Vital Strategies

014 | Strategic Tax Planning, Cashflow Management, and Effective Wealth-Building: Listener Q&A

Securing long-term financial freedom requires careful consideration of cashflow and making calculated investments without jeopardizing business growth. Entrepreneurs must conduct their due diligence by implementing tax strategies, maximizing retirement plans and deductions, and should always consult with professionals to navigate the complexities of financial management successfully.  
In this episode, you’ll also hear: 
Leveraging family business tax benefits and deductions   
Drawbacks of getting your taxable income to zero 
Proactive vs. reactive approach to taxes   
Real estate investing, automation, and maintaining liquidity  
Suggestion for working with financial professionals  
 
Must-listen moments:  
[00:06:30] If your CPA is over their head with your tax strategy, that's not uncommon. Oftentimes, CPAs, we need to understand that their business model is really just getting the tax return to the IRS in a way that is compliant. 
[00:14:43] The QBI deduction, the qualified business income deduction, is the lesser of two numbers, it's the lesser of 50% of your wages or 20% of net income. When you're one of the only employees, or if you've got a small number of employees, you can start changing your, your wage and every dollar in wage brings the net income number down. 
[00:28:25] Automation makes all the sense in the world. One of the reasons the 401k for the traditional employee has worked so well is the dollars never hit their bank account. The money comes straight out of their paycheck, goes into the 401k, gets invested, and then they hit retirement with a million, 2 million in their investment account. 
 
If you’re focused on paying less tax and building more wealth, so you can live a great life, fill out a short survey at www.vitalstrategies.com/client to explore working together.  
Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources  
Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies 
Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies   
Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast  
Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/  
 
Credits: 
Sponsored by Vital Wealth 
Music by Cephas 
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 
 
 

013 | Creating Lasting Wealth - Beyond Entrepreneurial Myths and Real Estate Hype

There are 3 key components to building real, sustainable wealth, and they aren’t as effortless as the fun, flashy, or as easy as online gurus make it seem.  
One of those keys is owning a profitable online business. However, while entrepreneurship CAN create wealth, it comes with several cautionary tales.  With a lens on the tough road to business ownership, we discuss the essential qualities for success—having a solid 'why,' controlling impulses, and fostering innovation. 
To create long-lasting wealth, your choice in investments is key. Strap in as we divulge the ins and outs of growing a hefty real estate portfolio, where my partner in life and business, Julie, became the linchpin of our operation. We'll navigate the complexities of financial leverage, the unsung heroes that are tenants, and the surprising benefits of amortization and depreciation. 
In this episode, you’ll also hear: 
The 3 keys to building wealth 
3 key traits of successful business owners   
The pros and cons to entrepreneurship 
Advice for building liquidity into your portfolio 
My personal journey to becoming a real estate investor 
 
Must-listen moments:  
[00:01:32] If you want to keep growing, you must constantly be doing new, hard things that will challenge you. 
[00:04:47] You need to be dialed into the marketing and sales with an offering to the marketplace that delivers tremendous value. The more you can spread the word and deliver on your value proposition, the more buyers will find their way to you. 
[00:08:35] A good rule of thumb to strive for is to build liquid assets in portfolio wealth equal to one year of income before you start putting money into illiquid assets like real estate and other business opportunities. 
 
If you’re focused on paying less tax and building more wealth so you can live a great life, fill out a short survey at www.vitalstrategies.com/client to explore working together.  
Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources.  
Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies 
Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies   
Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast  
Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/  
 
Credits:
Sponsored by Vital Wealth
Music by Cephas
Audio, video, and show notes produced by www.podcastabundace.com
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien
 
 

012 | How to Optimize Your Investment Portfolio with Kevin Smith

Liquidity, market shifts, and risk return —what do they mean for your investment portfolio? Get the answers today!
On the latest Vital Strategies Podcast episode, host Patrick Lonergan welcomes Kevin Smith, CFA, for a deep dive into building a resilient investment portfolio. Kevin brings his top-tier industry expertise to discuss liquidity, time frames, tax implications, and risk management. The conversation explores the positives and negatives of various investment opportunities, emphasizing the importance of strategic portfolio structuring for favorable outcomes.
Kevin’s wealth of experience provides listeners with a deeper understanding of investment portfolio design and risk considerations. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights that can positively impact your financial decisions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your approach to investments.
Key takeaways:
Strategic Portfolio Structuring
Proactive Corrections Navigation
Turning Securities into Cash
Resources:
2024 Planning Resources
Read the Transcript
Submit questions to the podcast
Credits:
Sponsored by Vital Wealth
Music by Cephas
Produced by BrightBell Creative
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

011 | The Captive Insurance Advantage: How to Own an Insurance Company with Chad Spitzer

Captive insurance is a cutting-edge strategy that could change the way you protect your business.
In this episode, we explore the versatility of captive insurance for asset protection and business security. Discussing its ideal applications; IRS compliance and how captive insurance could lead to substantial savings for your business.
Joining us for this discussion is Level 3 tax expert, Chad Spitzer. Chad specializes in developing captive insurance solutions to safeguard businesses. In today’s episode, Chad provides practical examples and red flags to navigate, making it an essential listen for those seeking advanced strategies to fortify their financial stability.
Key Takeaways:
Ideal candidates and business scenarios for captive insurance.
Practical examples of captive insurance applications.
IRS scrutiny and compliance.
Resources:
2024 Planning Resources
Read the Transcript
Submit questions to the podcast
Credits:
Sponsored by Vital Wealth
Music by Cephas
Produced by BrightBell Creative
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

010 | Level 3 Tax Planning: Secrets to Tax Optimization and How to be Compliant with the IRS

Considering advanced tax planning but unsure about the benefits and pitfalls? We've got the answers you need.
In this episode, host Patrick Lonergan, navigates the complexities of Level 3 tax strategies, where creativity meets a fair amount of risk. While these strategies undergo close scrutiny from the IRS, we provide insights into how the right approach can ensure compliance and unlock substantial benefits. We take a look into taxes from the government's perspective, offering a deeper understanding of compliancy, and pack the episode with real-world examples and essential considerations for a proper setup. 
Join us, as we explore Level 3 Tax Planning, providing a roadmap for tax optimization while staying compliant with the IRS. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or an individual looking to enhance your financial tactics, this discussion is packed with actionable strategies that can transform your approach to tax planning.
Key Takeaways:
Unpacking Level 3 Strategies
IRS Compliance Insights
Benefits vs. Risks
Resources:
2024 Planning Resources
Read the Transcript
Submit questions to the podcast
Credits:
Sponsored by Vital Wealth
Music by Cephas
Produced by BrightBell Creative
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

009 | How to Maximize Value When You Sell Your Businesses with David Barnett

When planning to sell your business, having a strategic exit plan in place is crucial to ensure a successful transition.
Join podcast host Patrick Lonergan along with business exit-plan expert David Barnett as they guide you through the process of buying and selling businesses.
With over 25 years of experience, David shares unique insights to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of selling their businesses.
This episode explores the details of typical exit strategies with real-world examples and practical tips.
You’ll discover the art of structuring a deal that benefits both sellers and buyers, along with advice on post-closing payments for a seamless transition.
Key Takeaways:
Strategic Deal Structuring for Mutual Benefit
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Transition Planning
Tune in now to strategize your business exit and set the stage for future success!
Resources:
David C Barnett
2024 Planning Resources
Read the Transcript
Submit questions to the podcast
Credits:
Sponsored by Vital Wealth
Music by Cephas
Produced by BrightBell Creative
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien
 
 

008 | Planning for Success: A Roadmap to Your Best Year Yet

Let’s make 2024 your best year yet!
In this episode, podcast host Patrick Lonergan digs into key strategies to ensure you are set on course for success in the new year.
Learn the importance of working on the business, not just in it, developing a long-term success strategy, identifying limiting beliefs, setting goals, establishing primary objectives, and crafting a compelling vision.
Packed with resources and tools, this episode provides a roadmap for listeners to navigate towards their most successful year.
Key takeaways:
Develop a robust strategy for long-term success
Set clear and achievable goals for personal and professional growth
Access a wealth of resources and tools to support your journey
Resources:
2024 Planning Resources
Read the Transcript
Submit questions to the podcast
Credits:
Sponsored by Vital Wealth
Music by Cephas
Produced by BrightBell Creative
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien
 
 

007 | Utilizing Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) to Maximum Benefit with Brad Ethridge

Ever thought about how successful entrepreneurs prepare for selling or transitioning their businesses? Today, we're discussing the benefits of selling to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with podcast host, Patrick Lonergan and seasoned business professional, Brad Ethridge.
Brad Ethridge is well known in the business landscape with a career spanning back to 1985. With experience in individual financial planning, leading international sales and marketing, and launching several successful businesses, including multiple Insurance Marketing Organizations (IMOs), Brad's entrepreneurial prowess is unparalleled. He is recognized for his expertise in Business Exit Strategies, particularly with a focus on ESOPs. Brad's dedication lies in structuring ESOPs aggressively in the best interest of the owner.
In this conversation, Patrick and Brad unravel the intricacies of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and the art of crafting effective exit strategies for business owners.
Key takeaways:
Strategic exit options
Tax benefits of ESOPs
Employee involvement and retention
Resources:
Read the Transcript
Submit questions to the podcast
GET THE FIVE MINUTE TAX MAKEOVER
Credits:
Sponsored by Vital Wealth
Music by Cephas
Produced by BrightBell Creative
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien
 

006 | Business Owner Retirement Plans: A Deep Dive into Level 2 Tax Planning with Bruce Gendein

Have you ever wondered how a Cash Balance Plan can help reduce your tax burden while supercharging your retirement savings?
In this episode of the Vital Strategies podcast, we welcome Bruce Gendein, an expert in maximizing retirement plans for business owners. Bruce's decades of experience in level 2 tax planning shine through as he explores the flexibility of Cash Balance Plans.
In our conversation, Bruce provides innovative solutions for business owners, aiming to both minimize tax liabilities and build wealth efficiently. This episode is a valuable resource for business owners and those interested in tax-efficient financial planning, offering insights that could potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes.
Key Takeaways:
Utilizing a cash balance plan
Running calculations to demonstrate the workings of cash balance plans
Asset protection
Reaching the maximum benefits within a plan
Resources:
Read the Transcript
Submit questions to the podcast
GET THE FIVE MINUTE TAX MAKEOVER
Credits:
Sponsored by Vital Wealth
Music by Cephas
Produced by BrightBell Creative
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

005 | $10,000.00 Tax Savings Challenge

Don't miss out on the limited-time opportunity to save $10,000.00 by accessing our exclusive free resources at 5minutetaxmakeover.com.
In this episode of the Vital Strategies Podcast, your host, Patrick Lonergan, announces a time-sensitive opportunity for listeners to save $10,000.00 in taxes. Covering topics like home office deductions and short-term rentals, adding your family on the payroll and fringe benefits, Lonergan not only highlights key deductions but also guides listeners on proper implementation.
Additionally, he introduces the REACH acronym for living a great life, breaking down strategies beyond finances. Tune in before the year-end deadline for practical insights and financial strategy.
COMPLETE THIS CHALLENGE BY DEC.31st, 2023 TO SAVE UP TO $10,000.00 OR MORE!!!
Key Takeaways:
Save big with our free resources
REACH for a great life
Maximize your deductions effectively
Resources:
Read the Transcript
Submit questions to the podcast
GET THE FIVE MINUTE TAX MAKEOVER
Credits:
Sponsored by Vital Wealth
Music by Cephas
Produced by BrightBell Creative
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien