Plan Francisco

FIRE Movement & COVID-19 Update with Jirayr Kembikian

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 17:42:22 -0300

In this episode, Maxwell meets with Jirayr Kembikian, CFP to discuss how the economic downturn due to coronavirus affects those who aim for Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE).

A Conversation with Carol Harnett & Fred Schott of the CDA

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 20:52:26 -0300

In this episode of Plan Francisco, Maxwell talks with Carol Harnett and Fred Schott of the Council for Disability Awareness about changes in work and life since COVID-19 and how Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM) will look different this year.

Bryan Hasling: Sharing a Piece of the Pie

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 13:19:40 -0400

In this episode of Plan Francisco, Maxwell chats with Bryan Hasling, CFP, EA of JW Harrison Financial Planning. Their conversational dialogue gives insight into how the structure of a firm/business has changed, and also delves into the evolution of the sale of a business. What happens when a sole owner becomes willing to share the business with other partners? How is this transaction conducted—and is it different for a family business? Maxwell and Bryan get into the gritty details of succession planning while also discussing the future of industry trends which, of course, means the adoption of technology.

Magda Besser: Financial Planning as a Passion

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 12:22:58 -0300

Today's episode is with Magda Besser, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Wealth In Hand, a financial education platform. Magda is one of those rare few who knew from a young age she wanted to be in the world of finance and her passion shines through. After years of academic, personal, and professional experience, Magda is creating waves in the financial planning industry.

Stuart Crandall: Financial Advice on a Holistic Scale

Thu, 02 May 2019 15:30:45 -0300

Today's episode is with Stuart Crandall, Vice President of Hutchinson Capital Management. Listen in as Stuart discusses his mission of being a true, holistic financial advisor by trying to understand people's financial situations intimately and engaging with the client experience.

Ella Taylor: From Pastry Chef to CFP, Helping Women Grow

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 14:43:40 -0300

In this episode, we talk with Ella Taylor, who actually was a pastry chef until she realized she wanted to help women with their finances. After studying women's studies & business, then earning her CFP, that's exactly what she's doing. We'll discuss the hands-on innovation Ella and her team bring to the community, plus her practical advice for anyone interested in the FIRE movement.

Jirayr Kembikian: Enhancing the "Fiduciary" Role

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 20:39:48 -0300

Welcome back to Plan Francisco Season 3! This season is all about interviewing the Bay Area's brightest financial planners and advisors. In this first episode, Maxwell interviews Jirayr Kembikian, a brilliant mind in the business of financial planning. He's an expert on equity ownership, stock options, the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, and other trends that attract young workers. Plus, he's proposing a fee-only model that truly stands to further enhance the scope of the term "fiduciary."

Disability Survival Kit Part 5: Postface

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 14:55:14 -0400

Thank you for tuning into the Disability Survival Kit! You've made it to the end. In this postface episode, take what you've learned and figure out the next steps towards financial freedom. If you haven't checked it out, download the entire visual experience at www.di-ltc.com/disabilitysurvivalkit !

Disability Survival Kit Part 4: Individual Coverage

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 15:04:24 -0400

Business owners, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and 1099 employees are typically not eligible for group benefits or California state disability. These clients need to assess their options in the individual marketplace. Learn about life insurance, annuities, disability insurance, long-term care insurance, and critical illness insurance in this chapter.

Disability Survival Kit Part 3: Employee Benefits

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 16:47:11 -0400

In part three of the Disability Survival Kit, learn about the benefits potentially available to employees: worker's compensation, retirement disability or pension, group long-term disability insurance, executive income insurance, and worksite insurance.

Disability Survival Kit Part 2: Government Benefits

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 15:27:00 -0400

In part two of the Disability Survival Kit, learn about government-based disability benefits and how they can come short for someone missing work due to a long-term injury or illness.

Disability Survival Kit Part 1: Self-Funding

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 14:09:43 -0400

Most American families plan to self-insure, or self-fund, their lifestyle following an illness or injury, although it's more common for Americans to not have a disability plan at all. In this first part of the Disability Survival Kit, learn about the common ways to self-fund and their pitfalls.

Disability Survival Kit: Introduction!

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 12:27:58 -0400

The Disability Survival Kit is a compilation of what Maxwell Schmitz, MSFS & disability insurance expert has curated over the last 10 years in the business. Maxwell's book clears misconceptions of the resources available to people in the wake of a disabling injury or illness. In this first episode of six, get an intro of what to expect and a preface of what's to come. Agents, consider this your field manual for the disability conversation. Thanks for listening!

Kevin Sullivan: From the Rugby Pitch to the Insurance Field

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 12:32:21 -0400

Today my guest is Kevin Sullivan of Connor Alexander and Sullivan Insurance Services. Kevin is a force, and one of the great characters of our industry. He got started in the insurance business drunk after a rugby game, and success ensued. You'll have no choice but to pay special attention to his thoughts around tech and the future of the insurance industry. We apologize for the sound quality of this one, but we know you'll still enjoy!

Pam Morton: Employee Benefits by Design

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 12:29:15 -0400

Today our guest is Pam Morton, the principal of Benefits by Design. Pam's emphasis on employee benefits steers our conversation into the sometimes mucky world of health insurance and other hot topics to look out for in the benefits space (pet insurance is a popular one!). Thanks for listening and enjoy!

Ross Blackstone: Insurance Enters the Tech Industry

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 20:03:00 -0300

Ross Blackstone is one of the youngest people in the Bay Area insurance/advising community, but he has the pedigree to substantial his expertise. He currently works in a consulting role at a tech startup / brokerage agency in San Francisco. Ross has unique insight into the future of insurance, so pay close attention to his views on the role of the broker and where technology is pushing the industry. Thanks for listening!

Pamela Fugitt-Hetrick: From Introvert to Ace Consultant

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 23:01:55 -0300

Today's guest is Pam Fugitt-Hetrick, independent benefit consultant. Pam tells us how she went from introvert to ace (with a radio show to boot!). She uses strategic centers of influence and sticks to her first principles of affordability and customization for her clients. Enjoy!

Autumn Kruse, Financial Planner: Realistic Relationships with Money

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:12:53 -0300

This episode's guest is Autumn Kruse from Kruse Financial Strategy. Autumn is a fee-only financial planner with a unique hourly model. She grew up on welfare and now specializes in personal finance. Autumn's first principle to always do right by her clients shines through each moment of this episode. Pay special attention to her philosophy on budgeting, informed by her fascinating lifelong relationship with money. Enjoy!

Tony Steuer: Registered Life Analyst & Industry Visionary

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 12:44:57 -0300

Episode 3 is with Tony Steuer, a registered life analyst. This means he can legally charge a fee for insurance consultation. Tony's always been a visionary, so pay special attention to his thoughts on the future of the industry. And check out Tony & Maxwell's past collaboration, a consumer-oriented publication called "The Questions and Answers on Disability Insurance Workbook," which you can find on Amazon. Enjoy!

Joel Malakoff: A Financial Advisor Driven by a Higher Purpose

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 14:35:37 -0300

Today's guest is Joel Malakoff of Malakoff & Associates. Joel's clients love him for his dynamic world view, his comprehensive approach, and the higher purpose that drives him. Pay close attention to his review of common client mistakes, especially the temptation of Bay Area technology stocks. Enjoy!

John Helms: Words of Wisdom from an Experienced Health Advisor

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 14:06:43 -0300

Today's guest is John Helms with John Helms & Associates. John is a leader in the health insurance advisor community and has served as past president of the Golden Gate Association of Health Underwriters.

Welcome to Plan Francisco!

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 12:57:58 -0300

Episode zero of the Bay Area's premiere financial & insurance podcast, where we interview the industry's top talents to gain insights and spread awareness of health, life, disability, and long-term care insurance, and more.