Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we dive into the intersection of estate planning, philanthropy, and building legacies—especially within underrepresented communities. I’m joined by the remarkable Shari Fleming, an estate planning attorney and philanthropic advisor whose passion for service, education, and bridging community gaps is truly inspiring.

Shari’s credentials are impressive: Magna Cum Laude graduate of Lincoln University with degrees in History and Black Studies, J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law, Accredited Estate Planner, and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy. In addition to her own thriving law practice, she serves as the Planned Giving Officer at Bowie State University and founded the “Our Legacy Matters” community to advance ownership and generational wealth in communities of color.

In our conversation, Shari and I explored her unconventional path to law, sparked not by an early passion but by process of elimination and an urge to help others. We discussed how her two worlds—the professional estate planning sphere and her home community—often felt disconnected, leading her to create “Our Legacy Matters” as a bridge built on accurate, accessible information.

Shari described how her practice begins with clients’ intentions and dreams, not just the technical “tools” of estate law. We addressed the deeply personal side of philanthropy and why time, talent, and treasure all play crucial roles in building legacies, especially when generational conversations about giving may look different across cultures. She also touched on the challenges of building a solo practice, the critical influence of true mentors, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of diverse professionals.

We also talked honestly about work-life balance, the importance of joy, and her decision to hit “pause” and reflect after years of hard work—while keeping her eyes on new dreams, including the possibility of a book!

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Philanthropy Is Personal: Shari emphasized that charitable planning always begins with the client’s unique intent and dreams—never just the technical tools. Professionals must listen deeply to turn intentions into meaningful strategies.
2. Bridging Community Gaps: Recognizing the disconnect between the professional estate planning world and communities of color, Shari founded “Our Legacy Matters” to provide a safe, educational space and bridge miscommunication with accurate, accessible information.
3. Mentorship Matters: A pivotal relationship with her mentor, Aquanetta Betts, shaped Shari’s career and underscored the value of seeking (and becoming) lasting mentors, especially for those without inherited networks or practices.
4. Redefining Generational Philanthropy: Philanthropy in underrepresented communities often centers more on service, time, and talent than on financial gifts—yet these are powerful forms of legacy that deserve recognition and strategic support.
5. The Power of Joyful Reflection: Success isn’t just about relentless achievement. Shari’s decision to pause and intentionally reflect—to “let the sun shine” and dream anew—shows how purposeful rest and pursuit of joy are essential for continued growth.

Join us to discover how intention, compassion, and strategic planning can help you not only secure your family’s future, but also uplift your community and find fulfillment along the way. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with those on a journey to transform their legacy—financially and beyond!

1. Diverse Career Paths in Finance: Lena emphasized that the financial services industry offers far more than just becoming an advisor. Roles in client relations, marketing, operations, and research are all vital, making it a great field for a wide variety of skill sets and interests.
2. Mentorship and Representation Matter: As someone who experienced firsthand the lack of female role models early on, Lena is committed to mentoring young women and creating pathways for them to succeed in finance. She encourages firms to offer shadowing and internship opportunities to expose students to the real-world variety of financial careers.
3. Collaboration Drives Better Decisions: One of BFG’s guiding principles is collaboration—not just among leaders but across all levels of the organization. Lena explains how inviting input from every team member, including interns, leads to richer discussions, stronger decisions, and a healthy workplace culture.
4. The Value of Study Groups and Advisory Boards: Peer study groups, especially those focused on elevating G2 (second-generation) women leaders, are becoming important spaces for learning and growth within finance. Lena acknowledges that both male and female advocates are needed to accelerate industry-wide change.
5. Progress Toward Inclusion: While change is happening, Lena notes that the industry still has a long way to go to achieve true diversity. She urges firms to look beyond appearances and seek diversity in experiences, perspectives, and education as well as backgrounds, ultimately enabling better connections with a diverse client base.

1. Start Early, Start Small: Don’t wait for a crisis to begin decluttering and downsizing. Tackle one room or even one pile at a time, and if you’ve lived in a home for decades, plan for at least a month per decade to manage the process without unnecessary stress.
2. Professional Organizers as Allies: Hiring a reputable, experienced organizer (often through the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) gives you access to trusted resources, emotional support, and systems for uncovering and preserving valuables as well as clearing out everything else effectively.
3. Treasures Among the Chaos: It’s common for teams like Tara’s to discover valuable items such as forgotten life insurance policies, coins, stock certificates, or important documents—sometimes totaling tens of thousands of dollars or more. Properly sorting and investigating paperwork can truly pay off.
4. Involve the Family and Give Back: Downsizing isn’t just about “stuff”—it’s also a chance to talk about memories, philanthropy, and family storytelling. Regular purges, creating donation bins, and thoughtfully redistributing goods keeps giving at the center of the process.
5. The Power of Three Friends: For peace of mind, identify three trusted people: one who knows your finances, one who knows your passwords, and one who knows about any “secret stuff.” This trio can help ensure your legacy and information are handled as you wish in any emergency.

1. Redefining Retirement as Graduation: I shared my belief that retirement shouldn’t be a retreat, but a “graduation” into something even better—another chapter of purpose, relevance, and contribution, no matter your age or stage.
2. A Legacy Built to Last: One of my greatest professional aspirations is to build a legacy at BFG that not only endures but thrives beyond my own career and lifetime, continuing to serve clients and foster great talent.
3. The Power of Mentorship and Collaboration: Modeled after a teaching hospital, BFG offers advisors a place to learn and thrive without pressure to “sell”—demonstrating that collaboration and ethical mentorship are the cornerstones of a meaningful career.
4. The Critical Need for Financial Literacy: Navigating the financial world requires knowledge and vigilance. I highlighted accessible resources like our free online financial literacy course at BFG University and recommended involvement in programs like Junior Achievement to help bridge the gap.
5. Choosing the Right Financial Advisor: When seeking an advisor, trust and transparency are paramount. I cautioned listeners to seek professionals who are honest, open, and clear about their offerings—making the advisor-client relationship as authentic and supportive as possible.

1. Money Is a Mirror, Not a Monster: Chelsea drives home that financial problems often reflect deeper issues like boundaries, communication, or beliefs—money simply brings these patterns to the surface.
2. Women Are Reshaping Financial Power: Despite only recently entering the world of independent finance (about 1% of the time financial institutions have existed!), women now control a growing share of wealth and are learning to own their money narratives.
3. Pay Yourself First—Every Time: Whether personally or in business, prioritizing savings before spending allows you to break the common “net zero” habit and set yourself up for long-term success—even if you’re only saving “50 cents at a time.”
4. The “B Word” Isn’t About Restriction: Creating a budget—whether for a business or household—is about establishing boundaries and protecting your future self, not about deprivation. Think of it as building freedom within guardrails you create for yourself.
5. Financial Planning Is an Ongoing Art: No plan can predict the future perfectly—what matters is having a clear “shot to call,” monitoring and adjusting regularly (even quarterly check-ins can make a big difference), and being comfortable with pivoting as life happens.

1. Growth through Every Role: Yanni’s journey from unpaid intern to executive team member highlights the power of curiosity, adaptability, and patience in career progression—valuable lessons for any professional aiming for leadership.
2. Embracing Complexity: His passion for complex financial and business planning, especially for entrepreneurs and family businesses, shows how diving into challenging territory can fuel a rewarding and meaningful career.
3. Culture Matters: Office culture and shared laughter—like wagers, crop tops, and interpretive dances—create lasting bonds that make hard work and long hours enjoyable and sustainable.
4. Succession & Transition: Yanni’s move from CIO to CFO is a model for “graduating” from one role to another within a growing firm, and demonstrates the importance of recognizing team strengths and supporting new leaders.
5. Advice for the Next Generation: Yanni’s top guidance? Don’t rush. Take time to learn and develop before seeking instant advancement, and embrace the opportunities to grow in both skill and confidence at every stage.

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a critical and sometimes overlooked topic: divorce and its profound impact on your financial and personal future. I’m joined in the studio by Leon W. Berg, a highly awarded divorce attorney with 50 years of experience practicing law, primarily in Baltimore County. Leon is known for his thoughtful approach to family law, his ability to mediate highly emotional situations, and his unwavering dedication to setting realistic expectations for his clients. With countless accolades, including the Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent rating and the Baltimore County Bar Association’s prestigious J. Earl Plumhoff Professional Lawyer of the Year award, Leon brought unparalleled experience and wisdom to our conversation.

Together, Leon and I explored why family law—while often associated with conflict—is fundamentally about problem-solving, listening, and helping clients navigate some of the most stressful moments of their lives. We discussed the financial disruption that divorce can cause, including the challenges of dividing assets, uncovering hidden finances, and ensuring that both spouses exit settlements as fairly as possible. Leon shared fascinating insights on the negotiation process, the role of attorneys and judges, and the necessity of transparency and discovery. We also took a close look at prenuptial agreements—their original intent, when they’re truly needed, and why people often misunderstand or misuse them. Leon even shared a memorable anecdote about counseling a client on the dangers of a poorly crafted prenup, highlighting the ethical and emotional complexities involved.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasized the need for collaboration among attorneys, financial advisors, and tax professionals when divorce or remarriage is on the table. Finally, Leon discussed how he transitioned his own practice into mediation and best-interest advocacy for children, demonstrating how one can “graduate” into a new, purpose-driven phase of retirement.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Divorce Is a Major Financial Iceberg: Divorce can upend your financial life more suddenly and drastically than almost any other event. It’s critical to approach it with both emotional and financial preparedness—and with strong professional guidance.
2. Transparency Is Essential in Negotiations: Successful outcomes in divorce require both parties to be forthcoming about assets and income. Leon stressed the importance of discovery, due diligence, and recognizing warning signs (like lifestyle-to-income mismatches) that signal hidden finances.
3. Prenups: Prevention and Pitfalls: Prenuptial (or ante-nuptial) agreements have a place, especially in cases involving family businesses or significant pre-marital assets. However, Leon warned that many people misunderstand their necessity and their limits, and that creating unrealistic or overly punitive agreements can backfire emotionally and legally.
4. Division of Assets Is More Nuanced Than It Seems: Not all dollars are created equal—retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, and home equity each come with their own tax implications and liquidity considerations. Splitting assets requires careful planning to ensure fairness and minimize tax pitfalls.
5. Graduating Into Retirement Can Mean Redefining Your Role: Leon’s story of shifting from traditional litigation to mediation and best-interest advocacy beautifully illustrates how professionals can—and should—find new purpose as they “graduate” from full-time careers into retirement.

Join us as we unpack these complexities with the help of an expert who’s seen it all. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating, and share Don’t Retire… Graduate! with friends and family—because navigating life’s biggest transitions truly requires the best...

1. Transferable Skills Matter: Hannah’s background as a teacher gave her a strong foundation in communication, organization, and relationship-building—skills that translated seamlessly to her success in client relations and marketing within financial services.
2. You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: Hannah’s journey into financial literacy underscores the importance of seeking education and expertise, especially early in adult life. Working with a financial advisor opened her eyes to strategies and opportunities she didn’t know existed.
3. Financial Advice Is for Everyone: One of Hannah’s biggest realizations was that financial planning isn’t only for the wealthy or the older generation. She became a financial planning client herself as a young professional and newlywed, and encourages others to start early.
4. Building Confidence Through New Experiences: Immersing herself in new roles—from running marketing meetings to mastering client events—helped Hannah build confidence, deepen relationships, and discover her own path to making an impact in our industry.
5. The Human Side of Finance: By working closely with clients and advisors, Hannah experiences firsthand the personal and emotional impact financial planning can have on families, reminding us that this field is as much about relationships and trust as it is about numbers.