FIN-LYT by EWA®

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Jamison Smith and Ben Ruttenberg break down what a $10 million portfolio can provide in retirement. They explore key factors like sustainable withdrawal rates, tax-efficient income strategies, and the impact of market fluctuations on long-term wealth. The conversation covers how asset allocation changes in retirement, ways to optimize cash flow while minimizing t...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki is joined by Tyler Bidwell, CPA and Director of Tax at EWA, to discuss key tax strategies as filing season approaches. They break down three essential tips to ensure a smooth tax process, avoid mistakes, and maximize savings. The conversation covers proactive tax planning—why getting started in December is crucial for minimizing surprises. They highli...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith discuss strategies for unwinding a sizeable real estate portfolio. They explore the financial, tax, and lifestyle considerations involved in transitioning from active real estate ownership to a more traditional investment approach. Matt and Jamison break down key factors, including the tax implications of selling properties, the bene...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki, Ben Ruttenberg, and Chris Pavcic tackle an important question: What should you do when your financial advisor retires? They discuss the growing trend of advisors nearing retirement, the challenges clients face during this transition, and actionable steps to ensure your financial plan stays on track. The team covers key considerations, including wheth...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Jamison Smith dives into a real-life case study of a high-income couple with a $4.5 million net worth. He discusses how personalized financial planning can help achieve goals like financial independence, college savings, purchasing a vacation home, and making charitable contributions, all while maintaining tax efficiency. The conversation highlights strategies su...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki, Jimmy Ruttenberg, and Jamison Smith delve into the critical topic of buy-sell agreements and their role in safeguarding businesses and ensuring seamless transitions. With years of expertise, Jimmy Ruttenberg shares invaluable insights on structuring effective agreements that protect owners, stakeholders, and the business itself during pivotal moments...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Jamison Smith breaks down a real-life case study of a high-income earning couple. He explores how customized financial strategies can help achieve goals like financial independence, purchasing a dream home, and supporting family, all while maintaining a tax-efficient plan. The discussion covers actionable steps, including maximizing Roth contributions, utilizing...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Chris Pavcic break down the key financial planning updates for 2025. They cover changes to 401(k) contribution limits, catch-up rules, SEP IRAs, HSAs, and more, explaining how inflation and legislation like the SECURE Act are driving these adjustments. Matt and Chris provide actionable advice to help you take advantage of these updates, including...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki sits down with Tyler Bidwell, EWA's new CPA and Director of Tax Planning, to discuss the integration of tax planning into holistic financial advising. They dive into Tyler's journey to EWA, his professional background, and how his approach to proactive tax planning is set to redefine client experiences. The conversation covers key pain points...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith tackle a key question for business owners: is it better to rent or buy your business property? They break down the pros and cons of each option, diving into considerations like tax benefits, control, cash flow implications, and the current real estate environment. Matt and Jamison share real-world examples, including scenarios where...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Jamison Smith discusses the buzz surrounding cryptocurrency and Bitcoin following the 2024 presidential election. With Bitcoin hitting all-time highs and a pro-crypto administration set to take office, the conversation dives into whether cryptocurrency should be considered a viable investment or remains speculative. They break down key concepts like blockchain te...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith discuss how the recent presidential election could shape financial planning and investment strategies. They explore the potential extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, corporate tax rate adjustments, and new opportunities for estate planning. While highlighting how deregulation and tariffs could impact sectors like energy, def...

In this quarterly portfolio and market update, Matt Blocki reviews the adjustments made to the EWA portfolio in Q1 of 2025, including an increased equity overweight from 1% to 4% following the removal of election uncertainty. The update emphasizes a bullish outlook driven by strong GDP growth, moderating inflation, and robust consumer spending. Tactical adjustments include leaning into U.S. equiti...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Jamison Smith and the Matt Blocki discuss the critical timing and considerations for refinancing your mortgage. They explore scenarios where refinancing makes financial sense, especially if rates drop by 50-100 basis points. By examining examples of cost savings over time, they highlight the potential benefits of refinancing or using a home equity installment loa...

In this episode of FIN LYT by EWA, Jamison Smith and Matt Blocki delve into "sudden wealth syndrome," examining the psychological and financial effects of inheriting or unexpectedly acquiring large sums. They highlight the challenges, such as identity shifts and feelings of guilt, that often lead individuals to feel isolated from their social circles. Jamison and Matt offer practical guidance for...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and the team dive into financial planning essentials for newlyweds, emphasizing the importance of early communication around shared financial goals. They introduce the concept of a "money vision" to set a clear path for couples' financial futures, covering crucial decisions around budgeting, debt, and savings that can shape a stable fina...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki discusses key financial strategies for new parents, focusing on how to manage the increased costs of raising children and ensuring long-term financial stability. He covers the importance of early communication between partners on critical decisions like education, discipline, and housing, emphasizing how these choices can shape a family’s financial fu...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith discuss how upcoming election results could impact corporate and individual taxes. They break down the differences between tax proposals from Trump and Harris, highlighting how each plan could affect corporate tax rates, personal income taxes, and deductions. Despite potential tax changes, they emphasize the importance of staying inv...

1. Introduction (0:09)2. Market Summary and Commentary (0:53)3. EWA Portfolio Adjustments and Philosophy (1:43)4. EWA Live Look at Portfolio (4:45)5. Election Year Market Volatility (9:17)Connect with EWA:https://ewa-llc.com/Follow Us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/Vie...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA®, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith discuss the current investment environment, focusing on the rationale behind underweighting of mid and small-cap stocks. Recorded in early August 2024, they discuss how at that junction, asset allocation should be adjusted based on economic cycles and the evolving financial landscape. By examining the historical performance of large...

In this episode of FIN-LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Ben Ruttenberg explore how to approach investing during an election year, highlighting the importance of staying invested regardless of political shifts. Drawing on nearly a century of market data, they explain how market performance is largely unaffected by which political party is in office, debunking the myth that elections significantly impact...

In this episode of FIN LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith dive into the complexities of changing interest rates and how they affect your financial planning decisions. As rates fluctuate, it's crucial to understand their historical context and how proactive moves like refinancing debt or managing your cash flow can help you optimize your finances. Matt and Jamison break down recent trends, i...

In this episode, Jamison Smith delves into the critical topic of efficiently and effectively transferring wealth to the next generation. As the baby boomer generation prepares for retirement, the largest wealth transfer in history is about to unfold, with an estimated $68 trillion expected to be passed down in the United States by 2042. This episode aims to provide listeners with knowledge and str...

In this episode Matt Blocki is joined by John Izzo, CEO of Class 101 Pittsburgh. John is an expert in guiding high school students through the daunting process of college admissions, from selecting the right schools and achieving top SAT scores to securing maximum scholarships and financial aid. In this episode, John shares his extensive experience and offers invaluable tips on preparing for colle...

In this episode of FIN LYT by EWA, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith break down into the paradox of saving versus spending in retirement. They discuss the challenges faced by highly successful clients who have accumulated significant wealth through hard work and sacrifice. Transitioning from the habit of saving to spending can be a significant identity shift, leading to stress and even paralysis for m...