Category: Real Estate

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

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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

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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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About Jim Magner:

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

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FEATURE
REPLAY: Planning For Retirement: Social Security and Medicare with Elaine Floyd

REPLAY: Planning For Retirement: Social Security and Medicare with Elaine Floyd

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In today’s episode of WealthStyle, Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl interview Elaine Floyd, Director of Retirement Life Planning at HorsesMouth about the intricacies of our nation’s support systems; Social Security and Medicare.

Listen as Elaine shares her expert knowledge by debunking some common misconceptions and detailing the benefits these programs provide using real-life examples and historical facts. 

Whether you’re approaching retirement, caring for a loved one, or simply curious about recent changes and restrictions regarding Social Security and Medicare, this episode is a must-listen!

Gain insight as Elaine discusses:

  • The importance of accessing your retirement income plan for the duration of your lifetime
  • Common mistakes people make when claiming Social Security, and the varying spousal benefits
  • The differences between Medicare Part A and Part B
  • How to navigate your options regarding your Health Savings Account (HSA) and Medicare
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect with Elaine Floyd:

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FEATURE
REPLAY: Life Insurance with Bobby Samuelson, Part 1: Whole Life Insurance

REPLAY: Life Insurance with Bobby Samuelson, Part 1: Whole Life Insurance

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With the typical asset division in investment planning being turned on its head, life insurance could be a beneficial alternative option. 

How does life insurance fit within portfolio planning?

In this episode, Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl speak with Bobby Samuelson, Executive Editor at Life Product Review and President of Life Innovators. Together they discuss whole life insurance by exploring the importance of understanding the insurance company and its investment strategies when choosing a whole life policy.

Join the conversation and learn about:

  • How life insurance acts as an alternative investment
  • The complexities of investing in bonds
  • The importance of owning a participating policy from a mutual insurance company
  • How whole life insurance can benefit you as a fixed-income asset class
  • And more

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About Bobby Samuelson:

Bobby co-founded Life Innovators in 2018 and has been President and CEO since its inception. Bobby was formerly Senior Vice President and Head of Life Insurance and Annuity Product Development and Pricing at Brighthouse Financial and Vice President of Life Product Development at MetLife. He is also the Executive Editor of The Life Product Review since 2012. Bobby is a regular keynote speaker at corporate and industry events.

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FEATURE
Parenting Tips With Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Judith Adamo

Parenting Tips With Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Judith Adamo

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Are you struggling to maintain a routine with your children while juggling the demands of daily life?

You aren’t alone.

This week on the WealthStyle podcast, Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl sit down with Dr. Judith Adamo, a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in early childhood development. Throughout their conversation, they explore practical strategies for balancing parenting duties with personal life, especially during stressful situations. 

Listen to gain valuable insights and actionable tips for maintaining patience, modifying routines, and fostering independence in your children.

Key points from this episode include:

 

  • Understanding the importance of slowing down and accommodating your child’s pace and individuality
  • How to demonstrate appropriate courses of action and routines you want your children to emulate
  • Partnering effectively with your spouse to tackle challenges and share responsibilities
  • Acknowledging your mistakes and apologizing to your children to build mutual trust and respect
  • And more!

Resources:

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Connect with Dr. Judith Adamo:

About Dr. Judith Adamo:

Dr. Judith Adamo specializes in neuropsychology and psychoanalysis with a particular focus on developmental concerns, as well as parenting. More specifically, emotional dysregulation and/or attentional dysregulation are of particular interest. Helping families at all stages of life navigate the impact of such characteristics is her passion. She is an instructor at WCSPP whose class is entitled “Psychological Problems in Childhood: A Neurodevelopmental Perspective.” Finally, she is the President of the Psychoanalytic Association of WCSPP whose goal is to facilitate the continued education for members of the institute.

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FEATURE
Bitcoin Breakdown: Benefits, Risks, and Common Misconceptions

Bitcoin Breakdown: Benefits, Risks, and Common Misconceptions

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Curious about Bitcoin but overwhelmed by the noise? Get ready to unravel the complexities of the world’s most talked-about cryptocurrency.

Evan Wohl and Iván Watanabe invite Chet Schwartz, RICP®, a financial advisor at Strategies for Wealth, to demystify Bitcoin. Chet explains how cryptocurrency works, how it differs from traditional fiat currencies, and key benefits and risks that crypto investors should know about.

Watch this episode on our YouTube channel!

Iván, Evan, and Chet discuss:

  • Common terminology related to Bitcoin and blockchain technology
  • What it means to have a decentralized, permissionless network
  • How Bitcoin’s finite supply can potentially contribute to an anti-inflationary environment
  • Cryptocurrency as an asset class in a diversified portfolio
  • Future outlook for Bitcoin’s global adoption
  • And more

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About Chet Schwartz

Chet’s purpose is to transform and evolve the conversations people have about their personal finances so he can help them achieve financial balance. By making complex topics understandable and creating a safe, judgment-free forum for his clients to ask questions, Chet helps close the gaps in financial knowledge, serves as an informed sounding board, and uncovers any blind spots that may impact their present and future security. Chet has a “Protection First” philosophy, which means that before he looks at any risk-based investment options, protecting and securing his client’s assets and income is the highest priority. Recognizing that each client’s financial picture is different, it is his responsibility to create a broad, goals-based planning experience tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual or business.

Chet is extremely proud of the difference he has made in his clients’ lives, including business owners, Institutional Wall Street professionals, partners of law firms, and C-level executives. His special areas of expertise include estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and business continuity planning.

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FEATURE
Working With A Financial Advisor

Working With A Financial Advisor

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Navigating the twists and turns of today’s financial landscape is bound to raise a few questions.

Join Evan Wohl and Iván Watanabe as they delve into some of the most pressing financial queries and scenarios you may be facing in the current environment while highlighting the importance of having a financial advisor to help guide you. 

This conversation reflects on today’s real estate market dynamics, and the implications of interest rate changes, and expands into the broader scope of financial planning and investment strategies. 

Iván and Evan discuss:

  • The impact of the current interest rate environment on buying decisions in the real estate market
  • Strategies for navigating high mortgage rates and understanding the broader historical context of interest rates
  • The growing interest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and how they could fit into contemporary investment portfolios
  • The importance of asset liquidity and preparedness 
  • The value of diversified banking and safeguarding assets
  • And more

Resources:

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FEATURE
A Conversation Between Dads

A Conversation Between Dads

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In this heartfelt conversation, Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl open up about the joys and challenges of fatherhood as Iván stands on the cusp of welcoming his second child, a baby boy.

With help from his colleague and friend, Evan, a seasoned parent of three, they explore the emotions, preparations, and adjustments that come with expanding a family. Their conversation is rich with insights, laughter, and love for their children as they offer their perspectives on the transformative experience of parenting. 

Highlights from this episode include:

  • The significance of support from family/community (It takes a village!)
  • Anxieties surrounding family expansion and how to prepare for their arrival
  • Financial preparations such as estate planning and college account funding
  • The pursuit of balancing career demands with the responsibilities of parenthood
  • Challenges and triumphs of being a parent and the importance of being adaptable and intentional in their approach
  • And more

Resources:

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FEATURE
Revisiting Physician Contract Considerations with Stephanie Rodin, ESQ.

Revisiting Physician Contract Considerations with Stephanie Rodin, ESQ.

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As a healthcare professional or proprietor of a healthcare practice, your primary focus is safe and legal patient care. Managing the intricacies of healthcare leaves minimal capacity to navigate the complexities of legal matters.

Understanding the legal side of your business is crucial for protection, which is why we invited Stephanie Rodin, Founder and Attorney at Rodin Legal P.C. back for another episode of WealthStyle. 

Join Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl as they sit down with Stephanie to dive deep into the legal aspects of healthcare practice management, covering employment agreements, patient and employee issues, buying and selling practices, and supplying advice to fellow healthcare practitioners. 

With her extensive experience and focus on ensuring contracts reflect the specialty and protect the practitioner’s rights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the healthcare industry.

Iván, Evan, and Stephanie discuss:

  • The significance of tail coverage and how it affects your practice
  • Market dynamics for buying and selling practices including the role of private equity in healthcare
  • The current state of non-competes
  • Key considerations when purchasing equity in a surgical practice, including disaster and disability planning
  • The importance of having detailed discussions and clauses about potential partnership opportunities in employment contracts
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect with Stephanie Rodin:

About Stephanie Rodin:

Stephanie Rodin. is the founder and principal of Rodin Legal, P.C. and has been practicing law since 1998, with a majority of that time assisting healthcare professionals. 

Starting from a young age, Ms. Rodin has been exposed to the medical/dental field, as her immediate family all practice within the healthcare field. As a result, she was surrounded by various medical and legal issues that routinely arose during the practice of medicine and dentistry. This provided Ms. Rodin with the expertise that serves as the foundation of her legal practice. Rodin Legal, P.C. caters to these legal complexities and is dedicated to the growth of professional practices.

Ms. Rodin received her J.D. from the New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts. Before this, she received a B.S. in Accounting from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School Of Business. She is also admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.

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FEATURE
Legacy Planning and Purposeful Living

Legacy Planning and Purposeful Living

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What legacy will you leave behind?

In this installment of WealthStyle, Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl discuss the concept of legacy planning and note that legacy planning extends beyond financial contributions and weighs heavily on how individuals choose to have an impact on families, communities, and society through intentional actions and forward-thinking strategies.

They highlight Ruth Gossman, a professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine who provided free tuition for future students, and how her gift will transcend through generations. Plus their conversation showcases personal stories and examples of how they are harnessing the power of legacy in their lives.

Iván and Evan touch on:

  • The concept of legacy and its impact on future generations
  • The importance of making people feel empowered and valued
  • Ways to create a lasting impact beyond financial aspects 
  • Charitable giving and trust setups
  • And more

Resources:

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FEATURE
Transforming Spaces with Marialisa of Cyrus Contracting

Transforming Spaces with Marialisa of Cyrus Contracting

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Are you considering a home renovation but feel overwhelmed by the prospect of working with contractors? 

You’re not alone.

In this episode, Iván Watanabe, and Evan Wohl speak with the owner and operator of Cyrus Contracting, Marialisa Zywotchenko, or ML for short. During their discussion, ML unravels the often daunting task of working with contractors, provides advice on establishing a trustworthy relationship with your contractor, and why investing in quality should be a priority. Through sharing first-hand experiences, ML illustrates the dangers of falling for misleading sales pitches, underscores the critical role of experienced subcontractors, and the legal importance of permits. 

After listening to this episode you will have a clearer understanding of how to approach your next renovation with confidence.

Key topics include:

  • How to find the right contractor for your project and budget
  • The most profitable home improvement renos
  • Questions to ask a potential contractor, including license, permits, and insurance
  • Real examples of client mistakes and misfortunes
  • Trends that stand the test of time vs. fads that don’t last
  • And more

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About Marialisa Zywotchenko:

Marialisa is the owner and operator of Cyrus Contracting. She holds two degrees from New York University in Construction and Real Estate Management. She earned her Associate’s degree from the University of Florida. Marialisa worked for several New York City general contracting firms in numerous roles and previously owned and managed her own painting company.

Marialisa has a passion for fine art and interior design as well as building. Her attention to detail sets Cyrus apart from other contractors in the Manhattan/Westchester competitive market.

The way Marialisa approaches the construction project simplifies the process for clients. She looks at the broad scope of the project and addresses each aspect.

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FEATURE
Strategies for Real Estate Success with Scott Shuman

Strategies for Real Estate Success with Scott Shuman

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Are you looking to sell your home and need insight into the current market? 

Want to know what potential buyers are looking for and what you can do to attract them? 

If you’re ready to list your house, make listening to this episode your first to-do!

Join our host Evan Wohl and his guest Scott Shuman, COO of The Sue Adler Team as they discuss the ever-changing real estate landscape. They hone in on how the pandemic and the shift in work habits are nudging folks from the hustle and bustle of city life to the quieter suburbs, and why you might want to hang on to your property as a source of income. 

Should you stay or go? 

Find out as this episode highlights:

  • What caused the shift in the real estate market during Covid
  • How have rising interest rates affected buyer activity and seller hesitation
  • The importance of finding a trusted real estate advisor before making decisions about home improvements or selling
  • Why you should consider holding onto property for rental income
  • Tips and guidance on how to increase the value of your home
  • Insight into the permits and legal requirements for selling/buying
  • And more

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Scott Shuman, Morristown, grew up in Chatham and has been with The Sue Adler Team since 2010. Scott spearheads all of the team’s operations, and in a nutshell, is responsible for ensuring that the Sue Adler Team runs efficiently and effectively,  with client service always at the forefront, creating the best possible experience for our clients. If you have a conversation with Scott, it will instantly become clear how passionate he is about the real estate industry – he is one of the rare people (besides Sue), who got his real estate license as soon as he turned 18!   Scott has had his hand in almost every role in the industry from working with buyers and sellers to transaction management, to lead conversion to SEO and online marketing and everything in between.

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