Tag: #Financial Planning

Balancing Financial Wisdom and Emotional Well-being with Brendan Frazier (Ep. 19)

Balancing Financial Wisdom and Emotional Well-being with Brendan Frazier (Ep. 19)

Achieving financial success involves understanding and managing your financial decisions, which can be influenced by your emotions and behaviors.

How can you improve your relationship with money while staying true to your values?

In this episode, Marcia Miller chats with Brendan Frazier, the Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory, about mastering the emotional and psychological aspects of money management. 

With over 25 years in financial services and additional insights from Brendan’s Human Side of Money podcast, you’ll learn strategies to shift from saving to spending and ways to incorporate behavioral finance into your financial planning.

They discuss: 

  • Strategies for shifting from being a saver to a spender in retirement
  • The importance of mental accounting in achieving financial goals
  • How clarity and vivid visioning can change your financial behavior
  • Identifying and aligning your life’s purpose with your financial decisions
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Marcia Miller: 

Connect with Brendan Frazier:

About our Guest: 

Brendan Frazier is the Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory. He joined RFG after founding Wired Planning, a global training platform for financial advisors. Brendan utilizes his knowledge in behavioral finance to assist RFG advisors and their clients. He holds a BBA in Marketing from Belmont University.

Creating a Lifestyle Veterinary Practice with Dr. Eve Harrison (Ep. 18)

Creating a Lifestyle Veterinary Practice with Dr. Eve Harrison (Ep. 18)

The thought of starting your own veterinary practice can be daunting, especially if you have already experienced the fast-paced work ethic needed in the veterinary field.

Although that may sound stressful, with the right guidance, opening your own practice could offer you more freedom and time to pursue your other passions.

Join your host Marcia Miller, CEP®, RFC® as she speaks with Dr. Eve Harrison, founder of The House Call Vet Academy. Uncover the balance between professional and personal life, the concept of a lifestyle practice, and the steps veterinarians can take if they feel overwhelmed or unhappy in their current roles. Eve shares her journey from burnout to building a sustainable and fulfilling mobile practice, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and seeking support. 

Marcia and Eve discuss: 

  • The definition of a ‘lifestyle veterinary practice’ and how it can prevent burnout
  • Eve’s personal story of transformation from a traditional practice to a fulfilling house call practice
  • The importance of financial planning and seeking professional support when considering a shift in your veterinary career
  • The House Call Vet Academy and the resources it offers for building a successful house call practice
  • And more!

 

Resources:

Connect with Marcia Miller: 

Connect with Dr. Eve Harrison: 

 

About Our Guest: 

Dr. Eve Harrison is the founder of The House Call Vet Academy. 

After graduating from vet school, Eve spent years immersed in the demanding environments of clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, and operating theaters. The long hours left her feeling burnt out, nearly prompting her to abandon the profession altogether. Struggling with an imbalanced work-life situation, she realized the necessity of finding a more sustainable approach to caring for her patients, their caregivers, and herself.

Driven by this realization, she made the decision to establish her own house call veterinary practice, adhering to her personal vision. Today, Eve provides a nurturing and supportive environment, guiding others in crafting their own distinctive veterinary practices, tailored to their individual preferences and principles.

How Long-Term Care Insurance Can Help Safeguard Your Future with Alecia Barnette (Ep. 17)

How Long-Term Care Insurance Can Help Safeguard Your Future with Alecia Barnette (Ep. 17)

Are you prepared for the potential need for long-term care?

Listen in as Marcia Miller sits with special guest Alicia Barnett, a certified specialist in long-term care as they discuss essential aspects of long-term care insurance. This episode covers different types of insurance, common misconceptions, and the importance of integrating these plans into your financial strategy. Learn how early planning and the right choices can ensure financial stability and family harmony when long-term care is needed.

Key Highlights:

  • Exploring Insurance Options: Discover the pros and cons of traditional vs. asset-based long-term care policies
  • Overcoming Challenges: Learn why older traditional policies might still be your best bet
  • Professional Advice: Find out why keeping your current policy could save you in the long run
  • Dispelling Misconceptions: Uncover the hidden costs of self-insuring and how to protect your family
  • Planning Ahead: See why integrating long-term care into your financial plan is essential
  • Tax Benefits: Explore how long-term care insurance can save you money on taxes
  • Timing is Key: Discover why buying long-term care insurance young is a smart move
  • Simplifying Underwriting: Find out which type of policy has the most flexible underwriting
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with Marcia Miller: 

Connect with Alecia Barnette: 

 

About Our Guest: 

An Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb alumna, Alecia is a national speaker with over 20 years of care planning experience, highlighted by her Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC).

Alecia began working as the Health Marketing Director at The Insurance Center in Charlotte, NC in 1995. Three years later, The Insurance Center and Financial Independence Group, Inc. merged; overseeing the entire transition and bringing our health insurance business to unprecedented heights. Now the Senior Vice President in the Care Planning department, Alecia’s 20+ years of experience is evident to advisors across the country.

Specializing in providing asset-based LTC case designs to highly successful advisors, Alecia’s main purpose is to assist advisors in protecting their clients and their client’s families from the physical and emotional consequences of unexpected care needs.

Alecia’s use of holistic approaches and strong ethics – along with her desire to grow and solid commitment – make her an invaluable asset to any financial advisor seeking care planning assistance.

Understanding Annuities for Retirement Planning (Ep. 15)

Understanding Annuities for Retirement Planning (Ep. 15)

Are you curious about annuities but unsure how they would fit into your financial plan?

Let’s clear up the confusion.

Marcia Miller demystifies the world of annuities this week on Making Hay. Follow along as Marcia cuts through the noise and controversy surrounding annuities, revealing their true potential as a tool for retirement planning. Marcia unpacks everything you need to know from the basic understanding and types of annuities, to their benefits and considerations. 

Whether you’re nearing retirement or looking to manage your income streams more effectively, this installment sheds light on how annuities could be a boon to your financial plan, offering examples and real-life stories to illustrate their impact.

Marcia discusses: 

  • What annuities are and their importance in financial planning
  • The four types of annuities and their unique uses
  • How annuities can provide reliability and a steady income stream in retirement
  • Common misconceptions about annuities and the important factors to consider before investing in one
  • And more

 

Resources:

Connect with Marcia Miller: 

Navigating the Financial Maze for Veterinarians (Ep. 6)

Navigating the Financial Maze for Veterinarians (Ep. 6)

Ever wondered how veterinarians navigate the maze of student loans? 

Let’s unravel this mystery in the latest episode of the ‘Making Hay’ podcast with Marcia Miller as she welcomes back Matt Byars. Together, they share crucial insights and personal experiences that could change the way you think about your financial future. Discover why early financial planning isn’t just smart, it’s essential.

Key Highlights:

  • The difference between government and private student loans, with a focus on interest rates and repayment terms
  • The importance of budgeting and financial planning for debt repayment without compromising on life’s pleasures
  • An analysis of veterinarians’ debt-to-income ratio compared to national averages, highlighting better management potential due to higher starting salaries
  • Strategies for recent graduates and seasoned professionals to effectively manage and reduce student loan debt
  • The power of negotiation for a higher salary to improve the debt-to-income ratio
  • Practical advice for living within means and aiming to pay more than minimum on loans
  • The importance of avoiding unnecessary borrowing and investing wisely
  • Encouragement to seek professional financial planning help early in one’s career
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with Marcia Miller: 

Connect with Matthew Byars: 

 

About Matthew Byars: 

Matthew’s road to wealth management started in college, when he was majoring in Finance at UAB. There, he found his passion for the technical side of business, asset management, and the many other aspects of finance. From there, he knew that he wanted to pursue a career building value through the skills that I had developed in my studies, so he decided to go to business school at Clemson.

After earning his MBA, Matthew was fortunate to pursue an opportunity to realize one of his dreams to work on the institutional side of asset management for the London Stock Exchange in both Charlotte and New York City. After spending 5 years working in that field, he realized that there was something missing.

Matthew  decided to move back to Birmingham and pursue a career in wealth management and  was lucky enough to connect with Marcia. They work as a team. Marcia has been serving clients for over 25 years and Matthew brings institutional experience that gives clients insight and access to some of the technical skills that traditionally only corporations have had access to, really helping them to bring a holistic experience to their clients.

Outside of the office, Matthew’s main priority is spending time with his wife Amanda and their golden, Charlotte. In his free time, Matthew likes to go golfing and spend time with his friends and family at the lake.

Is Selling Your Practice Enough? With Rick Wedell (Ep. 4)

Is Selling Your Practice Enough? With Rick Wedell (Ep. 4)

Have you ever questioned whether selling your veterinary practice (or any practice really)  is enough for a secure retirement?

Join us in the latest episode of the “Making Hay Podcast,” where host Marcia Miller invites Rick Wedell, Chief Investment Officer at RFG Advisory, for an insightful discussion on financial planning and retirement. This episode goes beyond conventional retirement advice, emphasizing the importance of early planning, accurate business valuation, and seeking professional financial guidance. 

Key Highlights:

  • Discover what attracts top buyers beyond your practice’s immediate success
  • Understand how your practice’s earnings and growth potential influence its market value
  • Find out how the cost of replacing your role can impact the sale of your practice
  • Identify hidden challenges in long-term commitments that could hinder selling your practice
  • Explore a range of exit strategies, from outright selling to forming partnerships
  • Learn about the trade-offs between a high selling price and maintaining control post-sale
  • Assess whether pursuing maximum profit aligns with your personal satisfaction and well-being
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with Marcia Miller: 

Connect with Rick Wedell: 

 

About Rick Wedell:
As the Chief Investment Officer for RFG Advisory Group, I am directly responsible for the direction and management of RFG’s investment strategies, setting the vision for our research capabilities, and managing a turn-key investment platform engineered to help our advisors and their clients with their most pressing investment needs. I previously spent over a decade at Bain Capital Credit, where I was the Head of the Consumer Group as well as an assistant Portfolio Manager for an $8bn CLO business.

From Pet Care to Financial Planning With Marcia Miller (Ep. 3)

From Pet Care to Financial Planning With Marcia Miller (Ep. 3)

Ever wondered how veterinary care intertwines with the intricacies of personal finance? 

In this captivating new episode, Marcia Miller, a seasoned financial advisor with over 25 years in financial services, opens the door to her dynamic team at RFG Advisory. The podcast is dedicated to the financial nuance of veterinarians, steered by Marcia’s enchanting blend of southern charm and a heart dedicated to service.

Don’t Miss Out On:

  • Introductions of team members Jennifer Lawrence and Matthew Byars 
  • The dance between Marcia’s rich experience and Matt’s innovative insights
  • The team’s client-centric three-step appointment process:
    • Get to Know You Meeting: A relaxed initial interaction without the burden of financial paperwork
    • Triage Meeting: A deep dive into the client’s financial aspirations and risk preferences
    • Diagnosis and Prescription Meeting: Crafting a bespoke financial strategy that mirrors a veterinarian’s care process
  • A sneak peek into the latest financial trends and explore how evaluations and smart tax planning can help shape your legacy
  • The importance of holistic financial planning 
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with Marcia Miller: 

Connect with Matthew Byars: 

Connect with Jennifer Lawrence: 

 

About Matthew Byars: 

Matthew’s road to wealth management started in college, when he was majoring in Finance at UAB. There, he found his passion for the technical side of business, asset management, and the many other aspects of finance. From there, he knew that he wanted to pursue a career building value through the skills that I had developed in my studies, so he decided to go to business school at Clemson.

After earning his MBA, Matthew was fortunate to pursue an opportunity to realize one of his dreams to work on the institutional side of asset management for the London Stock Exchange in both Charlotte and New York City. After spending 5 years working in that field, he realized that there was something missing.

Matthew  decided to move back to Birmingham and pursue a career in wealth management and  was lucky enough to connect with Marcia. They work as a team. Marcia has been serving clients for over 25 years and Matthew brings institutional experience that gives clients insight and access to some of the technical skills that traditionally only corporations have had access to, really helping them to bring a holistic experience to their clients.

Outside of the office, Matthew’s main priority is spending time with his wife Amanda and their golden, Charlotte. In his free time, Matthew likes to go golfing and spend time with his friends and family at the lake.

 

About Jennifer Lawrence: 

Jennifer, a lifelong resident of the Birmingham, AL area, currently calls Helena, AL home. She shares her life with her loving husband, a furry friend and two charming cats. Her journey began as a bank teller, a role she took on early in her career. However, since 2005, she has found her true calling in the world of asset management.

Jennifer’s professional journey saw her dedicating nearly 12 years to a previous Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm before she found her new home at RFG Advisory. Her dedication to her work shines through in her passion for client service. She strives to provide a pleasant experience for her clients, helping them feel supported and cared for..

Jennifer holds an associate degree in paralegal services, an achievement earned through an online college. As for her personal interests, she finds solace in the pages of a good book, cherishes quality time spent with family, enjoys the great outdoors with her dog, and has a wanderlust that leads her to explore new destinations whenever she can. Jennifer’s life is a blend of professional dedication and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.

Money Matters for Vets with Marcia Miller (Ep. 2)

Money Matters for Vets with Marcia Miller (Ep. 2)

Why do many veterinarians stumble financially? The answers might surprise you.

Fresh out of vet school? Find out the financial pitfalls most new grads overlook – and how to sidestep them. For the long-timers: Is selling your practice the golden ticket to retirement?

Jump into a riveting conversation with host Marcia Miller of RFG Advisory, who reveals the hidden intricacies of financial planning for veterinarians, from those fresh out of college to the seasoned pros! Drawing from her rich 25-year experience, Marcia pulls back the curtain on the unique hurdles faced by vets and unveils alternative routes to ensure a comfy retirement.

The can’t miss highlights from this episode include:

  • What happens in the first meetings with clients
  • The art of building trust from the get-go
  • Marcia sheds light on little-known strategies to boost financial efficiency
  • A glimpse into Marcia’s own journey and the surprising similarities between her challenges and those of a veterinarian
  • A refreshing perspective on financial planning where personalization isn’t just a buzzword, but the cornerstone of building successful financial strategies
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with Marcia Miller: 

Vet Your Finances With Marcia Miller (Ep. 1)

Vet Your Finances With Marcia Miller (Ep. 1)

Is your financial plan tailored to your unique needs and life stage?

Planning your financial future isn’t just about numbers; it’s about living your best life. Financial advisor Marcia Miller talks candidly about her career journey, her specialization in advising veterinarians, and the wisdom she’s accumulated over 25 years in the industry.

In her inaugural episode of Making Hay, Marcia dives into:

  • Why veterinarians resonate with her due to their “servant’s heart”
  • Actionable steps for young and near-retirement professionals to make the most of their finances
  • The necessity of a holistic financial planning approach, including collaboration with CPAs and attorneys
  • The essence of her mantra “don’t quit,” and its role in finance and life
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Marcia Miller: