Episodes

  • Tax Planning Secrets

    Tax Planning Secrets
    May 5 2025
    Could you be leaving money on the table when it comes to taxes? Nicholas St. George unravels the mysteries of effective tax planning. This episode is your lowdown on how proactive tax strategies can prevent unnecessary stress and ensure that Uncle Sam doesn’t get more than his fair share. With relatable humor and real-life examples, Nick dives into: (03:27) The importance of proactive tax planning and reassessing withholding and estimated payments (07:43) Maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged accounts to boost your financial health (11:52)Strategies for a smart portfolio rebalance and the importance of understanding tax efficiency (23:02) The nitty-gritty of keeping track of new tax changes to stay ahead (25:55)Why filing an extension isn’t the end of the world, but an opportunity for better planning Resources: Holistiplan Connect with Nicholas St. George: St George Wealth LinkedIn: Nicholas St. George Facebook: Nicholas St. George Phone: 828-481-8836
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    35 mins
  • Navigating Financial Challenges: Expert Tips for Busy Professionals (Ep. 12)

    Navigating Financial Challenges: Expert Tips for Busy Professionals (Ep. 12)
    Mar 27 2025
    What's the secret sauce for building wealth while juggling life's chaos? Nick St. George from St. George Wealth Management kicks off the latest episode of Un Eff Your Finances with an engaging discussion on the importance of a structured financial plan for busy executives and business owners. With a mix of humor and expertise, he breaks down why starting early is key, the risks of an unstructured approach, and how failing to plan is essentially planning to fail. This episode dives into the mindset of strategic achievers—those who are too busy to manage every financial detail but want their money to work just as hard as they do. Nicholas discusses: (00:02:22) Strategic financial planning for busy professionals (00:04:20) The importance of starting retirement savings early (00:06:13) Real-life investment missteps and successes (00:12:27) Creating a flexible financial game plan (00:20:03) The role of a financial advisor in managing emotions and legacy planning Connect with Nicholas St. George: St. George Wealth LinkedIn: Nicholas St. George Facebook: Nicholas St. George Phone: 828-481-8836
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    35 mins
  • How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor: Essential Questions (Ep. 11)

    How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor: Essential Questions (Ep. 11)
    Mar 13 2025
    What questions should you ask before entrusting your finances to an advisor? Dive into this episode where Nicholas St. George uncovers the essentials to choosing the perfect financial partner. Whether you're a hotshot business owner or just getting started in the financial game, these insights will keep you on the straight and narrow. Nick breaks it down with humor and honesty, so you don't end up with regrets. This installment of Un Eff Your Finances highlights: (04:36) What is a fiduciary? (06:05) How advisors get paid and why it matters (11:09) Why knowing your advisor's qualifications upfront saves headaches (12:06) The real deal on financial planning licenses (15:14) A philosophy that stands the test of financial time Connect with Nicholas St. George: St. George Wealth LinkedIn: Nicholas St. George Facebook: Nicholas St. George Phone: 828-481-8836
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    28 mins
  • Tackle Tax Season Like a Pro with Mark Carrison (Ep. 10)

    Tackle Tax Season Like a Pro with Mark Carrison (Ep. 10)
    Feb 27 2025
    Do you find yourself tangled in tax season chaos every year? You're not alone! Dive into this episode for a laugh and some clarity! In this episode, Nicholas chats with his brother from another mother, Mark Carrison, a seasoned tax pro from Verdolino and Lowey. Prepare to unwind those tax-time worries and learn how to save the bucks you’ve been unknowingly sacrificing to Uncle Sam. Grab your headphones as Nick and Mark highlight common mistakes, from last-minute filing frenzies to the myths about tax refunds, and unravel how proactive planning can save you from pulling your hair out come March! Mark and Nick discuss: (02:48) Top three tax mistakes - procrastination, reactive planning, and poor communication (06:36) Differences between tax deductions and credits and why mixing them up can cost you (13:26) The importance of building a team of trusted advisors for holistic financial well-being (21:59) Creative gifting strategies for leaving a meaningful legacy while optimizing your taxes (22:40) The value of real-time tax planning over delayed fixes and how “Google” isn’t your perfect tax advisor And more Connect with Nicholas St. George: St. George Wealth LinkedIn: Nicholas St. George Facebook: Nicholas St. George Phone: 828-481-8836 Connect with Mark Carrison: Verdolino & Lowey P.C. LinkedIn: Mark Carrison mcarrison@vlpc.com About our Guest: Mark Carrison is a Tax Supervisor for Verdolino & Lowey, P.C. Mark joined the firm in January 2020 and has more than 15 years of public accounting experience. Mark provides accounting and advisory services in tax, accounting, financial reporting, and consulting services for individuals, privately held companies, and trusts. Mark is a member of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He has had active roles on numerous not-for-profit boards in Rhode Island and Massachusetts including Treasurer and Board of Director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Boy Scouts of America, and Rhode Island Wild Plant Society. Mark received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Saint Leo University in Accounting with a Fraud Examination concentration.
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    33 mins
  • Real Talk on Taxes with Anthony R. Ruffalo (Ep. 9)

    Real Talk on Taxes with Anthony R. Ruffalo (Ep. 9)
    Feb 13 2025
    Wondering how to navigate your tax forms this season without losing your cool—or your cash? Don't worry, we're here to break it down. In this episode, Nicholas St. George teams up with Anthony Ruffalo, a social media legend and financial advisor, to get real about taxes and smart financial planning. Join us for full transparency and a few good laughs as Nicholas and Anthony help un-eff your finances just in time for tax season. Nicholas and Anthony discuss: (05:02) Deductible Dilemmas: Understanding what you can and can't deduct (12:42) Tax Time Preparedness: Anthony shares practical advice on not getting blindsided by missing paperwork (15:11) Tax Loss Harvesting: Why selling a loss might be your new favorite strategy (26:54) RMDs and Tax Planning: Simplifying your taxes in retirement planning And more Connect with Nicholas St. George: St. George Wealth LinkedIn: Nicholas St. George Facebook: Nicholas St. George Phone: 828-481-8836 Connect with Anthony R. Ruffalo: Ruffalo Wealth Management LinkedIn: Anthony Ruffalo anthony.ruffalo@lpl.com Phone: (980) 272-3903 About our Guest: Anthony R. Ruffalo is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner. The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires financial planners to hold a CFP® certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients. Currently, only 62,000 individuals have obtained CFP® certification in the United States. Anthony holds the series 24, 7, 66 securities licenses through LPL Financial as well as Life, Health, Long Term Care, Medicare Supplement, and Annuity licensures.
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    34 mins
  • Avoiding Financial Train Wrecks with Eric Woodraska (Ep. 8)

    Avoiding Financial Train Wrecks with Eric Woodraska (Ep. 8)
    Jan 30 2025
    Ever wonder why your retirement portfolio might resemble a messy clearance aisle at TJ Maxx? In this episode, Nick St. George sits down with Eric Woodraska, Client Portfolio Manager from Helios, a financial wizard who knows his way around a portfolio like no other! They dig into the good, the bad, and the downright "what were they thinking" moments of investment management. This conversation is brimming with real-life portfolio mishaps and tips to steer clear of those financial train wrecks. Plus, it's not all business - find out their bourbon favorites, because hey, life's about balance, right? Nicholas and Eric discuss: (02:12) The risks of concentrating investments in one fund family and how diversification should really look (06:28) A simple guide to understanding fund performance metrics, from flashy returns to actual sustainability (13:45) How to avoid the 'latest-and-greatest' investment traps and stick to what's proven (22:01) The impact of risk tolerance on portfolio choices, especially during unpredictable markets And more Connect with Nicholas St. George: St. George Wealth LinkedIn: Nicholas St. George Facebook: Nicholas St. George Phone: 828-481-8836 Connect with Eric Woodraska: Helios LinkedIn: Eric Woodraska
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    32 mins
  • Small Steps to Big Financial Wins (Ep.7)

    Small Steps to Big Financial Wins (Ep.7)
    Jan 16 2025
    Want to make 2025 your most financially fit year yet? Discover how small tweaks can bring big wins to your wallet! This week on Un Eff Your Finance, Nicholas St. George explores practical steps to kickstart your financial goals for the new year. They dive into simple yet powerful habits that help busy individuals take control of their finances without feeling overwhelmed. Nick shares his advice on how you can reach your financial goals, while still enjoying life, and how to find balance. Nicholas discusses: Trimming the excess and save (02:16) Assigning a goal to your money (06:32) Strategies to avoid interest pitfalls (10:46) Setting and forget for future growth (13:52) Staying aligned with your financial goals (19:10) Finding a balance between saving and enjoying life (22:02) And more Connect with Nicholas St. George: St. George Wealth LinkedIn: Nicholas St. George Facebook: Nicholas St. George Phone: 828-481-8836
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    29 mins
  • Crushing Retirement Risks: Making Your Money Last in Retirement (Ep. 6)

    Crushing Retirement Risks: Making Your Money Last in Retirement (Ep. 6)
    Jan 2 2025
    Are you ready to navigate the unpredictable seas of retirement? What if your golden years could be generously funded and worry-free? In this episode, Nicholas tackles the burning question of how to make your money last in retirement amid rising inflation and longer lifespans. He addresses the realities of longevity risk, the importance of planning for healthcare and housing in retirement, and the often-overlooked inflation factor that can chip away at your nest egg. This episode is packed with humorous, yet brutally honest, insights to help you keep your financial future secure. Nick discusses: (01:22) Retirement Risks and How to Navigate Them (02:22) The Impact of Increased Life Expectancy (04:55) Balancing Enjoyment with Financial Security (05:58) Healthcare and Housing Costs (09:27) Embracing Flexible Working During Retirement (13:53) The Reality of Inflation on Your Savings (19:15) The Importance of Emergency Planning and Communication And more Connect with Nicholas St. George: St. George Wealth LinkedIn: Nicholas St. George Facebook: Nicholas St. George Phone: 828-481-8836
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    26 mins
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