Ed's Edge

Ed's Edge

A podcast for the regular Joe and Jane investor who aspires to live a life of freedom and generosity. Ed's Edge promises to give listeners a financial edge as they aspire to live the life they've always wanted. With stories and insights, Ed Meek & James Alexander make the complex simple. doling out simple money habits and hacks that can build your assets and help you live out your dreams.

Building Your Financial House - The Advisor’s Role, Room by Room

What should a financial advisor do for you? In this episode, we break down the key roles of a financial advisor—acting as a master contractor to coordinate investment management, tax planning, insurance coverage, estate strategies, and retirement planning. Learn how comprehensive financial planning can help protect your assets, reduce taxes, and build long-term security.   Food for Thought:    Raclette Tips & Tricks Prep your pairings: Traditional raclette is melted over potatoes, but it’s even better with crusty bread, pickles, cured meats, and roasted veggies. Use cast iron or nonstick trays: If you have a raclette grill, mini nonstick pans make cleanup easy. No grill? Try melting raclette cheese under the broiler in small ramekins. Don’t skip the pickles: Cornichons and pickled onions cut through the richness and are considered a must-have. Mix cheeses: If you can’t find raclette, use a blend of Gruyère, Fontina, or even Brie. Just go for meltiness! Make it a party: Raclette is meant to be interactive! Set it up like a mini bar and let everyone melt and top their own.   Link to Raclette Grill

04-21
19:49

How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor: Fees, Services & Fit

Selecting a financial advisor involves more than just investment management. It’s important to understand their compensation structure—whether they charge flat fees, commissions, or asset-based pricing—to ensure their incentives align with your financial goals. In this episode, we discuss how to evaluate an advisor’s services, identify any limitations, and choose the right fit based on your financial management style and personality. We also explore the role of trust and confidence in building a successful advisor-client relationship. Whether you prefer a hands-on coaching approach or comprehensive financial planning, we provide insights to help you decide if professional guidance is right for you. Tune in to learn how financial planning extends beyond investments into tax, estate, and holistic wealth management strategies.     Ed's Food for Thought:    Fondant Potatoes   Prep: ~10-15 mins Cook: ~40 mins   Ingredients: 4 large potatoes 2 tbsp butter (plus extra for basting) 1 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable) 2 cloves garlic, smashed 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable) Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions:    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).    Prep the Potatoes: Slice the potatoes on both sides to create a flat top and bottom. Use a round cookie cutter to punch out "puck"-shaped pieces. Use a peeler to refine the edges for an even shape. Place potato pucks in a bowl of water to prevent browning.  Sear the Potatoes: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter + oil. Dry the potatoes thoroughly, then add them to the skillet. Brown for about 5 minutes, flipping and adjusting as needed for even coloring.  Season & Flip: Once golden brown on the bottom, season with salt & pepper. Flip to the other side and brown for another 5 minutes.  Baste with Flavor: Add more butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan. Use a spoon to baste the potatoes with the infused butter. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until evenly golden brown.  Bake to Perfection: Pour in 1 cup of broth and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potat...

03-26
24:41

Early Retirement: Myth or Reality?

Are you asking, "Can I retire early?" In this episode, we break down the complexities of early retirement planning with actionable insights and real-life examples. Hear Ed and James discuss personal client stories that highlight diverse retirement goals—from retiring in your 50s or even your 40s! Learn how to secure sustainable income, manage healthcare costs before Medicare, optimize tax strategies, and handle investment risks like sequence of returns. Tune in for expert advice on early retirement planning and find out how, not if, you can work towards a secure, financially free future.   Food For Thought: https://www.redstonegrill.com/about-us/

02-24
22:43

How To Get on the Same Page with Your Spouse (Financially)

In this episode, we share strategies for getting on the same page as your spouse (financially). Ed & James discuss the importance of compromise, understanding your spouse’s motivating factors, and actionable steps on how to prioritize your goals as a couple.  These insights are designed to not only help with your finances, but your marriage as a whole. Food for Thought: Prime & Provisions Steakhouse - https://www.primeandprovisions.com/ Edge Financial Advisors

01-15
21:37

Developing a Healthy Relationship with Money: featuring Krisstina Wise

Ed and James are joined by real estate mogul, Entrepreneur & best-selling author, Krisstina Wise. Ed, James, and Krisstina discuss the importance of having a healthy mindset when it comes to your finances, as well as understanding when enough is truly enough. Krisstina shares how a near-death experience forever changed her view of money and inspired her to share her experiences & knowledge with other entrepreneurs. She also explains how others can shift their money mindset to create a more positive life overall, rather than just financially, primarily through the concept of knowing your numbers. All of your numbers. Ed’s Food for Thought:Honey Garlic MeatballsPrep: 5 Min. | Cook: 2 HoursServings: 10 Ingredients:1/2 cup ketchup1/3 cup honey1/4 cup brown sugar2-3 tablespoons soy sauce4 cloves garlic, minced1 (32-ounce) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (about 50)Garlic salt & pepper, to tasteFor serving: Cooked rice, sliced green onions, sesame seeds Slow Cooker Instructions:In a medium bowl or the base of a slow cooker, combine the ketchup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce & garlic. Add meatballs and stir until coated in sauce. Add a pinch of garlic salt and pepper on top if desired.Cook on high 2-3 hours or low 3-4 hours. Turn the slow cooker to warm until ready to serve. Season to taste.Enjoy as an appetizer or serve over rice and top with green onions for a main dish. Stove top instructions:1) Combine sauce ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat.2) Once combined, stir in the meatballs. Bring to a light simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until heated.

12-18
37:28

The Power of Defined Benefit Plans for Small Business Owners

If you're a small business owner or independent contractor with a high income and you're tired of paying excessive taxes, this podcast is for you! We explore the little-known, IRS pre-approved, retirement strategy known as the Defined Benefit Plan. Defined Benefit Plans can significantly reduce your tax burden and accelerate your retirement timeline, potentially saving you more than you ever thought possible. If you qualify, this strategy could mean tens of thousands of dollars returned to you, from the IRS, each year. As a small business owner or self-employed individual, managing your daily operations alone can be a burden. You may have thought about retirement and saved a bit, but with retirement just five to fifteen years away, you might worry that you've reinvested too much in your business and haven't saved enough. The Defined Benefit Plan is designed for high-income earners like you to help catch up on retirement savings and secure your financial future. Tune in to learn how this plan how this plan works and the intricacies of managing it!Ed’s Food for thought:Chocolate sauce recipe·         2 tablespoon butter·         1/2 bar unsweetened chocolate o    Baker’s - for the regular versiono    Ghirardelli Premium - for the decadent version·         1 cup granulated sugar·         2/3 cup of carnation evaporated milk 1 - Bring water to a boil and then lower it some to medium. 2 - Put butter and chocolate on top of the double broiler. On the bottom of the double broiler, put half to one inch of water.3 - Set the top of the double broiler on top of boiling water. Stir chocolate and butter until it's liquid4 - Stir sugar into the liquid. Once it gets too thick, slowly stir a little bit of the Carnation milk into the liquid. Then stir more sugar in until it gets too thick. Repeat the process with the Carnation milk until both ingredients are in.5 - Once it's all in and liquid continue to stir until it thickens.

11-15
32:47

Winning at the Tax Game

In this episode of Ed’s Edge, Ed and James discuss the importance of being proactive with managing your taxes both now and in the future. They share strategies that can benefit you in years of lower taxable income as well as strategies that can be used in years of higher taxable income. Ed & James explain the benefits of these strategies and what to consider before using them to optimize your tax situation over the long run.

10-15
23:16

Charitable Giving

In this episode, Ed and James are joined by Charitable Giving expert, Parissa Zargar, a Charitable Planning Consultant & Digital Regional Director for Fidelity Charitable®. Ed, James, and Parissa discuss the benefits of using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) for charitable giving purposes, and some common strategies that these funds are often used for. Parissa explains what a DAF is along with the pros & cons, common strategies, and when a Donor Advised Fund makes sense for you. You will learn how to take advantage of additional benefits when it comes to Charitable Giving and how you can use these strategies to put yourself in a better position going forward.

10-01
33:49

Structured Notes for Growth (Part 2 of 2)

In this two-part episode, we explore some of the key benefits of using structured notes to generate income and growth in your investment portfolio, particularly as you prepare for and enter retirement.Join us as we delve deeper into the world of structured notes and explore how they can be leveraged to generate income, protect your portfolio, and achieve your financial goals, whether you’re in the accumulation phase or transitioning into retirement.Growing your portfolio while managing risk is essential throughout your financial life. We introduce structured growth notes as an alternative investment that can help you achieve this goal:Provides downside protection to safeguard your portfolio during market downturnsOffers additional growth potential to help your portfolio keep pace with inflation and achieve your long-term financial objectivesStructured growth notes can be used to grow and stabilize your investment portfolio over time

08-15
15:40

The Great Insurance Shift: Navigating Your New Normal with Finny Rajchel

In this episode, Ed and James are joined by insurance expert, Finny Rajchel, the President of the Finny Rajchel Office of State Farm with over 34 years of experience in the insurance industry. Ed, James, and Finny discuss the importance of evaluating your insurance policies and needs, to make sure they are aligned with your ever-changing financial situation.Finny explains how insurance companies have changed their policies since COVID, the most important things to look for in a home or auto policy, what is NOT covered by these types of policies, and real-life examples of Umbrella liability insurance. You will learn how to put yourself in a better position when it comes to property & casualty insurance, as well as to make informed decisions that align with your unique situation.

07-15
31:53

Lies You’ve Been Told About Money

In this episode of Ed’s Edge, Ed & James breakdown the most common financial myths that are holding you back. They cover everything from the correct way to build wealth and the Latte Effect, to Social Security running out. You will learn the truth about these common misconceptions and how they could be affecting your lifestyle.

06-17
20:33

Long-Term Care Insurance: Investing in Peace of Mind

In this episode, Ed and James are joined by insurance expert, Bruce Hersh, the President of Smart Money Financial with over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. Ed, James, and Bruce discuss the importance of a Long-Term Care policy and how it can de-rail your financial future if not planned for.Bruce provides guidance on what Long Term Care insurance is, who can benefit from it, and when to start looking for a policy. You will come away with a well-rounded understanding of long-term care insurance and actionable insights on making informed decisions that align with your financial plan.

05-15
28:40

Controlling the Controllables

In this episode, Ed & James discuss what we can and can’t control relating to the stock market, taxes, social security, and more. You will gain practical information about managing your finances and how to plan for your future.

04-08
21:36

Would You Trade Places with Warren Buffett?

In this episode of Ed’s Edge, Ed and James discuss the importance of balancing money, time, and health to live a fulfilling life. They draw inspiration from the wisdom of Warren Buffett and the Dalai Lama, highlighting the dangers of sacrificing health for wealth and the importance of living in the present. Ed and James share personal stories and insights to emphasize the need for a balanced approach to money and life.

03-15
17:46

How to Navigate the Real Estate Market in Today’s World

In this episode, Ed and James are joined by real estate expert, Dave Swanson, a realtor at John Greene with over 20 years of experience. Dave provides a background of the housing market in recent years, discusses what you need to consider before buying a home, and the steps to take when you are ready to purchase a home.You will come away with a well-rounded understanding of the real estate market and actionable insights on making informed decisions that align with your financial plan. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate the real estate market with confidence.

02-15
24:10

Top 5 WORST Money Mistakes to Avoid

Join experienced financial advisors, Ed and James, as they discuss the world of finance, sharing their personal experiences and observations from their clients’ financial behaviors. With decades of experience under their belts, they discuss the most common financial mistakes that people often make, providing real-life examples and expert insights to help you avoid these pitfalls.In this episode, they explore everything from the costly mistake of overpaying taxes, discussing how this can occur and the impact it can have on your financial health, to the importance of having proper insurance coverage, highlighting the potential consequences of insufficient protection and how to ensure you’re adequately covered.Whether you’re looking to save, invest, or simply gain a better understanding of your financial habits, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and advice. Tune in now and equip yourself with the knowledge and mindset to avoid common financial mistakes and thrive in your financial journey.

01-16
26:32

Financial Fortunes: The Inheritance Playbook

Inheritance can be a game-changer, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Join us as we delve into the nitty-gritty of handling an inheritance responsibly, from navigating tax implications to creating a legacy that goes beyond just financial assets.

12-15
16:16

What is Financial Planning?

In this episode of Ed’s Edge, Ed and James embark on a journey through the intricate landscape of financial planning. As seasoned financial planners, they unravel the complexities and bring you a digestible discussion on the fundamental question: What is Financial Planning?Join Ed and James as they break down the five pillars of financial planning, offering insights, anecdotes, and practical tips to help you navigate the often daunting world of personal finance.Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting to dip your toes into the realm of financial planning, this episode will provide you with valuable takeaways that can empower you to make informed decisions about your money. Tune in, buckle up, and get ready to embark on a journey towards thriving financially, with Ed and James as your trusty guides!

11-15
28:36

5 Fears About Retirement

In this insightful conversation between Ed and James, they delve into the topic of transitioning to retirement. Ed and James explore a range of valuable tips to help individuals address both financial and non-financial concerns as they approach this significant life stage. From financial planning discussions to considerations about maintaining a fulfilling and purposeful lifestyle, these ideas should help provide direction for a happy next chapter. Whether it’s securing one’s financial future or finding new passions and interests, Ed and James offer practical examples from clients they’ve worked with to help people embark on this exciting journey with confidence and peace of mind.

10-10
13:03

7 Lessons to Learn About Money (At Any Age)

Join Ed and James for a 20-minute journey into the fascinating world of money, where they delve into the most valuable lessons about your financial behavior and mindset. Ed and James have decades worth of experience working with clients and share the most commonly forgotten lessons. In this episode, they explore relatable real-life scenarios and expert insights that help you make smarter decisions with your money. Whether you’re aiming to save, invest, or simply gain a better understanding of your relationship with finances, this podcast equips you with the knowledge and mindset to thrive in your financial journey. Tune in now and pave your way to financial success!

09-13
21:43

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