Business succession planning is critical for every business owner, regardless of when they plan to exit. In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric sit down with attorney Jeff Coppaken to discuss the mergers and acquisitions landscape and the essentials of exit strategy. Jeff reveals that the best time to start business succession planning is always now—whether you're planning to sell in six months or six years. He explains common pitfalls in selling a business, the importance of having clean financials, and when to start the business succession planning process. Learn about deal structures, seller financing, and why assembling the right team of advisors early can maximize your business value and minimize tax implications when it's time to exit.

What you will Learn in this Episode:

✅ Discover why business succession planning should start immediately, whether you're exiting in six months or six years, and learn which key advisors—including your business attorney, wealth management team, and tax strategy experts—need to be part of your planning process from day one.

✅ Understand the critical role of the due diligence process and clean financials in maximizing your purchase price, plus learn how business valuation works and why removing lifestyle expenses from your books is essential before bringing your company to market.

✅ Explore various deal structures, including seller financing, seller notes, and SBA loans, and discover how internal succession plans can create win-win scenarios that protect both buyer and seller while ensuring business continuity.

Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 When to start business succession planning, including business attorney, wealth management, and tax strategy advisors

06:51 Finding the right buyer through business brokers and ensuring culture fit in mergers and acquisitions

09:32 Pitfalls, including messy financials and owner benefits that negatively impact business valuation and purchase price

13:32 Deal structures explained: seller financing, SBA loans, seller notes, and why internal succession deals often include higher seller carryback percentages

18:30 Typical transaction timelines for selling a business range from six to nine months

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 The best time to begin business succession planning is always now. Assemble your advisory team—tax strategy expert, wealth management advisor, and business attorney—to maximize value and minimize tax implications, whether you exit in 6 months or 6 years.

💎 Clean financials are crucial for selling a business at top dollar. So, remove excessive owner benefits from your books. Don't compare a fixer-upper to a renovated property when setting business valuation expectations.

💎 Internal succession deals often involve more seller financing due to established trust. Creative structures can include consulting arrangements and earn-outs, while proper collateral protects the seller's investment throughout the transaction.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Jeff Coppaken, the founder of the Coppaken Law Firm, is a lifelong resident of Kansas City. Before becoming an attorney, Jeff spent almost a decade in sales, marketing, and customer service, which helped him understand unique aspects of the business model. His customer base includes closely held businesses, family offices, entrepreneurs, real estate...

The bull market officially hits its three-year milestone, marking a significant period of growth since October 2022. In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric break down what bull markets and bear markets really mean for investors. They explore historical data showing that bull markets typically last 4.3 years with average gains of 150%, while bear markets last only 1.5 years. The team discusses investor psychology and common emotional pitfalls — such as fear, greed, and overconfidence — that threaten portfolio performance. Learn about average bull-market duration and returns, and discover why staying invested through market volatility is crucial to long-term investing success.

What you will Learn in this Episode:

The key differences between bull markets and bear markets, including how the S&P 500 moves through the cycle, with bull markets averaging 4.3 years and 150% gains versus bear markets lasting just 1.5 years with 35% declines.

Why investor psychology and emotions like fear, greed, and overconfidence pose a bigger threat to your portfolio performance than actual market volatility, and how to avoid common investment strategy mistakes.

How to leverage market corrections as opportunities rather than threats, and why working with a financial advisor helps you stay focused on long-term investing instead of attempting market timing.

The current bull market trajectory and potential headwinds, including tariffs, interest rates, and geopolitical concerns that could impact your wealth management and retirement planning goals.

Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Discussion of the three-year bull market anniversary and overview of bull markets versus bear markets

02:30 Defining bull markets and bear markets: Understanding the 20% threshold for the S&P 500, market corrections, and historical data

08:24 Current bull market analysis: Ethan discusses the 90% gain since October 2022, potential headwinds, and why long-term investing beats trying to time the market

11:45 Investor psychology and Emotional Threats: Eric covers fear, greed, overconfidence, regret, herd mentality, and impatience that damage portfolio performance more than market volatility

18:38 Patience and Strategy: The importance of working with a financial advisor, avoiding emotional decisions, and staying committed to your financial planning through market cycles

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Bull markets occur 75% of the time and last significantly longer than bear markets (4.3 years versus 1.5 years), making staying invested through market volatility the smarter investment strategy than attempting market timing.

The longest bull market in history ran from 1987 to 2000 with a 582% gain, while the shortest bear market (COVID) lasted only 1.1 months—proving that markets take the escalator up and the elevator down.

Emotional threats like fear, greed, overconfidence, and herd mentality pose greater risks to portfolio performance than actual market declines, which is why working with a financial advisor helps maintain discipline during turbulent periods.

The current bull market is only three years old with 90% gains since October 202. If history repeats itself, there could be another 12-24 months of growth, making patience and long-term investing essential for successful retirement planning.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham, the CEO...

Metcalf Partners Women's Financial Planning event takes center stage as Jeb, Ethan, and Eric welcome international keynote speaker, Tara Renze. Tara shares her journey from corporate sales leadership to becoming an emotional intelligence expert and author of "Be Who You Came to Be: 43 Secrets to Unlock the Most Powerful Version of You." The conversation explores how women investors can build financial confidence through personal development and authentic self-discovery. Tara discusses the Metcalf Partners upcoming women's event, where attendees will gain insights on building confidence in financial decisions while connecting with like-minded women in a supportive environment.

What you will Learn in this Episode:

How Personal Development and authentic self-discovery directly impact women's financial planning and decision-making confidence in wealth management

Why building financial independence requires working on yourself first, and how transformational "butterfly goals" can change your career transitions and financial decision-making

The importance of creating supportive environments where women entrepreneurs and investors can connect, learn from financial advisors, and take control of their retirement planning

How self-development and emotional intelligence empower women to overcome intimidation around managing investments and financial literacy

Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Tara Renze, emotional intelligence expert and author, discussing the women's financial planning event

03:16 Tara's grandmother's life advice: "Be who you came to be," and its impact on personal development and career transitions

06:30 Evolution from women entrepreneurs' message to women leadership development and discussion of Tara’s new book

13:25 Tara's journey from a corporate financial advisor, CareerBuilder, to a direct sales and self-development focus

17:00 Taking the first imperfect step in entrepreneurship and building financial confidence through action

19:59 Creating inclusive spaces for women investors to overcome intimidation in financial decision-making and retirement planning

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Women's financial planning becomes less intimidating when combined with personal development work—when you focus on improving yourself first, everything else, including financial decision making and relationships, naturally improves

"Butterfly goals" are transformational rather than transactional objectives that require figuring things out as you go, leading to greater financial independence and self-development for women entrepreneurs and professionals alike

Creating supportive environments where women investors can learn from financial advisors alongside friends helps overcome the intimidation many face when managing retirement planning, especially after life transitions like divorce

The message "be who you came to be" transcends cultural boundaries and industries, empowering women by encouraging authentic self-discovery rather than conforming to external expectations in career transitions and wealth management

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Tara Renze is an international keynote speaker, author, and emotional intelligence expert helping individuals and organizations “Be who they came...

The 2025 tax cuts are not just changes; they are transformations that will impact your estate tax, standard deduction, and tax planning strategies. Join hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric on the Metcalf Money Moment podcast as they unpack the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in 2025. This episode delves into critical updates, including higher estate tax exemptions for the ultra-wealthy, expanded standard deductions for retirees, and new deductions for business owners. Discover how 2025 tax reform estate planning can optimize your financial future, whether you're saving for retirement, managing a business, or planning your legacy. Tune in for expert insights to maximize your wealth with these tax cuts.

What you will Learn in this Episode:

How tax cuts impact your tax planning and financial strategies.

Changes to estate tax exemptions and their effect on wealth transfer.

Benefits of increased standard deduction for retirees and families.

New qualified business income deductions for business owners.

Strategies for 2025 tax reform estate planning to optimize savings.

Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

01:25 Overview of 2025 tax cuts in One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Impacts on tax planning, revenue reduction

04:40 Estate tax updates: Exemption rises to $15M/person, aiding wealth transfer for high-net-worth

07:21 SALT deduction changes: Increases to $40K for married couples, phases out above $500K income

10:31 Standard deduction at $31,500, no tax on tips/overtime or car loan interest

15:02 Retiree benefits: Senior deduction adds $6K/person, qualified business income deduction permanent

21:30 Tax planning opportunities: Roth conversions, estate tax strategies for efficient wealth transfer

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Tax cuts impact: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes tax planning, estate tax, and federal revenue.

SALT deduction expansion: $40K cap for married couples, key for tax cuts and high earners’ tax planning.

New deductions: Car loan interest, charitable contributions, enhance tax cuts, support retirement planning.

Senior deduction: $6K extra for those 65+, a significant tax cut boost for retirement planning strategies.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham, the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management, is a seasoned financial advisor with a CFP® designation and executive education in retirement planning from Wharton. His expertise and community involvement make him a trusted voice in the field. Before founding Metcalf Partners, Jeb was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and he received additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.

Ethan Hutcheson is a Partner and Financial Planner at Metcalf Partners. He is passionate about helping people prepare, plan, and execute their goals. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys hunting, cycling, and outdoor activities with his wife, Shanna, and their sons, Rhett and Levi.

Eric Wymore is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. His career has been dedicated to...

Can Estate Planning be simplified? With Wealth.com’s innovative tools, like the AI extractor tool and visualizations, the answer is yes.

Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric on the Metcalf Money Moment podcast as they host Eva Deniz to explore how estate planning transforms with Wealth.com. Learn how financial advisors can streamline the creation of revocable trusts, wills, and other estate planning documents, making the process more intuitive and cost-effective. Learn to navigate emotional hurdles and ensure your plan mirrors your expectations.

What you will Learn in this Episode:

How Wealth.com enhances Estate Planning for advisors and clients.

Benefits of the AI extractor tool for updating existing plans.

Role of the attorney network in supporting deed services.

Using the pre-meeting worksheet to ease client account setup.

Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Estate Planning can be emotional. A pre-meeting worksheet and estate planning checklist give clients time to plan.

06:38 Eva highlights the AI extractor tool for visualizing and updating outdated revocable trusts, wills, and medical directives.

13:00 The intuitive document wizard eliminates legalese, and the attorney network offers a pre-negotiated rate.

16:45 Discussion of consultation rate for clarifying complex wills and trusts, highlighting Wealth.com’s value in simplifying legal jargon.

19:15 Metcalf is partnering with Wealth.com, emphasizing faster Estate Planning processes for clients using the client account and document wizard.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Wealth.com simplifies Estate Planning with tools like the document wizard and visualizations for advisors and clients

AI extractor tool visualizes and updates existing wills or trusts in minutes, ensuring relevance

Pre-meeting worksheet and estate planning checklist ease emotional barriers in client account setup

Attorney network offers consultations for $240 and deed services to finalize revocable trusts

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Eva Deniz leads advisory sales in the Central Region at Wealth.com, helping advisors, firms, and family offices initiate dynamic estate planning conversations. She empowers advisors to leverage it for growth while addressing industry challenges. Before joining 2.5 years ago, she spent 8 years at Lululemon, leading EMEA ecommerce operations and guest experience. Outside of work, she travels with her children (ages 10 and 14), plays golf, and enjoys spending time at the lake.

Eva Deniz - LinkedIn

Wealth.com (@WeAreWealth) / X

Wealth.com - Website

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

When it comes to navigating the complexities of trust administration, having the right team in place is essential. On this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric welcome Randy Kimmel from BOK Financial Advisor Trust Services for an in-depth discussion about corporate trustees. Together, they cover everything from handling special assets and dynasty trusts to maintaining family harmony and managing trustee duties with clarity and confidence. If you’re looking for practical insights on wealth management and securing your family’s financial future, this episode offers valuable guidance.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Trust documents and estate documents, highlighting impartial trust administration decisions
• (01:22) Role of a corporate trustee as executor to prevent conflict during estate settlement
• (02:35) BOK Financial specializes in working with financial advisors in estate settlements
• (06:08) How a corporate trustee preserves family harmony in beneficiary guidance and distributions
• (10:21) Risks of serving as an individual trustee: their personal wealth is exposed
• (11:37) Process of when the Corporate trustee should become involved
• (16:28) Dedicated teams simplify oversight of complex assets, ensuring asset management
• (18:36) Randy offers advice on choosing between family members or a corporate trustee

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• A corporate trustee helps ensure smooth trust administration and estate settlement, removing emotional decision-making and protecting family harmony. By acting as a neutral third party, they reduce conflict and keep the process focused on honoring your wishes.
• Effective estate planning, including clear estate documents and professional oversight, safeguards legacy protection and ensures proper management of assets. This proactive approach ensures that wealth transitions seamlessly to future generations.
• Understanding fiduciary responsibilities and the complexities of trustee duties is crucial​​ for maintaining fairness and providing lasting beneficiary guidance to beneficiaries. With expert support, families can feel confident that decisions are being made with both integrity and compliance in mind.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Randy Kimmel - LinkedIn

BOK Financial - Website

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Randy Kimmel brings 29 years of experience in banking and finance, having joined BOK Financial in 2000 and spent over 20 years with the company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas. He has expertise in executive banking leadership, trust administration, family office services, and providing trust solutions for financial advisors and their clients. Randy...

Wondering how to navigate the world of Social Security? Join financial advisors Jeb, Ethan and Eric as they tackle one of the most critical topics for retirees. This episode provides a clear overview of how Social Security works, from eligibility requirements and the Full Retirement Age to the often-overlooked spousal benefit. They offer valuable insights into the pros and cons of claiming social security early versus late. The hosts also address the big question on everyone's mind: what is the future of Social Security? Tune in for expert advice regarding this essential component of your retirement planning.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening
• (02:50) Social Security is funded through FICA taxes paid by employees and employers
• (04:43) Concerns about the stability of social security in the future
• (08:36) Rules for eligibility, full retirement age and how the benefit is calculated
• (12:30) Discussion of spousal benefit and Social Security income could be considered taxable
• (15:19) The break-even point of taking money out of the system and portfolio value
• (20:05) Use the SSA website to print your Social Security statement and share it with your financial advisor

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Social Security Basics: The program is funded by payroll taxes, requiring 40 work credits for eligibility. Benefits are based on your 35 highest-earning years, with a full retirement age that varies. A spousal benefit ensures a lower-earning spouse can receive up to 50% of their partner's benefit.
• Claiming Strategy Matters: Claiming benefits early at age 62 results in a permanent reduction, while waiting until age 70 provides a higher monthly payout. The best claiming strategy depends on individual health, longevity, and its impact on your total investment portfolio.
• The Future of the Program: The Social Security trust fund is projected to be depleted in the 2030s, which would likely lead to reduced benefits, not elimination. Solutions to secure the program include adjusting the FICA tax wage base or increasing the tax rate.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and he received additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.

Ethan Hutcheson:

Ethan is a Partner and Financial Planner at Metcalf Partners. He is passionate about helping people prepare, plan, and execute their goals. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys

Are you feeling stuck between rising home prices and unpredictable interest rates? Do mortgage headlines leave you with more questions than answers? In this episode, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric are joined by Jared Bahr of Arvest Bank to cut through the noise. He discusses the relationship between the federal funds rate and mortgage lending, the role of the 10-year treasury note, and introduces you to innovative, underused home loan strategies that just might change the way you think about buying—or refinancing—a home.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening
• (02:59) The 10-year Treasury note is a better indicator of mortgage lending rates than the Fed's short-term rate cuts
• (05:33) Buy the home, refinance later — act now before housing prices climb
• (11:08) Jared outlines creative home loan strategies for high-net-worth borrowers
• (13:45) Jared shares critical dos and don’ts for first-time or high net worth homebuyers
• (18:34) Home equity lines of credit, bridge loans and recasting mortgage payments

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Interest rates are expected to decrease gradually, but borrowers should understand the difference between adjustable-rate mortgages tied to short-term rates and fixed-rate mortgages, which are influenced more by the 10-year treasury note than by the federal funds rate.
• Buying now with a higher mortgage lending rate and refinancing later may be smarter than waiting—because housing prices are likely to continue climbing. As Jared Bahr puts it, you can "marry the house, date the rate."
• Lenders like Arvest Bank offer flexible options for high-net-worth borrowers and first-time homebuyers.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Arvest Bank

Jared Bahr - Arvest Bank

Jared Bahr - LinkedIn

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Jared Bahr is a University of Missouri graduate with 15 years of experience as a residential mortgage lender. As Vice President and Mortgage Lending Supervisor at Arvest Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, they contribute to a community-focused institution with over 200 branches across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Arvest, established in 1961 and primarily owned by the Walton family, offers a range of financial services, including mortgage loans and deposits. Arvest has grown through acquisitions, such as Bear State Financial in 2018, with total assets exceeding $26 billion.