Category: Economy

FEATURE
Understanding Gen Z’s Financial Mindset With Alex Azuaje and Harrison Welsh

Understanding Gen Z’s Financial Mindset With Alex Azuaje and Harrison Welsh

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Contrary to popular belief, Gen Z isn’t ignoring their financial future. Instead, they’re investing strategically with a digital-first mindset.

Evan Wohl sits down with fellow OPUS advisors, Alex Azuaje and Harrison Welsh, to dive into the complex financial habits and expectations of Generation Z. They explore how Gen Z’s experiences with key historical events like the 2007 global recession and the 2020 pandemic have distinctly shaped their financial attitudes, creating a generation that’s both skeptical and entrepreneurial. From leveraging side hustles to exploring unconventional avenues like cryptocurrency and real estate, this generation is rewriting the financial rulebook.

Alex and Harrison touch on:

  • The definition and demographics of Gen Z 
  • How Gen Z’s upbringing with technology as digital natives influences their financial choices 
  • Their pragmatic, often skeptical approach to traditional financial structures
  • The impact of historical financial crises on their career and investment strategies 
  • Their entrepreneurial spirit and diversified income streams
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Evan Wohl:

Connect with Alejandro Azuaje and Harrison Welsh:

About Our Guests:

Alejandro Azuaje is an associate and investment specialist at Opus Private Client, LLC. After graduating from college, Alejandro entered the financial planning industry. He joined Opus in 2017 and is elated to be working for a team that believes in holistic planning and executes its recommendations with efficiency and ease. Alejandro’s specialties are in financial planning analysis, financial modeling, and equity investments. He is a Westchester native from Purchase, NY, and an Alumnus of New York University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Harrison Welsh specializes in coordinating the many moving pieces of his clients’ financial lives. He believes in a bespoke approach to financial strategies, offering clarity and insights into cash flow management and progress toward achieving various financial goals. Harrison’s firm employs a macroeconomic approach, integrating all financial decisions through a comprehensive economic model to ensure a cohesive and effective strategy.

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FEATURE
Estate Planning Essentials for High-Income Earners with Joe Biondolillo

Estate Planning Essentials for High-Income Earners with Joe Biondolillo

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Estate planning is often seen as one of the more intricate aspects of financial management, particularly for high-net-worth individuals who face distinct challenges and opportunities when it comes to transferring wealth effectively.

Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl engage with Joe Biondolillo, president and founder of Biond Financial, to discuss estate planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals. Joe shares practical insights on navigating complex tax laws and leveraging available opportunities.

Joe discusses:

  • Understanding estate tax liability and why everyone should have an estate plan 
  • Steps to discounting assets and how it impacts your estate 
  • Strategic gifting to maximize the current exemption limits 
  • How freezing growth works and why it’s crucial for high net worth portfolios 
  • Addressing capital gains tax implications and potential solutions
  • And more

Connect with Iván Watanabe:

Connect with Evan Wohl:

Connect with Joe Biondolillo:

About Our Guest:

Joseph Biondolillo brings nearly 24 years of expertise to his role as the founder of Biond Financial. Dedicated to helping professionals, executives, and closely held corporations protect, save, and grow their financial wealth, Biond Financial provides tailored guidance amidst today’s volatile economic landscape. Recognizing that many individuals base financial decisions on trends, opinions, emotions, and online advice, Joseph and his team utilize a unique macroeconomic approach to reveal the full financial picture. This process empowers clients to build and safeguard their wealth while taking control of their economic futures.

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FEATURE
Crafting Profitable Real Estate Investments with Jessica Sigmund

Crafting Profitable Real Estate Investments with Jessica Sigmund

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Managing Partner and host of WealthStyle, Iván Watanabe sits down with Jessica Sigmund, a Licensed Real Estate Agent to explore the world of Airbnb and real estate investments in the tri-state area. Listen as she shares insights into housing market trends, how to make your real estate investments work for you, and tips on managing Airbnb properties effectively.

This episode unpacks the following:

  • The current real estate market and trends in the tri-state area
  • Key strategies for buying, selling, and investing in real estate 
  • Success stories and challenges in the Airbnb market
  • The importance of staging and managing rental properties
  • Understanding the risks and benefits of property investment
  • And more

Connect with Iván Watanabe:

Connect with Jessica Sigmund:

About Jessica Sigmund:

When Jessica Sigmund thinks about real estate, the first words that come to mind aren’t “appraisal,” “closing cost,” or ” adjustable-rate mortgage.” For her, the most important element of real estate is the “human element”. It’s what first sparked her passion for real estate when she was a young girl marveling at the inherent beauty and architecture of homes she saw daily. It’s what incentivized her to join her aunt’s management company, DeLaurentis Management, and work her way up the ranks, learning every component of the industry, until she eventually became a real estate agent. And it’s what makes her a known, loved, and trusted agent who was honored with the Rookie of the Year award in 2018.

One of the most important reasons that home buyers and sellers alike rely on Jessica is because, beyond her knowledge, integrity, sincerity, and business acumen, her top priority is understanding and delivering on her client’s needs. Many individuals enter the extremely overwhelming process of home buying with a dream home and have no idea how to find it. Jessica’s steady commitment to learning every aspect of her client’s goals and her poise under pressure make the experience enjoyable and seamless. Most of all, Jessica’s passion for Real Estate is surpassed only by her desire to help others, because she values the trust her clients place in her to guide them through one of the most important decisions of their lives. She avails herself to clients at any time, ensures that the lines of communication are open and consistent, and offers patience and attentive guidance throughout the process.

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FEATURE
The Impact of the FTC Ruling on Non-Competes With Jim Magner

The Impact of the FTC Ruling on Non-Competes With Jim Magner

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In the fast-paced world of employment law, staying informed is crucial. With significant changes swirling around non-compete agreements, employers and employees must remain vigilant and prepared.

This week Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl sit down with Jim Magner, Head of Thought Leadership for Guardian Business Resource Center (BRC), to explore the FTC ban on non-competes and what it means for employers and employees alike. They explore the implications of the court’s decision to set aside the FTC’s rule, the responsibilities of employers, and the current legal landscape surrounding non-compete agreements.

Gain insight as Jim shares:

  • Details on how the federal court ruling affected the FTC’s non-compete rule
  • Steps employers can take to inform employees about non-compete agreements
  • Ways employees can navigate the evolving legal landscape surrounding non-compete agreements
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect with Evan Wohl:

Connect with Jim Magner:

About Jim Magner:

Jim Magner is the Head of Thought Leadership for Guardian’s Business Resource Center (BRC). 

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FEATURE
Breaking Down Maternity Leave with Garlande Patz

Breaking Down Maternity Leave with Garlande Patz

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As of 2023, only 27% of private-sector employers offer paid parental leave programs. 

Are you equipped to navigate the rest? 

In this WealthStyle episode, Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl sit down with Garlande Patz, Head of Absence and Disability Practices at Guardian Life, to cover everything you need to know about maternity leave benefits. You’ll gain key insights into navigating your company’s benefits, understanding state versus federal protections, and practical steps to take when you’re expecting a new member of your family.

Iván, Evan, and Garlande cover:

  • Short-term disability benefits and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • State-specific family leave programs and understanding your eligibility
  • Tips for preparing in advance to avoid stress during maternity leave
  • Understanding different employer, state, and supplemental health benefits for comprehensive coverage
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Iván Watanabe:

Connect with Evan Wohl:

Connect with Garlande Patz:

About Our Guest:

Garlande Patz is the Head of Absence and Disability Practices for group benefits at Guardian Life. Her professional focus is on strategy and growth of Absence products: disability benefits, FML administration, state-paid leave regulations, and ADA.

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FEATURE
The Current Financial State with Jennifer Fox, V.P of Federal Affairs at Finseca

The Current Financial State with Jennifer Fox, V.P of Federal Affairs at Finseca

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With the federal deficit nearing $2 trillion, understanding how these numbers impact your financial future has never been more critical.

Join Evan Wohl as he chats with Jennifer Fox, Vice President of Federal Affairs at Finseca, about the current financial state of the U.S. economy and its political implications. Facing heightened interest rates, substantial federal deficits, and upcoming tax reforms, they explore how these challenges can shape the financial landscape. You will gain insights into the current state of Social Security, Medicare, and strategies to manage long-term care costs, along with understanding the key economic discussions that will influence the 2025 presidential race.

Evan and Jennifer discuss:

  • Jennifer’s background and day to day operations at Finseca.
  • The impact of interest rates on the federal deficit and budget.
  • Possible financial issues facing the country over the coming decades. 
  • The importance of planning for long-term care and baby boomer preparedness.
  • The tax law sunsetting in 2026 and its possible impact on the upcoming election.
  • And more

Connect with Evan Wohl:

Connect with Jennifer Fox:

About Jennifer Fox:

Jennifer Fox is the Vice President of Federal Affairs at Finseca. She leads their lobbying initiatives, advocating for policies that support the financial security profession and educating policymakers and their staff on the importance of comprehensive financial planning, encompassing life insurance, retirement planning, and investments, to serve clients effectively. 

Jen led Finseca’s political advocacy initiatives, which included the Ambassador Program, fly-ins, and political fundraising, including Finseca’s PAC. She is committed to assisting members in becoming politically involved and empowering them to share their stories. 

Jen has spent time at the White House and Capitol Hill, which has helped shape her knowledge of small business, technology, labor, and tax issues. She also serves as the President of The Advocacy Association.

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