Épisodes

  • FAN FAV: Comprehensive Wealth Building through Asset Diversification
    Jul 23 2025
    Welcome to episode 001 of the Sterling Insights: Stand Out & Supercharge Your Assets hosted by Roger Silk. In this episode Roger sits down with Michael Martin and they talk about asset diversification Michael Martin is a partner and the director of investments and insurance at Legacy Financial Partners. Throughout his career in the financial services industry, Michael’s investment philosophy for his clients has always emphasized the importance of “making money and saving money — as safely as possible.” The cornerstone of his philosophy is a primary objective of risk mitigation and value-added growth. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Michael emphasizes the importance of categorizing assets into different types to manage risks effectively. By allocating assets into advisory accounts, safe assets like CDs and annuities, and alternative investments such as real estate or preferred stock, investors can diversify their portfolio and reduce overall risk exposure. Michael highlights the significance of long-term financial planning that addresses various aspects like income, taxes, healthcare, investments, and legacy planning. Tailoring strategies to individual client needs, especially those near or in retirement, is crucial for ensuring financial stability and security. Michael stresses the importance of understanding clients' emotional responses to financial decisions and guiding them towards making informed choices that align with their goals and values. Connect with Michael: Website: https://lfpfinancial.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lfpfinancialwpb/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-financial-partners/ Connect with Roger: Website: https://www.sterlingfoundations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sterlingfoundations/ Twitter: https://x.com/SterlingFndMgt?mx=2 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sterling-foundation-management-llc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 min
  • Bonus: Mastering the Art of Accounting
    Jul 17 2025
    💼 Ever wonder what it really takes to manage complex family wealth or keep your business finances aligned across multiple entities? Discover the strategic and deeply human side of accounting in this eye-opening conversation. In this episode of Sterling Insights, co-host Mike Agol sits down with Christopher Saffron, CPA and Senior Tax Advisor at EEPB, a Houston-based full-service accounting firm. Together, they explore the world of tax planning and family wealth management, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for business owners, professionals, and multi-generational families. Christopher draws from his 17+ years of experience to discuss the nuances of managing high-net-worth clients, the “sacred trust” of being a CPA, and the challenges of delivering precise work in a deadline-driven profession. This episode is a must-listen for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to gain clarity in their financial life, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate this essential topic. Key Takeaways: ● 📊 Strategic Tax Alignment: Why coordinating business and personal tax returns is crucial for avoiding costly missteps. ● 🧾 The CPA as Confidant: How clients share deeply personal information—and the responsibility that comes with it. ● 🕰️ Timing is Everything: Why proactive planning (not last-minute filing) makes all the difference. ● 🌐 Specialized Services: From oil & gas outsourcing to R&D credits—how EEPB offers niche expertise across industries. ● 🤝 Relationship-Driven Success: Why long-term client relationships and understanding family dynamics are key to smart tax planning. Quotes from Christopher Saffron: ● "Being a CPA is kind of a sacred trust—you’re dealing with people’s lives, not just their numbers." ● "We’re in an industry run by deadlines—April, September, October—and motivating clients early is a big part of our work." ● "Our ideal client is someone we can serve holistically—both business and personal—so we’re not working at cross-purposes." 🔗 Conclusion: Clear, empathetic, and strategy-focused, Christopher gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to be a trusted financial advisor in today’s complex world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 min
  • FAN FAV: Navigating the Bush Family's Political Legacy
    Jul 16 2025
    Welcome to a Fan Favorite Episode of Sterling Insights: Sterling Insights: Stand Out & Supercharge Your Assets, hosted by Roger Silk. In this episode, Roger sits down with Jamie Bush and discusses how his family's political legacy shaped his aspirations and decisions. Jamie Bush has over 40 years of experience advising clients on complex financial, business, and personal matters. Known for his skill in connecting people and fostering beneficial partnerships, Jamie provides valuable counsel and introduces clients to the right advisors for specific challenges. His team has contributed to succession planning for prominent New England businesses, including seafood distributors, beverage wholesalers, construction firms, and real estate developers. Jamie has served on nonprofit boards in healthcare, elderly housing, education, and professional associations. As a member of a prominent political family and an advocate for Boston's underserved communities, he leverages his expertise and experience to elevate the needs of the underprivileged and underrepresented. Here are some highlights from the episode: Jamie’s journey highlights the importance of carving your own path and building a unique identity, independent of a prominent family legacy. Aim to define yourself on your own terms. Jaime's deliberation on entering politics highlights the complex interplay between personal aspirations and familial duties. It's essential to weigh the impact of your choices on both professional ambitions and personal relationships. Jamie explains, while a noteworthy surname can open doors, true success lies in professionalism and dedication to your craft. Regardless of your background, prioritizing integrity and excellence will set you apart in your field. Connect with Jamie: Website: https://www.bushandcompany.com Connect with Roger: Website: https://www.sterlingfoundations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sterlingfoundations/ Twitter: https://x.com/SterlingFndMgt?mx=2 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sterling-foundation-management-llc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 min
  • Episode 32: Unveiling Wealth-Building Tax Strategies
    Jul 9 2025
    💸 What if you could legally eliminate most of your clients’ tax burdens while creating new income streams? This episode dives into the strategies that make it possible. In this episode of Sterling Insights, Roger sits down with Michael D. Aguas, Chief Reignmaker at the Reignstorm Group and a veteran financial strategist. Together, they explore how tax and accounting professionals can unlock massive value for their clients through strategic tax mitigation and alternative investments. Michael draws from his decades of experience to discuss overlooked tax strategies, the power of tax-efficient planning, and how professionals can generate revenue while solving client pain points. This episode is a must-listen for CPAs, financial advisors, and tax professionals looking to deepen their client relationships and grow their practice. Key Takeaways: ● 💡 Tax Strategy Innovation: Discover how simple structures like LLCs and charitable giving strategies can virtually eliminate capital gains taxes. ● 💼 Partner-Led Wealth Building: Learn how CPAs and advisors can collaborate with Rainstorm to expand services and share in revenue. ● 🏗️ Equipment Leasing Playbook: Understand how a 10% down, tax-deductible equipment leasing strategy turns tax liabilities into cash flow opportunities. ● 🧮 Proven Compliance: Hear how these advanced strategies have survived IRS scrutiny and how clients are protected with audit support. ● 📈 Client Growth Catalyst: See how solving big tax problems builds client loyalty and drives referrals to grow your advisory business. Quotes from Michael D. Aguas: ● “You, the IRS, and a nonprofit—you get to choose which two win. Who would you pick?” ● “Instead of paying large taxes, we can eliminate the liability, generate monthly income, and even get your initial investment back.” ● “I’ve helped over 500 CPAs and EAs turn tax problems into opportunities—and that’s just the beginning.” 🔗 Conclusion: Whether you're an advisor seeking new revenue or a tax pro looking to deliver elite-level value, Michael Aguas reveals how strategic partnerships and smart planning can change the game for you and your clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 min
  • Bonus: Unlocking Financial Success: Mission-Driven Strategies
    Jul 3 2025
    What if your financial systems could unlock exponential business growth—and make your company acquisition-ready at the same time?In this episode of Sterling Insights, guest host Charles Trakas sits down with Omar Garcia, CEO and Founder of Secure Plus Financial. Together, they explore the intersection of small business finance and strategic growth, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Omar draws from his extensive experience helping seven-figure insurance agencies transform their operations and financials to drive scalable success. This episode is a must-listen for small business owners, agency leaders, and financial professionals looking to align people, processes, and profit with purpose.Key Takeaways:● 💼 From Chaos to Clarity: How Omar helped a friend secure a $3M SBA loan by restructuring their financials—and the birth of Secure Plus Financial.● 📊 KPI Tracking for Growth: Why Key Performance Indicators are essential tools for decision-making and accountability in any growing business.● 🤝 Core Values in Action: The six principles guiding Omar’s team—and how they shape culture, client service, and business decisions.● 🔄 The Three P’s Framework: People, Process, and Product—how to evaluate and elevate your business through finance-driven strategy.● 🚀 Succession & Exit Planning: How Secure Plus supports agency owners planning for massive growth—or a lucrative exit.Quotes from Omar Garcia:● "When you focus on really good outcomes, the money will flow to you. It’s almost guaranteed."● "Business is a people’s game. One bad apple can rot the rest."● "If you want accountability and transparency, you need a method to measure performance—clear, concise, and aligned."🔗 Conclusion: Whether you're scaling up or preparing to sell, aligning financial systems with strategic goals can be the game-changer for your business. Omar Garcia shows how values, data, and vision come together to create meaningful and measurable impact.Connect with Omar:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omargarciacfoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@omargarciacfoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/omargarciacfoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omargarciacfoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omargarciacfo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 min
  • Episode 31: Fostering Community Through Financial Wisdom
    Jul 2 2025
    How a Values-Based Approach Can Transform Financial PlanningIn this episode of Sterling Insights, Roger sits down with Jill Carothers, Vice President of Investment Advice at Rebalance. Together, they explore how personalized, values-driven financial planning can make a profound difference in clients’ lives, especially those navigating wealth during their peak earning years. Jill draws from her extensive experience to discuss the power of mind mapping, the importance of simplifying complex portfolios, and strategic considerations for equity compensation. This episode is a must-listen for professionals and executives in their 40s and 50s looking to take control of their financial future with clarity and confidence.Key Takeaways:● 💡 Mind Mapping for Clarity: Jill uses mind maps to uncover client values and goals, setting the stage for meaningful and customized financial plans.● 💼 Managing Complexity: Learn how to consolidate scattered accounts, avoid cash drag, and maintain tax efficiency.● 📊 Equity Compensation Strategies: Discover how to manage concentrated stock positions and integrate charitable giving for tax relief.● 🧩 Holistic Planning: From 401(k)s to 529s and estate planning, Jill emphasizes looking at the full financial picture.● 📉 Smart Rebalancing: Hear how Rebalance uses twice-yearly calendar-based portfolio adjustments to maintain alignment without overreacting to market noise.Quotes from Jill Carothers:● "The mind map is a tool I use to understand what really matters most to my clients—it's the foundation of everything we do together."● "It's not unusual for clients to have money in five different places. Step one is often just simplifying."● "We want to be as simple as possible, but there are lots of layers we can add if needed—like donor-advised funds or tax loss harvesting."🔗 Conclusion: Whether you're a DIY investor ready for expert help or facing financial complexity from equity comp and life transitions, this episode offers a thoughtful and human-centered look at managing wealth wisely. Connect with Jill:Website: https://www.rebalance360.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarothers/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 min
  • Episode 30: Mastering Safe Money Strategies and Retirement Planning
    Jun 25 2025
    How Safe Money Strategies Can Protect Your Retirement and Legacy In this episode of Sterling Insights, Katherine sits down with Richard Milella, veteran financial strategist and "advisor to the advisors." Together, they explore the crucial topic of safe money strategies in retirement planning, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Richard draws from his 38 years of experience to discuss how emotions influence financial decisions, the risks of traditional retirement strategies, and the importance of proactive planning. This episode is a must-listen for pre-retirees, retirees, and financial professionals seeking a more secure and thoughtful approach to wealth management. Key Takeaways: ● 💡 Emotion Drives Finance: Richard’s psychology background helps clients navigate the emotional aspects of money—crucial for smart, balanced decision-making. ● 🛡️ Safe Money Strategies Matter: Protecting your assets from loss is just as important as growing them, especially during retirement. ● 📉 Avoid Distribution Mistakes: Failing to adjust from accumulation to distribution phases can lead to unexpected losses and early depletion of retirement funds. ● 🎓 College Costs Can Derail Retirement: Richard’s nonprofit helps families avoid financial traps from student debt that can delay or derail retirement. ● 📊 Personalized Planning Pays Off: A one-size-fits-all financial plan doesn’t work—understanding individual goals and risks is essential. Quotes from Richard Milella: ● "Money is a very emotional topic... it relates to people’s hopes, their fears, their desires." ● "My mindset is really on growing their money in an environment that would also protect them from losing money." ● "People don’t recognize the difference between accumulating money and taking the money out—and that’s a big mistake." 🔗 Conclusion: Whether you’re planning retirement, helping others with theirs, or just want to protect what you’ve built, Richard Miella’s insights offer clear, grounded steps to do it wisely. Connect with Richard: Website: https://RFMAdvisors.com Website: https://safemoney.com/new-york/richard-f-milella/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 min
  • Bonus: Building Lasting Relationships in Real Estate
    Jun 19 2025
    What does it truly mean to be a “realtor for life”? In this episode, you'll hear how one real estate professional goes beyond the transaction to build lifelong partnerships with clients navigating major life transitions. In this episode of Sterling Insights, guest host Mike Agol sits down with Kellie Jovane, a seasoned Houston-area Realtor with over 20 years of experience in real estate and property appraisals. Together, they explore the human side of real estate, sharing valuable insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the highs and lows of buying or selling a home. Kellie draws from decades of experience to discuss how life events — from starting a family to facing unexpected transitions — shape real estate decisions, offering compassionate, strategic guidance for clients at every stage. This episode is a must-listen for home buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, and those considering life changes that involve a move, providing both inspiration and actionable tips to navigate the process with confidence. Key Takeaways: ● 🏠 Real Estate is a Relationship Business: Kellie shares why she treats every client equally, regardless of price point, and how building long-term relationships is the heart of her business. ● 💡 Planning Matters: Life transitions like divorce, retirement, or job relocation can lead to unexpected real estate decisions — and proper planning can make all the difference. ● 🤝 Trusted Advisor Role: Being a Realtor is more than sales — Kellie positions herself as a long-term partner and resource, even years after the sale closes. ● 📣 Marketing with Intention: From social media to brokerage syndication, Kellie discusses her multi-layered strategy to get homes seen and sold quickly. ● 🧭 The Value of Education: Kellie invests in continuous education to better serve clients — including VA, 1031 exchange, and investment property courses — to stay current and provide expert guidance. Quotes from Kellie Jovane: ● “I’m not looking at the number — I’m looking at the person.” ● “A trusted advisor doesn’t just end at the closing table — they’re a partner for years to come.” ● “There’s always a reason things don’t work out — because something better is waiting.” 🔗 Conclusion: Whether you're buying your first home or preparing for the next big chapter in life, Kellie Jovane’s client-first philosophy and deep real estate knowledge offer a clear blueprint for building trust and making confident property decisions. Connect with Kellie: Website: www.har.com/KellieJ Instagram: @KellieJovane_realtor Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-jovane-99251932 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 min