landlord, but owning one property can bring concentration risk, unexpected expenses, and more hands-on responsibility than expected. As markets shift, it is essential to understand how real estate fits within a diversified financial plan.

In this episode, Shannon Kiefhaber, real estate investor and asset manager at Riverside Group and Twenty-Five Eight Capital, opens up about her transition from single-family rentals to multifamily syndications and commercial assets. Listen in as she explains how to evaluate return on equity, what passive investing through syndications really looks like, and how to align real estate decisions with your long-term wealth strategy.



What You’ll Learn:

  • Why many investors underestimate the true cost of owning a single rental property.
  • How vacancy, capital expenditures, and property management impact cash flow.
  • The difference between concentration risk and diversified real estate exposure.
  • What a real estate syndication is and how limited partners participate.
  • How metrics like cash-on-cash return, IRR, and equity multiple compare to market benchmarks.
  • How depreciation and cost segregation can enhance tax strategy.
  • The importance of aligning real estate investments with your overall financial plan.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The problem is people dramatically underestimating the true cost of owning a rental property and overestimating the benefit of having only one property. I'm not trying to say rental properties are bad, but I think scale matters here.” - Shannon Kiefhaber
  • “For building wealth, it's not about necessarily doing more and more deals—it's about building something or designing something that supports the lifestyle I want to live.” - Shannon Kiefhaber
  • “If you’ve been holding real estate for the past 10 years, it’s a great time to hold real estate. It’s highly appreciated. And so now you have to actually start looking at another metric called return on equity.” - Shannon Kiefhaber


Resources:


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.

]]> Is owning a rental property really the smartest way to build wealth—or just the most familiar one?

For many investors, the first instinct is to buy a rental property and become a landlord, but owning one property can bring concentration risk, unexpected expenses, and more hands-on responsibility than expected. As markets shift, it is essential to understand how real estate fits within a diversified financial plan.

In this episode, Shannon Kiefhaber, real estate investor and asset manager at Riverside Group and Twenty-Five Eight Capital, opens up about her transition from single-family rentals to multifamily syndications and commercial assets. Listen in as she explains how to evaluate return on equity, what passive investing through syndications really looks like, and how to align real estate decisions with your long-term wealth strategy.



What You’ll Learn:

  • Why many investors underestimate the true cost of owning a single rental property.
  • How vacancy, capital expenditures, and property management impact cash flow.
  • The difference between concentration risk and diversified real estate exposure.
  • What a real estate syndication is and how limited partners participate.
  • How metrics like cash-on-cash return, IRR, and equity multiple compare to market benchmarks.
  • How depreciation and cost segregation can enhance tax strategy.
  • The importance of aligning real estate investments with your overall financial plan.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The problem is people dramatically underestimating the true cost of owning a rental property and overestimating the benefit of having only one property. I'm not trying to say rental properties are bad, but I think scale matters here.” - Shannon Kiefhaber
  • “For building wealth, it's not about necessarily doing more and more deals—it's about building something or designing something that supports the lifestyle I want to live.” - Shannon Kiefhaber
  • “If you’ve been holding real estate for the past 10 years, it’s a great time to hold real estate. It’s highly appreciated. And so now you have to actually start looking at another metric called return on equity.” - Shannon Kiefhaber


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18692656 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2871 10 full false The Hidden Tax Bill: How One Gifted Property Cost $120,000 The Hidden Tax Bill: How One Gifted Property Cost $120,000 A financial gift can feel generous, timely, and full of opportunity. But without the right guidance, even well-intentioned decisions can create unexpected tax consequences.

In this episode, Joyce Ruggeri, CPA at Reynolds Bone & Griesbeck, shares a client story involving a gifted property that resulted in a $120,000 tax bill. With two decades of experience in tax compliance and strategic planning, Joyce breaks down capital gains, cost basis, step-up in basis, and the common misconceptions that often lead families to make costly mistakes.

Listen in as she explains how one missed phone call changed the outcome of a major financial decision, what families should understand before gifting or inheriting property, and why coordination between your CPA and financial advisor can protect both your wealth and your peace of mind.


What You’ll Learn:

  • The difference between gifting property and inheriting property from a tax perspective.
  • What a step-up in basis is and why timing matters.
  • How capital gains are calculated on real estate sales.
  • Why the old “buy another house to avoid tax” rule no longer applies.
  • What qualifies as a home improvement that increases your cost basis.
  • Why communication between your CPA and investment advisor matters.
  • The long-term cost of withdrawing money early from a 401(k).


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “If she had called me, I would say, ‘Just wait. You inherit a property—dad passes away, and you inherit the property. Then you get what is called a step-up in basis.’” - Joyce Ruggeri
  • “Capital gains… has such a negative connotation… People think of it as a penalty… It's a tax, but it can be lower than normal. Good news, you made money” - Joyce Ruggeri
  • “This happens more often than not because people trust what they hear from their neighbor. And in today's day and age, people trust what they hear from AI, and they Google things to get answers. And really what you should do is call your CPA.” - Joyce Ruggeri


Resources:


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.

]]> A financial gift can feel generous, timely, and full of opportunity. But without the right guidance, even well-intentioned decisions can create unexpected tax consequences.

In this episode, Joyce Ruggeri, CPA at Reynolds Bone & Griesbeck, shares a client story involving a gifted property that resulted in a $120,000 tax bill. With two decades of experience in tax compliance and strategic planning, Joyce breaks down capital gains, cost basis, step-up in basis, and the common misconceptions that often lead families to make costly mistakes.

Listen in as she explains how one missed phone call changed the outcome of a major financial decision, what families should understand before gifting or inheriting property, and why coordination between your CPA and financial advisor can protect both your wealth and your peace of mind.


What You’ll Learn:

  • The difference between gifting property and inheriting property from a tax perspective.
  • What a step-up in basis is and why timing matters.
  • How capital gains are calculated on real estate sales.
  • Why the old “buy another house to avoid tax” rule no longer applies.
  • What qualifies as a home improvement that increases your cost basis.
  • Why communication between your CPA and investment advisor matters.
  • The long-term cost of withdrawing money early from a 401(k).


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “If she had called me, I would say, ‘Just wait. You inherit a property—dad passes away, and you inherit the property. Then you get what is called a step-up in basis.’” - Joyce Ruggeri
  • “Capital gains… has such a negative connotation… People think of it as a penalty… It's a tax, but it can be lower than normal. Good news, you made money” - Joyce Ruggeri
  • “This happens more often than not because people trust what they hear from their neighbor. And in today's day and age, people trust what they hear from AI, and they Google things to get answers. And really what you should do is call your CPA.” - Joyce Ruggeri


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18668771 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 1869 9 full false Preparing for Divorce: Emotional, Financial, and Legal Clarity Before the First Call Preparing for Divorce: Emotional, Financial, and Legal Clarity Before the First Call Divorce doesn't start when you file the paperwork. It starts the moment you realize your marriage might end, and what you do in that space between realization and action can determine if you move through the process with clarity or chaos.

In this episode, Linda Weiksnar, a seasoned family law attorney, walks through exactly what someone should be doing before they ever schedule that first consultation. She covers getting your emotional house in order, understanding your finances, and managing expectations about custody. Listen in to get a rare look at what actually matters in court, how preparation (both practical and psychological) shapes everything that follows, and why the work you do before filing determines the outcome more than most people realize.


What You’ll Learn:

  • The most overlooked step before divorce.
  • How to gather financial information even if you never handled the bills.
  • What a financial affidavit requires and how to prepare ahead of time.
  • Why courts don’t consider fault or heartbreak (and what they do consider).
  • How Florida’s 50-50 time-sharing presumption changes custody expectations.
  • What dissipation of assets means and when infidelity actually matters.
  • Why friends, family, and non-family-law attorneys aren’t reliable guides.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The court can't fix your heartache. I can't fix your heartache. I can probably counsel you pretty well after a bajillion years of doing family law, but that's not what I'm trained for.” - Linda Weiksnar
  • “Divorce is similar [to marriage] because you can't come out of it thinking, “Okay, I'm divorced now, I'm healed, I'm ready to move on.” - Linda Weiksnar
  • “You want your money to send your kids to college, not send my kids to college.” - Linda Weiksnar


Resources:


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.

]]> Divorce doesn't start when you file the paperwork. It starts the moment you realize your marriage might end, and what you do in that space between realization and action can determine if you move through the process with clarity or chaos.

In this episode, Linda Weiksnar, a seasoned family law attorney, walks through exactly what someone should be doing before they ever schedule that first consultation. She covers getting your emotional house in order, understanding your finances, and managing expectations about custody. Listen in to get a rare look at what actually matters in court, how preparation (both practical and psychological) shapes everything that follows, and why the work you do before filing determines the outcome more than most people realize.


What You’ll Learn:

  • The most overlooked step before divorce.
  • How to gather financial information even if you never handled the bills.
  • What a financial affidavit requires and how to prepare ahead of time.
  • Why courts don’t consider fault or heartbreak (and what they do consider).
  • How Florida’s 50-50 time-sharing presumption changes custody expectations.
  • What dissipation of assets means and when infidelity actually matters.
  • Why friends, family, and non-family-law attorneys aren’t reliable guides.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The court can't fix your heartache. I can't fix your heartache. I can probably counsel you pretty well after a bajillion years of doing family law, but that's not what I'm trained for.” - Linda Weiksnar
  • “Divorce is similar [to marriage] because you can't come out of it thinking, “Okay, I'm divorced now, I'm healed, I'm ready to move on.” - Linda Weiksnar
  • “You want your money to send your kids to college, not send my kids to college.” - Linda Weiksnar


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18622931 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 4034 8 full false How Estate Planning Protects Families During Grief How Estate Planning Protects Families During Grief Estate planning rarely feels urgent… until life forces it to be. Too often, families postpone these decisions because they’re uncomfortable, complicated, or easy to ignore. But when illness, loss, or sudden responsibility arrives, the absence of a clear plan can turn grief into chaos, leaving loved ones to make impossible decisions at the worst possible time.

In this episode, Dana Gliniecki shares what it looks like when estate planning moves from theory to reality. After years of thoughtful preparation following a major business exit, Dana unexpectedly found herself relying on those plans when her husband passed away. She offers a rare, firsthand perspective on how preparation (or lack thereof) shapes emotional capacity, family dynamics, and decision-making during profound loss. Listen in to learn why estate planning is less about wealth and more about responsibility, clarity, and care.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why estate planning decisions are harder to make during grief and loss.
  • How a clear estate plan reduces stress for surviving spouses and families.
  • What happens when trustees must make financial decisions after a death.
  • How estate plans should change as children become adults and start families.
  • Why family communication is critical to avoiding conflict after a parent passes.
  • The difference between managing an estate and protecting family relationships.
  • How planning ahead creates clarity and stability during emotionally overwhelming times.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “At the end of the day, we're all gonna die. You'd rather be in charge of how everything goes down.” - Dana Gliniecki
  • “You either do the hard stuff upfront and things go relatively smoothly, or you do nothing, and you make it much harder on yourselves, and other people potentially end up making very important decisions for you.” - Dana Gliniecki
  • “You have to ultimately live with the consequences, and you don't get to say at the end, ‘Well, I didn't know.’ Well, that's on you.” - Dana Gliniecki


Resources:


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.

]]> Estate planning rarely feels urgent… until life forces it to be. Too often, families postpone these decisions because they’re uncomfortable, complicated, or easy to ignore. But when illness, loss, or sudden responsibility arrives, the absence of a clear plan can turn grief into chaos, leaving loved ones to make impossible decisions at the worst possible time.

In this episode, Dana Gliniecki shares what it looks like when estate planning moves from theory to reality. After years of thoughtful preparation following a major business exit, Dana unexpectedly found herself relying on those plans when her husband passed away. She offers a rare, firsthand perspective on how preparation (or lack thereof) shapes emotional capacity, family dynamics, and decision-making during profound loss. Listen in to learn why estate planning is less about wealth and more about responsibility, clarity, and care.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why estate planning decisions are harder to make during grief and loss.
  • How a clear estate plan reduces stress for surviving spouses and families.
  • What happens when trustees must make financial decisions after a death.
  • How estate plans should change as children become adults and start families.
  • Why family communication is critical to avoiding conflict after a parent passes.
  • The difference between managing an estate and protecting family relationships.
  • How planning ahead creates clarity and stability during emotionally overwhelming times.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “At the end of the day, we're all gonna die. You'd rather be in charge of how everything goes down.” - Dana Gliniecki
  • “You either do the hard stuff upfront and things go relatively smoothly, or you do nothing, and you make it much harder on yourselves, and other people potentially end up making very important decisions for you.” - Dana Gliniecki
  • “You have to ultimately live with the consequences, and you don't get to say at the end, ‘Well, I didn't know.’ Well, that's on you.” - Dana Gliniecki


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18545072 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2963 estate planning, estate planning during grief, estate planning after death, wills and trusts, trust administration, trustee responsibilities, surviving spouse planning, family estate planning 7 full false Beyond the Documents: How Estate Planning Decisions Shape Family Outcomes Beyond the Documents: How Estate Planning Decisions Shape Family Outcomes Estate planning is often treated as a box to check: documents signed, files stored away, and the assumption that everything will work as intended. But when plans aren’t communicated, updated, or properly executed, families are left facing confusion, conflict, and costly consequences during moments that are already emotionally overwhelming.

In this episode, David Darby, CFA, managing director of the investment strategy team at Farther, shares real stories from decades of experience helping families unwind estate planning mistakes after it’s too late. He explains how unfunded trusts, outdated documents, and lack of coordination between advisors can turn good intentions into years of legal and emotional strain. Listen in as David breaks down what actually goes wrong behind the scenes, how thoughtful execution creates clarity instead of chaos, and why proactive planning is one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave your family.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why having estate documents doesn’t guarantee they’ll work as intended.
  • How unfunded or outdated trusts can trigger costly legal battles.
  • The role communication plays between advisors, attorneys, and families.
  • When life events should prompt an estate plan review.
  • Why healthcare directives are just as critical as financial documents.
  • How advisors help reduce administrative burdens during times of grief.
  • What clarity looks like when estate planning is done well.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The value-add of a good advisor is that we give people time in their lives by taking care of the minutia that they probably don't want to have anything to do with. They just want to know that it's getting done.” - David Darby
  • “As you get more experienced in life and in our business, you'll see clients that have health issues, and I think we tend to forget that our clients are people first. And that when you have a health issue, it's almost the only thing you can think about.” - David Darby
  • “The first time you're probably looking at estate planning is [when] we get married or have kids, and then as they get older, we may be updating it.” - David Darby


Resources:


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.

]]> Estate planning is often treated as a box to check: documents signed, files stored away, and the assumption that everything will work as intended. But when plans aren’t communicated, updated, or properly executed, families are left facing confusion, conflict, and costly consequences during moments that are already emotionally overwhelming.

In this episode, David Darby, CFA, managing director of the investment strategy team at Farther, shares real stories from decades of experience helping families unwind estate planning mistakes after it’s too late. He explains how unfunded trusts, outdated documents, and lack of coordination between advisors can turn good intentions into years of legal and emotional strain. Listen in as David breaks down what actually goes wrong behind the scenes, how thoughtful execution creates clarity instead of chaos, and why proactive planning is one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave your family.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why having estate documents doesn’t guarantee they’ll work as intended.
  • How unfunded or outdated trusts can trigger costly legal battles.
  • The role communication plays between advisors, attorneys, and families.
  • When life events should prompt an estate plan review.
  • Why healthcare directives are just as critical as financial documents.
  • How advisors help reduce administrative burdens during times of grief.
  • What clarity looks like when estate planning is done well.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The value-add of a good advisor is that we give people time in their lives by taking care of the minutia that they probably don't want to have anything to do with. They just want to know that it's getting done.” - David Darby
  • “As you get more experienced in life and in our business, you'll see clients that have health issues, and I think we tend to forget that our clients are people first. And that when you have a health issue, it's almost the only thing you can think about.” - David Darby
  • “The first time you're probably looking at estate planning is [when] we get married or have kids, and then as they get older, we may be updating it.” - David Darby


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18479583 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2171 6 full false Renovate Without Regret: How to Protect Yourself Legally in Home Improvement Projects Renovate Without Regret: How to Protect Yourself Legally in Home Improvement Projects Homeowners across the country are hitting pause on moving, holding tight to low-interest mortgages while still craving updated, functional spaces. With renovation demand rising and project costs climbing, understanding the legal side of home improvement has never mattered more.

In this episode, construction attorney Jared Gillman breaks down the legal risks most homeowners overlook. He explains how remodel projects go sideways, why due diligence matters, how lien rights actually work, and the contract protections every homeowner should have in place long before demo day begins.

Listen in as Jared shares the practical steps that help homeowners avoid costly surprises and how to spot red flags before they become expensive problems.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why today’s interest-rate environment is pushing more homeowners toward renovation rather than relocation.
  • The most common disputes in construction projects and where they originate.
  • How to vet a contractor before signing anything.
  • What an owner’s representative does and why it can save homeowners time, money, and stress.
  • How lien laws work and how to avoid the risk of double payment.
  • The right way to structure payment schedules and track subcontractor releases.
  • When permits, licenses, and insurance become critical protections.
  • Why change orders create budget surprises and how to manage them proactively.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “​So much of [a dispute] can be adequately addressed at the front end of a project with having the right contract in place, having realistic expectations, and also with doing your due diligence on a contractor.” - Jared Gillman
  • “If you go ahead and put 50% upfront or 70% upfront, and… the contractor flakes on you for whatever reason… you're gonna put yourself in a bind.” - Jared Gillman
  • “Owner’s reps are excellent for everyone.” - Jared Gillman


Resources:


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.

]]> Homeowners across the country are hitting pause on moving, holding tight to low-interest mortgages while still craving updated, functional spaces. With renovation demand rising and project costs climbing, understanding the legal side of home improvement has never mattered more.

In this episode, construction attorney Jared Gillman breaks down the legal risks most homeowners overlook. He explains how remodel projects go sideways, why due diligence matters, how lien rights actually work, and the contract protections every homeowner should have in place long before demo day begins.

Listen in as Jared shares the practical steps that help homeowners avoid costly surprises and how to spot red flags before they become expensive problems.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why today’s interest-rate environment is pushing more homeowners toward renovation rather than relocation.
  • The most common disputes in construction projects and where they originate.
  • How to vet a contractor before signing anything.
  • What an owner’s representative does and why it can save homeowners time, money, and stress.
  • How lien laws work and how to avoid the risk of double payment.
  • The right way to structure payment schedules and track subcontractor releases.
  • When permits, licenses, and insurance become critical protections.
  • Why change orders create budget surprises and how to manage them proactively.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “​So much of [a dispute] can be adequately addressed at the front end of a project with having the right contract in place, having realistic expectations, and also with doing your due diligence on a contractor.” - Jared Gillman
  • “If you go ahead and put 50% upfront or 70% upfront, and… the contractor flakes on you for whatever reason… you're gonna put yourself in a bind.” - Jared Gillman
  • “Owner’s reps are excellent for everyone.” - Jared Gillman


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18343291 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2296 5 full false The New Money Playbook: How NIL Is Changing Financial Futures for Student Athletes The New Money Playbook: How NIL Is Changing Financial Futures for Student Athletes The world of college athletics has entered a new era. With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) now in play, student athletes are gaining access to real income opportunities earlier than ever, often before they even step onto a college campus. But with these new possibilities come major responsibilities around money, contracts, and long-term planning.

In this episode, Domenick Macri, NIL consultant and partner at Via Vitae Partners, breaks down what NIL really is, who’s actually earning money, and the biggest misconceptions surrounding these deals. He shares what families need to know before signing, how sudden income can impact young athletes, and why education and structure are critical in this fast-moving space.

Listen in as Domenick explains how young athletes can avoid common financial mistakes, develop smart spending and saving habits, and build a foundation that protects their future, whether their path continues in sports or leads elsewhere.


What You’ll Learn:

  • What Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) means and how student athletes earn income from it.
  • The biggest misconceptions about NIL and who is actually receiving large contracts.
  • Why financial literacy is critical for young athletes managing sudden money.
  • How spending habits, optimism, and lifestyle inflation can impact long-term wealth.
  • The importance of saving early and planning for life beyond athletics.
  • How personal branding and social media factor into NIL success.
  • Why wraparound support systems can help protect athletes and their families.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “Being too optimistic about the future sometimes can be painful in the current, and so if you get all this money and you think, ‘Oh, it's just gonna keep coming, or I can play my way to more money,’ you tend to spend more because you're optimistic that that's gonna happen.” - Domenick Macri
  • “The best thing to do is set up a nest egg so that you have that for the future. That allows you to be a better planner in the future and have the ability to make decisions.” - Domenick Macri
  • “Our goal… is to help them transition from high school to college to either professional athletes or into professional employment.” - Domenick Macri


Resources:


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.

]]> The world of college athletics has entered a new era. With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) now in play, student athletes are gaining access to real income opportunities earlier than ever, often before they even step onto a college campus. But with these new possibilities come major responsibilities around money, contracts, and long-term planning.

In this episode, Domenick Macri, NIL consultant and partner at Via Vitae Partners, breaks down what NIL really is, who’s actually earning money, and the biggest misconceptions surrounding these deals. He shares what families need to know before signing, how sudden income can impact young athletes, and why education and structure are critical in this fast-moving space.

Listen in as Domenick explains how young athletes can avoid common financial mistakes, develop smart spending and saving habits, and build a foundation that protects their future, whether their path continues in sports or leads elsewhere.


What You’ll Learn:

  • What Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) means and how student athletes earn income from it.
  • The biggest misconceptions about NIL and who is actually receiving large contracts.
  • Why financial literacy is critical for young athletes managing sudden money.
  • How spending habits, optimism, and lifestyle inflation can impact long-term wealth.
  • The importance of saving early and planning for life beyond athletics.
  • How personal branding and social media factor into NIL success.
  • Why wraparound support systems can help protect athletes and their families.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “Being too optimistic about the future sometimes can be painful in the current, and so if you get all this money and you think, ‘Oh, it's just gonna keep coming, or I can play my way to more money,’ you tend to spend more because you're optimistic that that's gonna happen.” - Domenick Macri
  • “The best thing to do is set up a nest egg so that you have that for the future. That allows you to be a better planner in the future and have the ability to make decisions.” - Domenick Macri
  • “Our goal… is to help them transition from high school to college to either professional athletes or into professional employment.” - Domenick Macri


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18330267 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 1937 4 full false Democratizing Philanthropy: How Collective Giving Turns Small Donations into Big Impact Democratizing Philanthropy: How Collective Giving Turns Small Donations into Big Impact Generosity isn't reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Whether you have $50 or $5,000 to give, your dollars can go further and your impact can grow exponentially when you give collectively. In this episode, Lisa LaFrance, philanthropic advisor and founder of LaFrance Project, breaks down how pooling resources through giving circles is changing modern philanthropy and creating significant change in local communities.

Lisa shares the surprising statistics behind collective giving, how democratized philanthropy puts donors in the driver's seat, and reveals why supporting grassroots organizations can be more impactful than writing checks to large institutions.

Listen in to discover how giving circles create networks of learning, engagement, and community transformation—all while making your charitable dollars work harder than you ever imagined.


What You’ll Learn:

  • How collective giving has mobilized over $3.1 billion from hundreds of thousands of donors since 2016.
  • The difference between giving circles and traditional charitable donations.
  • Why donor-advised funds represent a major untapped opportunity in philanthropy.
  • How technology and data may reshape the nonprofit sector in the coming years.
  • The "3Ms" of meaningful nonprofit engagement.
  • How group decision-making offers education, transparency, and deeper engagement.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The wonderful thing about collective giving, which is it democratizes philanthropy. The people that are contributing to the pool of funds have some say in how that money gets distributed.” - Lisa LaFrance
  • “Trust-based philanthropy is really about developing really strong relationships between the donor and the nonprofit, so that you can have a really open conversation and communication.” - Lisa LaFrance
  • “If you give that $500 to the American Heart Association, it's great, but if you give that $500 to a small nonprofit that's just building, that maybe has a budget of a hundred thousand dollars, really impactful for them... You've changed their balance sheet significantly.” - Lisa LaFrance


Resources:


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.

]]> Generosity isn't reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Whether you have $50 or $5,000 to give, your dollars can go further and your impact can grow exponentially when you give collectively. In this episode, Lisa LaFrance, philanthropic advisor and founder of LaFrance Project, breaks down how pooling resources through giving circles is changing modern philanthropy and creating significant change in local communities.

Lisa shares the surprising statistics behind collective giving, how democratized philanthropy puts donors in the driver's seat, and reveals why supporting grassroots organizations can be more impactful than writing checks to large institutions.

Listen in to discover how giving circles create networks of learning, engagement, and community transformation—all while making your charitable dollars work harder than you ever imagined.


What You’ll Learn:

  • How collective giving has mobilized over $3.1 billion from hundreds of thousands of donors since 2016.
  • The difference between giving circles and traditional charitable donations.
  • Why donor-advised funds represent a major untapped opportunity in philanthropy.
  • How technology and data may reshape the nonprofit sector in the coming years.
  • The "3Ms" of meaningful nonprofit engagement.
  • How group decision-making offers education, transparency, and deeper engagement.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “The wonderful thing about collective giving, which is it democratizes philanthropy. The people that are contributing to the pool of funds have some say in how that money gets distributed.” - Lisa LaFrance
  • “Trust-based philanthropy is really about developing really strong relationships between the donor and the nonprofit, so that you can have a really open conversation and communication.” - Lisa LaFrance
  • “If you give that $500 to the American Heart Association, it's great, but if you give that $500 to a small nonprofit that's just building, that maybe has a budget of a hundred thousand dollars, really impactful for them... You've changed their balance sheet significantly.” - Lisa LaFrance


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18240960 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2286 full false Building a Business You Can Sell: How to Prepare for a Successful Exit Building a Business You Can Sell: How to Prepare for a Successful Exit Most business owners pour their heart, soul, and every available dollar into building something meaningful, but few are thinking about how they'll eventually step away. In this episode, Bill West, Founder & CEO of ESOPable, shares a clear, grounded roadmap for building a business that is truly transferable.

Listen in as Bill breaks down the real differences between internal and external sales, how ESOPs work, why forecasting increases value, and the operational habits that make buyers lean in instead of walk away. You’ll learn how businesses are valued, what buyers pay attention to long before negotiations begin, and the structures that can maximize both liquidity and legacy. 

Don’t miss this practical, candid conversation for business owners who want to ensure their company is strong, stable, and ready for whatever comes next.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why every business owner should “begin with the end in mind” from day one.
  • The two primary exit paths and how to know which fits your situation.
  • How buyers evaluate businesses and which red flags most commonly turn them away.
  • Why forecasting (even just 90 days ahead) creates clarity, stability, and long-term value.
  • The difference between asset sales and stock sales, and why the trend is shifting.
  • How financing structures (SBA loans, seller notes, ESOPs) influence business value and deal terms.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “Begin with the end in mind… If you're thinking about your business with the end in mind, you're going to do the right things from the beginning. The things that you do to make your business valuable are the right things to do for business.” - Bill West
  • “The best thing somebody can do is get the business to operate without them… If you can very comfortably go on a couple of vacations a year, and you know your team's got it, you've really created a lot of value with that.” - Bill West
  • "Listen to your counselors… Find somebody, get referred to somebody you can trust… If it's a business valuation, listen to it... Make sure you listen to that advice and follow it.” - Bill West


Resources:


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.

]]> Most business owners pour their heart, soul, and every available dollar into building something meaningful, but few are thinking about how they'll eventually step away. In this episode, Bill West, Founder & CEO of ESOPable, shares a clear, grounded roadmap for building a business that is truly transferable.

Listen in as Bill breaks down the real differences between internal and external sales, how ESOPs work, why forecasting increases value, and the operational habits that make buyers lean in instead of walk away. You’ll learn how businesses are valued, what buyers pay attention to long before negotiations begin, and the structures that can maximize both liquidity and legacy. 

Don’t miss this practical, candid conversation for business owners who want to ensure their company is strong, stable, and ready for whatever comes next.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why every business owner should “begin with the end in mind” from day one.
  • The two primary exit paths and how to know which fits your situation.
  • How buyers evaluate businesses and which red flags most commonly turn them away.
  • Why forecasting (even just 90 days ahead) creates clarity, stability, and long-term value.
  • The difference between asset sales and stock sales, and why the trend is shifting.
  • How financing structures (SBA loans, seller notes, ESOPs) influence business value and deal terms.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “Begin with the end in mind… If you're thinking about your business with the end in mind, you're going to do the right things from the beginning. The things that you do to make your business valuable are the right things to do for business.” - Bill West
  • “The best thing somebody can do is get the business to operate without them… If you can very comfortably go on a couple of vacations a year, and you know your team's got it, you've really created a lot of value with that.” - Bill West
  • "Listen to your counselors… Find somebody, get referred to somebody you can trust… If it's a business valuation, listen to it... Make sure you listen to that advice and follow it.” - Bill West


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18238026 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2235 full false Getting Your Head Out of the Sand: Looking at Your Full Financial Picture Getting Your Head Out of the Sand: Looking at Your Full Financial Picture The hardest step in taking control of your money isn’t mastering investments or choosing the perfect strategy—it’s being willing to look at your numbers without fear or shame. In this inaugural episode of The Wealth Development Studio, Senior Financial Advisor Genevieve George invites listeners to do exactly that: take a brave breath, lift their head out of the sand, and see their financial life clearly for the first time.

Listen in as Genevieve breaks down why so many capable people avoid their finances, how fear of “not knowing enough” keeps them stuck, and why getting curious is far more powerful than being perfect. You’ll learn the five core areas of financial planning and come away with a simple, confidence-building framework you can return to throughout your financial journey.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why avoiding your finances creates more anxiety and how awareness instantly reduces stress.
  • How to get brave with your questions (even the ones you think you “should” already know).
  • Why shame has no place in your financial life.
  • What a “full financial picture review” really includes.
  • The 5 Core Areas of Financial Planning, and why every plan should start here.
  • The real key to long-term success.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "The sooner you know where you are, the sooner you can make a plan for where you want to go." - Genevieve George
  • “These are your life savings. You are working really hard to sock this money away for your future goals. You deserve to have all of the information about your finances.” - Genevieve George
  • “It does require bravery to just go ahead and say, 'You know what? Please, can you just walk me through that in a different way?' Particularly with your professional team, because that is their job: to make sure you know exactly what's going on with your financial picture.” - Genevieve George


Resources:


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.

]]> The hardest step in taking control of your money isn’t mastering investments or choosing the perfect strategy—it’s being willing to look at your numbers without fear or shame. In this inaugural episode of The Wealth Development Studio, Senior Financial Advisor Genevieve George invites listeners to do exactly that: take a brave breath, lift their head out of the sand, and see their financial life clearly for the first time.

Listen in as Genevieve breaks down why so many capable people avoid their finances, how fear of “not knowing enough” keeps them stuck, and why getting curious is far more powerful than being perfect. You’ll learn the five core areas of financial planning and come away with a simple, confidence-building framework you can return to throughout your financial journey.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Why avoiding your finances creates more anxiety and how awareness instantly reduces stress.
  • How to get brave with your questions (even the ones you think you “should” already know).
  • Why shame has no place in your financial life.
  • What a “full financial picture review” really includes.
  • The 5 Core Areas of Financial Planning, and why every plan should start here.
  • The real key to long-term success.


Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • "The sooner you know where you are, the sooner you can make a plan for where you want to go." - Genevieve George
  • “These are your life savings. You are working really hard to sock this money away for your future goals. You deserve to have all of the information about your finances.” - Genevieve George
  • “It does require bravery to just go ahead and say, 'You know what? Please, can you just walk me through that in a different way?' Particularly with your professional team, because that is their job: to make sure you know exactly what's going on with your financial picture.” - Genevieve George


Resources:


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.

]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18237656 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2287 1 full false Trailer: The Wealth Development Studio Trailer: The Wealth Development Studio 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


]]> 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


]]> Genevieve George, CPA, CFP®, CFE, CDFA®, Pelican Financial Planning Buzzsprout-18224768 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 133 financial planning, financial advisor, financial advice, wealth management, investment strategy, financial education trailer false