The Green Zone

We’ve gotten a taste of the post-COVID life. What are you planning to do, as the restrictions continue to lift? In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith take a look at the recovery of the economy with high-frequency data numbers. They also share some of the effects of supply, demand, and inflation right now for consumers. Jeff and Lauren discuss:  High frequency data comparing numbers from the...

“Tax codes are written in pencil.” Taxes never go away but the rules and regulations around them are not set in stone.  In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share what you can potentially expect for the tax changes in the coming year under the Biden Administration. They share the little things to consider along the way for your tax planning. Jeff and Lauren discuss:  The potential increase...

Children are not getting the financial education in school that they need before they enter adulthood. But there are a few things you can do as a parent to help prepare your children for financial success before they are on their own. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share some tips to help parents get into the mindset of preparing their children before they enter the financial world....

We all have those burning questions about planning for retirement. One of the most commonly asked questions that people want to know is, “Should I pay my house off before I retire?” In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith talk with Jim Chaplin, vice president/senior mortgage loan originator at Elite Lending Group to get his perspective on the topic. Jim Chaplin discusses:  The items to take i...

How will you step up when the time comes to fully support an aging relative? This is a question that will face more and more people as science and medicine continue to extend human life expectancy. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith hit a few of the hot points to help you begin having these tough conversations with family members about their wishes and plans.  We discuss: How to start th...

Spring is finally here! And do you know what that means? It’s spring cleaning time! In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith are joined by Carroll Cartwright and Paige Ebanks of Neatly Houston to discuss how they put a fresh perspective on organizing, styling and moving to clean and tidy your home. Rudy Vierra of SteaMyCar joins in on the conversation to share how your car can get the best was...

In a world full of technology, there are many tools and apps that can help make your life easier and more entertaining. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith take a little break from finance and explore the world of technology. In this fun-packed episode, they discuss many different types of apps they find useful and explain the functionality of each one of the apps.  We discuss: Two busine...

Change can be a good thing. However, the uncertainty of moving forward can spark fear and create stress. This is especially true with major transitions, like retirement.  In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Cindy Wylie, a career and life transition coach, to explore how coaches can make this transition easier for you as a new retiree. They reveal how a coach can help you ide...

Tax season has rolled around once again! Get ready to kick-off your tax season with this information-packed episode with Jeff Green and Lauren Smith. They discuss some of the recent tax changes you might want to be mindful of this year while breaking down the tax strategies clients are asking about most these days. In this episode, we discuss: The new IRA contribution age limit Why you need to kno...

Most people don't realize they don't have insurance coverage until it’s too late!  We don’t want you to be one of those people. To help you get a jump start on your insurance know-how, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith welcome Marissa Sweet from Sweet Insurance Services for today’s episode. In this insightful discussion, Marissa reveals ways you keep insurance top of mind so that you’re protected in the...

Setting up your future takes time, knowledge, and expertise. This is especially true when planning for retirement.  However, when you hire a financial advisor, figuring out how and when you can retire becomes a lot easier. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith reveal the tools they use to help clients answer the question, “When can I retire?” Plus, they discuss their answers to other common...

As we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic and see a new administration enter the White House, what might investors see in 2021 when it comes to the stock market? In this episode, join Jeff Green and Lauren Smith as they share an open conversation around their thoughts about the coming year based on the current economic, political, and social climate. They chat about pressing demands for more CO...

Along with a new year comes a new administration in Washington. What will the arrival of a Biden White House mean for investors across America?  In this episode, explore this and more with Jeff Green and Lauren Smith. Join them as they discuss and assess the current economic and political outlook and share what investors could expect to see in 2021. In this episode, we will discuss: The possibilit...

Have you taken some time to reflect on what you are thankful for as this hectic year comes to a close?  In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith take some time to speak about what they are thankful for as this year comes to an end, and share with you some of the things that make them so happy to be a part of the team at Green Financial Group. In this episode, we will discuss: Jeff’s feelings o...

Are you prepared to take your next luxury trip?  How might COVID-19 impact your travel plans? In this episode Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Maddy Foxx Moffitt, a travel advisor with MFM Luxury Travel. Together, they explore the new travel challenges and restrictions that have come with COVID-19 and discuss the rapid changes the travel industry has seen in 2020.  In this episode you wil...

One of the best tools you can use to achieve the retirement you want is a comprehensive retirement plan.  This is especially true when it comes to making the most of your retirement tax picture. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith outline ways retirement planning can make all the difference when it comes to your taxes. They discuss retirement tax planning strategies and share ways you can...

With 2021 quickly approaching, many are ready to say goodbye to 2020 and all of its ups and down.  But before you start celebrating the new year, there is still some planning to do — especially around your IRA accounts and the tax advantages they offer!  In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith break down some of this year’s big changes to IRA accounts and how they might impact you. They also...

No matter the outcome of this year’s contentious national election, it’s important to look after your financial future with a calm and reasonable attitude. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith will serve as your guides for your post-election investing. Together, they share tips for navigating investing after the election and share how the markets tend to react under different presidential...

With more and more of our personal information living online, how can you keep your essential information safe and secure?  In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith review strategies and techniques to help you protect your information and identity online. Together, they also share key steps you can take to guard yourself, and your finances, from harm. In this episode, you will learn: How to cr...

Are you worried about the current state of the market — or where it could be heading as we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic? To address some common investor concerns around the market, Jeff Green sits down with Brian Wesbury for today’s episode. As First Trust’s chief economist, Brian lends his insight and expertise to answer some of your market questions and to provide a 2021 market predict...

2020 has been unpredictable in many areas, including the markets. In today's episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith reflect on the implications of the S&P 500 during the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore what has happened so far and what investors could potentially see going forward, all the while answering some of investors’ common investing concerns during this time of uncertainty.  In this epis...

COVID-19 has forced us to adapt to major changes in social norms, financial markets, the workplace, school and, of course, at home.  It’s more important than ever for us to take care of ourselves.  Today, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share what they’re doing on a daily basis to make it through the pandemic. Do you know the three main things that you can work on to improve your self-being? You’re ab...

Now that The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is in place, what does that mean for you and your retirement plan? In this episode, Jeff Green and Laura Smith help you answer this question. Together, they break down the new act, its rules, and the impact it could have on your retirement planning. In this episode, you will learn: How changes to the required minimum d...

When you eat a meal, what do you see? What do you hear and smell while tasting your food? In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith talk to David Skinner, the owner and chef at Eculent, a multi-sensory restaurant in Kemah, Texas. They discuss the magic that goes into creating a unique dining experience that serves all five senses.  You will learn: How Eculent is different from other restaurants...

The stock market is starting to look good, but the U.S. economy is still in bad shape. Why is that?  In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith give their take on why there’s a disconnect between the state of the market and economy during this stage of COVID-19. Are there any signs that the economy is starting up again? You’re about to find out! In this episode, you will learn: Why this isn’t a...