FIN-LYT by EWA®

In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Jamison, Devin, and Matt unpack the nuanced reality behind high-net-worth goals by comparing two vastly different wealth tiers: $10 million vs. $100 million. Is more always better? They explore how wealth shifts from first-class to private jets, from vacation homes to global real estate portfolios and what that means for lifestyle, fulfillment, and legacy....

In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Ben Ruttenberg breaks down the million-dollar (or rather, $5 million) question: Is it really enough to retire comfortably? He walks through what $5 million actually gets you in retirement. Beyond the flashy number. You’ll learn how taxes, spending habits, goals, risk tolerance, and portfolio structure can make or break your long-term financial freedom. Whe...

In this episode of FINLYT by EWA, Matt Blocki is joined by Chris Pavcic and Jamison Smith to share powerful lessons learned from over 50,000 client meetings. Together, they explore what truly builds wealth, why high income does not always lead to financial independence, and how values-based planning drives better outcomes. The conversation covers key financial mindset shifts, including the differe...

In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith explore the surprising connection between dopamine and your financial decisions. Learn how this powerful brain chemical can hijack your financial plan—or become a secret weapon for long-term wealth and happiness. From overtrading and lifestyle creep to building wealth with purpose, the conversation dives into how dopamine impa...

In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki and team discuss uncovering the hidden surprises of wealth. An eye-opening exploration of how sudden financial success can be both a blessing and a burden. Drawing on real-world experiences, they discuss the profound psychological impact of wealth, especially for high-income earners and entrepreneurs. They dive into how money can magnify existi...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki is joined by Chris Pavcic to tackle a delicate yet essential topic in financial planning: initiating long-term care conversations with aging parents. As longevity increases and care costs soar, understanding how to proactively navigate these discussions can be critical for both emotional and financial wellbeing. Matt and Chris explore a framework for...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki is joined by Jamison Smith to explore one of the most underrated yet powerful tools in financial planning: the brokerage account. Often overlooked in favor of retirement accounts and insurance-based strategies, brokerage accounts can offer unmatched flexibility, control, and tax efficiency, when structured properly. Matt and Jamison break down how bro...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Ben Ruttenberg unveil a major evolution in EWA’s client service model by introducing fiduciary custody and expanded high-net-worth offerings. They discuss how these changes empower the firm to take a more proactive, comprehensive role in managing clients' financial lives, from daily 401(k) administration to multigenerational estate planning. M...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki is joined by Chris Pavcic and Jamison Smith to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial advisory industry, both behind the scenes and directly for clients. They dive into how EWA is using AI today, its potential for the future, and what that means for the advisor-client relationship. From simplifying tax code research to streamli...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith tackle the sensitive but essential topic of prenuptial agreements. Often misunderstood and stigmatized, prenups are reframed here as practical financial tools and not as signs of mistrust. Drawing on years of experience with high-net-worth clients, they share how prenups can provide clarity, transparency, and peace of mind for both p...

In this episode of the EWA FIN-LYT Podcast, the team shares 10 powerful financial lessons every parent should pass on to their kids. Ben, Devin, and Matt share the value of hard work and saving, understanding credit, investing, and giving back. Whether you’re raising young children or preparing teens for financial independence, these insights can help set the next generation up for long-term succe...

In this mid-quarter update, EWA provides timely insight into recent trades and the evolving market environment. Matt Blocki shares a detailed overview of strategic portfolio shifts, policy developments, and the macroeconomic backdrop shaped mid Q2 and forecasted into Q3 of 2025. The commentary highlights how EWA is actively managing portfolios to balance near-term risks with long-term opportunitie...

In this episode of EWA’s FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith delve into the critical topic of saving beyond a 401(k), especially for high-income earners. They explore why maxing out a retirement plan is often insufficient for long-term financial independence, using real-life scenarios and calculations to illustrate the gaps that can arise. The discussion covers strategic saving through...

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith break down the powerful tax-saving tool known as Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS). Discover how small business owners can potentially avoid millions in capital gains taxes when selling their business by meeting a few key IRS criteria. From understanding the C-Corp requirement to leveraging trusts and structuring owner...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Jamison Smith and Chris Pavcic demystify Roth strategies covering backdoor Roth IRAs, mega backdoor Roths, and Roth conversions, and explain why now may be the most critical time to take advantage of them. With tax rates at historic lows and future legislation uncertain, Jamison and Chris walk through how high-income earners and retirees alike can use Roth accoun...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith dive deep into a critical topic for entrepreneurs and professionals alike: business entity structures. Choosing the right business structure can impact your taxes, liability protection, administrative burden, and long-term wealth-building opportunities. Matt and Jamison walk through the pros and cons of sole proprietorships, multi-me...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki, Jamison Smith, and Jimmy Ruttenberg unpack one of the most powerful tools in estate planning: the Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT). Designed for high-net-worth families, SLATs can preserve control, maximize tax efficiency, and safeguard generational wealth. The team breaks down how these irrevocable trusts allow couples to move significant assets...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Ben Ruttenberg explores the delicate balance between saving and spending—and why getting it wrong can lead to serious regret. Drawing on experience from working with high-net-worth clients, Ben and the team break down the psychology behind over-saving and over-spending, highlighting common mindsets like scarcity, abundance, and status comparison. They explain how...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Jamison Smith and the team unpack the complex process of passing a business on to the next generation. With trillions pf dollars set to change hands over the coming decades, they explore why so many succession plans fail and how to do it right. From emotional hurdles and family dynamics to valuation challenges and tax strategies, Jamison shares real-world example...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki is joined by Ben Ruttenberg to break down cybersecurity best practices and how to keep your finances safe in today’s digital world. They dive into the growing risks of cybercrime and identity theft, and outline how individuals and firms can proactively protect their data and assets. The conversation focuses on the real-world steps EWA takes to safegua...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki is joined by Jamison Smith and Jimmy Ruttenberg to break down estate planning and risk management strategies for high-net-worth individuals. They dive into the role of insurance in a comprehensive financial plan, covering everything from term and whole life insurance to universal life policies and long-term care riders. The conversation focuses on the...

In this quarterly portfolio and market update, Matt Blocki reviews EWA’s Q2 2025 portfolio positioning and provides insights on recent market volatility. Despite headline risks and geopolitical uncertainty, the portfolio maintains a risk-on stance with strategic adjustments. The equity overweight has been slightly reduced from 4% to 3%. Key tactical moves include adding to U.S. equities, maintaini...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki is joined by Jamison Smith to discuss the often-overlooked downsides of wealth and how to navigate them successfully. They dive into the challenges that come with financial success, from finding purpose after selling a business to maintaining meaningful relationships as net worth grows. The conversation explores the paradox of wealth—how achieving fin...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki is joined by Jimmy Ruttenberg and Allison Quatchak, who recently joined the EWA team to bring risk management in-house and provide the best service available for clients. They dive into Risk Management 101, breaking down why EWA made this move, how it fits into a comprehensive financial plan, and what clients need to know when reviewing their coverage...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Chris Pavcic explore how financial planning goes beyond spreadsheets to help clients design a fulfilling life. They cover key wealth strategies for high-net-worth individuals, including preparing for a business sale, structuring trusts, tax-efficient charitable giving, and asset protection for physicians. The discussion also dives into managing co...