Are you a small business owner wondering how to plan for retirement or what your business is really worth? Have you thought about your exit strategy—or what happens if something unexpected takes you out of the game? Whether you're just starting to think about retirement planning or already navigating the complexities of being a business owner, this episode is for you.

In this episode, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric dive into the three key types of clients they serve at Metcalf Partners. While they support emerging affluent individuals and those nearing retirement, today’s conversation focuses on the business owner. From selecting the right retirement plan and managing risk with insurance to preparing your business for sale and planning for succession, this episode offers crucial insights to help business owners take control of their financial future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:46) Metcalf Partners has three key client groups. Today, we focus on the business owner
• (03:12) Ethan discusses three main employer retirement planning strategies
• (11:59) Eric discusses risk management through insurance
• (16:46) Discussion of multiple business owners
• (20:04) Making an exit strategy from your business and continuity
• (22:26) Pricing your business for sale

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Metcalf Partners serves three primary client groups: emerging affluent individuals, those at or near retirement, and small business owners, with a particular focus on small business owners in this episode. They offer tailored financial strategies for each group, including retirement planning, insurance solutions, and business exit strategies.
• Solo 401(k) plans are ideal for small business owners, particularly those who are husband-and-wife teams. They offer high contribution limits, Roth options, low costs, and minimal admin until assets exceed $250,000.
• Many business owners fail to plan for succession or exit, leaving them vulnerable if the unexpected occurs. Whether through internal succession, a broker, or private equity, the process is complex and takes time. Planning early is crucial to a smooth and financially sound transition.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and he received additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.

Ethan Hutcheson:

Ethan is a Partner and Financial Planner at Metcalf Partners. He is passionate about helping people prepare, plan, and execute their goals. With a career in Financial Services, his...

Are you making the most of your retirement planning strategy—or leaving money and tax benefits on the table? In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric discuss with Casey McCarthy, Executive Vice President at EIP Corp., how third-party administrators (TPAs) help design and manage 401(k) plans tailored to business goals, such as maximizing savings and attracting top talent. You’ll learn the differences between IRA options, SEP, SIMPLE, and 401(k) plans, how cash balance plans work, and how to take full advantage of tax benefits and new IRS incentives that could make retirement plans more affordable than ever. Whether you're a business owner or building your retirement nest egg, this episode will help you make smarter retirement planning decisions.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (01:48) Casey explains the role of a third-party administrator when retirement planning
• (05:42) The differences between IRAs and specific contribution amounts
• (09:42) How does a cash balance plan work with a 401 (k)
• (13:51) Tax benefits and credits. IRS is making plans that are inexpensive or free for three to five years
• (18:22) Contributing to a Roth IRA and discussion of the maximum contributions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Casey McCarthy shared how TPAs like EIP Corporation design and manage 401(k) plans to stay compliant and support business goals. While advisors like Metcalf Partners handle education and investments, TPAs tailor retirement planning strategies to help business owners maximize savings, attract top talent, and fully leverage tax benefits and IRA options.
• Compared to SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k) plans offer higher contribution limits and greater flexibility, making them a stronger option for retirement planning in growing businesses.
• The conversation highlighted how advisors and TPAs work together—advisors handle education and investments, while TPAs manage plan design and compliance—to create strategic, tax-beneficial retirement plans.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

EIP Corporation - Website

Casey McCarthy - LinkedIn

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Casey McCarthy

I am the Executive Vice President and Director of Business Development at EIP Corp., a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) in the Kansas City area, with a focus on corporate retirement plan design and administration. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including extensive expertise in defined contribution and defined benefit plans, my goal is to ensure that our clients receive the most accurate plan administration and the highest quality service in the industry.

EIP CORP

Founded in 1973, EIP began with the mission that still guides the company today: to combine unequaled...

Are you letting fear drive your investment decisions? Or are you prepared to navigate market volatility with confidence and clarity? In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric discuss the emotional rollercoaster of the stock market, from historical bear markets to innovative diversification investment strategies. You'll hear insights from timeless charts like the First Trust Bull and Bear Markets chart, the J.P. Morgan Guide to the Markets, and the colorful Quilt Chart that illustrates why no single asset class wins annually. Whether you're worried about downturns or looking to turn volatility into opportunity, this conversation will help you stay grounded, informed, and focused on your long-term financial goals.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and introduction
• (00:53) Discussing stock market volatility and investment strategies
• (03:17) Ethan refers to a First Trust Chart from 1942, which charts the Bull and Bear Markets
• (07:14) Eric refers to the Quilt Chart and discusses asset allocation
• (11:32) Jeb discusses the Crisis and Events Chart and the J.P. Morgan Guides to Markets Chart

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Market volatility is normal and recurring. Market downturns—5 %, 10%, or even 20% declines—are typical. Ethan noted that a 5% drop happens about three times a year, while a 20% decline occurs roughly every five and a half years. Despite their frequency, these downturns are typically followed by recoveries, often leading to new market highs. Consider this information when making investment strategies.
• Bear markets are opportunities, not just risks. Rather than fearing market declines, the hosts suggest viewing them as opportunities to invest at a discount. Jeb and Ethan both stressed the importance of staying invested during downturns to avoid missing out on the early stages of recovery, which often carry significant gains.
• Diversification and asset allocation help smooth the ride. Since no single asset class consistently outperforms, spreading investments across stocks, bonds, and other assets helps manage risk and capture returns over time.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Ep. 8 - Long Term Wealth Building: How to Stay Resilient in Uncertain Times

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and he received additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.

Ethan...