Have you ever thought about the lasting impact of your words on your loved ones? On this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric sit down with Blake Brewer to explore the power of the Legacy Letter—a heartfelt parent-child letter filled with meaningful words that stand the test of time. Blake shares his deeply personal story of loss and how a letter from his late father changed his life, inspiring him to help others leave behind a legacy of love and wisdom. From the essential components of crafting a letter to the profound influence it can have on future generations, this conversation will leave you inspired to put pen to paper.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and introduction
• (01:28) Blake reveals how the Legacy Letter came to be and the heartbreaking way his dad passed
• (08:57) Blake shares when he wrote his letter and decided to found Legacy Letter
• (11:28) The components of compiling meaningful words to leave as a legacy and the timing of giving the letter of reflection
• (17:53) It’s never too late to write the letter, and Blake discusses the partnership with Metcalf Partners
• (22:05) Blake shares an example of the results of a Parent-Child letter

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Blake Brewer’s life was profoundly impacted by a letter his father wrote to him before passing away unexpectedly. This letter provided love, guidance, and hope during his darkest moments, helping him grieve in a healthy way.
• Blake turned his tragedy into a mission to help others. He founded The Legacy Letter, intending to assist a million people in writing impactful letters to their children and loved ones, ensuring their voices and values live on.
• Writing a legacy letter is a powerful and emotional process that can profoundly impact both the writer and the recipient, even if its full significance isn't realized immediately.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Legacy Letter - Website

Blake Brewer - LinkedIn

Legacy Letter Challenge - Instagram

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Blake Brewer is a visionary leader and the founder of Legacy Letter Challenge, an organization with a mission to help 1 million people write at least one Legacy Letter to their children. Blake's powerful story and mission have touched the hearts of many, and he continues to share it with organizations, businesses, and communities across the country. Most recently, he was featured on the "Dads Got This" segment on NBC's Today Show.

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 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

Are you feeling uncertain about your investments in today’s turbulent market? You’re not alone. In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric break down the psychology of investing and how to navigate the ups and downs of the stock market with confidence. From understanding the emotional rollercoaster of fear and greed, to exploring strategies like diversification, downside protection, and opportunistic rebalancing, this conversation will equip you with the tools to stay level-headed and make smarter financial decisions. Tune in to learn how to harness the power of long-term thinking and make the psychology of investing work for you!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and introduction
• (00:48) Discussion of the turbulent markets and the psychology of investing
• (02:41) The peak-to-trough cycle and the emotional rollercoaster of fear, greed, recency bias and confirmation bias
• (07:29) Discussion of diversification and market predictions
• (12:45) Defining downside protection and
• (16:18) Defining opportunistic rebalancing
• (19:29) Jeb summarizes what the psychology of investing is and how to make it work for you

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Market fluctuations are a natural part of investing, following a cycle of emotions from euphoria to fear. Understanding this cycle helps investors avoid impulsive decisions driven by short-term emotions.
• Spreading investments across different asset classes (stocks, bonds, international markets, etc.) helps mitigate risk, ensuring that a downturn in one area doesn’t disproportionately impact the entire portfolio.
• While short-term volatility is inevitable, history shows that markets tend to recover and grow over longer horizons. Maintaining a long-term outlook helps investors stay resilient through market corrections and downturns.

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. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys hunting, cycling, and outdoor activities with his wife, Shanna, and their sons, Rhett and Levi.

Eric Wymore:

Eric is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Metcalf Partners Wealth...

How much money do you need to retire comfortably, and when is the best time to take Social Security? In this episode of the Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric dive into the key components of retirement planning. They discuss the early retirement dichotomy, how much money you need to retire comfortably, and the complexities of managing retirement accounts. The conversation also explores the crucial decision of when to take Social Security, navigating the often overlooked topic of health insurance in retirement, and concludes with the bottom lines for anyone planning for the future. Whether you're thinking about retiring early or just starting to plan, this episode offers valuable insights for every stage of retirement planning.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and intro
• (00:49) Retirement planning
• (04:00) How much money do you need to retire
• (09:40) Discussion of retirement accounts
• (16:10) When do I take social security
• (21:33) What about a health savings account
• (25:25) The bottom line - a final word the steps to take to when planning for retirement

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• To retire early, individuals must address critical factors like how much money they need, when they can access retirement accounts, when to take Social Security, and how to handle health insurance costs before Medicare eligibility at 65.
• Individuals should start planning for Medicare around age 62 or 63, as Medicare uses a two-year income lookback period to determine costs. Proper planning can help manage income levels to optimize Medicare premiums.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a valuable tool for covering healthcare expenses in retirement. They offer triple tax advantages, grow tax-free, and can be used for qualified medical expenses, making them a strategic financial asset.

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 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. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys hunting, cycling, and outdoor activities with his wife, Shanna, and their sons, Rhett and Levi.

Eric Wymore:

Eric is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. His career has been dedicated to wealth management. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, he prioritizes acting in clients’ best...

Navigating the complexities of health insurance when retiring can be overwhelming, but having the correct information makes all the difference. In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, host Jeb, Ethan, and Eric sit down with Matt Sturgeon, CEO of LNI Insurance Solutions, and Phil Walters, Director of Medicare at LNI Insurance Solutions, to break it all down. They discuss the key factors retirees need to consider, including determining insurance needs based on income and retirement age, what counts toward modified adjusted gross income, and how to ensure a smooth transition into retirement—especially for those under 65. The conversation also dives into the role of Medicare in health care decisions, the complexities of choosing the right plan, and why consulting an insurance specialist is essential since no two situations are alike. Whether you're retiring early or preparing to transition into Medicare, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your health insurance coverage.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening
• (02:23) How does early retirement affect health insurance, and how do we determine insurance needs based on income and retirement age
• (07:05) What income counts towards modified adjusted gross income
• (08:16) Begin your health insurance decisions 6 months before retirement
• (13:07) No two situations of retirement planning are alike. Consult an insurance specialist
• (17:06) Making the switch to Medicare

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Every retiree’s situation is uniquely influenced by age, income, and location factors. Different rules apply to those retiring early (e.g., 55 or 60) compared to those transitioning into Medicare at 65.
• One of the biggest concerns for early retirees is securing affordable health insurance. Options include COBRA, ACA marketplace plans, short-term medical plans, and tax credits, which vary based on income and household makeup.
• Retirees should begin planning at least six months before retirement to ensure a smooth transition. Financial advisors target age 63 for Medicare planning since Medicare considers income from two years prior when determining costs.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

812 490 0200 - Phone

L & I Insurance - Website

L & I Insurance - Facebook

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:

Matt Sturgeon is a seasoned leader in the insurance industry with 14 years of experience. As the CEO and Co-Founder of L&I Insurance Solutions in Newburgh, IN, he is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses "Protect Their Legacy with Integrity."

Beyond the insurance industry, Matt is also an award-winning high school Varsity boys' soccer coach. With 20 years of coaching experience, he is currently the head coach at...

Navigating the complexities of inheritance can be overwhelming, especially regarding tax implications and estate settlement. In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, and Eric Wymore break down key strategies for maximizing inheritance planning, ensuring tax efficiency, and streamlining the estate settlement process. From common mistakes—like cashing out an inherited IRA too soon—to the nuances of annuities, life insurance, and estate taxes, the hosts share valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. Whether planning your estate or preparing to inherit assets, this conversation will help you avoid costly pitfalls and save time and money.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:54] Inheritance planning starts with preventative care
• [6:30] Necessary documents, financial planning and consulting professionals are key to avoiding estate taxes
• [10:58] Discussion of the best account types to inherit and the 10-year rule
• [15:17] Discussion of the required minimum distribution and other examples
• [18:53] Annuities and life insurance and estate taxes
• [23:50] Contact a knowledgeable professional for proper inheritance and financial planning

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Great Wealth Transfer Is Underway – Over the next few decades, between $30 trillion and $68 trillion will be transferred from Baby Boomers to their heirs. Approximately 45 million U.S. households will inherit money, with an average inheritance of $177,000.
• Taking proactive steps, such as organizing financial documents, properly titling accounts, and having open discussions with family members, can significantly ease the inheritance process. Establishing clear beneficiary designations, maintaining a list of financial accounts, and planning with estate professionals help avoid unnecessary complications.
• One significant mistake people make when inheriting assets is not promptly informing their financial advisors or tax professionals. While a well-prepared estate plan helps streamline the inheritance process, settling an estate still takes time.

RESOURCES:

Financial Planning Document Checklist

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 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. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial...

Welcome to Metcalf Money Moment, where hosts Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, and Eric Wymore welcome Erik Rome from Sage Law to discuss the ins and outs of estate planning. In this episode, Erik dives into key aspects of managing an estate, from avoiding probate and understanding the role of wills to the complexities of trusts, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directives. They also explore the importance of appointing the correct individuals in your planning—whether a family member or a corporate trustee—and why reviewing your estate plan regularly is crucial. Tune in as Erik shares practical advice on ensuring your estate is in good hands, and your wishes are carried out seamlessly.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:42] Erik defines probate, how to avoid it, and what the will controls
• [6:56] Trusts and why they are created
• [12:03] Discussion of trusts, durable power of attorney, healthcare directives and involving the children in the planning
• [17:29] Conflicts of interest and do you need a corporate trustee, and how often should you review your estate plan
• [23:03] Reviewing an older estate plan

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• A will only dictates how assets that go through probate are distributed. Suppose you have designated beneficiaries or joint owners on assets (like bank accounts or property). In that case, assets bypass the will and probate, meaning the will won’t impact how those assets are handled.
• To avoid probate, you can use joint ownership (e.g., with a spouse), beneficiary designations (for accounts or life insurance), or a revocable trust. Properly titling assets and ensuring beneficiaries are in place for all relevant accounts is key to avoiding the lengthy and costly probate process.
• One common mistake families make is appointing individuals to roles like trustees or executors based on birth order or profession rather than considering whether the person has the right temperament and qualifications for the job. This can lead to conflicts or mishandling of estate matters.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Sage Law - Website

Erik Rome - 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. LPL Financial representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A. an affiliate of LPL Financial. (154-LPL)

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Erik Rome practices law in Kansas and Missouri in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business and tax planning. He helps clients develop and implement comprehensive estate plans for various estate sizes, assets, and objectives. Understanding that every client’s goals are unique, Erik works closely with each client to create a custom plan to accomplish their goals, such as minimizing taxes, making charitable gifts, accounting for periods of incapacity, and planning for the eventual transfer of...

Hosts Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, and Eric Wymore dive into why starting your financial planning early in the year is essential for achieving long-term success. In this episode, they explore critical strategies like maximizing retirement account contributions, understanding tax law changes for 2024, and consolidating 401(k) accounts for a streamlined approach. They also break down the benefits of 529 college savings plans, the importance of harvesting tax gains or losses, and key insights into managing stock options and restricted stock units. Whether you’re planning for retirement, considering a Roth conversion, or optimizing your tax strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you make the most of your financial opportunities all year long.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (:54)Start your financial planning early in the year
• (2:17) Discussion of IRA contributions and tax law changes for 401ks and consolidation of 401k accounts if needed
• (7:42) Tax breaks for a college education with a 529 Savings Plan and discussion of Harvesting Tax Gains or Losses
• (12:45) Discussion of stock options and restricted stock units
• (16:22) Discussion of the distribution phase and a Roth conversion
• (22:38) Planning for retirement

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• January is the ideal time to review and plan financial strategies, including maxing out retirement account contributions and deciding on charitable donations. Early planning allows for a more balanced and practical approach throughout the year, avoiding last-minute decisions that can feel rushed or incomplete.
• The maximum 401(k) contribution for 2024 is $23,500, with an additional $7,500 for those over 50. From ages 60 to 63, the catch-up contribution rises to $11,250, offering a unique opportunity to boost retirement savings during those years.

The contribution limits for Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs remain at $7,000, with a $1,000 catch-up for those 50 and older.

• Consider tax-loss harvesting to offset capital gains and reduce taxable income while maintaining long-term investment goals. For corporate employees with stock options or restricted stock units, plan strategically to manage taxes and avoid over-concentration in company stock. Diversifying these assets can improve portfolio balance and risk management.

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

Metcalf Money Moment the Podcast, Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, Eric Wymore, Financial Planning, IRAs, 401ks, Retirement Planning, Metcalf Money Moment, IRA Contributions, Tax Breaks, Stock Options, 529 Savings Plan, Roth Conversion, Charitable Donations, Tax Law Changes, Portfolio Diversification, Financial Strategy, Investment Goals, Tax-Loss Harvesting, Financial Decisions, Contribution Limits, Estate Planning, Ethan Hutcheson, Jeb Graham, Eric Wymore

Welcome to Metcalf Money Moment, where hosts Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, and Eric Wymore explore the world of charitable giving with special guest Annie Burndrett from the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. In this episode, Annie shares insights into the foundation’s mission, its unique donor-advised funds (DAFs), and how they help individuals maximize their charitable impact while minimizing taxes. Annie explains how charitable giving can be planned around taxable events like business sales or IRA distributions and how strategies like “bunching” donations can help donors take full advantage of tax deductions. They also discuss the power of multi-generational giving and the numerous scholarship opportunities available to support students. Tune in to learn how to make a lasting difference in your community through strategic charitable giving.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (1:04) Shares the purpose of the Kansas City Community Foundation and the different funds they have for charitable giving and philanthropy
• (2:50) Tax strategies for the donor-advised funds
• (6:35) Preplanning for a taxable event
• (8:38) Annie defines the term bunching, designated funds and the hundreds of scholarship funds they have and the service they provide to students
• (13:04) Annie describes how to get set up with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are a powerful tool for tax-efficient charitable giving. High-income earners can maximize tax deductions during their peak earning years by contributing to a DAF, growing those assets, and earmarking them for future giving, such as retirement donations. A common strategy is donating appreciated stock, which avoids capital gains taxes. For instance, if an investment bought for $20,000 appreciates to $100,000, donating it to a DAF eliminates the $80,000 capital gain tax while allowing a deduction for the stock's full fair market value. Contributions can be distributed to charities over time, providing flexibility and maximizing impact.
• Bunching is a strategy in which donors contribute more significant amounts to a donor-advised fund in specific years. This enables them to itemize deductions and maximize tax benefits while disbursing funds to charities over multiple years, which can result in significant tax savings and more effective philanthropic planning.
• Greater Kansas City Community Foundation offers opportunities for multi-generational giving, where families can continue philanthropic efforts across generations. Additionally, donors can establish scholarship funds to support students, with the community foundation handling all aspects of the fund management and scholarship distribution.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Annie Burndrett - LinkedIn

To Apply for Scholarships by Community Foundation - Website

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation - Website

ABOUT THE...