Up Your Assets

During this brief podcast, Ray provides his perspective on something that could be often overlooked. His word to the wise, be on the lookout for a "Lookback"...  This potential unwanted surprise, can rear its head when selling your home in retirement. No secrets here - watch today and learn what you can do!  If you’re on Medicare, a large taxable gain from your home sale may raise your i...

Discover how Trump accounts could help give children a powerful financial head start. In this concise and insightful episode, Ray breaks down these long-term savings vehicles introduced in 2025, explains their potential tax advantages, and shares smart strategies for maximizing their value. Listen today to learn how you can make the most of this new opportunity and help build lasting wealth for th...

Today's poignant podcast covers an often-overlooked part of the estate planning process, Our Pets! During this brief session, Ray outlines some sound advice on how to care for our beloved companions. The robust resources available may surprise you… so grab your favorite fluffy companion, give them a treat, and take a listen today! Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

Widowhood is more than grief; it can be a financial emergency that could use a helping hand. In this episode, Ray Ferrara interviews Chris Bentley, Founder and Executive Director of Wings for Widows. The two have a delicate conversation about the financial and emotional challenges faced by widows and widowers. They explore practical steps, real resources, and the importance of proactive planning t...

Tax liens & Tax Deed investing are one of the most misunderstood corners of real estate. In this episode of Up Your Assets, Brian Seidensticker and your host Ray Ferrara, break down how tax sale investing actually works, why it’s not as simple as it sounds, and what investors need to know.  If you’ve ever wondered how people invest in distressed property, this one’s worth a watch!  Acknowledge...

In this episode, Ray Ferrara interviews Tom Giachetti about his life journey, the lessons learned from his illustrious career, and his new book, "The Ladder: The Precarious Climb to Success." They explore the mechanics of work-life balance, faith, and the importance of personal growth at any age.  Have you ever felt like achieving success in life can be overwhelmingly complex? Well, you&...

Life in the big leagues is where you want to play; however, there can be some big curve balls thrown your way! A strikeout would be devastating, so be prepared to knock it out of the park and have your money plan ready to keep up! In this episode, financial expert Eustache Clerveaux shares insights with your host Ray Ferrara on how to prepare financially for life's major transitions, unexpecte...

HOLD ON WITH BOTH HANDS…In this cliff hanger of an episode…join the eloquent Jerome Myers and host Ray Ferarra while they study the emotional and psychological challenges business founders face, and how to plan for a successful transition that aligns with personal purpose and fulfillment. Most founders assume that “cashing out” their Company or Business means the hard part is over — but in reality...

Did you know that approximately 25% of Adults in the US are child-free, yet little is tailored for those in terms of Estate Planning...In this episode, Ray Ferrara interviews Dr. Jay Zigmont about estate planning for child-free couples, a niche - yet increasingly relevant area. Regardless of if you do or don't have kids, this population segment will have an impact on you and your community.  E...

When markets soar or plunge, it’s natural to want to time your moves perfectly. But what if the real secret to lasting wealth isn’t timing, but discipline? In this episode, Ray and Kara Murphy, CIO of Kestra Investment Management, dispel some common misconceptions around market timing, strategies, and the hype surrounding AI and crypto—helping you navigate today’s volatile landscape with confidenc...

In this brief but bold episode, Ray shares several essential strategies for preserving and growing your wealth!  It is so important to remain vigilant and keep focused on risk management, proper tax strategies, liquidity when needed and organized estate planning.  Take a listen and learn some quick tips on how to keep your wealth intact! Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

This episode features some great perspective from the podcast host Ray Ferrara.  Where he explores the strategic considerations of converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs, including benefits, drawbacks, and timing tips to optimize retirement planning.  Ray does not have a "Crystal Ball" and this is not a prognostication...however he provides some poignant and thought-provoking concepts...

Most people don’t fully understand how life insurance really works or quite possibly are overwhelmed by all the options available to them. In this eye-opening episode Ray teams up with Barry Flagg, a lifelong innovator in the insurance industry who’s revolutionized how consumers and advisors understand policy costs.   If you’ve ever wondered whether your life insurance policy is working for you or...

Join Ray as he hosts renowned family law expert Ky Koch, a Florida attorney with decades of experience in divorce and collaborative law. In this compelling discussion about destiny... Learn what to do when preparing to marry, to the innovative process of collaborative divorce, Ky and Ray share insights that could change how you approach one of life's most challenging events. You'll learn w...

In this episode, Ray discusses essential strategies for securing personal data with expert Kenneth Washington, who is the Chief Information Officer at the Tampa Port Authority. They cover a range of topics that are a little more "TECH" related to the Up Your Assets Podcast... including the importance of regular software updates, creating strong passwords, the necessity of multi-factor au...

In this episode of the Up Your Assets podcast, Ray and James A. Combs, Jr. , the President and CEO of National Advisors Trust Company discuss the intricacies of legacy planning and the role of trust companies in estate planning. They explore the advantages of using a corporate trustee, the benefits of the directed trust model and the importance of professional expertise in managing trusts. Jim sha...

In this episode of the Up Your Assets podcast, Ray Ferrara is joined by estate planning attorney Nick Grimaudo!  The two discuss recent changes in estate planning, which made estate tax rules permanent...  Ever wondered what $15 million per person means for you? Or how the new laws actually help you keep more of your wealth? Here's the truth: with the One Big Beautiful Bill , your estate exemp...

In this episode, Ray Ferrara shares his predictions for 2026 and reflects on how difficult it is to forecast the future in such an unpredictable world. He looks at several major market themes, including a possible surge in IPO activity with nearly 500 companies potentially going public and raising over 100 billion dollars, helped by the expected passage of the Invest Act. Ray also talks about the...

In this "Part 2" episode with guest Jon Brethauer  CFP®, AIF®, CPFA, MBA and Ray go further into the intricacies of managing retirement plans from a participant's perspective. They cover essential topics such as understanding eligibility, maximizing employer contributions and the differences between traditional and Roth contributions.  The conversation emphasizes the significance of...

In this episode of Up Your Assets, host Ray Ferrara CFP® and guest Jon Brethauer CFP®, AIF®, CPFA, MBA discuss the complexities of being a retirement plan sponsor. This is part 1 of a 2 part series, where they delve into fiduciary responsibilities, the importance of hiring fiduciary advisors, and the various types of fiduciaries. The conversation also covers investment performance, hidden costs in...

In this podcast episode, Ray Ferrara and Jonathan Ainsley discuss the implications of increased longevity on financial planning and lifestyle. They explore how living longer requires a shift in mindset, financial strategies, and the importance of reframing aging perspectives. Jonathan introduces the Flourishing Longevity Scorecard and discusses the three revolutions affecting longevity: the revolu...

This episode is a unique conversation with Sandy Risgaard, CFP ®  and Ray Ferarra, CFP ®  where they discuss essential information regarding Social Security and retirement.  Included in the conversation is how to access benefits, the importance of having a strategy, tax implications and recent updates in the Social Security system. This great discussion emphasizes the complexity of Social Security...

In this episode of Up Your Assets, host Ray Ferrara and insurance expert Bill Askins delve into the complexities of Medicare, discussing its various parts (A, B, C, and D), the importance of understanding enrollment periods, and the differences between Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans. They emphasize the need for personalized advice and the potential pitfalls of late enrollment penalties, p...

In this unique episode Ray, provides great perspective on the major tax law changes that are here! During this educational session, he describes how the Big Beautiful Bill could have a significant impact on your retirement, investments, and estate planning.  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings sweeping changes to the tax code that could directly impact your income, retirement, and estate plans f...

There are several complexities that factor into retirement, adding to the conundrum is how to factor in the potential of "living longer" and what that might entail.  In this episode, Ray sits down with longtime friend and fellow CFP® Rick Kahler to contemplate these challenges and biases that affect retiring.  Over his enduring career, Rick has accumulated a vast knowledge base, professi...