Behind The Designs

Estate planning can be as much about taxes as it is about beneficiaries. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 sunsetting in 2025, there are going to be significant changes to the Estate Tax Exemptions. In this episode, our guest Heather Walser, an estate planning attorney, shares the changes we expect as well as how people are structuring their estate plan to prepare.   💥 DOWNLOAD our free reti...

Young families, professionals, and retirees will come to us with questions about their life insurance policies. Do they have enough coverage? Should they keep this old policy? And how can they can actually be used? We talk through each of these issues in this episode.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-re...

You probably have questions about your money. We think most of the answers depend knowing where your money actually goes. So, in this episode we help you figure that out. By understanding your personal cash flow, you analyze how you spend and begin to plan for bigger goals.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-t...

In this episode, we interview the CIO of FDS! Rob shares what he learned from his parents, how he went from meteorology to investing, and his journey from corporate America to entrepreneur. 💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/ 🚀 WORK WITH US: https://financialdesignstudio.com/get-started/ 👋 ABOUT U...

In this episode, we pick up from episode 45 on how to steward your inheritance well. Once the money is in your account, how to do process the emotions and decide where to put that money now? 💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/ 🚀 WORK WITH US: https://financialdesignstudio.com/get-started/ 👋 ABOUT...

Whether you are preparing to structure or leave an inheritance, we want to help you build, not destroy, relationships. In this episode, we discuss the roles involved and how they work in each stage of the inheritance process.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/ 🚀 WORK WITH US: https://financialdes...

In this episode, we talk about whether you should rent or buy a home, and even when it might be time to build one instead. We talk with Rob who explains the 2024 housing market, his own experiences as a buyer and seller, and things to consider about building.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/ 🚀...

After preparing almost 200 tax returns, our team shares what we noticed about the 2023 tax season . . .  and what to know for 2024 taxes. We cover everything from charitable gifts, IRA contributions, rental properties, and child credits. If you want to learn more about tax planning, find our guide to Tax Savings Strategies in the shownotes!  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://...

In this episode, we interview the COO of FDS! Trevore shares how he started his first business, how he discovered what he cares about, and the importance of focus to maintain balance.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/ 🚀 WORK WITH US: https://financialdesignstudio.com/get-started/ 👋 ABOUT US: We...

We want to take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way. That's why coach Sarah Fincher shares why doing "the right things" isn't always enough. In this episode we talk about how defining what you want matters for how to set goals.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/...

Sometimes target date funds, or age based funds, are your only choice. Where should they fit into your investment portfolio strategy? In this episode, we explain what target date funds are, their pros and cons, and when the might be an important piece of your strategy.   💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-...

If you want to grow your wealth, you've probably looked into investing. But what does it take to succeed long term at investing across your lifetime? We explain investing ideas like diversification, asset allocation, and time horizons.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/ 🚀 WORK WITH US: https...

How do you help guide your kids through one of the most impactful financial choices of their life? Nate Bargar, a post-secondary counselor, joins us to discuss how to help high schoolers think through their college choices. In this episode, we cover everything from selecting a major, calculating non-financial costs, and finding real scholarships.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: ht...

 Anyone can be scammed and the financial consequences can be devastating. As financial advisors, people often come to us in the aftermath so we've learned a thing or two about scammers. That's why in this episode we want teach you how to spot scams by understanding common tactics, red flags, and what you can do to avoid them. 💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financ...

We all want the best for our kids, but how do we set them on the path to success? In this episode, we interview Anna Lewis, our Creative Director, to see how this might be viewed from the younger generation's perspective. She shares the opportunities her parents gave her and how they shaped who she became.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-...

There have been some major changes when it comes to college funding. So in this episode we discuss what parents and grandparents need to know about the total cost, to reducing that cost with the updated FAFSA, and how to save up with the 529 college savings plans. 💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/...

 In this episode we interviewing the CEO of FDS! Michelle shares her passion for lifelong relationships with money, what led to starting FDS, and why what matters to you is important. What you care about will shape how you live. As financial advisors, we want to hear what matters to our clients!  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask...

At year end we always review market performance with our clients. In this episode, Rob Stoll, our Chief Investment Officer, shares his 2024 investment review and thoughts for what 2024 might bring.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/ 🚀 WORK WITH US: https://financialdesignstudio.com/get-started/...

Life is going to happen. How will you respond? In this episode, Stephanie Geisler, a Licensed Professional Counselor talks with us about how different life events, like a death or a promotion, shape our emotions and finances. She walks you through how to process each context so you can move forward.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we...

We want our finances to make a difference, but how? In this episode Shelley Nizysnki-Reese, founder of A Better Life for Kids, shares her story and how she started her charity. She talks about ways people can vet charities, maximize their donations, and make a real world impact.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-bef...

End of year holiday spending can create start of year tax and budgeting headaches. We want to help you be smart with your holiday shopping. In this episode, our team discusses smart holiday shopping for for kids or adults, creating family traditions, finding bargains, and giving experiences.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-eve...

Trevore and his wife Courtney just brought home their adopted son from Africa! Family is very important to our team here at FDS so we want to celebrate them. In this episode, they share their journey, what the adoption process is life, and what you should consider if you are adopting.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-clie...

Maybe you are trying to sell, downsize, or pass on. Or maybe you are helping your parents do the same. This is where how we organize our possession matters for our financial plan and family relationships. In this episode, Ashley Rapp, a professional home organizer and stager, shares how she walks her clients through these transitions.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financ...

High interest rates and low housing supply put buyers at a disadvantage. In this episode, Tom Cramer, a mortgage officer from Wintrust, explains the different options homebuyers have whether they are looking for their first home or a second.  💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/ 🚀 WORK WITH US: http...

Insurance. Everyone needs it, but no one understands it. That's why in this episode we invited Ryan Delp from Bradish Associates shares his expertise. Learn what's behind the rising prices, the different types of enrollments, and things to ask your agent.    💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-ret...