Category: Financial Planning

Navigating Post-Election Exemption Planning

Navigating Post-Election Exemption Planning

Are you prepared for the changes on the horizon with estate tax exemptions? 

Let’s discover how to plan and preserve your wealth strategically!

Join host Bryan Schick as he dives deep into post-election exemption planning with Dan Stolfa, a Senior Wealth Advisor and trust and estates attorney at Centura Wealth Advisory. Together, they unravel the complexities of the current transfer tax system and explore the potential impacts of upcoming changes to estate tax exemptions.

Key discussion points include:

  • Understanding the current federal estate tax exemption and its impending reduction [00:03:05]
  • The concept of portability and its significance in estate planning [00:05:42]
  • Legislative uncertainties and the risks tied to postponing estate planning actions [00:07:15]
  • Strategies tailored for different tiers of net worth to optimize exemptions [00:14:57]
  • And more!

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About Our Team:

Bryan Schick joined Centura in July of 2024 as a Vice President of Insurance & Strategy. A background in accounting and mergers and acquisitions led Bryan to a career in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Centura, Bryan held senior leadership roles in large life insurance distribution groups as well as life insurance companies. Using his knowledge of the drivers in both the finance and insurance sectors, along with my deep experience in risk analysis, design structure and relationship management, he creates planning solutions for families while ensuring alignment between all the parties involved.

Dan Stolfa joined Centura Wealth Advisory in October 2024 as a Senior Wealth Advisor. With a background in law and accounting, Dan transitioned into the financial services industry 20 years ago, building a distinguished career working with families, business owners, executives, foundation leaders, board members, interim CFOs, trust fiduciaries, EOS Implementers, and high-net-worth individuals nationwide. He specializes in identifying and implementing solutions for financial planning, succession planning, and wealth management needs.

The Power of Strategic Financial Planning (Ep. 106)

The Power of Strategic Financial Planning (Ep. 106)

Are you ready to level up your financial strategy and bring your wealth advisory team to the next level? Making the right changes can catapult your success!

In this episode, Samantha Lawrence sits down with Kyle Whissel, owner of Whissel Realty, to dive into his dynamic journey of financial growth and expansion. With a rapidly growing business and a shift to more aggressive financial strategies, Kyle shares insights on how Centura Wealth Advisory has been a game-changer in managing his wealth. From overcoming seven-figure tax bills to building a cohesive and powerful financial team, Kyle and Samantha discuss the importance of upgrading advisors as your wealth grows. Listen in for a candid conversation that covers the move from fundamental strategies to complex solutions that align with ambitious personal and professional goals.

Talking points include:

  • His transition from foundational financial planning to advanced strategies at [0:04:56]
  • The importance of building a coordinated team of advisors at [0:05:54]
  • Experiences in real estate development and innovative financial ideas at [0:12:42]
  • The benefit of leveraging Centura’s expertise to navigate complex investment opportunities at [0:16:49]
  • Insights on implementing flexible financial strategies to align with fluctuating incomes at [0:21:20]

Connect With Samantha Lawrence:

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About Our Guest:

Kyle Whissel has been a San Diego real estate expert since 2002, working in every facet of the industry, from property management to investing and flipping. He is the CEO and team leader of Whissel Realty Group, brokered by eXp Realty, with three locations across the county. Recognized as the #1 real estate team in San Diego by The Wall Street Journal, Kyle’s team delivers exceptional service with a client-focused approach. “Who Represents You Matters.”

Unlock Wealth You Didn’t Know You Had with Eric P Wallace (Ep. 105)

Unlock Wealth You Didn’t Know You Had with Eric P Wallace (Ep. 105)

Are you leaving money on the table?

If you’re a high-net-worth family or business owner, hidden tax savings could add up to millions in your real estate or business. 

But how do you find them?

This week on Live Life Liberated, Derek Myron sits down with tax professional Eric P Wallace to talk about strategies that unlock significant financial opportunities. They cover everything from speeding up real estate depreciation with cost segregation to revisiting past expenses and finding missed deductions through Tangible Property Regulations (TPRs). 

If you’re looking for practical, powerful ways to maximize your wealth and fine-tune your financial plan, this release is worth a listen!

Talking points include:

  • Cost Segregation: Accelerate depreciation of real estate components to uncover immediate six- or seven-figure deductions
  • Tangible Property Regulations (TPRs): Reclaim missed deductions retroactively by scrubbing your depreciation schedule for improperly capitalized expenses
  • Change in Accounting Methods & Private Letter Rulings (PLRs): Unlock significant tax deferrals with IRS-approved adjustments, ideal for businesses generating $50M+ in revenue
  • Collaboration with CPAs: How niche specialists complement your existing CPA relationship to uncover hidden opportunities
  • Real-Life Success Stories: Learn how clients across industries—from construction to fast food—discovered millions in missed tax savings
  • And much more!

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A Better Way to Manage Your Wealth (Ep. 104)

A Better Way to Manage Your Wealth (Ep. 104)

How can high-net-worth families and business owners protect their wealth and maximize tax efficiency in today’s volatile markets?

This week on Live Life Liberated, Sean Clark, Partner at Centura Wealth Advisory, and Chris Osmond, Chief Investment Officer, unpack the impactful power of direct indexing. This personalized approach combines tax loss harvesting and tailored portfolios to deliver tax alpha, potentially adding 0.5%–2% annually to your returns.

Tune in as Sean and Chris explore how direct indexing could optimize taxable accounts, prepare you for significant liquidity events, and manage concentrated stock positions—all while aligning your portfolio with your unique values.

Talking points include:

  • How direct indexing allows you to own individual stocks that replicate an index, offering greater flexibility and tax optimization through Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs)
  • How tax alpha is created by leveraging tax loss harvesting to offset gains and income, particularly in volatile markets, adding a potential of 0.5%–2% annually to your portfolio returns
  • Why personalized portfolios can align with your values (e.g., excluding specific industries) while tailoring exposures to fit your unique financial goals
  • The best use cases for direct indexing include maximizing tax benefits in taxable accounts, preparing for liquidity events, and managing concentrated stock positions for executives
  • Why Centura Wealth Advisory partnered with Aperio, a BlackRock-backed leader, to provide institutional-grade customization, monthly tax harvesting, and cutting-edge algorithms
  • How direct indexing offers cost-efficiency, with fees comparable to ETFs (20 basis points), ensuring all added tax efficiency goes directly to you
  • And much more!

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How Trusts Can Protect Your Wealth (Ep. 103)

How Trusts Can Protect Your Wealth (Ep. 103)

With tax laws on the brink of change, how can high-net-worth families not only protect their wealth but maximize their tax efficiency? 

This week on Live Life Liberated, Kyle Malmstrom, Managing Director at Centura Wealth Advisory, and Adam Buchwalter, Partner at Wilson Elser, deliver a powerful, must-hear breakdown of the critical differences between grantor and non-grantor trusts—and how each could be a key tool to elevate and optimize your estate plan.

Tune in as they explore the potential impact of upcoming legislation on grantor trusts, revealing why right now is the perfect moment to take action and lock in benefits before it’s too late. 

Talking points include:

  • The difference between grantor trusts, where the grantor pays the taxes, and non-grantor trusts, which file their own returns and face higher tax rates
  • How grantor trusts help assets grow tax-efficiently, and how non-grantor trusts can lower state income taxes by being set up in low-tax states like Nevada or Delaware
  • Why proposed laws, like Senator Warren’s bill, could change the benefits of grantor trusts—and why it’s critical to act quickly
  • How states like New York and California tax trusts differently, and strategies to avoid high state taxes with proper trust planning
  • Why working with professionals is key to navigating the complex rules and keeping your wealth safe for the future
  • And much more!

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From Planning to Profit: The Centura Wealth Approach with Derek Myron and Sean Clark (Ep. 102)

From Planning to Profit: The Centura Wealth Approach with Derek Myron and Sean Clark (Ep. 102)

What does it take for ultra-high-net-worth families to turn their wealth into a lasting legacy?

At Centura Wealth Advisory, it all starts with a deep understanding of where our clients are being underserved.

Wealth strategists Derek Myron and Sean Clark examine how Centura’s service model is crafted for those with an income of $2 million and assets over $20 million. They discuss their approach to working with C-level executives and founder-led business owners, optimizing each financial strategy intentionally with their long-term goals.

From Centura’s unique Liberated Wealth Planning Process—aimed at delivering a 5X return on costs through tax mitigation and balance sheet optimization—to their ‘Goldilocks’ strategy that balances personalized care with exclusive alternative investment opportunities, they reveal how Centura builds trust and maximizes outcomes for its clients.

Talking points include:

  • Centura’s specialized approach to business owners based on their timelines for selling their companies
  • How the Liberated Wealth Process aims to provide exponential value through strategic tax and investment planning
  • The importance of transparency in Centura’s client engagement—from initial meetings to comprehensive reporting
  • The seamless integration of planning and investment strategies tailored to optimize estate and retirement accounts
  • The ‘Goldilocks’ firm philosophy—small enough for personalized services but large enough to access meaningful opportunities
  • And a closer look into how Centura prioritizes client needs to build long-term trust
  • And much more!

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The Leadership Approach Driving Centura’s Success with Krystal Puryear and Nicole Hubbs (Ep. 101)

The Leadership Approach Driving Centura’s Success with Krystal Puryear and Nicole Hubbs (Ep. 101)

What’s the secret to cultivating a workplace where people are empowered, engaged, and driven to succeed?

At Centura Wealth Advisory, it all starts with a commitment to core values and a leadership approach rooted in trust and open communication. 

Krystal Puryear, Director of People and Culture, and Nicole Hubbs, Talent Acquisition Specialist, share how Centura has built a thriving culture by focusing on transparency, excellence, integrity, passion, and respect.

From using Radical Candor to foster trust and autonomy to creating opportunities for employee growth and innovation, this conversation provides valuable insights for any business leader or HR professional looking to strengthen their organizational culture. 

Talking points include:

  • How Centura’s core values shape a thriving, engaging work environment
  • The power of Radical Candor and executive coaching in fostering leadership growth
  • How open communication and social events strengthen relationships and build trust within the team
  • The keys to identifying and hiring talent that aligns with company values and culture
  • Encouraging employee autonomy to foster innovation and a sense of ownership
  • The Diamond Team model’s role in enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career development
  • Upcoming team events and celebrations that reinforce employee engagement and appreciation
  • And more!

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Elevate Your Business Strategy: The Strategic Value of a Fractional CFO with Jonny Borok (Ep. 100)

Elevate Your Business Strategy: The Strategic Value of a Fractional CFO with Jonny Borok (Ep. 100)

Are you fully capitalizing on your business’s financial strategy? If not, you could be missing out on critical growth opportunities and tax savings.

Let’s celebrate 100 episodes of Live Life Liberated with a value-packed discussion! 🎉

This week, host Derek Myron interviews Jonny Borok, a highly experienced fractional CFO, about how these experts help business owners achieve their investment and estate planning goals with greater precision. 

Their conversation reveals the unique advantages of hiring a fractional CFO, the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration among advisory teams, and why a unified financial strategy is vital for sustained success.

Whether you’re steering a business with $5 million or more in revenue or seeking to fine-tune your financial approach, this release offers invaluable insights that could revolutionize your financial planning!

Talking points include:

  • The distinct advantages of a fractional CFO for strategic oversight and solving complex financial challenges
  • The enhanced insights a fractional CFO brings from working across multiple industries and clients
  • The crucial impact of effective collaboration between wealth managers, tax strategists, legal experts, and accountants
  • Identifying businesses that stand to benefit most from fractional CFO services, with a focus on strong accounting foundations
  • The essential role of accurate financial reporting in tax planning and how to establish reliable reporting systems
  • The pitfalls of working in silos and the need for continuous coordination among your advisory team
  • Practical guidance on when to consider a fractional CFO for improving financial reporting, cash flow, and tax strategy
  • And much more!

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About Our Guest:

Jonny Borok has over 25 years of experience as a CFO for primarily San Diego-based, privately held mid-market companies. He has had responsibility for the full range of accounting and finance functions including insurance and tax matters.

Unlock Hidden Tax Benefits: The Qualified Business Income Deduction with Greg Klipstein and Samantha Lawrence (Ep. 99)

Unlock Hidden Tax Benefits: The Qualified Business Income Deduction with Greg Klipstein and Samantha Lawrence (Ep. 99)

Could your business be missing out on thousands in tax savings right now?

In this episode of Live Life Liberated, Greg Klipstein and Samantha Lawrence uncover the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction — a powerful yet often overlooked tax benefit designed to help small businesses reduce their tax burden. Despite its potential, many business owners miss out on this opportunity due to inadequate planning or advisory support.

Whether you’re a small business owner or someone responsible for managing your company’s finances, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you optimize your tax strategy and keep more of your hard-earned money.

Talking points include:

  • Understanding the QBI deduction and its role in reducing tax burdens for small businesses
  • Common reasons why the QBI deduction is missed, including improper company structure and poor communication with advisory teams
  • The essential role of proactive and well-coordinated advisory teams in ensuring the deduction is utilized effectively
  • How to correct missed QBI deductions in current & prior tax years and the value of addressing these issues promptly
  • Broader implications of missing the QBI deduction, such as overlooked retirement planning opportunities and other tax-saving strategies
  • Evaluating whether it’s time to replace your advisory team to better manage complex financial needs
  • And more!

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Investing in Multifamily Real Estate with Rob Ireland (Ep. 98)

Investing in Multifamily Real Estate with Rob Ireland (Ep. 98)

Curious about why multifamily real estate stands out as a resilient and potentially lucrative investment?

Join Chris Osmond, CFA, CAIA®, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer at Centura Wealth Advisory, as he sits down with Rob Ireland, Managing Director at Continental Realty Assets (CRA). Together, they explore the impact of multifamily real estate, uncovering its multitude of benefits, strategic approaches, and current market trends. 

Learn how Centura’s strategic partnership with CRA is designed to deliver exceptional investment outcomes and redefine your wealth management strategy!

Talking points include: 

  • Reducing or deferring taxes through strategic investments
  • The consistency and tax advantages of multifamily real estate
  • The impact of the housing crisis and high financing costs on new housing
  • Long-term demand for multifamily housing due to supply constraints
  • The importance of alignment between Centura and investment partners
  • And more!

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Connect with Robert Ireland:

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About Our Guest:

Robert Ireland joined CRA in 2007 and served in various acquisition, research, and asset management roles until 2014 when he was appointed as CRA’s Director of Acquisitions. During his tenure at CRA, Robert has played a key role in identifying, negotiating, and closing more than $600MM in multifamily acquisitions across the country. As Director of Acquisitions, Robert is responsible for leading CRA’s acquisitions, due diligence, and research teams to identify markets that meet CRA’s investment criteria, uncover dislocations of value, conduct financial analysis, set accretive business plans, and negotiate and close transactions. Robert is also focused on building and fostering relationships with CRA’s various family offices and individual and institutional capital partners.

After graduating from Colorado State University in 2006 with a degree in Finance and Real Estate, Robert’s career has been focused on the multifamily industry, with experience in both brokerage and acquisitions. He resides in Denver with his wife and two sons and is an avid fly fisherman.