Financial Foundations

In this episode of Financial Foundations, Dustin Taylor, Kyle Howell, and Alex Wolfe, CFP®, sit down with retirement plan specialist Marc Piccirillo to unpack how employer-sponsored plans really work behind the scenes. If you are a business owner wondering whether you should offer a 401(k), a SIMPLE IRA, or something else entirely, this conversation walks through the practical tradeoffs, the hidden responsibilities, and the incentives you might be leaving on the table. Marc explains how plan sponsors, recordkeepers, and third-party administrators all fit together, why recent legislation has made it easier and cheaper to start a plan, and how offering the right benefits can help you become an "employer of choice" and even make your business more attractive at sale. In this episode, you'll learn: What "employer-sponsored plan" actually means and how 401(k), 403(b), and SIMPLE IRA plans differ The key responsibilities and risks a plan sponsor takes on How recordkeepers and TPAs support the day-to-day administration of a plan How Secure Act changes and state-mandated plans are reshaping the retirement landscape for employers When it makes sense to move from a SIMPLE or SEP IRA to a 401(k) as your business grows Why starting something now, even at low contribution levels, can be more important than waiting for the "perfect" plan Guest: Marc Piccirillo, retirement plan specialist focused on employer-sponsored plans for small and mid-sized businesses. Resources and contact: Visit basewealthmanagement.com for more articles, videos, and podcast episodes. Send your questions or episode ideas to question@basewealthmanagement.com to be featured in a future episode.   Disclosures: Investment advisory services provided by Base Wealth Management, LLC doing business as Base Wealth Management, as a registered investment advisor. Base Wealth Management ("BWM") is a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or veri>ed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority. BWM provides individualized advisory services only to persons in states where it is properly registered or exempt from registration. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal, and no strategy can guarantee a pro>t or protect against loss. NOTICE: This email communication, including all attachments transmitted with it, may contain confidential information intended solely for the use of the addressee. If the reader or recipient of this communication is not the intended recipient, or you believe that you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return email and PROMPTLY delete this email, including all attachments, without reading them or saving them in any manner. The unauthorized use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this email, including attachments, is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

Thinking about selling your business or the building it operates in, but not sure where to start? Dustin Taylor, Kyle Howell, and Alex Wolfe, CFP®, sit down with commercial real estate and business broker Mike Mauger to pull back the curtain on what really happens when you sell a business or the building it operates in. From surprising valuation pitfalls to the hidden levers that boost sale price, this episode cuts through the noise and shows owners what actually matters when it's time to exit. You'll hear: • The signals that tell you it's truly the right time to sell • Why clean, profitable financials matter far more than impressive revenue • The real difference between selling a business and selling the building • How sale multiples are determined—and why many owners misjudge their value • What to fix now if you plan to retire and sell in the next few years • The tax moves (1031s, DSTs, deferred sales trusts) that can reshape your future • Why having the right financial team can make or break your outcome Guest: Mike Mauger, Commercial Real Estate & Business Broker. Resources and contact: Visit basewealthmanagement.com for articles, videos, and more insights. Send your questions to question@basewealthmanagement.com to be featured in a future episode. Investment advisory services provided by Base Wealth Management, LLC doing business as Base Wealth Management, as a registered investment advisor. NOTICE: This email communication, including all attachments transmitted with it, may contain confidential information intended solely for the use of the addressee. If the reader or recipient of this communication is not the intended recipient, or you believe that you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return email and PROMPTLY delete this email, including all attachments, without reading them or saving them in any manner. The unauthorized use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this email, including attachments, is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

Can a personal injury derail your financial future? Dustin Taylor and co-host Kyle Howell sit down with attorney Anissa Morris of Spinner Law to explore how accidents, distracted driving, and unexpected injuries intersect with wealth management. From protecting clients through insurance coverage to safeguarding settlements with smart planning, they uncover the legal and financial tools that keep your long-term security intact. In this episode, you'll learn: • How personal injury cases affect financial stability and recovery timelines • Why adequate auto, umbrella, and uninsured/underinsured coverage are critical • The role of cash reserves and emergency funds when court cases drag on • How gap insurance protects borrowers when cars are totaled • What the "100 deadliest days" for teen drivers mean for families • Legal misconceptions about trusts and asset protection in Florida • Tax treatment of personal injury settlements—and how advisors can optimize windfalls Guest: Anissa Morris, Attorney at Spinner Law Firm. Resources and contact: Visit basewealthmanagement.com for articles, videos, and to connect with our team. Send your questions to question@basewealthmanagement.com to be featured in a future episode. Disclaimer: This conversation is educational, not tax, legal, or investment advice. Talk with your professional advisor about your situation.

Season 3, Episode 8. How do homeowners turn their houses into real wealth? Dustin Taylor and co-host Kyle Howell talk with Sarah DiMonaco, broker and owner of Remarkable Real Estate and Rentals, about the practical ways real estate can accelerate financial independence. From tax-free gains on your first home to the math of rental cash flow and 1031 exchanges, they break down strategies for building equity without overextending yourself. In this episode, you'll learn: • How long-term homeownership and extra payments accelerate wealth building • Why tax rules allow up to $250k/$500k gains on home sales without capital gains tax • When to refinance or use home equity—and when not to • The "onion layers" of neighborhood appreciation and why location is key • Smart upgrades that boost value without breaking the bank • Risks and realities of rental property ownership vs. REIT alternatives • How 1031 exchanges work for landlords ready to simplify • The step-up in basis for heirs and why estate planning matters in real estate Guest: Sarah DiMonaco, broker/owner of Remarkable Real Estate and Rentals. Resources and contact: basewealthmanagement.com for articles, videos, and to connect with our team. Send your questions to question@basewealthmanagement.com to be featured in a future episode. Disclaimer: This conversation is educational, not tax, legal, or investment advice. Talk with your professional advisor about your situation.

Season 3, Episode 7. How do small and midsize businesses keep top performers from taking the next offer? Dustin Taylor and co-host Kyle Howell sit down with insurance specialist Howard Jonas to unpack nonqualified executive benefit strategies that help attract and retain key people without overhauling your 401(k). We cover which companies are a fit, how tax status shapes design, what to fund with, and how to keep plans simple enough to run. In this episode, you will learn: • When nonqualified plans outperform traditional benefits for high earners • Why entity taxation matters, S corp vs C corp vs partnership • Funding options, including permanent life insurance, taxable accounts, or unfunded designs • How REBA, restricted executive bonus agreements, and double-bonus structures work • Where loan-regime split-dollar and key-person coverage can fit • Creditor exposure, control vs current deduction, and practical restrictions • 409A pitfalls with deferred compensation, and when not to use it • Eligibility for contractors, 1099 use cases, and realistic vesting horizons Guest: Howard Jonas, advanced insurance planning and business succession specialist. Resources and contact: basewealthmanagement.com for articles, videos, and to connect with our team. Disclaimer: This conversation is educational, not tax, legal, or investment advice. Talk with your professional advisor about your situation.

Mortgage rules keep shifting, but the core questions remain: how much should you borrow, when should you refinance, and which pitfalls will really cost you? In this episode of Financial Foundations, hosts Dustin Taylor and Kyle Howell sit down with veteran loan originator Jennifer Weil—known to clients as "Jen Is My Home Girl"—to uncover practical ways to keep more money in your pocket and stress off your budget. You'll learn how to: Spot the single question that can shave thousands off closing costs Guard against costly escrow shortages and surprise tax hikes Decide when a home‑equity line is smarter than a full refinance Align mortgage decisions with a long‑term financial plan Use January deadlines to lock in homestead savings Questions for the team? Send them to question@basewealthmanagement.com and we might tackle them on a future show.

Market headlines can roar louder than a toddler with a drum set—and your portfolio can end up marching to the noise. In this episode of Financial Foundations, hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, CFP® put the would-be DIY investor under a microscope: Do you genuinely have the research chops and the hours? Are hidden emotional or political biases steering your trades? Is "sit in cash till things calm down" a plan—or just anxiety in disguise? How do you align investments with concrete goals, not today's click-bait? What accountability keeps solo investors from drifting off-course? Whether you love rolling up your sleeves or you're wondering what an advisor actually adds, you'll leave with a sharper checklist—and maybe a little less caffeine-fuelled doom-scrolling. ⏱️ Episode Chapters Time Chapter 0:39 Meet the hosts 0:57 Why some investors go DIY 1:15 Experience & research resources 2:15 The real time commitment 3:10 Emotional & political biases 4:03 Linking strategy to goals 5:05 Gauging risk tolerance 5:57 Accountability & confidence checks 7:15 Free resources at Base Wealth 7:48 Subscribe & closing thoughts   Find tools, articles and past episodes at basewealthmanagement.com. Questions? Email questions@basewealthmanagement.com. Subscribe on your favorite app so you never miss an insight.

Is all debt created equal? In this eye-opening episode of Financial Foundations, CFP® Alex Wolfe and host Dustin Taylor rethink traditional views on debt management. Find out when debt can actually benefit you, how to prioritize repayments strategically, and why "marrying the house but dating the mortgage" could be your smartest approach in today's market. You'll learn practical strategies to: Identify healthy versus harmful debt Choose effectively between the snowball and avalanche repayment methods Evaluate opportunity costs with confidence Navigate mortgage decisions in the current environment Protect your credit score while eliminating debt Your relationship with debt can shape your financial future—make sure it's built on solid ground. Have questions? Send them to question@basewealthmanagement.com. Subscribe for more financial insights, and visit BaseWealthManagement.com to strengthen your financial foundation.

Beyond the 4% Rule: Rethinking Retirement Withdrawals  The math looks simple on paper: withdraw 4% annually, and your retirement savings should last... right? Our latest episode dives deeper into why real-world retirement requires more nuanced thinking. Key Questions We Address: When does the "perfect" withdrawal strategy actually work against you? How can a tiny shift in inflation reshape decades of careful planning? Why might your tax bracket matter more than your withdrawal rate? What happens when market timing collides with your monthly withdrawals? We unpack these crucial questions while exploring practical strategies for making your retirement savings truly last. Plus, we share insights about the often-overlooked connection between market downturns and your withdrawal strategy. Have Questions About Your Retirement Picture? Every retirement journey is unique - and we'd love to address your specific questions in our next episode. Send your questions to question@basewealthmanagement.com and help shape our future discussions.

Don't Let Retirement Mistakes Ruin Your Golden Years! Are you dreaming of a comfortable and fulfilling retirement? Many people work their entire lives with this goal in mind, but unfortunately, even with careful planning, certain missteps can derail your financial security and overall well-being in retirement. In this crucial episode of Financial Foundations, brought to you by Base Wealth Management, your hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, a Certified Financial Planner, dive deep into the common – yet potentially devastating – retirement mistakes that could jeopardize your future. First, they tackle the critical issue of financial stability. How do you ensure your savings last throughout your retirement? Learn practical strategies for avoiding overspending, understanding your cash flow needs, and the importance of balancing income generation with long-term growth in your portfolio. Discover how to truly make your money work for you in your post-working years. Next, the discussion shifts to a major concern for all retirees: healthcare expenses. Beyond the initial excitement of retirement, the reality of increasing medical costs can be daunting. Dustin and Alex explore how to prepare for unexpected healthcare bills, from understanding your options before Medicare eligibility to navigating the complexities of Medicare plans and considering potential long-term care needs. This is vital information to protect your nest egg from unforeseen medical burdens. But retirement isn't just about the numbers. The hosts also delve into the often-overlooked lifestyle and mental transition that comes with leaving the workforce. What happens when every day feels like Saturday? Discover how to prepare for this significant shift, avoid feelings of isolation or lack of purpose, and find fulfilling hobbies and social connections to enrich your retirement experience. They even touch on the possibility of a phased retirement through part-time work. Furthermore, learn how having a comprehensive financial plan in place can be instrumental in navigating these lifestyle changes. Understand how your plan can account for increased spending on travel, entertainment, and other activities that make retirement enjoyable, while also helping you discover cost-effective ways to fill your time. Finally, Dustin and Alex address the crucial topic of estate and legacy planning. This is more than just deciding where your assets go; it's about ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition for your loved ones. They highlight the importance of having essential legal documents like wills, trusts, and healthcare power of attorney in place to protect your wishes and ease the burden on your family. Don't let these common retirement mistakes catch you off guard! Tune in to this informative episode of Financial Foundations to gain valuable insights and actionable advice to secure your financial future and enjoy a fulfilling retirement. Have questions about your own retirement plan? The team at Base Wealth Management is here to help! Send your questions or topics you'd like to see covered on future episodes to question@basewealthmanagement.com. For more resources and free financial advice, visit basewealthmanagement.com. And be sure to subscribe to the Financial Foundations podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Tax season is here—are you truly prepared? In this episode of Financial Foundations, hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe break down the crucial steps to take before the April 15th deadline. From overlooked tax forms to smart strategies for reducing your liability, we're covering the must-know insights to keep your finances in check. 🔹 The one tax document that could cause your return to be rejected—don't miss this! 🔹 A common mistake that might cost business owners thousands in penalties. 🔹 The crucial deadline that's not December 31st—but could still save you money. Get ahead of tax season with expert insights that can make a difference in your financial future. Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Send it to question@basewealthmanagement.com. 🎧 Subscribe now and stay informed with Financial Foundations!

In this episode of Financial Foundations, Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe explore the power of donor-advised funds with guest Jeremy Riggs, advisor at Base Wealth Management. Discover how these funds can simplify charitable giving, provide immediate tax benefits, and offer long-term flexibility. Jeremy breaks down the benefits of "superfunding" donations to maximize tax efficiency, and explains how leveraging appreciated stock donations can unlock significant savings. Whether you're looking to support your favorite causes now or plan for future giving, this episode provides actionable insights to help you achieve your philanthropic goals. Have questions or topics you'd like us to discuss? Email us at question@basewealthmanagement.com. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and visit basewealthmanagement.com for more strategies, videos, and articles on building a solid financial foundation.

Election years bring questions, uncertainties, and often heightened market volatility. In this episode of Financial Foundations, Dustin Taylor, Alex Wolfe, CFP, and returning guest Jeremy Riggs, CFP, break down how the markets have historically performed during election years and share actionable strategies to keep your investments on track. Tune in as we discuss why it might be wiser to stay invested, how to sort through political "noise," and what factors to focus on instead of trying to time the market. Want to invest confidently despite election-year uncertainties? This episode is for you. Have questions or topics you'd like covered? Email us at question@basewealthmanagement.com.

Retirement is often seen as a simple financial milestone, but the truth is, it involves much more than just saving enough money. In this episode of Financial Foundations, brought to you by Base Wealth Management, our hosts Dustin Taylor, Alex Wolfe, and Kyle Howell dive deep into the complex reality of retirement planning. We start by addressing one of the most fundamental yet misunderstood questions: How do you know when you're actually ready to retire? Our discussion goes beyond financial readiness to cover emotional and lifestyle considerations that often get overlooked. We explore why retiring "to" something rather than "from" something is crucial for a fulfilling post-career life, and how defining your ideal day in retirement can shape your financial plans. You'll learn about the emotional and psychological adjustments many face when leaving the workforce, the fear of drawing down from your savings, and how to navigate these challenges with a flexible plan. We also discuss strategies to prepare for shifting income needs, the importance of having multiple sources of retirement income, and how to withdraw funds in a tax-efficient manner. Our conversation also covers market volatility and sequence-of-returns risk, explaining how the timing of market downturns can dramatically impact your financial future. We discuss popular guidelines like the "4% rule," why it may not work for everyone, and other sustainable withdrawal strategies. Listen in to hear why early planning, starting as soon as your late 40s or early 50s, can make all the difference. Learn about the tools, like Monte Carlo simulations, used by financial planners to anticipate different market scenarios and adjust your retirement strategy accordingly. If you're thinking about retirement, this episode offers practical insights to help you plan for a future that's not just financially secure, but also personally fulfilling. For more information, visit our website at basewealthmanagement.com, or send your questions to question@basewealthmanagement.com.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of Social Security—spousal benefits. Many people are unaware of how much money they could be leaving on the table simply because they don't fully understand how these benefits work. Whether you're married, divorced, or widowed, knowing the ins and outs of Social Security spousal benefits can make a significant difference in your retirement income. We explore key factors like eligibility, timing, and the impact of claiming strategies, all while helping you avoid common pitfalls.  If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to send them our way at question@basewealthmanagement.com!

In this episode of Financial Foundations, we dive into the intricacies of estate planning with Patrick Barnes of Spinner Law. Discover why a living revocable trust may not shield your assets from lawsuits, and learn about common misconceptions that could affect your estate planning decisions. Are you aware of the differences between simple wills and trusts? What about the pitfalls of outdated estate documents? Tune in for insights on protecting your legacy and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Got questions or need clarity? Send them to question@basewealthmanagement.com. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends and family to stay ahead in the world of finance!

Welcome to the Financial Foundations Podcast! In this episode, we explore how to build generational wealth through tax-smart strategies. Learn how to boost your 401(k) contributions, the benefits of a mega backdoor Roth, and the best practices for gifting assets to your heirs. Our expert hosts guide you through real-life examples and practical advice to help ensure your family's financial future is secure and prosperous. Have a question? We'd love to discuss it! Email us at question@basewealthmanagement.com.     

Welcome to the Financial Foundations Podcast, brought to you by Base Wealth Management. In this episode, hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, CFP®, dive deep into the world of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with special guest Jeremy Riggs, CFP®. Have you ever wondered how an HSA can help you retire early? Or how to maximize the triple tax advantages of an HSA? Jeremy shares his extensive knowledge on these topics, revealing strategies to grow your HSA into a six-figure asset and highlighting why this often-overlooked account is a powerful tool for your financial plan. Plus, discover the differences between HSAs and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and learn why an HSA might be the best choice for your long-term savings. Are you curious about how to invest within your HSA to ensure it grows tax-free? Jeremy and Alex discuss tailored investment strategies based on your age and financial goals. Also, hear real-life examples of how clients have utilized HSAs to their advantage, often leaving them surprised by the flexibility and benefits these accounts offer. Whether you're planning for retirement, managing healthcare expenses, or simply looking to optimize your savings, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you make informed financial decisions. As always, be sure to send your questions to question@basewealthmanagement.com and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes!

Join us in this episode of Financial Foundations, brought to you by Base Wealth Management, where we dive into the intricacies of target date funds and explore why they might not be the best fit for every investor. Our hosts, Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, alongside financial advisor Kyle Howell, discuss various investment options, the pros and cons of target date funds, and how to navigate your retirement plan for optimal growth and security. We also cover mutual funds, IRAs, and the importance of diversification. Have questions? Send them to question@basewealthmanagement.com. Don't miss out on this essential financial insight—subscribe, rate, and share!

Welcome back to the Financial Foundations Podcast, brought to you by Base Wealth Management, where we lay the groundwork for your financial success. In this episode, hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, Certified Financial Planner, are joined by Josh Pisa, a CPA who specializes in working with small businesses. Dive into the intricacies of small business tax strategies, retirement planning, and the long-term impact of different tax decisions. Discover common tax mistakes small business owners make, how to optimize your business structure, and the benefits of incorporating retirement plans. Join us for insightful discussions on maximizing tax savings, succession planning, and leveraging financial tools like Roth conversions and HSAs. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, this episode offers valuable advice to help you navigate the complexities of financial planning and tax optimization. Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Send them to question@basewealthmanagement.com.