The Live Greater View

Planning for senior living can feel overwhelming, especially when families wait until a health event forces a quick decision. In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, are joined by Ginger Noce and Kristy Kennedy of Silver Bridges Consulting to break down how families can approach senior living decisions with more time, informati...

Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re approaching age 65, planning for retirement, or trying to understand how your current coverage fits with what comes next. In this special episode, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, are joined by Emily O’Halloran, Executive Director of EMP Group, to break down the Medicare decisions that often create the most confusion...

What is exit planning? Exit planning doesn’t mean you’re ready to sell your business. In fact, starting the conversation years before you plan to step away can give you more time and flexibility to prepare for whatever comes next. In this video, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, explains why business owners should think about exit planning well before a transition is on the horizon. From reducing...

The transition into retirement brings a new set of financial and personal challenges. After years of focusing on saving and investing, many retirees find that spending their money confidently can be one of the hardest adjustments to make. In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, share practical retirement planning strategies f...

The few years leading up to retirement are filled with important financial decisions, and avoiding common mistakes can make a meaningful difference in your long-term success.  In this special episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, is joined by Partner Dan Lash, CFP®, AIF®, to discuss some of the biggest retirement planning mistakes they see pre-retirees make and how t...

You've spent your career saving for retirement. The next step is learning how to turn those savings into a paycheck that can support the lifestyle you’ want to live. The transition from saving for retirement to living on your savings requires an entirely different approach to financial planning. In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey series, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mello...

Target date funds are one of the most popular investment options in 401(k) plans, but are they automatically the right choice for everyone? In this episode of VLP's 401(k) Playbook, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, breaks down how target date funds work, why they've become a common default investment, and some of the key differences participants should understand before investing. From...

Retirement is about creating a fulfilling and meaningful next chapter. In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey series, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the lifestyle, emotional, and financial adjustments that come with life after the paycheck. From finding purpose and building new routines to managing retirement income sustainably, this episode explores...

Borrowing from your 401(k) may seem like an easy solution when unexpected expenses arise, but it's important to understand the tradeoffs before tapping into your retirement savings. In this episode of VLP's 401(k) Playbook, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, discusses how 401(k) loans work, the potential impact on your long-term retirement savings, and why borrowing from your retirement...

Retirement is just 12 months away—are you ready? In the final episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey series, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the key financial and emotional decisions that can help make your transition into retirement a success. From Social Security claiming strategies and Medicare planning to creating a sustainable retirement paycheck and adj...

As you reach the final decade before retirement, protecting your health, income, and legacy becomes a top priority. Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, dive into the "protection equation," helping you evaluate which safety nets are still necessary and which are simply hidden expenses. From the evolution of long-term care to navigating the complexities of Medicare an...

Before you can plan for where you want to go, you must establish a clear baseline of your current financial health. Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the critical first steps of the ten-year countdown to retirement, focusing on the data and thought processes needed to set your baseline. Key Topics: Net Worth Calculation: How to organize diverse assets from 401(k)s a...

What are the biggest 401(k) mistakes? “Whatever the default option is…” If that’s how you’d describe your 401(k), you’re not alone but it might be costing you more than you realize. In this episode, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, breaks down seven of the most common 401(k) mistakes. From missing out on employer match to being too conservative early on, it’s how these small mistakes...

What are the 2026 new contribution limits?   New year, new 401(k) limits! In this episode, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, walks you through what changed for 2026. Contribution limits are up, which means more opportunity to save in a tax-advantaged way. $24,500 employee contribution limit Higher catch-up contributions if you’re 50+ Even more flexibility if you’re in that 60–63 windo...

It’s easy to let headlines drive decisions. The challenge is staying grounded in a plan when emotions are running high. In this episode, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, break down what we’ve historically seen when geopolitical events create volatility and why the market’s initial reaction isn’t always the full story. From the role of diversification to how quickly markets...

In this special VLP Spotlight episode, we take a step back to look at how far women have come financially and where there’s still work to do. Not long ago, women couldn’t open a credit card, get a mortgage, or make many financial decisions independently. Today, that landscape looks completely different. Women are building careers, leading businesses, growing wealth, and playing a larger role in fi...

Are you a decade away from retirement and wondering if your "set it and forget it" strategy still works? In episode four of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, dive into the critical shift from aggressive growth to strategic preservation. Learn how to evaluate your current asset allocation and build a custom "glide path" t...

In our third episode of our Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, dive deep into the mechanics of saving as you approach the ten-year countdown to retirement. While most people immediately think of their 401(k), a truly resilient plan requires a balance of cash, retirement vehicles, and non-retirement investment accounts. Key Topics Covered: The Ne...

Oil prices don’t just impact what you pay at the pump. They ripple through the entire economy. In this clip, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF® and Christopher Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® break down how the conflict in Iran pushed oil prices higher, and why that matters beyond headlines. From inflation to interest rates to consumer behavior, these shifts can have real effects on markets and everyday decision-mak...

What does "Living Greater" actually look like for you? In episode two of the Retirement Readiness Journey, the VLP team moves from the numbers to the lifestyle. Learn how to translate your retirement dreams into an actionable plan that accounts for everything from healthcare needs to "super fun" travel goals. Key Topics Covered: Retirement Goal Setting: Move beyond the "be...

Before you can plan your future, you must establish a clear baseline of your current financial health. In this kickoff episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, explore the essential steps to take ten years before your target retirement date. From analyzing asset location to auditing your debt, learn how to prepare your portfolio for the...

In this special "Year in Review" episode, the team at VLP Financial Advisors dives into the biggest accomplishments, market reflections, and firm growth of 2025. They also look ahead to 2026, sharing major initiatives like a new office and an exciting new podcast series. Don't miss this candid conversation about the market's volatility, the impact of legislative changes, and th...

Deciding whether to retire now or work a little longer is one of the most common questions clients bring to our team. In this episode of The Live Greater View, Chris Malone and Dan Lash walk through the financial, emotional, and lifestyle factors that shape this decision. From the impact of one extra year of income to the psychological shift of spending down savings, they share the conversations t...

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review recent tax updates and how they could affect your financial plans. In this episode of The Live Greater View , we break down the latest tax law changes in simple terms and share strategies to help you prepare before filing season begins. From deductions and retirement contributions to new tax brackets and planning opportunities, this con...

The holidays are a time for giving, celebrating, and connecting—but they can also be a time of financial stress. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we talk about practical ways to plan for holiday spending so you can enjoy the season without worrying about your wallet. From setting a realistic budget to managing travel, gifting, and unexpected costs, this conversation offers simple steps to...