Own Your Wealth

Are you going through a divorce? Do you know someone who is going through a divorce? There are a lot things to think about during a divorce and there are some big mistakes people can make if they act out of emotion. Hear what Elizabeth Stephenson and Jason Deshayes have to say about navigating finances during a divorce. In this episode, you'll learn about: What does New Direction Family Law do? Managing Expenses During Divorce Getting a New Home after Divorce Figuring Out Income During a Divorce Business Owner Income During a Divorce Splitting Retirement Assets During a Divorce Dealing with the Marital Residence During a Divorce Dividing Property During a Divorce and more!   Connect with Elizabeth "I get to make people's lives better everyday" Elizabeth A. Stephenson, MSW - New Direction Family Law https://newdirectionfamilylaw.com/about/elizabeth-stephenson/ Get a Consultation with New Direction Family Law - https://newdirectionfamilylaw.com/ The Ex-It Strategy Podcast (Your No Bullsh$t Guide to Divorce) - https://newdirectionfamilylaw.com/podcasts/   Connect with Jason  LinkedIn Website Bio

Do you have aging parents and kids? This video is for you. It's the third video from our Sandwich Money series, where Mike and Sophie discuss financial considerations for adults who have aging parents while also caring for their own children. At the end, Mike asks "Is it more impactful for them [beneficiaries] to get a big lump sum after they've already gotten through those hurdles on their own?" This video is part 3 of a 3-part series called "Sandwich Money", where Sophie and Mike discuss financial advice for adults who are sandwiched between raising children and caring for aging parents. Part 1: Financial Advice for Young Parents Part 2: Financial Advice for Adults with Children in the Workforce Part 3: Financial Advice for Adults with Aging Parents   Topics in this episode include: What do people with aging parents face financially? Planning for long-term care Why is it important to talk to your parents about their estate plan? How can I bring up the estate plan talk with my parents? Who do you decide who to make the executor of your will? the POA? How do you set up a will without stress? Have you ever had an executor challenge their parents? When's the right time to talk to your parents about their estate plan? Bonus time: Retirees, how can you make sure your kids are comfortable and ok? Retirees taking families on trips vs giving a lump sum inheritance   Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: Sophie Howell Cook Wealth Bio: Sophie Howell Connect with Mike LinkedIn: Michael Holloway, CFP® Cook Wealth Bio: Mike Holloway

Are your kids starting new jobs? Graduating college soon? Getting promoted? Do they listen to you? Do you wish there was a mutual third party to help set them up for financial success? This video is part 2 of a 3 part series called "Sandwich Money", where Sophie and Mike discuss financial advice for adults who are sandwiched between raising children and caring for aging parents. Part 1: Financial Advice for Young Parents Part 2: Financial Advice for Parents of Adult Children Part 3: Financial Advice for Adults with Aging Parents Topics in this episode include Financial milestones for young adults What should people consider with their first job offer? Story: max your match, not max your contribution Getting an unbiased third party for financial advice Uncomfortable family conversations about money Quality time instead of financial logistics and numbers How do you introduce your young adult to a financial advisor? What changes financially when you become an empty nester? If you have multiple kids, who do you want to name as the executor? A health scare that ended up positively Cautionary tale: Have written agreements Approaching the Estate conversation with your adult children Ideal sequence of financial conversations for your adult children with an advisory team What happens if you can't think of someone to be the executor of your will? What's the scope of a corporate trust? When do lawyers get involved? Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: Sophie Howell Cook Wealth Bio: Sophie Howell Connect with Mike LinkedIn: Michael Holloway, CFP® Cook Wealth Bio: Mike Holloway

Parenting is hard! Mike eases the burden a bit with some tips about money for parents with children college age and younger. This video is part 1 of a 3-part series called "Sandwich Money", where Sophie and Mike discuss financial advice for adults who are sandwiched between raising children and caring for aging parents. Part 1: Financial Advice for Young Parents Part 2: Financial Advice for Adults with Children in the Workforce Part 3: Financial Advice for Adults with Aging Parents Topics in this episode include: Why is money an important topic for parents with young children? What does it mean for a kid to be financially literate? When is the right time to talk to kids about money? How do you explain the relationship between work and money to kids? How do you make learning about money fun for kids? How can we help children understand the value of money when it's digital? How to teach kids about saving money. When should you talk to your child about credit cards and credit debt? How can I teach my child about investing money? How can an advisor help parents with young kids? What's the difference between trust and a will? What's the going rate for allowance? Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: Sophie Howell Cook Wealth Bio: Sophie Howell Connect with Mike LinkedIn: Michael Holloway, CFP® Cook Wealth Bio: Mike Holloway

Why is talking about money with your family so taboo? How can we take some of the awkwardness out of talking about money? Is it important to discuss your estate plan with your children? How much money transparency is too much? Hear what Jason Deshayes, COO and Partner, and Sophie Howell, CXO, have to say about why talking about money can be so funny.   Listen now to learn: How do different generations approach money differently? How can you set good money habits in your family? How can you contextualize money for small children? How do you bring up the estate planning conversation with your children? Connect with Jason LinkedIn: Jason Deshayes Cook Wealth Bio: Jason Deshayes Connect with Sophie Howell LinkedIn: Sophie Howell Cook Wealth Bio: Sophie Howell

What is the Cook Wealth Experience Team? What is a Chief Experience Officer? How do these things help us deliver the best client and employee experience possible? Learn how the idea of the Experience Team at Cook Wealth, LLC came to be. Jason Deshayes hosts Sophie Howell on the latest episode of the Own Your Wealth Podcast.   Listen now to learn: What does a Chief Experience Officer do? Who is on the experience team? Where did the idea for the experience team come from? Connect with Jason LinkedIn: Jason Deshayes Cook Wealth Bio: Jason Deshayes Connect with Sophie Howell LinkedIn: Sophie Howell Cook Wealth Bio: Sophie Howell

What is Cook Wealth doing to serve clients better? How are we making sure we can serve the needs of our clients AND making sure we keep top talent on our team as we grow? Historically, the wealth management model has centered around one advisor serving one client. What happens if the advisor leaves the company? What happens if the advisor goes on vacation? How do people get training to become wealth advisors? At Cook Wealth, our Advice Team models include a Senior Advisor, an Associate Advisor, a Planner, and a Client Services Associate. This model allows for growth within roles. It also ensures clients have zero gaps in service and their needs are served efficiently. Listen now to learn: What are Advice Team Roles? What does each role do? How do Advice Teams ensure I have the best service? What is Cook Wealth working on next? Connect with Dave:  LinkedIn: Dave McDougall Cook Wealth: Dave McDougall Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth Cook Wealth Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

We get it—the decision to change financial advisors or CPAs isn’t an easy one. But if you’re struggling to reach your advisor, don’t see eye-to-eye on risk or investment strategies, or are ready for a deeper level of support, this awkward conversation can be a necessary one.  In this episode, host Jason and special guest Dave McDougall, CFP® offer simple advice for smoothing out the transition process from one firm to another. From bringing up the conversation with your advisor, to walking out with the right paperwork, if you’re considering making a switch, this timely discussion will help you navigate the “breakup” process—without triggering an unexpected tax bill.  Listen now to learn: Why the courtesy of a heads-up goes a long way Key questions to ask before you sign with a new advisor How to transfer your funds without locking in capital gains taxes The most important paperwork to request before you leave And more Connect with Dave:  LinkedIn: Dave McDougall Cook Wealth: Dave McDougall Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

No one wants to overpay on their taxes. But if you’re not reviewing the biggest annual tax changes with your CPA or tax advisor, and adjusting your savings, contributions, and spending accordingly, you may be leaving significant savings on the table.  In this episode of Own Your Wealth, host Jason sits down with Zach Carver, CPA, CFP® to review the key tax code changes we’re watching in 2024. From new 401K contribution limits and sunsetting tax cuts, to fewer business expense deductions, this strategic conversation is a can’t-miss for high-earners and business owners.  Listen now for: What’s changing in 2024 How to improve the accuracy of your tax planning—and reduce your year-end payment Tax-smart ways to lower your bill, even after January 1st Why automatic contributions may be costing you And more Connect with Zach Carver CPA, CFP®: Zach Carver Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

Niching down—choosing a specialty and focusing your efforts around it—can help a business grow faster, develop better services, and provide greater value to the customers it serves. But for entrepreneurs, the decision to find your niche, and stay committed to it, isn’t always an easy one.  In this episode of Own Your Wealth, host Jason Deshayes is joined by Chris Hervochon, CPA, CVA, and owner of Better Way CPA, an accounting firm that serves creative agencies. Chris shares his experience with narrowing his focus and how choosing a niche helped his company achieve accelerated growth.  Whether you own a business—or you’re considering launching one—listen now to learn: Why finding your niche is rewarding, financially and professionally Chris’ own journey to specialization, and the profound impact that decision had on his CPA firm How niching down increases the value of your offering Tips for overcoming the mental barriers that keep entrepreneurs from finding their niche And more Connect with Chris Hervochon: LinkedIn: Chris Hervochon Website: BetterWayCPA.com Twitter: ChrisHervochon Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

The transition from working for a dental practice to owning your own practice is a complicated one. One day you’re solely focused on serving patients. Then the next, you have a growing team, cash flow, and fully-fledged business to manage—on top of your patient load. As host Jason puts it, “Business ownership is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure.” In this episode of Own Your Wealth, host Jason sits down with Dr. Jeff Brenner, the owner of a successful and growing dental practice, and a long-time Cook Wealth advising client. In this behind-the-scenes look at practice ownership, they discuss why many owners struggle with managing cash flow, the value of seeking professional advice, and what they don’t teach you about ownership in dental school.  Listen now to learn: How Dr. Brenner navigated his transition to ownership Why your practice is only as strong as your team How to effectively manage your revenue throughout changing business cycles The role of professional guidance in decision-making and thriving through change And more Dr. Jeff Brenner is a current client of Cook Wealth and was not compensated for his participation. Resources: Owning Your Own Dental Practice: Future-Smart Strategies That Won’t Come Back to Bite You, With Robert H. Montgomery, III (Ep. 8) Connect with Jeff Brenner: LinkedIn: Jeffrey L. Brenner Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

Giving generously—on Giving Tuesday and all year long—is one of the best ways to expand your impact, support the causes you care about, and create a legacy that lasts. And it goes far beyond dollars and cents.  In this episode of Own Your Wealth, host Jason is joined by Cook Wealth Planner, Jake Rudy. In this intentional conversation, they talk about cultivating generosity early in life, even when you don’t have much to give, leveraging your time and talents, and exploring tax-advantaged giving tools.  Listen now to learn: How the three categories of giving work together to build a generous life Why generosity is worth planning for The role Donor-Advised Funds and Qualified Charitable Distributions play in tax-advantaged giving How Jason and Jake have seen, firsthand, the impact charitable giving has on family, communities, and our corner of the world And more Connect with Jake Rudy: LinkedIn: Jake Rudy Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

The single biggest determinant of when you can retire comfortably isn’t stock prices, investment returns, or inflation. It’s your savings rate. A few small and simple adjustments to how much you save, where you save it, and your overall spending habits can have a significant impact on your retirement timeline.  In this episode of Own Your Wealth, host Jason Deshayes and special guest Mike Holloway, CFP® unpack the biggest factors that can benefit—or slow—your retirement savings growth, like market uncertainty, healthcare costs, and the savings tools you leverage along the way.  Listen now to learn: How your family situation, health status, and spending habits impact your retirement needs Why diversifying your savings and investment strategies can protect you from down markets The importance of taking Social Security at the right age Why timing the market is a losing game And more Resources: Social Security Handbook Health Spending Account Connect with Michael Holloway:  LinkedIn: Michael Holloway Connect with Jason Deshayes:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Call: 919-784-9100

Equity compensation is becoming an increasingly popular way for employers to reward and retain their top talent. But as enticing as this benefit sounds, it’s one of the most complicated and misunderstood forms of compensation—often triggering a tax bill employees aren’t prepared to cover.  In this episode, host Jason and special guest Mike Holloway, CFP® explain the differences between incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, and the tax implications of each. Because only when you understand how to make the most of your equity compensation can you truly ‘Own Your Wealth.’  Listen now to learn: How each equity compensation type differs The tax implications of each form of equity compensation Why an 83B election is often one of the best ways to enjoy significant future tax savings When to meet with a financial advisor, so you have ample time to weigh your options And more Connect with Michael Holloway: LinkedIn: Michael Holloway Cook Wealth: Michael Holloway Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

If you’ve been ‘ghosted’ by your CPA, you’re not alone. The accounting industry is undergoing significant changes. Big tech is snapping up CPAs left and right, early retirement is becoming the new norm, and for the CPAs that are left, uninviting work environments and gruelling hours at traditional firms make it hard for these professionals to meet every client’s needs—or return your calls.  In this episode of Own Your Wealth, host Jason reveals the real reasons why a traditional CPA may not be your best choice for proactive, comprehensive tax planning support, especially if you have a high income or complex tax needs.  Listen now to learn: Why traditional CPAs prioritize compliance over careful planning Practical advice for individuals and businesses looking for a new CPA The best time of year to start your CPA search How Cook Wealth’s CPAs approach tax planning and optimization And more Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

When it comes to managing your money, the smallest decisions can have the biggest impact on your long-term financial health. Small choices, like reaching for your debit card first, making a monthly spending plan, and defining exactly what ‘enough’ means to your family can add up to quite a bit of added savings—without significantly impacting your lifestyle.  In the last episode of our 5-part Uses of Money series, Jason talks about the intentional spending choices each of us can make to enjoy what we have now while securing a comfortable future. From smart spending plans to using credit cards responsibly, Jason explains how the right plan and tools can help your family live life empowered.  Listen now to learn:  The power of micro-money choices Why spending is one of your most crucial lifestyle tools What ‘enough’ looks like as your income increases How budget tracking apps can help your family use credit cards to your advantage And more Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

The first step towards growing your wealth is a fairly straightforward one: Establish an adequate emergency fund. But it’s the steps to follow that can make managing and increasing your wealth complicated. Intentionally building your wealth requires careful financial planning and smart tax strategies—skills that may not come naturally to everyday savers.   From putting all your savings in one risky basket, to keeping too much cash on hand, in this episode, Jason reveals a few surprising truths about maximizing the growth potential in every dollar.  Listen now to learn: Why your emergency fund may not look like your neighbor’s How excess cash can limit your wealth growth 3 tax-smart options to build your savings The role your financial advisor plays in optimizing your portfolio Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

At first glance, debt and taxes may seem like two of the least empowering uses of money. After all, both functions can get in the way of your financial plan, if you’re not careful. But what if our understanding of debt and taxes is built on a handful of misconceptions?  In this episode of Own Your Wealth, host Jason and special guest Zach Carver, CPA, CFP®, discuss the good, the bad, and the timely aspects of owing money. From timing your taxes to optimize your savings, to differentiating between good and bad debt, this conversation offers actionable insights worth considering today.  Listen now for: ‘Good debt’ vs. ‘bad debt’—and why good debt can sour The advantages of minimizing your tax return How timing your expenses can positively impact your taxes When reducing your taxes can come back to bite you And more Connect with Zach Carver CPA, CFP®: Zach Carver Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

Ever wondered how to make a real impact with your money? It's not just about saving or spending but also about giving back to your community in a meaningful way. When you hear the word “generosity,” what comes to mind? Most people equate generosity with financial giving. But in practice, the true essence of generosity goes far beyond money—encompassing your time, talent, and treasures.  In this episode, host Jason and special guest Richard Newton, the Regional Director of the National Christian Foundation’s Carolinas office, take a closer look at what it means to “do good with what we have.” From simple first steps any new giver can take, to advanced strategies for generous business owners and high-income individuals, this conversation underscores the transformational power of generous living. Listen now for: Smart ways to systematize your giving with a donor-advised fund How to increase the intentionality and impact of large gifts Why non-cash assets can be just as valuable as cash donations The tax advantages of strategic giving And more Connect with Richard: LinkedIn: Richard Newton National Christian Foundation Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

Every person has the opportunity to put their wealth towards 5 key things: Living, growing, giving, owing, and taxes. You can think of these 5 uses as forming your own ‘money pie’—one you can slice any way you like, as you allocate more or less funds to each area. The first step towards making your finances work for you is being intentional about how you slice the pie, and which financial habits you prioritize. Because how you spend your money, in many ways, is how you spend your life. In this episode, Jason covers: The role each money function plays in your financial plan How to re-slice your ‘money pie’  The one slice many people struggle to control Managing good, bad, and ‘okay’ debt Why charitable giving is different from generosity And more Resources: Linkedin: Cook Wealth  Cook Wealth  Pie Chart from Certified Kingdom AdvisorsⓇ Connect with Jason:  Linkedin: Jason Deshayes