Graduation marks an exciting new chapter for young professionals, but for those eyeing a career in financial planning, the path forward can feel uncertain. What are the skills that investment firms are looking for? Which licenses and designations matter most? And how do you land that first opportunity in a highly competitive field?

Today, Matthew Peck welcomes back returning guest Raphael Hanna to share his journey from Stonehill College to SHP Financial. Drawing from his own early experiences, Raphael reveals how internships, networking, and a willingness to adapt shaped his career path. He also explains the difference between independent advisory firms and other industry models, why relationship-building is as important as technical skills, and how to decide where you want to specialize.

In this conversation, you’ll learn the difference between independent advisory firms and other industry models, why relationship-building is as important as technical skills, and how to decide where you want to specialize.

Whether you’re a recent grad, a career changer, or simply curious about what it takes to thrive in financial planning, this episode provides a blueprint to start off on the right track and build a career that lasts.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why networking can make or break your early career.
• The important licenses every new advisor should consider obtaining.
• How to choose the right firm for your career goals.
• The pros and cons of independent vs. traditional advisory models.
• How professional designations like the CFP® can set you apart.
• The best ways to explore career paths within financial services.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Many retirees want to give back—but aren’t sure how to do it in a way that’s financially savvy and tax-efficient. If you’ve ever wondered how to streamline your charitable giving, take advantage of smart tax strategies, or leave a lasting legacy without the administrative burden, we have the perfect guest to help with those important decisions.

Today, Matthew Peck is joined by Kyle Casserino, VP of Charitable Planning at Fidelity Investments. With years of experience in philanthropic financial strategies, Kyle walks us through the fast-growing world of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and how they can help individuals make a greater impact while minimizing taxes. From understanding the history and purpose of DAFs to exploring real-life scenarios where they make the most sense, Kyle explains why this tool is increasingly popular among charitably inclined investors.

In this conversation, you’ll learn how Donor-Advised Funds compare to private foundations, how to give appreciated assets like stocks instead of cash, and why these accounts are especially valuable for high-income earners, business owners, and those with large tax events. Whether you’re already giving or planning to give in the future, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to make your charitable dollars go further.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why Donor-Advised Funds are a flexible, low-maintenance alternative to private foundations.
• How giving appreciated stock can help you avoid capital gains taxes.
• The advantages of funding a DAF in high-income years to "pre-pay" future giving.
• Why Donor-Advised Funds can help simplify record-keeping and tax filing.
• How DAFs support legacy planning, including multi-generational giving.
• The biggest differentiators of foundations versus Donor-Advised Funds
• Why timing, tax brackets, and estate size matter when planning charitable gifts.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" has just become law, bringing sweeping tax changes that will directly impact retirees and pre-retirees. From changes to itemized deductions and charitable giving to updates on Social Security taxation and estate planning, the impact is far-reaching.

Today, Matthew Peck is joined by one of SHP Financial’s Certified Financial Planners™, Alina Osokhovska. As one of SHP’s top planning advisors, Alina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the complexities of this new legislation. They’ll unpack how the bill alters standard deductions, reinstates the importance of itemizing, and introduces income-sensitive thresholds that could significantly affect your tax strategy.

In this conversation, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what’s changing now and what’s coming in the years ahead. Whether it’s properly timing your Roth conversions, navigating the new SALT caps, or optimizing charitable contributions, this episode will help inform your decisions to maximize tax efficiency in retirement.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why itemized deductions are back on the table and how to know if they benefit you.
• How changes to the SALT deduction cap can impact high-income households.
• What the new rules mean for Social Security taxation.
• Why retirees over 65 may benefit from an additional tax deduction and how to qualify.
• How charitable giving rules are shifting, both for itemized and standard filers.
• Financial planning opportunities that exist today before parts of the bill phase out in 2029.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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