Allison Kleinman and Alex LoPinto from Future Centered Care discuss their work in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. They share their personal journeys and how they came to create Future Centered. The conversation covers topics such as employment, housing, and overseeing care as adults age. They emphasize the importance of creating future options and overseeing care for individuals with disabilities. They also discuss the challenges of finding suitable housing and managing expectations. The conversation highlights the need for personalized and tailored support for each family and individual. Future Centered aims to provide housing solutions and support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They focus on creating individualized programs and promoting inclusivity. They offer various models, such as live-in caregivers and clustered housing, to address the housing needs of this population. Future Centered also works on advocating for set-aside housing and educating developers on the incentives available. They emphasize the importance of sustainability and building a strong support network. The organization aims to expand its footprint beyond New York City and provide resources to families across the country.

Takeaways:

• Future Centered Care provides support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, focusing on employment, housing, and overseeing care as adults age.
• They work closely with families to create personalized plans and goals, addressing immediate, intermediate, and long-term needs.
• Managing expectations is crucial, and they emphasize the importance of open communication and regular updates.
• Finding suitable housing is a significant challenge, and they explore various options and resources available to families.
• Collaboration with wealth managers and financial planning is essential to ensure adequate funding for future needs.
• They promote inclusivity and individualized programs to meet the unique needs of each individual.
• Future Centered Care advocates for set-aside housing and educates developers on incentives.
• Building a strong support network and ensuring sustainability are key goals for Future Centered Care.

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

• 1-631-777-1030
• Wealth Enhancement Group
• LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
• LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becky Fawcett, founder of Help Us Adopt, shares her journey of starting a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to families to help with the cost of adoption. She discusses the challenges she faced in her own adoption journey and how it inspired her to help others. Becky highlights the importance of family equality and the need for larger adoption grants to truly solve the financial barriers. She also talks about the changing landscape of adoption, including the impact of social media and the effects of COVID-19 and war on international adoptions. Becky emphasizes the significance of open adoptions and the positive experiences she has had with birth parents. She concludes by discussing the growth of Help Us Adopt. Becky Fawcett discusses how she built an amazing board for HelpUsAdopt.org and the importance of running a nonprofit like a business. She emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility and making decisions that align with the organization's mission. Becky shares her strong-willed and aggressive approach to building the organization and not being afraid to make tough decisions. She also talks about the importance of knowing the difference between 'no' and 'not yet' and the power of perseverance.

Takeaways

• The cost of adoption is a significant obstacle for many families, and organizations like Help Us Adopt provide crucial financial assistance.
• Family equality is an important aspect of adoption, and it is essential to support all types of families.
• The landscape of adoption has changed with the rise of social media and the impact of COVID-19 and war on international adoptions.
• Open adoptions can be a positive experience for all parties involved and can create lifelong connections.
• Help Us Adopt has grown from a small organization to a national one with a focus on providing larger grants to solve the financial barriers of adoption.
• Building a strong board is crucial for the success of a nonprofit organization.
• Running a nonprofit like a business, with fiscal responsibility and strategic decision-making, is essential for long-term growth.
• Knowing the difference between 'no' and 'not yet' can help navigate challenges and setbacks.
• Finding your purpose doesn't necessarily mean starting a nonprofit; it can be about making a difference in any area that you care about.
• Recommended books: 'The Authenticity Project' by Clare Pooley and 'American Baby' by Gabrielle Glaser.

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

• 1-631-777-1030
• Wealth Enhancement Group
• LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
• LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laurie Spampinato shares her experience of rebuilding her life and managing her finances after the tragedy of 9/11 with hosts Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian. She discusses the importance of being financially prepared and having a plan in place, as well as the role of women in managing wealth. Laurie emphasizes the need for open communication and involvement in financial matters, regardless of gender. She also highlights the importance of prioritizing goals and making smart financial decisions to ensure a stable future. In this conversation, Laurie discusses the importance of trusted support and the need for women to be involved in financial planning. She shares her experience of losing her husband and the challenges she faced as a widow. Laurie emphasizes the value of having a trusted advisor and the importance of preparing for the unexpected. She also talks about her changing priorities as her children have grown up and the need to balance saving for the future with enjoying the present.

Takeaways

• Be financially prepared and have a plan in place for unexpected events.
• Open communication and involvement in financial matters are crucial.
• Prioritize goals and make smart financial decisions for a stable future.
• Trusted support is crucial for individuals who have lost a spouse unexpectedly.
• Having a trusted advisor, such as a fiduciary, can provide guidance and help make informed financial decisions.
• Everyone should be actively involved in financial planning and have open conversations with their partners about their financial goals and priorities.
• Preparing for the unexpected, such as the loss of a spouse or divorce, is essential for financial security.
• Balancing saving for the future with enjoying the present is a challenge that many individuals face.

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

• 1-631-777-1030
• Wealth Enhancement Group
• LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
• LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine retiring right before the Covid-19 pandemic.. The markets plummeted by double digits!

So how can you ensure your retirement plan is not significantly disrupted by such market volatility? More importantly, how can you ensure you don’t run out of money?

Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian answer these questions in this episode. Tune in to learn how to use a “bucket” approach and effectively plan your income and spending for the rest of your life.

Charlie and Peter discuss:

• The pivotal shift from accumulation to distribution mode as retirement approaches
• Short-term, midterm, and long-term buckets and their respective allocations
• Avoiding common investment mistakes driven by emotions
• How to prepare for unexpected life events in retirement
• And more

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

• 1-631-777-1030
• Wealth Enhancement Group
• LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
• LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever let your emotions get the best of you? You’re not alone!

But when it comes to financial planning, emotional decisions can prove to be very costly.

In today’s thought-provoking episode, Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian speak with Elena Beckius, a leadership coach and senior vice president at Think2Perform. They help you be more reflective in your decision-making and be better aligned with your core values — so you can avoid knee-jerk choices you may regret later.

Elena discusses:

• The critical role of values and emotions in financial decision-making
• Why you should narrow down your top 5 core values (and reassess them periodically)
• Practice exercises to elevate your self-awareness
• How to live in “alignment” with your core values i.e., integrate them into your daily life
• And more

Resources:

• Think2Perform: Values Exercise

Connect with Elena Beckius:

• Think2Perform
• LinkedIn: Elena Beckius

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

• 1-631-777-1030
• Wealth Enhancement Group
• LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
• LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

About Our Guest:

If you’re like the leaders Elena coaches, you have an ideal picture of who you want to be and what you want to accomplish in your business, in your personal life, and in your community. As a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author, Elena serves people by helping them make that ideal real. Elena is passionate about helping people know, embrace, and steward their gifts, and to understand their most important values to fully step into their purpose and reach their highest potential.

Elena joined Think2Perform after 17 years in the Financial Services industry. In those years, she held every field role from Financial Advisor to Executive Field Vice President.

Elena knows the unique challenges and opportunities for female leaders and female business owners in male-dominated industries. If you’re a woman looking to take your business, leadership, or influence to the next level, Elena invites you to have a conversation about the power of coaching. Elena also consults with leaders and companies to help them enhance the way they serve women. Nick Kristof said “If you want to change the world, empower a woman.” Elena is on a mission to do just that, empower women.

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A whopping 72% of 1,260 surveyed adults said they wish they understood Medicare coverage better! This is according to the Nationwide Retirement Institute® 2023 Health Care Costs in Retirement Survey.

It’s time to clear the confusion and dispel some common myths.

Catch this informative podcast, where Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian speak with Kevin Lawrence, director of senior markets at Professional Group Plans (PGP). Together, they help listeners make informed decisions by breaking down various aspects of Medicare premiums and coverage.

Kevin discusses:

• Five common Medicare myths
• The intricacies of different Medicare plans (Part B, Part D, Supplement, Advantage, etc.)
• How Medicare differs from Medicaid
• Finding a plan that meets your medical needs
• What questions you should ask to a Medicare salesperson
• And more

Resources:

• The Nationwide Retirement Institute® 2023 Health Care Costs in Retirement Survey

Connect with Kevin Lawrence:

• kevin.lawrence@pgpbenefits.com
• Professional Group Plans (PGP)
• LinkedIn: Kevin Lawrence

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

• 1-631-777-1030
• Wealth Enhancement Group
• LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
• LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

About Our Guest:

Kevin Lawrence joined Professional Group Plans (PGP) after 10 years at MetLife and 2 years as Vice President of Advanced Planning Partners. Over the last several years of his career, Kevin has concentrated his practice on helping seniors with their healthcare needs and has become a top producer in Medicare Supplement Plans, Part D Plans, and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Kevin takes pride in educating his clients to ensure that they are confident that they have chosen the best product for their needs. He is well known in the brokerage community as an expert on eliminating the confusion surrounding Medicare. Many brokers rely on Kevin’s guidance to help them solve problems for their clients.

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a myriad of rules, regulations, and strategies to consider, Social Security can seem like a complex puzzle. It’s a topic our clients frequently ask us about!

Join Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo as they speak with David Freitag, CLU, ChFC, CRPC, financial planning consultant at MassMutual Financial Group. Together, they debunk common myths and provide clarity on how to maximize your benefit so you can avoid suboptimal decisions that jeopardize your golden years.

David discusses:

• A quick background on Social Security and where we stand today
• Why you should regularly check your Social Security earnings history
• Finding the ideal time to claim Social Security (key factors to consider)
• How taxes and inflation may affect your benefits
• The importance of personalized planning for you and your spouse
• And more

Resources:

• Social Security Administration (Official Website)

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

• 1-631-777-1030
• Wealth Enhancement Group
• LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
• LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

Connect with David Freitag:

• MassMutual Financial Group
• LinkedIn: David Freitag

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the economy copes with high interest rates and stubborn inflation, you may have come across an unsettling question: Is the traditional portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds still relevant?

The short answer is yes. But there are some caveats to consider, like everything else in investing.

In this episode, Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo explain how the traditional 60/40 investment portfolio model can be strategically used to manage risk and navigate market volatility — so you can sleep better at night.

Charlie and Peter discuss:

• The importance of diversification, rebalancing, and patience (against being swayed by media narratives)
• How to avoid common investing mistakes
• The role of short-term treasuries in risk management and stability
• Why you should consider individual risk tolerances, age, and other crucial factors
• And more!

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

• 1-631-777-1030
• Wealth Enhancement Group
• LinkedIn: Charlie Massimo
• LinkedIn: Peter Anastasian

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.