• The Role Of Values In Retirement Planning (Ep. 82)
    May 7 2024

    Do you know what “Retirement Values” are? And if so, do you know what yours will be?

    In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith dive deep into the often overlooked topic of retirement values. They explore how understanding your personal values can profoundly impact your retirement planning and fulfillment in life after work. Through engaging conversation and insightful anecdotes, Jeff and Lauren guide listeners through the process of identifying and prioritizing their values, emphasizing the importance of introspection and self-discovery. Together they discuss:

    • Retirement as a transition from defining oneself by work to defining oneself by personal values
    • The challenge of identifying values, which are deeply personal and unique to each individual
    • Examples of retirement values, such as family, adventure, and philanthropy, and how they shape retirement lifestyles
    • The evolving nature of values over time and the importance of periodic reevaluation
    • Strategies for uncovering and prioritizing values, including mind mapping exercises and deep reflection
    • The impact of aligning retirement activities with core values on overall happiness and fulfillment
    • The role of gratitude in fostering positivity and enhancing retirement experiences
    • And more!

    Connect With Green Financial Group:

    • jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com
    • (713) 244-3030
    • Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
    • Green Financial Group
    • LinkedIn: Jeff Green
    • LinkedIn: Lauren Smith
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    19 mins
  • Adulting 101: Money Moves to Master by 25 (Ep. 81)
    Apr 9 2024

    Picture this: your child is graduating and venturing into the real world. Do you feel confident that they’re financially prepared?

    In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, co-hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith share their top financial tips that they feel young adults need to understand by age 25. Together they discuss:

    • The importance of financial literacy and starting good money habits early
    • The three basic financial principles they feel all young adults need to embrace: living debt-free, establish an emergency fund and thinking about retirement early
    • Understanding where your money goes each month (and how to create a budget)
    • The importance of not over-relying on parents or family members for financial support
    • Why you must look at the total compensation package when considering a job (benefits, not just salary)
    • And more!

    Resources:

    • 25 Money Moves To Master By Age 25

    Connect With Green Financial Group:

    • jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com
    • (713) 244-3030
    • Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
    • Green Financial Group
    • LinkedIn: Jeff Green
    • LinkedIn: Lauren Smith
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    16 mins
  • Tax Surprises Through The 4 Stages of Retirement (Ep. 80)
    Mar 19 2024

    Are you nearing retirement and worried about navigating the complexities of taxes? Join Jeff Green and Lauren Smith, financial advisors at Green Financial Group, as they tackle the often-overlooked, but crucial, topic of taxes in retirement. While visions of pickleball and leisure may dance in your head, Jeff and Lauren warn that failing to plan for taxes can be a real "gut punch" to your nest egg. Together, Jeff and Lauren discuss:

    • The four stages of retirement: Pre-Retirement, Go-Go Years, Slow-Go Years and No-Go Years
    • Expense considerations in retirement including inflation, longevity and the shift from a structured workweek to "every day is a Saturday!"
    • Understanding how your after-tax retirement savings will work BEFORE you retire
    • Why it’s important to evaluate the next year's tax bill and project future tax implications, especially regarding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
    • Staying aware of potential tax traps with Social Security, Medicare and IRA withdrawals
    • Why you should focus on estate planning, even if your estate doesn’t reach the federal tax threshold
    • And more!

    Connect With Green Financial Group:

    • jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com
    • (713) 244-3030
    • Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
    • Green Financial Group
    • LinkedIn: Jeff Green
    • LinkedIn: Lauren Smith

    Please note: Neither Raymond James Financial Services nor any Raymond James Financial Advisor renders advice on tax issues, these matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional.

    Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Additionally, each converted amount may be subject to its own five-year holding period. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion.

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    20 mins
  • Is Your Financial Advisor Showing You The Love? (Ep. 79)
    Feb 13 2024

    Does your portfolio feel as dusty as an unopened box of chocolates? Do investment meetings only happen when it's time to "buy, buy, buy"? If your financial advisor's idea of love is the occasional market update email, it's time to ask yourself: is this all there is?

    In this special Valentine's Day episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith dig deep into the hallmarks of a truly loving financial relationship. We're talking about advisors who:

    • Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and listen to your unique goals, dreams (and yes, even pet inheritance plans!)
    • Challenge you with honest conversations, even when it means saying "no" to that risky investment your friend’s mom’s brother’s advisor recommended.
    • Become your financial cheerleader, helping you dream big and plan for the future you deserve, not just meet basic needs.
    • Treat you like family, understanding your values and priorities, and celebrating your financial wins (big and small!).
    • Proactively reach out, keeping you informed, on track, and feeling confident about your financial future.
    • And more…

    Plus, get access to a PDF that shares 50 concrete ways your advisor should be showing you the financial love.

    Whether you're seeking a second opinion, wondering what's really going on with your portfolio, or simply yearning for a true financial partner, we've got you covered.

     

    Tune in to the podcast and discover how to find an advisor who not only cares about your investments, but also cares about your entire financial well-being.

     

    Resources:

    • 50 Things Your Financial Advisor Should Do For You

     

    Connect With Green Financial Group:

    • jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com
    • (713) 244-3030
    • Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
    • Green Financial Group
    • LinkedIn: Jeff Green
    • LinkedIn: Lauren Smith
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    18 mins
  • Getting Financially Fit in 2024 (Ep. 78)
    Jan 9 2024

    Do you feel financially fit? Do you even know what that means? If not, you’re in luck. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith guide you through the key elements you’ll need to ensure your financial well-being in the coming year. You’ll hear about everything from long-term investments to retirement goals to ways you may want to consider to protect your assets. Together they discuss:

    • The importance of pausing to evaluate your near-term and long-term goals and aligning your investment strategy accordingly
    • How understanding your retirement “buckets” can set you up for success after your career days
    • How you can think about the 60/40 principle in relation to your portfolio
    • The pros and cons of Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and the concept of the “ladder strategy”
    • Taking the equity risk premium into consideration when making investment decisions
    • And more!

    Connect With Green Financial Group:

    • jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com
    • (713) 244-3030
    • Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
    • Green Financial Group
    • LinkedIn: Jeff Green
    • LinkedIn: Lauren Smith
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    12 mins
  • 2023 Year in Review with Green Financial Group (Ep. 77)
    Dec 18 2023

    In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith take a moment to reflect on Green Financial Group’s progress and key milestones achieved during 2023. Together they discuss:

    • Celebrating GFG’s 15th Anniversary and 1st year in our new office
    • How our team has grown and changed this year, including two great new additions with Dylan Daggett and Laura Garza
    • Our new GFG Blog, focused on providing more in-depth financial education and timely insights for our clients and beyond
    • How each feel they’ve learned and grown this year, particularly in respect to the various industry conferences they attended
    • Green Financial Group’s Core Values, and how clearly articulating those have shaped our culture for the better
    • The gratitude they feel for all of these big milestones and more – as well as what they’re looking forward to in 2024!

    Connect With Green Financial Group:

    • jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com
    • (713) 244-3030
    • Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
    • Green Financial Group
    • LinkedIn: Jeff Green
    • LinkedIn: Lauren Smith

     

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    24 mins
  • The 2023 GFG Holiday Gift Guide (Ep. 76)
    Nov 28 2023

    In this special episode of The Green Zone, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith are joined by members of the Green Financial Group team as they share their favorite holiday gifts to both give and receive. If you have been on the fence about what to buy for a loved one this holiday season – or what to put on your own list! – this episode is for you. Tune in to see why these following items made the cut for the 2023 GFG Holiday Gift Guide:

    • “What I Love About Mom” Book ($13)
    • “What I Love About Dad” Book ($16)
    • Wireless Sleep Headphones ($16)
    • Sequence Game ($25)
    • Holiday Candle ($27)
    • Wicked Dog Ball ($40)
    • Skylight Digital Picture Frame ($120)
    • Cutco Super Shears ($136)
    • The Bartesian Cocktail Maker ($370)
    • NordicTrack Commercial X22i Treadmill ($3,499)
    • Special Experiences with Family (Priceless!)
    • Country Kettle Fudge

     

    Connect With Green Financial Group:

    • jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com
    • (713) 244-3030
    • Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
    • Green Financial Group
    • LinkedIn: Jeff Green
    • LinkedIn: Lauren Smith

     

    Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor does it endorse any of the products or companies mentioned within this podcast.

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    22 mins
  • Boot Campaign: Serving Those Who Serve (Ep. 75)
    Nov 7 2023

    In this inspirational episode of The Green Zone Podcast, hosts Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Shelly Kirkland, CEO of Boot Campaign, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and military families. Shelly, who comes from a family with a strong military background, shares her passion for serving those who have served and discusses the incredible work Boot Campaign does to make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. In this episode, they cover:

    • Boot Campaign's unique mission and the heartwarming story of its inception
    • The organization's dedication to supporting veterans from all branches and eras
    • How Boot Campaign provides individualized care for veterans dealing with brain injury, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, self-medication and insomnia
    • The significant impact of their specialized programs, including clinical treatments and therapy
    • The importance of reaching out for help and the challenges veterans face in seeking assistance
    • How to get involved and support Boot Campaign, from making donations to volunteering
    • Their heartwarming holiday program, where volunteers come together to provide special gifts and support to military families in need
    • And more!

    Join the conversation and discover the incredible work Boot Campaign does to show gratitude for those who serve and make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and military families. Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Green Zone Podcast!

    Support Boot Campaign:

    • How To Donate: https://bootcampaign.org/give/
    • Website: https://bootcampaign.org/
    • Social Media:
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bootcampaign
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bootcampaign
    • X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/bootcampaign
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BootCampaign

    Additional Notes

    The holidays are often difficult for many military families who have recently had a permanent change of duty station, are separated because of deployment, or are caring for the health of a wounded, injured or ill service member.

    Boot Campaign’s Santa Boots Program unites Americans to show gratitude, meet service members’ needs and strives to alleviate stress and financial burden by delivering specially-curated gifts to veteran and active duty military families nationwide.

    Click Here To Learn More About Their “Santa Boots” Work: https://bootcampaign.org/santaboots/

    Connect With Green Financial Group:

    • jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com
    • (713) 244-3030
    • Schedule A Call With Jeff or Lauren
    • Green Financial Group
    • LinkedIn: Jeff Green
    • LinkedIn: Lauren Smith

     

    Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse Boot Campaign. 

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    21 mins