Everything Money

Military Divorce – Things to Consider with Kate Reese

Leah Jones — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0600

If you or your spouse were or are in the military and are considering divorce, there are several things unique to your situation that you should be aware of as they relate to divorce. Join Leah Jones as she interviews Kate Reese, a family law attorney at Reese law, about things people should know regarding military divorce.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Mid-Year Check In with Mike Zoller

Leah Jones — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, speaks with Mike Zoller, Senior Investment Analysis for Hightower Bethesda. Mike and Leah conduct a mid-year check in, focusing on higher economic data and provide an update on the COVID-19 pandemic, both domestically and internationally. They talk about broad macro indicators, the U.S. stimulus and international markets, and they also address the topic of inflation.

“One thing I really want to emphasize is that the recovery we’re having today is not the 2009 recovery.” -Mike Zoller [09:46]

What You Will Learn:

[01:04] An update on the COVID-19 pandemic
[04:22] What broad macro indicators are telling us
[07:28] How the American consumer is doing
[12:30] Inflation risks and Hightower’s outlook on inflation
[19:35] How the U.S. stimulus will play out in the future
[22:52] How international markets are and will be affected by the pandemic

Our Contacts:

Website: bethesda.hightoweradvisors.com

LinkedIn: Hightower Bethesda

Facebook: HightowerBethesda

Twitter: @LeahPlans4You

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Understanding Maryland 529 with Michelle Winner

Leah Jones — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Michelle Winner, Director of Marketing for Maryland 529 plan, about using a 529 plan as a savings and investment plan for college costs specific to Maryland. They answer commonly asked questions about these types of plans.

“Adults can use the plan too. For example, maybe your child doesn’t need the money, but perhaps you want to go back to school. You could use the funds yourself to pay for your education expenses. So just something to think about too for those who are looking to maybe pursue a new career or a new trade.” -Michelle Winner [23:51]

What You Will Learn:

[01:32] What is a 529 plan
[02:08] The advantages of opening a 529 account vs a traditional savings account
[05:30] Two different types of Maryland 529 plans
[08:41] How to contact Maryland 529
[09:23] What happens if the child choose an out-of-state school
[14:23] What is a qualified higher education expense
[18:44] If the funds can be used for anything other than college
[23:37] Adults can use the Maryland 529 plan too
[25:12] How 529 funds affects FAFSA
[32:21] Options if the child doesn’t go to college
[33:02] Contribution guidelines

Our Contacts:

Website: bethesda.hightoweradvisors.com

LinkedIn: Hightower Bethesda

Facebook: HightowerBethesda

Twitter: @LeahPlans4You

Financial Implications During A Divorce When the Woman is the Primary Bread Winner - with Heather Hostetter

Leah Jones — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Meet Heather Hostetter, she is a family law attorney located in Bethesda Maryland with a long list of awards and a partner at Hostetter Strent. This is a domestic relations law that deals with divorce, property distribution, alimony, custody, and child support.

In this episode, Leah speaks with Heather about the process of property distribution during a divorce primarily with alimony and child support when the woman is the main breadwinner.

Listen in to learn the difference between alimony and child support and why they both exist. You will also learn why as a woman; you need to think hard before entering a legal marriage and what to consider before and during the marriage in terms of finances and support.

What you will learn:

[2:28] The factors that come into play before the court awards alimony during a divorce and the types that exist.
[6:29] She explains why it’s difficult for the fault to play part in alimony.
[8:32] The factors that determine how the length of the marriage affects the alimony.
[9:46] The difference between paying alimony and child support and how women breadwinners react to it.
[20:58] She explains the legal consequences of an ending marriage and understanding them beforehand.
[23:35] The alimony negotiations process and what the court has the power to do and not do.
[26:04] How both women and men react to the issue of alimony during a divorce.
[29:22] How child support is calculated and its relationship to alimony.
[32:29] She explains how the child support money is divided to make sure it caters to children.
[35:27] The importance of having a conversation before and during a marriage about the roles of both partners.
[38:52] The purpose of thinking hard as a woman before getting married and understanding the consequences and whether you can live with them.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Investing in Crypto: A Conversation with Grayscale's CEO Michael Sonnenshein

Leah Jones — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we are going to tackle the hot topic of cryptocurrency. We’ll talk about what exactly it is, what the rational is for owning it, the differences between different types of cryptocurrencies and how they can fit into someone’s portfolio. We will also dive into why cryptocurrency is such a polarizing topic in the media and among celebrities like Elon Musk, and how a company like Grayscale does its due diligence when it comes to crypto.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

An Introduction to Hedge Funds with Jeff Vale

Leah Jones — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we discussed everything you need to know about Hedge Funds. You will leave the conversation informed about the basics of what they are, the differences amongst them, how the media portraits these types of investments, and when it makes sense to incorporate them in your portfolio.

Make sure you share the episode with those that might find it informative.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

30 Years as an Entrepreneur in Non-Profit Video Production

Leah Jones — Tue, 11 May 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Robin Smith discusses taking the leap of faith at 40 to start a non-profit video production company and the factors that lead her to take that chance and lessons learned on keeping a business running for 30 years.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Introduction to HTB Alternatives Philosophy

Leah Jones — Mon, 10 May 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Leah Jones and Stephen Rosen, Managing Director and Partner of Hightower Bethesda discuss HTB's philosophy on use of alternative investments. Starting from the adoption of the philosophy, to the definition of alternatives and walking through thoughts on asset allocation and cash flow generation, incorporating the use of alternatives.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Amicable Divorce: Is It Possible?

Leah Jones — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0600

A conversation with Regina DeMeo about a collaborative approach to divorce, using a mediator when possible to save costs and tips for how to spend the least amount of money on attorney fees.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Tax Planning Opportunities Now w/ Lou Ruebelmann

Leah Jones — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Review some tax planning opportunities as they relate to business owners and individuals that people can do now.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

The Process of Pension Property Division During Divorce for Federal Employees

Leah Jones — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Hightower Bethesda Divorce Series, Jessica joins Sarah as they scrape the surfaces of nuances of being a Federal employee going through a divorce. She is in the process of publishing a 600-page book on the topic. Listen in to learn different factors that apply when it comes to the division of pension property for federal employees during a divorce.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

HTB Investment Themes for 2021

Leah Jones — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0600

A conversation with Mike Zoller, Senior Investment Analyst at HTB where we discuss Hightower Bethesda’s Investment themes for 2021.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Defined Benefit Plan: A Retirement Plan Every Small Business Owner with No Employees Should Have

Leah Jones — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

Leah Jones and Phil Pirio discuss the details of setting up a Defined Benefit Plan for business owners with no employees and 1099 income. A great way to maximize retirement savings and minimize taxes.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Tax Changes: What You Should Be Thinking About

Leah Jones — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Hightower Bethesda podcast, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Jeffrey Gershen, from Aronson’s Tax Services Group, about potential changes under President Joe Biden’s upcoming administration. Jeffrey is a CPA that focuses on serving business owners and specializes in tax compliance, business planning and consulting. He discusses potential changes that might be in the pipeline with Biden’s proposed plans and mentions a few concerns he’s hearing from his clients. Listen to some of the strategies he suggests to be more proactive.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Women & Wealth - Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Managing Your Finances

Leah Jones — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning at Hightower Bethesda, speaks with fellow female financial advisor within the Hightower umbrella, Jordann M. Andrusiak, Synergy Capital Solutions. Together they discuss the reasons why women are still falling behind in making money and investing, despite the progress they’ve made in education, decision-making, and their careers, as well as how women can feel more confident when dealing with finances.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Market Outlook 2020 Getting Past the Elections & Beyond

Leah Jones — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Leah Jones is joined by Josh Feuerman as they look at the disconnect between the market and economy now, and what’s potentially in store for the market over the next few years.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Financial Literacy and Transparency in Marriage and Divorce

Leah Jones — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Leah is joined by Meg McKinney as she explores the topic of financial literacy and transparency in marriage and divorce. She dives deep into the process she as a family lawyer takes couples through to educate them on how to manage their financial situations.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Jessica Markham: Learning to Run A Law Firm as a Business

Leah Jones — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Women Business Owner Series, Leah speaks with Jessica as she shares her journey from an employee to a law firm business owner. Listen in to learn how Jessica runs her business with a passion and creating an environment where the staff and the clients are happy.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

The Effects of The Coronavirus on Divorce Cases and Processes

Leah Jones — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Leah speaks with Erin on the effects of COVID-19 on divorce processes both in and out of court.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Financial Implications During A Divorce When the Woman is the Primary Bread Winner with Heather Hostetter

Leah Jones — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Leah speaks with Heather about the process of property distribution during a divorce primarily with alimony and child support when the woman is the main breadwinner.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Sarah Djamshidi: Starting a Business as a Way to Solve an Existing Problem

Leah Jones — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

Sarah shares how her passion for helping business owners strategize their exit led her to start her own business. Listen in to hear tips that Sarah gives to women who want to take that rip of faith and start their own business.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Brian Lodestro: How COVID-19 has Affected the Fixed Income World

Leah Jones — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Stephen talks with Brian on how the recent COVID-19 pandemic has affected the fixed income world. He shares how different financial sectors are going to change in the coming months or years as compared to how they were in the last few years.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

Sarah Djamshidi: How to Have a Successful Exit Strategy for Your Business

Leah Jones — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

Meet Sarah Djamshidi, the owner of Speedshift Advisors. She is an exit strategy advisor and licensed banker who works with clients to obtain a successful exit strategy as defined by what’s really important to them. She has been doing this for over 2 decades and has worked with over 200 companies and has even testified in the US senate over small business issues.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.

The Premier Episode of the Hightower Bethesda Podcast

Leah Jones — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this premiere episode, Leah and Stephen explain who Hightower Bethesda is, what they do, and the purpose of starting two podcasts. They share what is to be expected in the podcasts going forward.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SPIC.