Category Archives: Financial

Why Financial Planning for Women is Different (Ep. 68)

Finance, Financial, Retirement, , , , ,

Financial planning is not the same for everyone, and those differences are particularly distinct between men and women. Interestingly, according to Raymond James, more than 51% of the personal wealth in this country is controlled by women – and that number is growing. But women often feel less comfortable with their financial independence and even face financial challenges their male counterparts do not. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith bring to light some of the unique considerations women may want to take into account for their financial and retirement planning, including:

  • Women tend to live longer than men, which may impact when they take Social Security
  • Women tend to earn less in their careers over their lifetime, which needs to be factored into financial and retirement plans
  • Women tend to be the primary caregivers of children and other family members, which can impact the types of financial decisions they need to make
  • Women who are widowed or go through a divorce have unique, specific needs that should be addressed quickly within a window of time
  • How working with a financial advisor versed in the unique needs of women, like Lauren Smith, can be incredibly beneficial for tailoring financial planning for women
  • And more…

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SheSpace: A Community for Bold, Ambitious Woman (Ep. 67)

Finance, Financial, Investing, , ,

March is Women’s History Month, a time when we commemorate the social, political, economic and cultural achievements of women. And those big accomplishments have to start somewhere… perhaps it’s at SheSpace, a women’s co-working space and community located in Houston, Texas. Jeff Green and Lauren Smith recently sat down with Stephanie Tsuru, Co-Founder of SheSpace, to learn more about the humble beginnings and big plans for the women of SheSpace. In this conversation, they discuss:

  • Why SheSpace felt like a need in the Houston community
  • Why women need a dedicated place to learn, study, connect and flourish
  • How the co-founders got started – and the ways they’ve pivoted as they’ve grown
  • The ways in which SheSpace serves the women of Houston, including multiple levels of membership options
  • The intentional build out process for constructing the right atmosphere for the building and how they continue to evolve to meet the needs of their members
  • And more!

About Our Guest: Stephanie Tsuru, Co-Founder of SheSpace

Stephanie Tsuru comes from a long line of female trailblazers. Her grandmother, widowed at 55, remained on the family farm in northern Missouri to successfully run the operation through blizzards and droughts. This woman even had the audacity to wear pants! She raised Stephanie’s mother, a small-town farm girl, who at the age of 22, left rural America with her new husband and flew 24 hours to live in Marrakesh, Morocco. Her parents’ wanderlust lifestyle worked out nicely for Stephanie, who was later born on the outskirts of Paris. After working her way through college in a steel mill (hard hat and steel-toed boots included) she piled her belongings into her bluebird-colored car that she purchased with her steel mill earnings and drove 1,300 miles away. (No radio or phone but lots of singing.)

As her 60th birthday approached, Stephanie decided she had the energy, passion and commitment to see another adventure through. In homage to her mother and grandmother and to leave a legacy for her daughters, granddaughters and the deep pool of women in Houston, she decided the time was right for her to launch her first entrepreneurial venture, SheSpace.

Stephanie’s mantra believes in the power of SHE. We will provide a home away from home to build a community of bold, intrepid and fearless women. We will push and lift each other to create, learn, inspire, and grow to be better tomorrow than we are today.

Connect with SheSpace:

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Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the services of SheSpace.

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What You Can Do In The Face Of Inflation (Ep. 66)

Finance, Financial, Investing, , , ,

Inflation is here and it’s no joke. Prices are going up. Returns in the market seem to be going down. And it can be confusing to know how to set yourself up for success. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith discuss what’s going on with inflation and how each of us as individuals may want to consider approaching our finances during this time. Together they discuss:

  • Why do we have inflation?
  • The silent effects of inflation
  • What types of assets increase in cost and value during inflationary times
  • Strategies for the “average Joe” to approach financial management during a recessionary time
  • And more!

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What You Need To Know About The Secure Act 2.0 (Ep. 65)

Finance, Financial, Investing, Retirement, , , ,

Do you understand how the changes to the Secure Act will affect you? Don’t worry, we won’t ask you to read the 4,155-page document to find out. Instead, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith will discuss some of the key takeaways of the Secure Act 2.0 and how it may impact you in this episode of The Green Zone Podcast. Together they discuss:

  • What the Secure Act is and who it applies to
  • The updated age for RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) and how to be strategic about taking yours
  • How RMD penalties have been reduced
  • The way increased catch-up provisions can benefit you
  • Why you may want to consider a larger charitable donation this year
  • And more!

 

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Please Note: While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. RMD’s are generally subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax advisor to assess your situation. Opinions expressed those of the Jeff Green and Lauren Smith and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

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The Importance Of Setting Financial Resolutions (Ep. 64)

Finance, Financial, Investing, Retirement, , , , , ,

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff and Lauren discuss the importance of setting simple yet effective financial goals and resolutions – including how to ensure you pick the ones that are right for you. Together, they discuss ways to:

  • Intentionally set aside and save more money
  • Leverage credit card points and benefits
  • Improve your credit score
  • Set and maintain a realistic budget
  • Consolidate debt (including credit card debt)
  • Rely on apps and technology to help you reach your goals
  • And so much more!

Resources

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The GFG Holiday Gift Guide (Ep. 63)

Finance, Financial, Investing, Retirement, , ,

In this special episode of The Green Zone, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith are joined by members of the Green Financial Group team as they share their favorite holiday gifts to both give and receive. If you have been on the fence about what to buy for a loved one this holiday season – or what to put on your own list! –this episode is for you. Tune in to see why these following items made the cut for the GFG Holiday Gift Guide:

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Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor does it endorse any of the products or companies mentioned within this podcast.

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Non-Profit Spotlight: PTSD Foundation of America & Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (Ep. 62)

Finance, Financial, Investing, Retirement

This episode of The Green Zone podcast is part of a special series to raise awareness of several non-profits that support special populations and their families. Hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith hope that once you’ve heard these stories, you may choose to recognize the work being done with your time and your dollars. In this episode, Jeff and Lauren learn about and discuss: 

The PTSD Foundation of America 

Interview with David Maulsby, Executive Director of the PTSD Foundation of America 

  • The mission of the PTSD Foundation of America, which is to bring hope and healing to Combat Veterans and their families suffering from the effects of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress. 
  • Important facts about PTSD and how it can affect the lives of those who have served in the military as well as their families 
  • How we can help support their mission 

 

Support the PTSD Foundation of America 

How To Donate: https://ptsdusa.org/give-help/  

Amazon Smile: https://smile.amazon.com/ Search: PTSD Foundation of America 

Website: www.PTSDUSA.org  

Instagram: @ptsdfoundationofamerica   

Twitter: @ptsdusa  

YouTube: @ptsdusa   

 

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 

Interview with Ted Probert, President & CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 

  • The mission of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF), the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children 
  • The impact and ripple effect that these scholarships make for military families 
  • How we can help support their mission 

 

Support the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 

How To Donate: https://www.mcsf.org/donate/  

Website: https://www.mcsf.org  

LinkedIn: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 

Instagram: @marinescholars 

Facebook: @marinescholars 

 

Additional Notes 

 

Connect With Green Financial Group: 

 

Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the PTSD Foundation of America or the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund. 

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Non-Profit Spotlight: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation & GiGi’s Playhouse (Ep. 61)

Finance, Financial, Investing, Retirement

This episode of The Green Zone podcast kicks off a special series to raise awareness of several non-profits that support special populations and their families. They hope that once you’ve heard these stories, you may choose to recognize the work being done with your time and your dollars. In this episode, Jeff and Lauren learn about and discuss:

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Interview with Courtney Egan

  • The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the world’s leader in the search for a cure for CF
  • Important facts about Cystic Fibrosis and how it affects individuals and families
  • The personal story of Courtney and her daughter, who has Cystic Fibrosis
  • How we can help support their mission, particularly in Green Financial Group’s home base of Houston, Texas

Support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 

How To Donate: https://www.cff.org/give-monthly

Website: www.cff.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFFTXGulfCoast

Instagram: @cff_texasgulfcoast or @cf_foundation

Twitter: @CFF_Houston or @CF_Foundation

Upcoming Events in the Houston area:

Gigi’s Playhouse (Sugarland, Texas Location)

Interview with Ammie Blahuta

  • The mission of GiGi’s Playhouse, a network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers that provides support for people with Down syndrome and their families.
  • Important facts about Down Syndrome and its impact on people’s lives
  • The personal story of Ammie and her daughter, Sadie, who has Down Syndrome
  • How we can help support their mission, particularly in Green Financial Group’s home base of Houston, Texas

Support GiGi’s Playhouse

How To Donate: Visit their website and click DONATE in the menu

Website: https://gigisplayhouse.org/sugarland/

Facebook: GiGi’s Playhouse Sugarland

Instagram: @gigisplayhousesugarland

Upcoming Events in the Houston area:

  • April 29, 2023: Fun Run
  • March 10, 2023: Fashion Show
  • March 21, 2023: World Down Syndrome Day

Connect With Green Financial Group:

 

Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or GiGi’s Playhouse.

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Using The Birkman Assessment In Work & Retirement (Ep. 60)

Finance, Financial, Investing, Retirement

Earlier this year, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith interviewed Sharon Birkman, the CEO of Birkman International, about finding your “why” using their proprietary social and psychological assessment, the Birkman Assessment. Since then, Jeff and Lauren have each taken the Assessment and personally debrief with Sharon. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff, Lauren and Sharon come back together to discuss:

  • What the Birkman Assessment is
  • Why the Birkman Assessment is a great tool for retirees as they consider the next phases of their lives
  • Jeff and Lauren’s individual Birkman Assessment results
  • How we can all can leverage the Birkman Assessment to work better together

Resources

Connect with Sharon Birkman

About Our Guest: Sharon Birkman, CEO of Birkman International

As the daughter of company founder and influential industrial-organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman, Sharon Birkman cultivated her deep expertise in human perception and organizational behavior through her lifelong interest in The Birkman Method.

Sharon, CEO of Birkman International, has been recognized with a multitude of awards, including EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, the Women President’s Organization’s Mary Lehman MacLachlan Award, National Best and Brightest Places to Work For, and the Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award.

In addition to her responsibilities at Birkman, Sharon volunteers her services as a Board Member of Houston Public Media, Goodwill Industries of Houston, and a long-time Board member for ESCAPE Family Resource Center. Sharon co-authored the book “The Birkman Method: Your Personality at Work” and authored the book “Creatures of Contact” by ForbesBooks.

Birkman International is an industry-leading behavioral and occupational assessment company founded by innovative organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman in 1951.

The Birkman Method remains a preferred instrument to better understand interpersonal dynamics through positive psychology. It is used widely in the fields of career and life coaching, leadership development, human resources management, and organizational design today.

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Why The Timing of Market & Economic Cycles Is Important (Ep. 59)

Finance, Financial, Investing, Retirement, , ,

2022 has been a volatile, tumultuous year for the market. As we move into the final quarter, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith offer up their opinions on what’s going on and how to think about that based on the timing of market and economic cycles. Together they discuss:

  • Why they believe we’re not currently in a Recession (and when it may be coming)
  • What types of investments that are generally strategic for: Bear Markets, Bull Markets & Recessions
  • The differences between Economic Cycles vs. Market Cycles
  • Different sectors that tend to do well in various types of markets and cycles
  • And more!

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