When it comes to navigating the complexities of trust administration, having the right team in place is essential. On this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric welcome Randy Kimmel from BOK Financial Advisor Trust Services for an in-depth discussion about corporate trustees. Together, they cover everything from handling special assets and dynasty trusts to maintaining family harmony and managing trustee duties with clarity and confidence. If you’re looking for practical insights on wealth management and securing your family’s financial future, this episode offers valuable guidance.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Trust documents and estate documents, highlighting impartial trust administration decisions
• (01:22) Role of a corporate trustee as executor to prevent conflict during estate settlement
• (02:35) BOK Financial specializes in working with financial advisors in estate settlements
• (06:08) How a corporate trustee preserves family harmony in beneficiary guidance and distributions
• (10:21) Risks of serving as an individual trustee: their personal wealth is exposed
• (11:37) Process of when the Corporate trustee should become involved
• (16:28) Dedicated teams simplify oversight of complex assets, ensuring asset management
• (18:36) Randy offers advice on choosing between family members or a corporate trustee

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• A corporate trustee helps ensure smooth trust administration and estate settlement, removing emotional decision-making and protecting family harmony. By acting as a neutral third party, they reduce conflict and keep the process focused on honoring your wishes.
• Effective estate planning, including clear estate documents and professional oversight, safeguards legacy protection and ensures proper management of assets. This proactive approach ensures that wealth transitions seamlessly to future generations.
• Understanding fiduciary responsibilities and the complexities of trustee duties is crucial​​ for maintaining fairness and providing lasting beneficiary guidance to beneficiaries. With expert support, families can feel confident that decisions are being made with both integrity and compliance in mind.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Randy Kimmel - LinkedIn

BOK Financial - Website

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:

Randy Kimmel brings 29 years of experience in banking and finance, having joined BOK Financial in 2000 and spent over 20 years with the company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas. He has expertise in executive banking leadership, trust administration, family office services, and providing trust solutions for financial advisors and their...

Wondering how to navigate the world of Social Security? Join financial advisors Jeb, Ethan and Eric as they tackle one of the most critical topics for retirees. This episode provides a clear overview of how Social Security works, from eligibility requirements and the Full Retirement Age to the often-overlooked spousal benefit. They offer valuable insights into the pros and cons of claiming social security early versus late. The hosts also address the big question on everyone's mind: what is the future of Social Security? Tune in for expert advice regarding this essential component of your retirement planning.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening
• (02:50) Social Security is funded through FICA taxes paid by employees and employers
• (04:43) Concerns about the stability of social security in the future
• (08:36) Rules for eligibility, full retirement age and how the benefit is calculated
• (12:30) Discussion of spousal benefit and Social Security income could be considered taxable
• (15:19) The break-even point of taking money out of the system and portfolio value
• (20:05) Use the SSA website to print your Social Security statement and share it with your financial advisor

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Social Security Basics: The program is funded by payroll taxes, requiring 40 work credits for eligibility. Benefits are based on your 35 highest-earning years, with a full retirement age that varies. A spousal benefit ensures a lower-earning spouse can receive up to 50% of their partner's benefit.
• Claiming Strategy Matters: Claiming benefits early at age 62 results in a permanent reduction, while waiting until age 70 provides a higher monthly payout. The best claiming strategy depends on individual health, longevity, and its impact on your total investment portfolio.
• The Future of the Program: The Social Security trust fund is projected to be depleted in the 2030s, which would likely lead to reduced benefits, not elimination. Solutions to secure the program include adjusting the FICA tax wage base or increasing the tax rate.

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 expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys

Are you feeling stuck between rising home prices and unpredictable interest rates? Do mortgage headlines leave you with more questions than answers? In this episode, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric are joined by Jared Bahr of Arvest Bank to cut through the noise. He discusses the relationship between the federal funds rate and mortgage lending, the role of the 10-year treasury note, and introduces you to innovative, underused home loan strategies that just might change the way you think about buying—or refinancing—a home.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening
• (02:59) The 10-year Treasury note is a better indicator of mortgage lending rates than the Fed's short-term rate cuts
• (05:33) Buy the home, refinance later — act now before housing prices climb
• (11:08) Jared outlines creative home loan strategies for high-net-worth borrowers
• (13:45) Jared shares critical dos and don’ts for first-time or high net worth homebuyers
• (18:34) Home equity lines of credit, bridge loans and recasting mortgage payments

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Interest rates are expected to decrease gradually, but borrowers should understand the difference between adjustable-rate mortgages tied to short-term rates and fixed-rate mortgages, which are influenced more by the 10-year treasury note than by the federal funds rate.
• Buying now with a higher mortgage lending rate and refinancing later may be smarter than waiting—because housing prices are likely to continue climbing. As Jared Bahr puts it, you can "marry the house, date the rate."
• Lenders like Arvest Bank offer flexible options for high-net-worth borrowers and first-time homebuyers.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Arvest Bank

Jared Bahr - Arvest Bank

Jared Bahr - 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:

Jared Bahr is a University of Missouri graduate with 15 years of experience as a residential mortgage lender. As Vice President and Mortgage Lending Supervisor at Arvest Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, they contribute to a community-focused institution with over 200 branches across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Arvest, established in 1961 and primarily owned by the Walton family, offers a range of financial services, including mortgage loans and deposits. Arvest has grown through acquisitions, such as Bear State Financial in 2018, with total assets exceeding $26 billion.

Ever wondered how top-tier professionals leverage their compensation to build lasting wealth? In this engaging episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric share decades of expertise to demystify elite employee benefits. They explore powerful tools such as deferred compensation, ESOPs, stock options, and HSAs, offering clear and practical strategies to help corporate executives and high earners optimize their financial plans. Whether you’re aiming to minimize taxes or grow your retirement savings, this episode delivers insights to inspire confidence and clarity on your wealth-building journey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening
• (01:08) Let’s focus on executive benefits: corporate executive compensation packages
• (01:49) Discussion on deferred compensation plans, stock options, 401K and benefits
• (08:15) ESOP plans, highlighting their role in wealth accumulation for employees at privately held companies
• (13:28) Differences between restricted stock units (RSUs) and stock options, employee stock purchase
• (18:34) 401K contribution limits and the benefits of mega backdoor Roth conversions
• (26:18) Discussion of HSAs, emphasizing their triple tax-exempt status

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Deferred compensation plans enable corporate executives to defer their salary, thereby reducing current tax liability and allowing for strategic planning for future income in lower tax brackets.
• ESOP plans in privately held companies build significant wealth for employees, offering tax-deferred growth and vesting benefits tied to company performance.
• HSAs offer triple tax-exempt benefits, allowing tax-deductible contributions, tax-deferred growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses, making them ideal for long-term savings.

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 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....

Discover how to supercharge your business with expert financial strategies on this episode of Metcalf Money Moment! Hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric welcome Brent Taylor from KC CFO Services, who shares game-changing insights on fractional CFO services. Learn how to delegate effectively, plan for business growth, and navigate business exits with confidence, all while optimizing your financial future. Whether you're a small business owner or scaling a larger company, this episode delivers practical advice to elevate your success.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (04:15) The distinction between a fractional CFO and an accountant is clarified
• (08:30) Fractional CFO services help business owners delegate responsibilities and set business growth goals
• (13:01) Brent’s company serves various types of small, growing businesses of
• (15:15) The process of engaging a fractional CFO is outlined, involving discovery calls to assess challenges and opportunities
• (18:29) The synergy between a fractional CFO and the financial advisor, and helping clients with business exit strategies, and succession planning goals

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Fractional CFO services enable small and mid-sized businesses to access expert financial guidance without the expense of a full-time CFO, allowing owners to delegate tasks and focus on growth.
• Business growth is supported by strategic financial planning, where fractional CFOs look forward, unlike accountants who focus on historical data, aiding in financing, hiring, and expansion decisions.
• Succession planning and business exit strategies are crucial for business owners, with fractional CFOs playing a vital role in preparing for sales or transitions to maximize value and ensure long-term success.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

CFO Services in Kansas City

CFO Services - 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:

Brent Taylor is the founder and owner of KC CFO Services, LLC, a fractional CFO firm based in Kansas City. After spending 15 years working with large companies across various industries, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, leveraging his diverse financial experience to help growing small and mid-sized businesses navigate their journey. He holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Nebraska and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

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...

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 expertise spans...

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...