Are you curious about the technological advancements that could change the way we live and work? In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, co-hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith delve into some fascinating predictions around business and tech trends that we could see coming our way in the next decade. Together they discuss:
Autonomous delivery systems and smart technologies
Hologram concerts and virtual entertainment
The future of tax preparation and voting processes
Working from home and changes in commuting
Climate change and its increasing visibility
The evolution of virtual travel experiences
Advances in healthcare technology and telemedicine
The rise of digital transactions and alternative currencies
Legalization and regulation of marijuana and online sports gambling
Do you want your children to grow up financially savvy, equipped to handle their own finances and eventually, manage your wealth responsibly?
In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith dive into the critical topic of financial literacy for the next generation. From chores and allowances to credit cards and investments, they share practical tips to help parents instill valuable money skills in their children. Join us for this lively discussion that could transform your family’s financial future where Jeff and Lauren discuss:
The importance of teaching young children about money through play, such as lemonade stands and creative ventures like Lauren’s childhood seashell business
How giving children an allowance for chores can instill a sense of responsibility and the value of earning money
The significance of helping kids set and achieve financial goals, using chores to earn money for specific rewards, teaching patience and the satisfaction of earning.
The benefits of summer jobs and internships for teenagers and college students, stressing how these experiences teach work ethics and the value of money
The importance of introducing young adults to banking, including setting up checking accounts and using credit cards responsibly to build credit
Encouraging kids to start investing early, using platforms like Robin Hood to buy fractional shares, thus gaining hands-on experience with the stock market
How holding regular family meetings to discuss financial goals, values, and long-term plans can help ensure that children are prepared to manage and steward family wealth in the future
Do you know what “Retirement Values” are? And if so, do you know what yours will be?
In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith dive deep into the often overlooked topic of retirement values. They explore how understanding your personal values can profoundly impact your retirement planning and fulfillment in life after work. Through engaging conversation and insightful anecdotes, Jeff and Lauren guide listeners through the process of identifying and prioritizing their values, emphasizing the importance of introspection and self-discovery. Together they discuss:
Retirement as a transition from defining oneself by work to defining oneself by personal values
The challenge of identifying values, which are deeply personal and unique to each individual
Examples of retirement values, such as family, adventure, and philanthropy, and how they shape retirement lifestyles
The evolving nature of values over time and the importance of periodic reevaluation
Strategies for uncovering and prioritizing values, including mind mapping exercises and deep reflection
The impact of aligning retirement activities with core values on overall happiness and fulfillment
The role of gratitude in fostering positivity and enhancing retirement experiences
Picture this: your child is graduating and venturing into the real world. Do you feel confident that they’re financially prepared?
In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, co-hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share their top financial tips that they feel young adults need to understand by age 25. Together they discuss:
The importance of financial literacy and starting good money habits early
The three basic financial principles they feel all young adults need to embrace: living debt-free, establish an emergency fund and thinking about retirement early
Understanding where your money goes each month (and how to create a budget)
The importance of not over-relying on parents or family members for financial support
Why you must look at the total compensation package when considering a job (benefits, not just salary)
Are you nearing retirement and worried about navigating the complexities of taxes? Join Jeff Green and Lauren Smith, financial advisors at Green Financial Group, as they tackle the often-overlooked, but crucial, topic of taxes in retirement. While visions of pickleball and leisure may dance in your head, Jeff and Lauren warn that failing to plan for taxes can be a real “gut punch” to your nest egg. Together, Jeff and Lauren discuss:
The four stages of retirement: Pre-Retirement, Go-Go Years, Slow-Go Years and No-Go Years
Expense considerations in retirement including inflation, longevity and the shift from a structured workweek to “every day is a Saturday!”
Understanding how your after-tax retirement savings will work BEFORE you retire
Why it’s important to evaluate the next year’s tax bill and project future tax implications, especially regarding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Staying aware of potential tax traps with Social Security, Medicare and IRA withdrawals
Why you should focus on estate planning, even if your estate doesn’t reach the federal tax threshold
Please note: Neither Raymond James Financial Services nor any Raymond James Financial Advisor renders advice on tax issues, these matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional.
Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Additionally, each converted amount may be subject to its own five-year holding period. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion.
Does your portfolio feel as dusty as an unopened box of chocolates? Do investment meetings only happen when it’s time to “buy, buy, buy”? If your financial advisor’s idea of love is the occasional market update email, it’s time to ask yourself: is this all there is?
In this special Valentine’s Day episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith dig deep into the hallmarks of a truly loving financial relationship. We’re talking about advisors who:
Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and listen to your unique goals, dreams (and yes, even pet inheritance plans!)
Challenge you with honest conversations, even when it means saying “no” to that risky investment your friend’s mom’s brother’s advisor recommended.
Become your financial cheerleader, helping you dream big and plan for the future you deserve, not just meet basic needs.
Treat you like family, understanding your values and priorities, and celebrating your financial wins (big and small!).
Proactively reach out, keeping you informed, on track, and feeling confident about your financial future.
And more…
Plus, get access to a PDF that shares 50 concrete ways your advisor should be showing you the financial love.
Whether you’re seeking a second opinion, wondering what’s really going on with your portfolio, or simply yearning for a true financial partner, we’ve got you covered.
Tune in to the podcast and discover how to find an advisor who not only cares about your investments, but also cares about your entire financial well-being.
Do you feel financially fit? Do you even know what that means? If not, you’re in luck. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith guide you through the key elements you’ll need to ensure your financial well-being in the coming year. You’ll hear about everything from long-term investments to retirement goals to ways you may want to consider to protect your assets. Together they discuss:
The importance of pausing to evaluate your near-term and long-term goals and aligning your investment strategy accordingly
How understanding your retirement “buckets” can set you up for success after your career days
How you can think about the 60/40 principle in relation to your portfolio
The pros and cons of Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and the concept of the “ladder strategy”
Taking the equity risk premium into consideration when making investment decisions
In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith take a moment to reflect on Green Financial Group’s progress and key milestones achieved during 2023. Together they discuss:
Celebrating GFG’s 15th Anniversary and 1st year in our new office
How our team has grown and changed this year, including two great new additions with Dylan Daggett and Laura Garza
Our new GFG Blog, focused on providing more in-depth financial education and timely insights for our clients and beyond
How each feel they’ve learned and grown this year, particularly in respect to the various industry conferences they attended
Green Financial Group’s Core Values, and how clearly articulating those have shaped our culture for the better
The gratitude they feel for all of these big milestones and more – as well as what they’re looking forward to in 2024!
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 2023 GFG Holiday Gift Guide:
In this inspirational episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Shelly Kirkland, CEO of Boot Campaign, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and military families. Shelly, who comes from a family with a strong military background, shares her passion for serving those who have served and discusses the incredible work Boot Campaign does to make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. In this episode, they cover:
Boot Campaign’s unique mission and the heartwarming story of its inception
The organization’s dedication to supporting veterans from all branches and eras
How Boot Campaign provides individualized care for veterans dealing with brain injury, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, self-medication and insomnia
The significant impact of their specialized programs, including clinical treatments and therapy
The importance of reaching out for help and the challenges veterans face in seeking assistance
How to get involved and support Boot Campaign, from making donations to volunteering
Their heartwarming holiday program, where volunteers come together to provide special gifts and support to military families in need
And more!
Join the conversation and discover the incredible work Boot Campaign does to show gratitude for those who serve and make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and military families. Don’t miss this inspiring episode of The Green Zone Podcast!
Additional Notes The holidays are often difficult for many military families who have recently had a permanent change of duty station, are separated because of deployment, or are caring for the health of a wounded, injured or ill service member.
Boot Campaign’s Santa Boots Program unites Americans to show gratitude, meet service members’ needs and strives to alleviate stress and financial burden by delivering specially-curated gifts to veteran and active duty military families nationwide.