Playbook of the Wealthy

High earner? 2026 could quietly change how much you keep. In this episode, Dave Grant and Heather Townsend break down the tax playbook for 2026. What you'll learn: • Why “it’s not how much you make, it’s what you do with it” (and why high earners still feel broke) • The core foundation: cash flow is the engine of wealth, not returns • How to create intentional surplus without killing your lifestyl...

Remodeling your home is going to take money. There are several options and we're discussing them today. We explore the benefits and drawbacks of using cash, HELOCs, margin loans, and credit cards, emphasizing the importance of planning and understanding personal debt sensitivity. The conversation also touches on family loans and the psychological aspects of managing debt, providing listeners with...

Episode 50 - Sell your business for more - Heather Townsend and Dave Grant share the secrets and discuss the intricacies of business transition and exit planning. They explore the importance of team dynamics, the emotional aspects of selling a business, and the various strategies for maximizing business value. The conversation delves into the four C's of business valuation, tax strategies for busi...

In this episode, Heather Townsend and Dave Grant discuss the upcoming changes to 401k plans in 2026, focusing on the implications for individuals over 50 and the new rules regarding catch-up contributions. They explore the impact of these changes on retirement planning, tax strategies, and the importance of adapting to new regulations.

RMDs are complicated. Heather and Dave discuss the complexities of RMDs from retirement accounts, including the rules surrounding inherited IRAs. They break down the nuances of RMDs, the implications of tax laws, and strategies for effective management to avoid unnecessary tax burdens. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding RMDs for both personal retirement planning and for th...

Managing uneven cash flow is complex. In this episode, Dave and Heather discuss the complexities, particularly for business owners and W-2 employees. They emphasize the importance of knowing living expenses, setting financial goals, and having a plan for unexpected income. The conversation also touches on strategies for creating a financial runway, the significance of separating business and perso...

Dave and Heather discuss the critical role of cash in retirement planning, emphasizing the balance between cash reserves and investments. They explore how much cash is necessary for different life stages, the importance of emergency funds, and strategies for managing cash effectively. The conversation also touches on the implications of inflation on cash holdings and the necessity of investing to...

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are worth obsessing over! Dave and Heather discuss their benefits, eligibility, contribution limits, and unique rules. They share personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to maximize the advantages of HSAs, especially in relation to tax savings and medical expenses. The conversation also touches on the implications of HSAs after age 65, employer contributions,...

Dave and Heather delve into the intricacies of benefits enrollment, discussing various types of insurance including health, disability, and life insurance. They emphasize the importance of understanding health plans, the nuances of flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA), and the significance of long-term disability coverage. The conversation also covers deferred compens...

In this episode, Dave and Heather discuss various investing strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding market changes, historical data, and the need for portfolio diversification. They analyze the performance of cash versus investments, the relationship between international equities and currency fluctuations, and the historical performance of different asset classes. The conversation...

Critical mistakes can be made when creating your estate planning documents. In this episode, hosts Dave Grant and Heather Townsend emphasize the importance of funding revocable living trusts, updating estate documents, and understanding beneficiary designations. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the complexities of estate planning to avoid probate and ensure family pr...

The critical topic of asset protection includes various forms of insurance including disability, life, and property insurance. Dave and Heather discuss the importance of legal structures like LLCs and trusts in safeguarding personal and business assets. The conversation emphasizes the need for comprehensive coverage to mitigate risks and protect wealth, especially for high-income earners and busin...

Proactive tax planning: In this episode, Dave and Heather discuss the importance of proactive tax planning, especially for business owners and retirees. They emphasize the need for understanding tax withholding, navigating life changes, and avoiding penalties. The conversation also covers strategies for high-income earners and the significance of working with a CPA to optimize tax situations. The...

What are the hot topics in finance today? From the controversy surrounding Wells Fargo's handling of fraud cases to the Treasury's shift away from paper checks, they cover the hot topics that impact your financial planning. Discover why property and casualty insurance rates are soaring and how the economy and stock market are not as linked as you might think. Tune in for insights, stories,...

Crypto and private equity: in this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of 401k plans, focusing on the integration of cryptocurrencies and private equity. Discover the challenges investors face, from regulatory hurdles to liquidity concerns, and explore the opportunities these assets present for diversification and potential growth. Join us as we navigate the complexities and uncover stra...

Hosts Dave Grant and Heather Townsend discuss the importance of hiring a financial advisor and the criteria to consider. Not everyone needs a financial advisor so it's important to understand when it's necessary. They discuss the value of fee-only, fiduciary, and CFP-certified advisors. They offer real-life examples of when to seek financial advice. The role of financial advisors in enhanc...

Heather Townsend and Retirement Matters discuss various retirement plans available for business owners, including Solo 401k, SEP IRA, and defined benefit plans. They explore the advantages and disadvantages of each plan, emphasizing the importance of understanding tax implications and the role of financial advisors. The conversation also highlights real-life applications and personal experiences w...

In this episode of "Playbook of the Wealthy," hosts Heather Townsend and Dave Grant dive into the intricacies of managing your 401k when leaving a job or retiring. They explore the options available, including rolling over to an IRA, the rule of 55, and the potential pitfalls of tax withholdings. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, Heather and Dave provide a comprehensive guide...

Discover how placing investments in the right accounts can lead to significant tax savings and better returns. From understanding the nuances of IRAs and Roth IRAs to exploring the benefits of municipal bonds, this episode is packed with insights to help you optimize your investment strategy. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, tune in to learn how strategic asset location can...

The Conversation You Didn’t Know You Needed- Some of the most valuable conversations start with a simple question. This week, we’re taking yours and exploring the ideas, strategies, and perspectives that matter most right now.

This is a follow up episode with more information on selling real estate and what you need to know.

Big changes to the tax code could mean big consequences -or big opportunities - for retirees. In this episode, we break down key updates from Trump’s proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” and what they mean for your retirement strategy. From new estate tax exemptions to the evolving rules around Roth conversions, we cover it all. 🔹 How Social Security taxation could shift your income planning🔹 Charitabl...

The hosts discuss the implications of the new tax bill on high-income earners and business owners. They explore various tax planning strategies, including deductions for retirees, charitable contributions, mortgage interest, and estate taxes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proactive tax planning and understanding the evolving landscape of student loans. They delve into various aspec...

In this episode, Heather Townsend and Dave Grant discuss the complexities of passive losses in real estate investment, particularly focusing on the nuances of taxation and the implications for investors. They share personal updates, delve into the intricacies of the tax code, and provide insights on how to strategically approach real estate investments. The conversation also includes a Q&A seg...

Heather and Dave discuss various financial planning topics, including investment projections, rebalancing strategies, client engagement, personal finance decisions, debt management, the role of 529 plans, home ownership versus renting, entrepreneurship, behavioral finance, college education funding, and retirement planning.