I was sent information and was asked to approve the cost of a program that was being sold to a major customer. The person who sent it over provided an overview, the logic behind their approach, and the justification for their request. I was asked to review and then give my insights and consent to […]

At the time I am typing this article (April 2025), I have probably spent well over one third of my professional time this week working around the impact of the tariffs instituted by the Unites States. In has squeezed many aspects of business and absorbed a lot of energy. My schedule has been adjusted multiple […]

“Contact us for your free, no obligation, financial strategy session; $250,000 minimum assets to qualify.” That last part caught my wife’s attention. On the weekends, one of the radio stations presents a show by a local financial services firm. It is a paid program, where the host pays for their time slot. When we are […]

I conduct a lot of e-meetings, engaging directly with retirees and financial advisors. I still worry I miss emotional signals through a computer screen versus being in-person. However, that was not the case when I was talking with Warren. Like many wealth managers, he has a diverse set of clients. However, he knows his customer […]

Part 2 of a 2-part article. Last week, I introduced you to the “modified one-percent rule” of email clean-up. It was a way for you to reduce the number of emails in your inbox and to establish a process to track results through the Email Clean-up Tool. I also referenced the classic story Twenty Thousand […]

Part 1 of a 2-part article As the meeting was wrapping up, the subject of emails creeped into the conversation. Participants became animated around the number of electronic communications they had to manage on a daily basis. Curious, I asked, “How many emails do each of you have in your inbox right now?” Listen: I […]

As with generational wealth transfer, a well-planned nonfinancial legacy can leave clients and their families richer than they imagined. William Tripp lived well into his nineties. While generally quiet in his demeanor, Bill (to his friends) could tell stories about his life that kept those around him riveted. Born July 13, 1913, his life experiences […]

Early in my sales career it was hammered into me that I needed to know the products I represented. Lacking knowledge of the features and benefits opens you to risk when being in front of a buyer. You need to be the subject matter expert about your product (or service) to demonstrate confidence to prospects […]

Recently I attended two types of meetings on the same day, that were night and day from each other. Listen: The first was a 30-minute reoccurring meeting around tactical aspects that were very important to be completed. The facilitator was clearly in charge, working through the agenda, answering and asking questions, gaining clarification, and ensuring […]

Modern retirees overwhelmed by physical and digital clutter are less likely to have the time and money to enjoy the retirement they desire. This article first appeared at Rethinking65. Listen: We accumulate a lot of material and digital stuff. Too much. On my drive to church each Sunday, I pass multiple storage facilities where people […]