A new bull market is underway, but potential recession, heavy inflation, increasing interest rates, war and more are casting dark shadows. You may be more confused than ever about what is going on in the markets and economy and if you feel that way, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, host Jeff Green discusses:
What’s going on in the U.S. economy and markets
Why we’re in what’s considered a “skinny Bull market”
Your financial advisor is someone you need to trust. Someone who you know has your best interests front and center. Green Zone Podcast hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith want you to find the best advisor for you and your unique financial situation. In this episode, they share some of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when vetting financial advisors and highlight a few best practices for your own search and interview process. Together they discuss:
The difference between Fee Based and Fee Only Financial Advisors
What types of backgrounds to look for in a Financial Advisor such as college degrees or other certifications
Why you may want to consider a Financial Advisor that has a certification such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
How to strategically consider the underlying costs of your investments, your returns, and your fees to find the right mix for you
Why financial and retirement planning is like a Rubik’s Cube
Ways to ensure you are getting a holistic financial and retirement plan
Why it’s strategic to choose a specific advisor as a person over a firm or brand name
Are you gearing up to travel or take a vacation in the near future? If so, you might want to brush up on a few hacks to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share their top tips for traveling that will help save you time, money and frustration – and of course, travel in style. Together they discuss:
Leveraging TSA PreCheck and Clear at airports
How to check how long airport security lines will be prior to leaving your house
Using Apple Air Tags to track your luggage
The best times to book air travel at the lowest prices
How to find a house or pet sitter
Being strategic about credit cards that give you travel points
Do you ever think about what your life might have been like if you knew then what you know now? So many life choices might have been different when you look at things in hindsight – and that includes financial decisions. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcasts, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith candidly share the financial advice they would tell their younger selves if they could. Together, they discuss how to:
Start saving more at a younger age by “paying yourself first”
Leverage credit cards wisely (and be cautious with exactly what you’re signing up for)
Understand what goes into your Credit Score
Leverage credit card and travel “points” and cashback rewards
Invest in your 401k and take advantage of employer contributions
Develop a strategy around purchasing your company’s stock
Establish your financial independence from a young age
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.
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
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
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.
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
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:
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
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
The MCSF scholarship application opens on January 1st. Children of Marines and Sailors who served with Marines are encouraged to apply. More information about eligibility can be found here: https://www.mcsf.org/apply/eligibility/