Summary
In this episode of Financially Fluent, the host and guest discuss various aspects of financial fluency, including market outlooks, investment strategies, the impact of AI on finance, and the importance of financial wellness. The conversation covers the current state of the market, potential corrections, and the evolving landscape of investments, including alternative options and the role of cybersecurity. The episode emphasizes the significance of having a financial plan and staying invested for long-term success.
Takeaways
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Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Show Evolution
02:24
Guest Background and Industry Experience
05:31
Market Outlook for 2025
11:12
Concerns and Corrections in the Market
17:13
Trends in Small Cap and Alternative Investments
23:00
The Role of AI in Financial Services
28:50
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
34:41
Financial Wellness and Generational Wealth Transfer
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory—but the penalties, taxes, and financial stress don’t have to be.
In this episode, Ray Godleski breaks down:
Listen now to learn how to manage your RMDs with clarity and confidence—so they strengthen your retirement plan instead of derailing it.
More on RMD: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/required-minimum-distribution-worksheets
If you would like to set up a call with Ray Godleski, use this link: 15 minute call with Southeast Wealth Partners
Email your financial planning questions to: info@SeWealthPartners.com
🧠 “Required minimum distributions are mandatory. But penalties—and bad tax planning—are optional.”
💡 “You’re not just planning taxes for yourself. One day you might be planning for a widow, or even your kids’ tax future.”
🎯 “Use your RMDs strategically—not just to avoid penalties, but to strengthen your retirement plan.”
🙌 “The goal is simple: You control the timing. Not the IRS.”
Do you really know how the holidays are impacting the people around you—or even yourself?
In this powerful episode of Financially Fluent, Ray sits down with Rachel Joy Baribeau, founder of I'm Changing the Narrative, to have a raw and real conversation about mental health, isolation, depression, and the hidden pain that many people carry—especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re a high-achieving professional, a parent, or simply someone trying to hold it all together, this conversation offers grace, practical tools, and hope.
Learn how to recognize early emotional warning signs in yourself or others during difficult seasons
Discover easy, real-life ways to reach out to people in a meaningful, non-invasive way
Hear how Rachel’s own story—from sportscaster to national mental health advocate—can help you find purpose in your own pain
Listen now to better support yourself and the people you love through one of the most emotionally intense seasons of the year—with practical tools and renewed purpose.
Still writing checks or trusting your cousin to handle your books? That might be killing your business without you even knowing it.
In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray welcomes Matt Tate, CEO of Decimal, who shares hard-earned insights from building one of the country’s fastest-growing AI-driven accounting firms. From avoiding outdated bookkeeping practices to preparing for a smooth business sale, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for founders, operators, and growth-stage entrepreneurs.
Discover how to eliminate wasted hours and reduce manual errors with the right tech stack
Understand when to hire fractional help like a CFO—and what happens if you wait too long
Learn how AI is changing bookkeeping, and why trust and systems still matter more than ever
Tune in now to uncover the back-office systems, processes, and mindsets that help 7-figure businesses scale smarter and sell faster.
How a Retired Air Force General Built a Purposeful Life & Pension-Backed Retirement
In this special Veterans Day bonus episode of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski sits down with his uncle, Lt. General Sid Clarke (Ret.), to talk about the true value of military pensions, leadership lessons from a 34-year Air Force career, and how veterans—and civilians—can plan for a more secure retirement.
🎖️ They cover everything from:
Whether you’ve served or simply want to understand how to retire with confidence and purpose, this candid episode is packed with wisdom you won’t find in a textbook.
In this Veterans Day special of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski interviews retired Air Force Lt. General Sid Clarke, who shares the untold story of his 34-year career—from flying A-10s and F-16s to leading national defense strategy—and how that experience shaped his financial future.
💡 They explore:
✅ The pros and cons of a military career
✅ How military pensions really work (high-three, SBP, disability)
✅ Transitioning from service to civilian life
✅ Why defined benefit pensions offer lifelong financial peace of mind
✅ Tips for veterans using VA benefits, TRICARE, and TSP accounts
Whether you're a veteran, active service member, or civilian interested in smarter retirement strategies, this episode will help you plan better, lead stronger, and live with purpose.
📌 Subscribe for more episodes on financial literacy, retirement planning, and wealth-building strategies.
🎖️ Thank you to all who serve and have served.
Are you unknowingly putting your home, car—or entire financial future—at risk with the wrong insurance moves?
Whether it’s an aging roof, a teen driver, or just navigating rising insurance premiums, most people are making insurance decisions based on myths, outdated advice, or rushed choices. In this episode, Ray sits down with insurance expert Alex Knapp to demystify what your policies actually cover—and what they don’t.
Listen now to protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind with smarter, more strategic insurance planning.
You may never have heard of trade finance—but it's quietly powering the global economy. And increasingly, investors are turning to it as a private market strategy that offers short-term, collateral-backed returns.
In this episode, Ray sits down with Andreas Schweitzer, CEO of Arjan Capital and author of Trade Works, to demystify trade finance. With over 25 years in banking and private debt, Andreas explains how the need to finance everyday products—from books to fuel to pharmaceuticals—is creating new income opportunities for qualified investors.
You’ll also hear how regulation, blockchain, supply chain shifts, and even chocolate have played a role in the evolution of this niche but growing asset class.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Plus:
→ How blockchain is making global trade safer
→ What ESG really means in this context
→ Andreas’ perspective on crypto adoption and global payment flows
Tune in now to learn why trade finance may be a smart addition to your alternative investment strategy—and whether it aligns with your long-term financial plan.
Is your life insurance plan built to support you while you're alive—or only after you're gone? This episode breaks down the myths, mistakes, and modern strategies surrounding life insurance in honor of Life Insurance Awareness Month.
Most people think life insurance is just about covering final expenses or income replacement. But the reality is, with modern riders and permanent policy options, it can do so much more—from covering long-term care to helping offset Social Security gaps to generating tax-free income in retirement. Whether you’re single, a parent, or entering retirement, you’ll walk away from this episode with powerful insights that could transform your financial plan.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Press play to find out how life insurance can protect not just your legacy, but your lifestyle—and why the right strategy depends on more than just your age or income.
Think all ETFs are passive, low-risk, and interchangeable? Think again. In this episode, Ray sits down with Mike Yeager of PACER ETFs to demystify ETFs, mutual funds, and individual stocks—and help you understand where each fits in your long-term plan.
As ETFs continue to explode in popularity, many investors (and even some professionals) don’t fully understand their structure, tax treatment, or when they’re the right choice. Whether you’re building a taxable brokerage portfolio, optimizing your 401(k), or diversifying beyond the S&P 500, you’ll want to hear how Mike explains the rise of active ETFs, common misconceptions, and how PACER’s “free cash flow” strategy fits into the modern investing landscape.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Hit play to get a smarter handle on ETFs, mutual funds, and stock picking—and how to use them strategically for long-term wealth building.
Do you really know if your LLC or partnership is set up to protect you? Most business owners think they’re covered—until something goes wrong. In this episode, you'll hear what many get wrong from day one, and what legal fireproofing your business actually looks like.
From choosing the wrong entity type to skipping trademark protection or forgetting to fund your buy-sell agreement, there are costly mistakes business owners make every day. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, expanding your team, or eyeing a future sale, this conversation with attorney Danielle Laughlin uncovers what you must get right—legally and structurally—to protect your business, your brand, and your future.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Hit play to learn how to legally strengthen your business—from day one to exit—and avoid costly mistakes that could destroy everything you’ve built.
Think the new tax bill is just more red tape? Think again. Whether you're a retiree, a W-2 worker, or a business owner, OBBBA (the latest tax code overhaul) could impact your deductions, income thresholds, and long-term planning—starting in 2025
From expanded standard deductions to tax-free overtime, the new legislation creates opportunities—but also adds complexity. If you're not proactive, you could miss out on major savings or face surprise penalties, especially if you fall into the $500K–$600K income range. Understanding how these changes affect your situation now is critical to avoiding a 2026 tax headache.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Hit play to get ahead of the tax curve—and learn how to optimize your 2025 strategy before the window closes.
Have you been told you make too much for a Roth IRA—or that it’s only for young investors? Think again.
In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski, Cindi Walters, and intern Gavin break down the real rules, benefits, and limitations of Roth IRAs. Whether you're starting your first job or already planning your estate, you'll learn how this versatile tool can fit into your financial picture.
Understand who qualifies for a Roth IRA (including kids and retirees!)
Learn how Roth IRAs help with retirement tax strategy, estate planning, and income flexibility
Discover how to avoid common Roth mistakes—from contribution misconceptions to withdrawal penalties
🎧 Tune in now to learn how Roth IRAs really work—and decide if this flexible, tax-advantaged account has a place in your long-term strategy.
2025 Roth IRA Income & Contribution Limits - IRS.gov
Calculate Roth vs. Traditional 401(k)
🎯 Is everything you've heard about annuities wrong—and could it be costing you money or peace of mind?
💡 In this episode, we cut through the noise around annuities. With June being Annuity Awareness Month, Ray and Cindi explore how different types of annuities work (SPIA, MYGA, FIA, RILA), the pros and cons of each, and what you really need to ask before buying one—especially if you're planning for retirement.
🎧 Tune in now to better understand how annuities work, where they might fit into a broader retirement strategy, and what questions to ask before considering one—so you can make informed financial decisions with confidence.
🎯 Episode Summary
In this packed episode of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski sits down with CPA Josh Roper from Altruist to cut through the confusion on business taxes, real estate strategies, and IRS audit risks.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate investor, or just trying to make smarter moves with your income, this episode delivers the clear, actionable guidance most CPAs won’t take the time to explain.
Josh breaks down:
Plus: The two sets of books every construction business should be running—and how to make sure both your CPA and financial planner are playing the same game.
🔑 Key Topics
In this expert-packed episode of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski welcomes CPA Josh Roper to demystify taxes for business owners, real estate investors, and high-income earners.
From entity selection (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp) to IRS audit triggers, home office deductions, bonus depreciation, and 1031 exchanges, Ray and Josh walk through real-world examples and smart strategies to minimize taxes and avoid costly mistakes.
Josh also explains:
Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, business owner, or just trying to make the most of your income, this episode delivers practical advice you can use right now.
What triggers an IRS audit—and how to avoid one
How to choose between LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp
The truth about home office write-offs (spoiler: they don’t change your life)
Real estate investing rules: passive vs. active, depreciation, and more
Tips for Airbnb hosts and short-term rental owners
How to handle business vehicle deductions the smart way
What happens if you sell a bonus-depreciated car
When to use a 1031 exchange vs. take the capital gains
Why donor-advised funds are an underused tax strategy
How to reduce penalties on estimated taxes (especially at today’s 8% rate)
Did you know over 70% of Americans don’t have an estate plan?
Whether you're wealthy or not, have kids or don’t, a plan matters—and not having one could leave your loved ones stuck in court.
In this estate-planning-packed episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski sits down with estate attorney Becki Campolito to break down what you really need when planning for the future.
From trusts vs. wills, to powers of attorney, remarriage protection, blended families, and even business succession, this episode delivers practical advice for real life—not just theory.
You’ll walk away with clarity on:
🎧 Listen now to learn how to protect your family, your assets, and your legacy—without falling for common myths or waiting until it’s too late.
Buying or selling a home soon? What if the biggest financial mistake isn’t in your contract—but in how you planned for it?
In this special episode, Ray Godleski teams up with powerhouse real estate broker Dominai Reeves to talk about the real-life intersection of real estate and financial planning. Whether you’re investing in property, upsizing, downsizing, or just trying to decide when to move, this episode helps you understand the strategic decisions most people overlook when emotions take over.
You’ll hear how to:
🎯 In this episode, you'll learn:
🎧 Listen now to discover how combining smart real estate decisions with financial planning can protect your future, reduce taxes, and unlock long-term wealth.
Think you should “always wait until 70” to claim Social Security? Or that your benefit is tax-free once you retire?
In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski unpacks the most common myths and misunderstandings about Social Security—including how benefits are taxed, when (and if) you should delay, and how spousal and divorced spouse benefits actually work. If you're thinking about filing soon, or already have, this episode could save you thousands—or help you recover from a filing mistake.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
How to calculate social security benefits.
🎧 Listen now to learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits—and avoid some of the most expensive and irreversible mistakes retirees make.
Think Medicare is free? Think again. Do you actually know if your Medigap plan is legitimate—or how to avoid surprise surcharges in retirement?
In this important episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski sits down with Janet Payne, a Georgia SHIP counselor, to uncover the biggest misunderstandings and mistakes people make around Medicare. Whether you're years away from retiring or already covered under a Medicare plan, this conversation will open your eyes to critical decisions, timelines, and protections you probably haven’t considered.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
🎧 Listen now to protect yourself from Medicare pitfalls, understand your options clearly, and gain access to a free, unbiased resource that exists in every U.S. state.
Still think a will avoids probate? Or that long-term care won’t impact your retirement plan?
In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski sits down with estate planning attorney Holly Gerdas to clear up the most common (and costly) misconceptions about wills, trusts, probate, and long-term care. They dive deep into the realities facing retirees, business owners, and parents—including those with special needs children—when it comes to protecting assets and avoiding devastating surprises.
In this packed episode, you’ll learn:
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to protect your family, your assets, and your legacy—without falling for common myths or waiting until it's too late.