Financial Foundations

If you're a small business owner or running a side hustle, choosing the right business structure can have important tax implications. In this episode of Financial Foundations, we sit down with a senior accountant to walk through the key differences between sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and S Corporations—along with common considerations business owners should be aware of. We discuss: -...

In this episode of Financial Foundations, Dustin Taylor, Kyle Howell, and Alex Wolfe, CFP®, sit down with retirement plan specialist Marc Piccirillo to unpack how employer-sponsored plans really work behind the scenes. If you are a business owner wondering whether you should offer a 401(k), a SIMPLE IRA, or something else entirely, this conversation walks through the practical tradeoffs, the hidde...

Thinking about selling your business or the building it operates in, but not sure where to start? Dustin Taylor, Kyle Howell, and Alex Wolfe, CFP®, sit down with commercial real estate and business broker Mike Mauger to pull back the curtain on what really happens when you sell a business or the building it operates in. From surprising valuation pitfalls to the hidden levers that boost sale price,...

Can a personal injury derail your financial future? Dustin Taylor and co-host Kyle Howell sit down with attorney Anissa Morris of Spinner Law to explore how accidents, distracted driving, and unexpected injuries intersect with wealth management. From protecting clients through insurance coverage to safeguarding settlements with smart planning, they uncover the legal and financial tools that keep y...

Season 3, Episode 8. How do homeowners turn their houses into real wealth? Dustin Taylor and co-host Kyle Howell talk with Sarah DiMonaco, broker and owner of Remarkable Real Estate and Rentals, about the practical ways real estate can accelerate financial independence. From tax-free gains on your first home to the math of rental cash flow and 1031 exchanges, they break down strategies for buildin...

Season 3, Episode 7. How do small and midsize businesses keep top performers from taking the next offer? Dustin Taylor and co-host Kyle Howell sit down with insurance specialist Howard Jonas to unpack nonqualified executive benefit strategies that help attract and retain key people without overhauling your 401(k). We cover which companies are a fit, how tax status shapes design, what to fund with,...

Mortgage rules keep shifting, but the core questions remain: how much should you borrow, when should you refinance, and which pitfalls will really cost you? In this episode of Financial Foundations , hosts Dustin Taylor and Kyle Howell sit down with veteran loan originator Jennifer Weil —known to clients as "Jen Is My Home Girl"—to uncover practical ways to keep more money in your pocket and stres...

Market headlines can roar louder than a toddler with a drum set—and your portfolio can end up marching to the noise. In this episode of Financial Foundations , hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, CFP® put the would-be DIY investor under a microscope: Do you genuinely have the research chops and the hours? Are hidden emotional or political biases steering your trades? Is "sit in cash till things ca...

Is all debt created equal? In this eye-opening episode of Financial Foundations, CFP® Alex Wolfe and host Dustin Taylor rethink traditional views on debt management. Find out when debt can actually benefit you, how to prioritize repayments strategically, and why "marrying the house but dating the mortgage" could be your smartest approach in today's market. You'll learn practical strategies to: Ide...

Beyond the 4% Rule: Rethinking Retirement Withdrawals   The math looks simple on paper: withdraw 4% annually, and your retirement savings should last... right? Our latest episode dives deeper into why real-world retirement requires more nuanced thinking. Key Questions We Address: When does the "perfect" withdrawal strategy actually work against you? How can a tiny shift in inflation reshape decade...

Don't Let Retirement Mistakes Ruin Your Golden Years! Are you dreaming of a comfortable and fulfilling retirement? Many people work their entire lives with this goal in mind, but unfortunately, even with careful planning, certain missteps can derail your financial security and overall well-being in retirement. In this crucial episode of Financial Foundations, brought to you by Base Wealth Manageme...

Tax season is here—are you truly prepared? In this episode of Financial Foundations , hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe break down the crucial steps to take before the April 15th deadline. From overlooked tax forms to smart strategies for reducing your liability, we're covering the must-know insights to keep your finances in check. 🔹 The one tax document that could cause your return to be reject...

In this episode of Financial Foundations , Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe explore the power of donor-advised funds with guest Jeremy Riggs, advisor at Base Wealth Management. Discover how these funds can simplify charitable giving, provide immediate tax benefits, and offer long-term flexibility. Jeremy breaks down the benefits of "superfunding" donations to maximize tax efficiency, and explains how...

Election years bring questions, uncertainties, and often heightened market volatility. In this episode of Financial Foundations, Dustin Taylor, Alex Wolfe, CFP, and returning guest Jeremy Riggs, CFP, break down how the markets have historically performed during election years and share actionable strategies to keep your investments on track. Tune in as we discuss why it might be wiser to stay inve...

Retirement is often seen as a simple financial milestone, but the truth is, it involves much more than just saving enough money. In this episode of Financial Foundations , brought to you by Base Wealth Management, our hosts Dustin Taylor, Alex Wolfe, and Kyle Howell dive deep into the complex reality of retirement planning. We start by addressing one of the most fundamental yet misunderstood quest...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of Social Security—spousal benefits. Many people are unaware of how much money they could be leaving on the table simply because they don't fully understand how these benefits work. Whether you're married, divorced, or widowed, knowing the ins and outs of Social Security spousal benefits can make a significant difference in your reti...

In this episode of Financial Foundations , we dive into the intricacies of estate planning with Patrick Barnes of Spinner Law. Discover why a living revocable trust may not shield your assets from lawsuits, and learn about common misconceptions that could affect your estate planning decisions. Are you aware of the differences between simple wills and trusts? What about the pitfalls of outdated est...

Welcome to the Financial Foundations Podcast! In this episode, we explore how to build generational wealth through tax-smart strategies. Learn how to boost your 401(k) contributions, the benefits of a mega backdoor Roth, and the best practices for gifting assets to your heirs. Our expert hosts guide you through real-life examples and practical advice to help ensure your family's financial future i...

Welcome to the Financial Foundations Podcast, brought to you by Base Wealth Management. In this episode, hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, CFP®, dive deep into the world of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with special guest Jeremy Riggs, CFP®. Have you ever wondered how an HSA can help you retire early? Or how to maximize the triple tax advantages of an HSA? Jeremy shares his extensive knowledge...

Join us in this episode of Financial Foundations, brought to you by Base Wealth Management, where we dive into the intricacies of target date funds and explore why they might not be the best fit for every investor. Our hosts, Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, alongside financial advisor Kyle Howell, discuss various investment options, the pros and cons of target date funds, and how to navigate your re...

Welcome back to the Financial Foundations Podcast, brought to you by Base Wealth Management, where we lay the groundwork for your financial success. In this episode, hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, Certified Financial Planner, are joined by Josh Pisa, a CPA who specializes in working with small businesses. Dive into the intricacies of small business tax strategies, retirement planning, and the...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Financial Foundations Podcast, brought to you by Base Wealth Management. In this episode, hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, Certified Financial Planner, dive deep into how the mortgage landscape has transformed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover the impact of low-interest rates, the challenges of today's real estate market, and the strategies you c...

Welcome back to Financial Foundations, the podcast that serves as your gateway to the fascinating realm of finance. In this episode, hosted by Dustin Taylor, Certified Financial Planner Alex Wolfe, and Financial Advisor Kyle Howell, we delve into the essentials of choosing the right investments. We discuss how to align your investments with your financial goals, whether you're saving for a car, co...

Join hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, CFP along with guest Kyle Howell, as they dive deep into the topic of early retirement. In this episode, you'll learn essential strategies for saving and investing, whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your financial plan in your 40s or 50s. Discover the benefits of automating your savings to make consistent progress toward your retireme...

In this episode of the Financial Foundations podcast, hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe dive deep into the economic shifts influencing consumer spending, corporate profits, and inflation. Discover how the state of the economy in Q2 is shaping the financial landscape ahead of the upcoming election year. They explore critical topics like the Magnificent Seven stocks, diversification strategies, int...