Common Sense Financial Podcast
Brian Skrobonja closes out the year with a milestone episode that marks the final episode of 2025 and the conclusion of this version of the show. He shares the gratitude he feels for the listeners who have supported the mission, the team whose work brought each idea to life, and the recognition the podcast received from Forbes as one of the top shows by financial advisors. Tune in to hear Brian reflect on why he started this podcast, how the mission has been accomplished, and why this moment isn’t an ending but the beginning of a bigger vision that will unfold in 2026. He also shares the...
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In this milestone 100th episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja delves into the critical topic of managing taxes in retirement. The episode focuses on strategies for minimizing tax liabilities, especially for retirees with tax-deferred accounts facing potential hefty tax bills. Brian emphasizes the importance of sustainable income creation during retirement and the role of tax optimization in this process. Most people envision their retirement to be built from predominantly tax-free income, but after many years of deferring taxes, retirees are facing a sizable tax...
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In this podcast episode, Brian Skrobonja takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the evolving concept of retirement. As we dive into the past, present, and future of retirement, Brian helps us unravel the complexities of this modern-day concept which, though deeply ingrained in our society, is relatively new in human history. This episode is essential for anyone planning for retirement, offering a fresh perspective on how to approach this significant life stage in the context of rapid societal shifts, economic developments, and increasing human longevity. We start off by exploring the...
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In this episode, Brian Skrobonja goes over the three main retirement mindsets that could negatively impact your retirement plans. He sheds light on what most retirees get wrong about retirement planning, why being confident doesn’t eliminate investment risks, and what to consider when hiring a financial planner. Brian goes over three retirement mindsets that have the potential to derail even the best-laid retirement plans. He starts by explaining that there is more to the conversation around retirement than just having a permanent vacation. Retirement is not a destination; it’s a...
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Brian Skrobonja sits down with Phon Vilayoune to unpack buffered ETFs and income notes. Phon is the Founder and CEO of VETA Investment Partners, where they currently oversee over $5.5 billion in assets. They discuss the benefits of positioning your portfolio for growth and safety, how to protect your nest egg in volatile markets, and practical strategies for optimizing gains while limiting downside risk. Tune in to hear professional insights on ETFs, income notes, and actionable frameworks for navigating today’s complex market cycles. Phon explains how he entered the investing world and now...
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In this podcast episode, Brian shares his remarkable journey from his parents' middle-class immigrant background to achieving financial freedom through decades of learning and building businesses. He recounts his early aspiration for an opulent lifestyle and the pivotal moment when he realized the importance of creating income-producing assets. Through content creation, including three books and the Common Sense Financial Podcast, Brian's financial wisdom and expertise have garnered recognition and awards, providing valuable insights into wealth, financial freedom, and the pursuit of life's...
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In this episode we talk about the importance of using key performance indicators beyond just investment performance to gauge the health of one's retirement plan. There are five crucial data points that form the foundation of a successful retirement strategy: passive income, effective tax rate, cash flow ratio, banking capacity, and horizontal asset allocation. By focusing on these metrics, you can adopt a comprehensive approach to retirement planning that factors in various financial variables and bridges the gaps in your financial plan. Business owners use KPIs or key performance indicators...
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In this episode on Certificates of Deposit (CDs) as investments, we talk about the nuanced decision-making involved in purchasing CDs and whether or not CDs are good investments, particularly in a rising interest rate environment, and we explain why interest rates are the only factor you need to consider. Wealth creation isn't solely dependent on CD rates, and we need to consider the impact of inflation and interest rates to gain a comprehensive financial perspective. The episode also explores how government strategies to combat inflation by adjusting interest rates impact not only investors,...
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Brian Skrobonja talks about the hidden trap of survival mode: that quiet, familiar mindset that keeps you safe but small. He explains why so many people in midlife mistake control for security, and how shifting from a scarcity mindset to a mentality of abundance changes everything about how you earn, spend, and live. Tune in to hear what it really takes to move from survival to strategy, from managing scarcity to creating abundance, and why your next level of wealth starts in your mind, not your bank account. Brian starts by explaining how time sneaks up on us. One day you’re in your 20s,...
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In this episode, Brian Skrobonja explains what alternative investments are and why they are the fastest route to growing your assets or retirement savings. He sheds light on how the most successful investors in the world keep getting wealthier and how to use an endowment like strategy to position your retirement assets. Brian explores alternative investments opportunities. He goes over what larger investors are doing to diversify away from the public market in an effort to help clients protect downside risks. The shift in investment philosophy amongst the largest investors is something...
info_outlineHigh income professionals face a unique situation when it comes to their retirement. You have the dual challenge of having your money tied up in your investments and also looming tax burdens once you retire.
Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn about a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy, also known as a life insurance retirement plan, and how it could be the wealth preservation tool you’ve been looking for.
- A high cash value life insurance policy can help facilitate tax-advantaged growth that standard retirement accounts may not be able to match.
- Many professionals spend a considerable amount of effort accumulating wealth for most of their life only to find themselves in a bind: their money is inaccessible with looming tax burdens.
- High Income professionals often face a dual tax burden where their current high income places them in a high tax bracket, reducing the net income they have available for investment. Meanwhile, the money you've diligently saved in your retirement plan will be subjected to potentially hefty taxes upon withdrawal later in life.
- Retirement accounts are great vehicles for long-term savings, but they lack flexibility, and you're penalized for early withdrawals leaving you without a readily available source of funds for unexpected opportunities or emergencies.
- For high income individuals grappling with these issues, a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy may be the answer.
- A Specially Designed Life Insurance (SDLI) policy utilizes a high cash value life insurance policy to facilitate tax-advantaged growth and offer flexibility that standard retirement accounts simply can't match.
- Cash value builds over time in the policy, growing in a tax-deferred basis mirroring the benefits of a retirement account, yet the cash value can be accessed at any time through a non-recognition policy loan.
- If properly managed, these policy loans have flexibility and are not required to be repaid during your lifetime and can be simply deducted from the death benefit or cash surrender value when the policy pays out.
- The SDLI strategy enables you to tap into your wealth when needed, providing the liquidity to seize investment opportunities or meet unexpected expenses.
- The policy loans do have an interest charged on them, but well-designed policies provide an opportunity to offset the interest.
- Not all life insurance policies offer the features necessary to execute the strategy effectively. It's a delicate balance that must be carefully managed and is best done with the help of a professional.
- This strategic tool offers several other key advantages for wealth management, asset protection and estate planning.
- In many jurisdictions, life insurance policies are protected from creditors providing a shield for your assets.
- Life insurance can also play a crucial role in balancing out an estate amongst surviving family members.
- A life insurance policy can also provide immediate liquidity to family members or business partners upon a death, ensuring the continuity of a business or farm without the need to sell off assets.
- Life insurance proceeds can also provide a tax free inheritance to your beneficiaries, helping to preserve your legacy.
- A common pushback against using life insurance as an accumulation vehicle is the perception that it is expensive and takes a long time to accumulate substantial cash values. This is because most common policies are focused on maximizing a death benefit instead of rapid cash value accumulation.
- While there is an undeniable cost associated with a special desire life insurance policy, it's crucial to consider this expense in contrast to the potential tax liabilities.
- Retirement account distributions are generally taxed as ordinary income. For a high income individual, this can be losing a substantial chunk of your retirement savings to taxes.
- In many cases, the cost of a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy could be a mere fraction of what the tax liabilities may be on an investment growth over time.
- The true cost of these policies become apparent only when considering the full financial picture, including current and future tax burdens, access to cash and long-term wealth accumulation.
- A Specially Designed Life Insurance policy is not a catch-all solution but rather a tool within the context of a comprehensive wealth management plan.
Mentioned in this episode:
Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube
Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify
Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS.
Any descriptions involving life insurance policies and its use as an alternative form of financing or risk management techniques are provided for illustration purposes only, will not apply in all situations, may not be fully indicative of any present or future investments, and may be changed at the discretion of the insurance carrier, General Partner and/or Manager and are not intended to reflect guarantees on securities performance.
The term BUILD Banking™️, private banking alternatives or specially designed life insurance contracts (SDLIC) are not meant to insinuate that the issuer is creating a real bank for its clients or communicating that life insurance companies are the same as traditional banking institutions. This material is educational in nature and should not be deemed as a solicitation of any specific product or service. BUILD Banking™️ is offered by Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC only and is not offered by Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. nor Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC. Any references to protection, safety or guarantees, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier.
Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC does not provide tax or legal advice. The opinions and views expressed here are for informational purposes only. Please consult with your tax and/or legal advisor for such guidance.