SYM Financial Advisors Podcast

In this episode of Executive Decisions, guest hosted by Seth Whicker, guest Tim Early, CEO of DreamOn Group, shares his insightful journey from an early career decision to move from New York to Florida, leading to a pivotal role in the medical device industry with Cordis Corporation. Tim reflects on his educational transitions, notably from West Point to Rochester Institute of Technology, and his shift from accounting to packaging engineering, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's strengths with career choices. The episode delves into Tim's experiences with changing industry regulations and the challenges they presented, highlighting his adaptability and growth in various roles, including quality engineering at companies like CR Bard Corporation and Johnson & Johnson. Tim discusses the nuances of different corporate cultures, and the significance of effective communication and diverse skill sets in executive leadership. The narrative also touches on his venture into entrepreneurship, offering valuable lessons on risk-taking, resilience, and the critical balance of opportunity and decision-making in an executive's journey. About our guest, Tim Early: Tim Early, the CEO of DreamOn Group is known by many as the Founder and former CEO of Network Partners Group and a visionary in the life sciences industry. Tim brings with him a rich history of innovation, evidenced by his contributions to medical technology and packaging. He holds patents for advancements in laparoscopic packaging. His leadership in companies like Network Partners, Zimmer, and Johnson & Johnson has centered around building teams of passionate professionals and developing solutions that emphasize client and colleague needs. With a Master's in Packaging from RIT, Tim continues to shape the industry with forward-thinking approaches and a commitment to excellence. Summary and highlights from the show: • Early Career Decisions: Tim Early shares his journey of moving from New York to Florida without a job and how he seized an opportunity in the medical device industry with Cordis Corporation, reflecting the importance of adaptability and initiative in leadership. • Educational Shift and Career Relevance: Discussing his transition from West Point to Rochester Institute of Technology, Tim highlights the significance of recognizing one's strengths and interests, as he shifted from accounting to packaging engineering. • On-the-Job Learning and Growth: Tim talks about his early career experiences in medical device packaging, emphasizing the value of learning on the job and adapting to roles beyond formal education, a key skill for successful executive leadership. • Facing Industry Regulations and Challenges: Tim's experience with FDA regulations at Cordis Corporation illustrates the importance of compliance and adaptability in executive roles, especially when navigating changing industry standards. • Career Development at CR Bard Corporation and Johnson & Johnson: Tim recounts his roles at these companies, focusing on the impact of corporate culture on his professional growth. His experiences underline the importance of aligning with a company's culture and values for effective leadership. • Quality Engineering and Interdisciplinary Skills: Tim's transition from packaging to quality engineering demonstrates the need for executives to possess diverse skill sets and the ability to handle various aspects of a business. • Leadership and Communication Skills: Discussing his role at Johnson & Johnson, Tim emphasizes the importance of effective communication with both peers and executives, a crucial skill for leadership, especially when delivering challenging news. • Insights on Corporate Culture: Reflecting on his time at different companies, Tim shares insights into various corporate cultures (technology-driven, sales and marketing-driven, financially-driven) and how understanding these cultures is vital for effective leadership and decision-making. • Professional Risks and Learning from Mistakes: Tim's story of starting ISO Pack and the challenges faced provides insights into risk-taking and learning from failures, highlighting resilience as a key attribute of executive leadership. • Final Reflections on Career and Leadership: In his closing remarks, Tim reflects on his career, emphasizing the importance of understanding the full breadth of business operations and the challenges of transitioning from a corporate executive to a business owner. He also shares his regret of not starting his entrepreneurial venture earlier, illustrating the balance of risk and opportunity in executive decision-making. Connect with Tim Early: Email LinkedIn About SYM Financial Advisors and the Executive Decisions Podcast: Executive Decisions is a podcast designed for current and aspiring business leaders, offering an in-depth look at the evolving nature of executive roles. Hosted by SYM Financial Advisors Principal and Senior Financial Advisor Sarah Delahanty, the show delves into the personal and professional journeys of its guests, exploring the challenges they've overcome and the learning experiences that have shaped their paths to success. The podcast provides insights into how executives manage the increasing complexity of both their professional and personal lives. Featuring a range of guests from diverse industries, each episode aims to enlighten listeners on the continuous state of learning and adaptation necessary for effective leadership. Whether discussing career progression, leadership strategies, or personal growth, Executive Decisions is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of executive leadership. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

We live longer but our capacity is diminishing and in practical care giving it's not always clear who is making the decisions from day-to-day. As a financial advisor, I work with clients everyday who live in the gray space with their loved ones. This is the messy middle, where caring for those who are perfectly capable one day but then slowly diminishing the next is a confounding effort. I am always encountering professionals who enlighten me to better ways to navigate what I call the scary "C"s, caregiving, confusion, chaos, and capacity. – Michelle Hipskind, CFP® In this insightful episode of EmpowHER, host Michelle Hipskind welcomes Leslie Friedel, CEO of Stillwater Hospice, for an engaging conversation on how palliative care and grief support can help bring dignity, clarity, and legitimacy to this messy middle. About our guest, Leslie Friedel: With more than 16 years of experience in nonprofit healthcare leadership, Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. She holds a bachelor's and master's in social work from the University of Saint Francis and Indiana University, respectively. A licensed health facility administrator and social worker, Leslie is deeply involved in the community, serving as board chair of the Indiana University Fort Wayne School of Medicine, treasurer of the Indiana Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and secretary of the Alliance for Human Services. Join us as Leslie shares her passion for healthcare innovation and her commitment to serving the 12-county region in northeast Indiana through Stillwater Hospice's vital services. Summary and highlights from the show: • Understanding Palliative Care: The podcast highlights the benefits of palliative care, focusing on patients with life-limiting illnesses or chronic conditions, and how it can help improve decision-making and quality of life. • Challenges for Caregivers: Discussion on the difficulties faced by caregivers, often women, who balance personal responsibilities with the demands of caring for someone with a life-limiting illness. • Navigating Legal and Healthcare Decisions: The conversation examines the complexities of legal tools like power of attorney and healthcare directives, especially in the "gray area" when a patient's capacity is diminished but not entirely lost. • Role of Competency and Autonomy in Healthcare Decisions: An exploration of the balance between respecting a patient's autonomy and assessing competency in making healthcare decisions. • Anticipatory Grief: Leslie explains anticipatory grief, experienced by caregivers and loved ones prior to the actual loss, encompassing various emotions and decision-making pressures. • Importance of Early Conversations and Planning: The discussion emphasizes the necessity of having early and open conversations about end-of-life wishes and advanced directives to ease decision-making during critical times. • Managing Financial and Legal Aspects: There is an acknowledgment of the challenges in handling finances and legal matters, like selling a property or accessing resources, during palliative care situations. • Finding Support and Building a Supportive Community: The importance of creating a support system comprising professionals, support groups, and other caregivers to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of palliative care. • Conclusion and Resources: The episode concludes with an encouragement for listeners to engage in proactive planning and conversation about end-of-life care and provides resources for further information and support. Connect with Leslie Friedel: Phone (260)435-3222 LinkedIn Website About SYM Financial and EmpowHER Podcast: The EmpowHER Podcast is a platform for women to come together to gain financial insight and strategies with a tribe of brilliant women. This show is brought to you by Financial Advisor Michelle Hipskind, CFP ®. Michelle educates on the many important aspects of financial planning and brings in additional professionals that provide advice in their areas of expertise, giving listeners access to the appropriate professionals that can help solve the problems many women face. In-person events are held in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. In addition to the podcast, local events, webinars, and blogs are available for all women who want to be part of the EmpowHER community. Email Michelle at mhipskind@sym.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Gordon Bell is the Founder and CEO of The Midland Group, a business advisory firm based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Founded in 1991, The Midland Group has advised clients - both national and international with revenues ranging from $10 million to $5 billion - across a range of industries: manufacturing, distribution, service, and retail. The Midland Group, along with its strategic alliance partners, offers advisory services in Leadership Development, Succession Contingency Planning, Sales and Marketing, Business Development, Operational Excellence, Corporate Development, Mergers and Acquisition, Development of Multiple Exit Options, and Sell Side Preparedness / Sell Side Processes. Gordon has identified a holistic approach to help his clients build their business and prepare to exit gracefully. Midland's Advanced Value Enhancement Solutions is a program that guides clients in building, growing, and finishing strong. This forward-thinking approach has advised numerous business owners and corporate leaders to maximize their shareholder value at an accelerated rate; minimize business risk; and achieve personal, financial, and business goals. Whether it is a young business looking for growth, or established companies looking toward the future., Gordon starts by asking his clients three questions: What's your Vision? Your mission? Where are you in your journey? His approach is unique because of its accelerated focus, using 90-day plans to address both immediate and future goals, as well as proven successful development of strong leadership teams, both internally or by recruitment, Seth welcomes Gordon to the podcast to discuss his journey to becoming CEO of the Midland Group. Gordon explains that he developed a passion for serving others from a young age. He talks about his experience owning an import/export business and doing corporate development work. Gordon also discusses the various consulting services he now provides to business owners, including exit planning, leadership development, and succession planning. "Just build your best team. You build your best team, and they're a part of taking the risk with you, you're going to have a better plan. If you do that, then you're gonna have predictable financials." - Gordon Bell This week on The Owner's Corner: Leadership, entrepreneurship, and consulting experiences. Exit strategies for business owners with a focus on preparation and communication. Business planning and strategy. Leadership, collaboration, and succession planning in business. Exit planning for businesses and families. Business valuation and sale strategies. Business transactions, legal advice, and exit planning. Financial planning and exit strategies for business owners. Our Favorite Quotes: "It's the due diligence that you're collecting, whether you're on the buy side, or the sell side. How can you use that information to have a successful close? No, a successful first 90 days. How do you use that information? Because most transactions fail a year from now." - Gordon Bell "Once you've discovered what's inside the soul, you discover what their journey is going to be." - Seth Whicker "What's that mission that you've got? Where are you in the journey to accomplish that? And if I can understand and capture that, then I go through a seven step process. But if I jump to the process, I haven't captured their dreams, their heart aches, hurts. Because that's what you're trying to get at." - Gordon Bell Connect with Gordon Bell: Email: gbell@themidlandgroup.net Website: https://www.themidlandgroup.net About SYM Financial and The Owner's Corner Podcast The Owner's Corner is a show for business owners. In each episode, host and financial planner Seth Whicker sits down with business owners and the professionals that serve them to talk about what it takes to build a business. Our guests come from many industries and walks of life to share their biggest wins, mistakes made along the way, and their thinking about the all-important exit planning. Email Seth at swhicker@sym.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Follow Seth on LinkedIn Follow SYM Financial on Facebook Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts TuneIn Amazon Music / Audible And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

This podcast episode discusses Medicaid planning and how it can be used as an asset protection tool rather than just a last resort. Lindsay Koler, an elder law attorney, explains how Medicaid assessments and proper planning can help couples protect their homes and retirement accounts. She emphasizes getting powers of attorney updated and doing Medicaid planning well in advance of needing long-term care. We look at whether someone needs help with activities of daily living like feeding, dressing, taking medication to qualify for long-term care. - Lindsay Koler This week on The EmpowHER Podcast: ● Medicaid planning and long-term care options. ● Medicaid planning and asset protection. ● Strategies for Aging parents with limited income. ● Spouses in long-term care. ● Planning for long-term care costs. ● Asset protection strategies. Lindsay Koler was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She attended Concordia Lutheran High School, and then went on to graduate from Baldwin-Wallace University with honors. She was captain of the girl's golf team at Baldwin-Wallace. She went on to receive her law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 2008. Lindsay practiced law in Ohio for more than 7 years, before moving back to her hometown of Fort Wayne in 2014. Helping others through difficult times is part of what drives Lindsay and inspires her. Lindsay and her husband, Dale, owner of Fall Creek Homes, have three children. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys golfing, watching her kids' activities, and being active in her church and community. She enjoys spending time with her three siblings and all her nieces and nephews, who also reside in the Fort Wayne area. She is passionate about healthy eating and healthy living and enjoys cooking (well, most days!) Our Favorite Takeaways: ● Medicaid is often overlooked as a financial planning tool. - Lindsay Koler ● Aging and In-Home Services perform the assessments that determine if someone meets the level of care for Medicaid waiver services. - Lindsay Koler ● There are circumstances that are maybe non-traditional or don't fit the stereotype of Medicaid, where planning and using Medicaid becomes a key element of generational wealth. - Michelle Hipskind ● Knowing the Medicaid rules can help put people at ease if they ever need long-term care. - Lindsay Koler Connect with Lindsay Koler: ● Email: lkoler@kolerlawoffice.com About SYM Financial and The EmpowHER Podcast The EmpowHER Podcast is a platform for women to come together to gain financial insight and strategies with a tribe of brilliant women. This show is brought to you by Financial Advisor Michelle Hipskind, CFP ®. Michelle educates on the many important aspects of financial planning and brings in additional professionals that provide advice in their areas of expertise, giving listeners access to the appropriate professionals that can help solve the problems many women face. In-person events are held in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. In addition to the podcast, local events, webinars and blogs are available for all women who want to be part of the EmpowHER community. Email Michell at mhipskind@sym.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Follow Michelle on LinkedIn Follow SYM Financial on Facebook Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts : Spotify Google Podcasts Amazon Music / Audible And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

In this quick but packed full of information episode, Michelle discusses the importance of including plans for your pets in your estate planning. Many households now have companion animals, so it is crucial to consider what will happen to dogs, cats, or other pets if their owners become unable to care for them or pass away. Michelle recommennds speaking with your estate attorney about setting aside funds and establishing guardians for your pets. She also suggests utilizing local animal rescues, shelters, and foster programs that can provide temporary or permanent care for pets when needed. The key takeaway is to proactively plan for how your pets will be cared for after you're gone, whether it's temporarily or permanently, to gain peace of mind knowing they will be well looked after. "You can set a dollar amount and your wish list for future guardianship for your favorite pets and then know and have the peace of mind that they'll be well cared for." - Michelle Hipskind This week on The EmpowHER Podcast: The importance of including pets in estate planning since 66% of households have companion animals Options for temporary or permanent care solutions for pets through local rescues, shelters, and foster programs Speaking with your estate attorney about setting aside funds and parameters for your pets' care after you're gone Using planned giving to set up guardianship and funds for future owners of your pets to keep them in the lifestyle you provided Asking local shelters and rescues and bringing it up at estate planning reviews Our Favorite Quotes: "Even though we don't like to consider having our pets outlive us, it's certainly an important factor when planning for the future." - Michelle Hipskind "Many local rescue organizations and privately run shelters and even municipal shelters offer programming to help support those who either temporarily or permanently need care solutions for their pets." - Michelle Hipskind About SYM Financial and The EmpowHER Podcast The EmpowHER Podcast is a platform for women to come together to gain financial insight and strategies with a tribe of brilliant women. This show is brought to you by Financial Advisor Michelle Hipskind, CFP ®. Michelle educates on the many important aspects of financial planning and brings in additional professionals that provide advice in their areas of expertise, giving listeners access to the appropriate professionals that can help solve the problems many women face. In-person events are held in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. In addition to the podcast, local events, webinars and blogs are available for all women who want to be part of the EmpowHER community. Email Michell at mhipskind@sym.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Follow Michelle on LinkedIn Follow SYM Financial on Facebook Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Amazon Music / Audible And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Dennis McKeever has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh along with a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. Dennis retired from Dow Chemical after a thirty year career where he primarily served as a senior manager in Research and Development. However, he also had two business management experiences – first as the manager of the Chemicals business for Latin America and subsequently as the VP for the Polyolefins and Elastomers business unit for Dow North America. After retiring from Dow, he served for six years as the Chairman of the Board for SYM Financial and saw the company through a major strategic redirection and a subsequent leveraged buyout to the current principals. Following SYM, Dennis moved on to a large variety of positions in the biomedical sciences, including angel investing. Dive into the rich tapestry of Dennis McKeever's life - from service station garages in the '50s to boardrooms of major corporations. Through decades of risks, learning, and immense personal growth, Dennis shares the true measure of wealth, the balance of emotions, and the joy of traveling with loved ones. "I learned to be willing to take a risk on people, give them a break, but nurture them as much as you can along the way. Focus on investing in the success of your people." - Dennis McKeever This week on Executive Decisions: Dennis' first job. The importance of getting to know your customers. Pursuing a career change. The importance of mentors in your career. Taking risks and learning from mistakes. Transition from executive life to board and consulting role. The true measure of wealth. Our Favorite Quotes: "It really doesn't matter how big the business is, the same basic principles of business management and management people are there no matter what the size. Get to know your customers and take good care of them" - Dennis McKeever "Pick yourself up and you learn from your mistakes, whether they be people mistakes, or investment mistakes, or the lack of the best of judgment in making a business decision. Learn from those mistakes, keep them in mind as you move forward." - Dennis McKeever "The true measure of a man's wealth is what he has left after you take all of his money away. So, treasure your family, treasure your friends, spend quality time with them. Doing this will be your enduring reward for a successful career, and a successful life. " - Dennis McKeever Connect with Dennis McKeever: Email Dennis: ldennismckeever@gmail.com Connect on LinkedIn About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at sdelahanty@sym.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Follow Sarah on LinkedIn Follow SYM Financial on Facebook Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts Amazon Music/Audible Spotify And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Matt Stevens transitioned from the U.S. Navy in July 2017 after serving for 26 years as a SEAL. He attended The Honor Foundation's (THF) inaugural East Coast class in the Spring of 2016, joined the THF SOF Advisory Board in the Spring of 2017, and then joined THF's Board of Directors in February 2018. Throughout his career, Matt served as a Special Operations Executive leading high-performing teams conducting our nation's most sensitive operations, cultivating interagency relationships and executing plans in dynamic environments. Matt served on the leadership team of an emerging technology company from 2017-2019 before assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer of THF. In this engaging conversation, Sarah interviews Matt Stevens, a former US Navy SEAL with 26 years of service. Matt's career journey is highlighted, including his transition from the Navy, involvement with the Honor Foundation, and his experiences as a SEAL team leader. Matt emphasizes the importance of trust and credibility in leadership, earned through tactical proficiency, keeping promises, and vulnerability. He also discusses the influence of mentors and the need to adapt leadership styles to different situations. Matt shares how the Honor Foundation has been instrumental in helping Special Operations veterans find fulfilling post-military careers through personalized coaching, networking opportunities, and support. Matt's passion for helping his fellow veterans shines through as he shares success stories of program participants who have found meaningful careers and the joy of giving back by becoming coaches and instructors for the foundation. The conversation also touches on the organization's future goals, including expanding its reach to more transitioning veterans across the country. "In my work now at the Honor Foundation, I see that a lot of folks think that every single person who was in the military probably has PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and they were like in gunfights every day of every month of every year for 20 years. And it's just not the case." - Matt Stevens This week on Executive Decisions: Introduction to Matt Steven's background. Where did Matt find his start as a leader? How to become an effective leader. Mentors and leadership style. Managing risk and saying no. Making the decision to retire from the military. The importance of educating veterans about the business world. The first class at the Honor Foundation. How the Honor Foundation has evolved under Matt's leadership. Traveling as a family. Staying on top of life outside of work. Our Favorite Quotes: "We don't charge transitioning veterans anything; we go out and hustle and raise the money. So they don't have a financial burden while they're getting out of the military and losing that steady income stream." - Matt Stevens "I always just find it fascinating to hear as people have successful careers as leaders, where they found their start. And it could be something as basic as a paper route" - Sarah Delahanty "Success for us is somebody finding fulfillment as defined by them. It's not about how much money they're going to make or what school they're going to get into." - Matt Stevens "Title and the rank are just one component, then you have to earn the trust of the people behind you and they have to earn yours. A trust transfer in the relationship where they then follow you because they believe in you and you believe in them." - Sarah Delahanty "We will never degrade the quality of what we're doing. It's a platinum standard, and we want to give that to any special operator who wants it." - Matt Stevens "It's not just all about 'help the veterans'; it's like, hey, how do you want to help your own business? You might consider hiring some of these rock stars who are probably gonna run circles around some of your other folks." - Matt Stevens "Scaling that jump in scale, at some point, is going to be huge. We're always thinking about how to grow what we're doing without degrading quality at all." - Matt Stevens Connect with Matt Stevens: The Honor Foundation Website The Honor Foundation on Facebook The Honor Foundation on Instagram The Honor Foundation on LinkedIN Email Matt: matt@honor.org About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at sdelahanty@sym.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Follow Sarah on LinkedIn Follow SYM Financial on Facebook Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts Amazon Music/Audible Spotify Stitcher And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

In this episode we have an energetic conversation across two generations. Michelle is joined by mother and daughter Rickie Kohne and Laura Murray as they take a look into their personal experiences and insights on financial management. Laura and Rickie share the valuable lessons they learned from their parents, emphasizing the importance of living within their means and prioritizing savings. Both women stress the need for open communication and trust within relationships, acknowledging the role of financial advisors in providing guidance and peace of mind. They discuss the challenges of budgeting, sharing humorous anecdotes and reflecting on the importance of relinquishing control when necessary. Overall, the group encourages asking questions, seeking professional advice, and learning from past mistakes to achieve financial stability and security. This week on The EmpowHER Podcast: Teaching young women to ask questions about money. The importance of asking the right questions. Rickie's first checkbook. Advice for women who don't have a career outside the home. Lessons learned – your own and from others Our Favorite Quotes: "You don't have to be afraid to talk about money. Reach out there and ask those questions and educate yourself." – Rickie Kohne "Sometimes we hold ourselves back because we think we don't have enough money for a financial advisor, but you should still ask the questions and seek guidance." – Laura Murray "Financial planning is about finding peace of mind and feeling comfortable about your financial future." – Michelle Hipskind About SYM Financial and The EmpowHER Podcast The EmpowHER Podcast is a platform for women to come together to gain financial insight and strategies with a tribe of brilliant women. This show is brought to you by Financial Advisor Michelle Hipskind, CFP ®. Michelle educates on the many important aspects of financial planning and brings in additional professionals that provide advice in their areas of expertise, giving listeners access to the appropriate professionals that can help solve the problems many women face. In-person events are held in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. In addition to the podcast, local events, webinars and blogs are available for all women who want to be part of the EmpowHER community. Email Michelle at mhipskind@sym.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Follow Michelle on LinkedIn Follow SYM Financial on Facebook Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Amazon Music / Audible And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.