Your Retirement Coach

10/26/2026

You don’t have to start with a lot of money to build wealth.

One client started working at 13, left school in the eighth grade, and eventually became a millionaire in his 30s. He lived frugally, avoided trying to keep up with others, and treated his money like a small seed that could grow over time.

Eventually, his biggest realization was that his money was making more money each year than he was.

If building wealth is your goal, the question isn’t just how much you earn. It’s what you do with what you have and whether your money is working for you.

Watch the full episode: https://f.mtr.cool/6a1pnf3bh2

10/21/2026

Many Americans have felt the effects of a K-shaped economy, where people with assets have seen their wealth grow while others struggle with rising costs, debt, and limited opportunities.

In this episode, Aaron, Nic, and Randy take a closer look at why these differences exist and, more importantly, how to move forward. They discuss the importance of saving, investing, building assets, managing spending, and changing the way you think about your financial future.

The message is simple: you may not be able to change where you start, but you can start planting today. As the economy potentially shifts from a K-shaped economy toward a C-shaped economy, the goal is to position yourself to participate in the opportunities ahead.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[01:00:51] Understanding the K-shaped economy and why so many Americans have felt left behind.

[01:04:14] K-shaped economy myths: Why economic outcomes aren't necessarily a zero-sum game.

[01:08:00] The orchard analogy: Why saving and investing early can create greater wealth over time.

[01:12:00] Assets and inflation: Why people who own assets may benefit differently from rising prices.

[01:13:32] The power of starting small: How simple saving habits can become the foundation for wealth.

[01:15:00] Rich people act poor: Why appearances don't always reflect financial success.

[01:16:41] Finding balance: Why financial planning should include both saving and room to enjoy life.

[01:18:25] Breaking the self-fulfilling prophecy: How your beliefs about money can influence your financial actions.

[01:22:00] Investing in yourself: Why using extra time to build skills, businesses, or knowledge can be powerful.

[01:24:00] Diversifying your harvest: Why building multiple financial "buckets" can help strengthen your financial foundation.

[01:26:00] From K to C: Why today's economy may offer new opportunities to build wealth.

[01:27:45] Final homework: Take inventory, define your own race, and start planting.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
Website: https://f.mtr.cool/ifppzttogg

Email: [email protected]

Closing thoughts

If today's episode encouraged you to think differently about your financial future, like, share, comment, and subscribe.

Take inventory of where you are, identify where you want to go, and start planting the seeds that can help you get there. Don't focus on keeping up with the Joneses. Focus on your own race, your own goals, and your own definition of success.

Stay coachable!

Disclaimer!

The content of this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as advice or investment advice.

Investment advice offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC, a registered investment advisor.

10/21/2026

10/14/2026

Does your banker really understand how your business makes money?

It’s one thing for your banker to know your name. It’s another for them to understand your revenue model, contracts, and how you actually get paid.

The better your banker understands your business, the better they can understand your financial needs.

🎧 Watch the full episode @ link in bio

   

10/12/2026

When a business owner needs something from their bank, timing can matter.

A delayed response on a critical banking need can affect the business and the families that depend on it.

That’s why banking is about more than transactions. Trust, communication, and responsiveness matter too.

🎧 Watch the full episode @ link in bio

   

10/07/2026

Thinking about selling your business or securing a business loan in the future? Start preparing your financials now.

It can be tempting to show more income only when you need financing, but lenders want to see consistent performance over time.

If financing is part of your future plans, your financial strategy should start well before the application.

🎧 Watch the full episode @ link in bio

  


09/17/2026

A beneficiary form is only useful if your financial institution still has it.

Bank mergers, acquisitions, and account changes can create gaps in your records. One missing form could mean your assets end up in probate when they otherwise might not have.

Check with your financial institution to make sure your beneficiary information is still on file.

🎧 Check the link in the first comment to watch full episode

09/16/2026

A will is more than a document with your wishes on paper.

Retirement accounts, trusts, minor children, and special needs planning can all require specific language. Missing those details can create costly problems for your family later.

Proper estate planning can help prevent unnecessary complications in probate.

🎧 Check the link in the first comment to watch full episode

09/14/2026

Giving money to your family can have tax consequences.

There are rules around how much you can gift, and retirement accounts come with their own tax considerations when passed to beneficiaries.

Estate planning isn't just about what you leave behind. It's about how you leave it.

🎧 Check the link in the first comment to watch full episode

09/10/2026

Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid (Before It's Too Late)

Estate planning mistakes can create serious problems for families. Outdated documents, beneficiary forms, and missing plans can leave loved ones dealing with unnecessary complications.

In this episode, Aaron and Nic count down ten common estate planning mistakes and share real-life examples of what can go wrong. They also cover several areas people often overlook, including digital assets, taxes, and long-term care.

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⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights

[01:53] – #10 Not having a will: How dying without a will leaves state law in control.

[03:39] – #9 Relying only on joint ownership: How joint ownership can affect who inherits your property.

[06:53] – #8 Not communicating your wishes with your family: Why family meetings can prevent confusion later.

[09:16] – Honorable mention: The "I love you" letter: How a personal letter can explain your estate planning decisions.

[10:59] – #7 Failing to maintain beneficiary designations: Why beneficiary forms can override your will.

[14:46] – #6 Not planning for incapacity: Why you need someone legally able to make decisions for you.

[17:05] – #5 Failing to fund a trust: Why creating a trust is only part of the process.

[19:18] – Digital assets and accounts: Why online accounts and digital assets need to be included in your plan.

[21:02] – Ignoring taxes: The different taxes that can affect your estate.

[24:48] – #4 Not planning appropriately for long-term care: How long-term care can quickly reduce your wealth.

[27:12] – #3 Assuming equal is fair: Why dividing assets equally may not always be the best choice.

[30:46] – #2 DIY documents without legal review: Why estate documents should be properly reviewed by an attorney.

[32:51] – #1 Waiting too long: How delaying your estate plan can create problems when circumstances change.

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Links & Resources Mentioned

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: meritfinancialadvisors.com/about/locations/marietta-ga/

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Closing Thoughts

If today's episode resonated with you, please like, share, comment, and subscribe. It helps us reach more families who need to get their estate planning right.

If one of these mistakes hit a little too close to home, reach out at [email protected]. We'd love to help. Stay coachable!
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Disclaimer!

Investment advice offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC., an SEC-registered investment adviser.