Amir's Anecdotes
Welcome to Amir’s Anecdotes, where we tell meaningful stories around life, business and the human experience. I'm Amir. A New Yorker, a Financial Advisor, a Husband, a Wannabe Comedian, and a guy with stories that need telling
info_outline
Intentional Living: Overcoming Debt and Finding Purpose with Scott Maderer
01/15/2025
Intentional Living: Overcoming Debt and Finding Purpose with Scott Maderer
In this episode of Amir's Anecdotes, Scott Maderer shares his transformative journey from a medical researcher to a school teacher, then to the corporate world, and finally to becoming a stewardship coach. He discusses the challenges he faced during financial struggles, the shame associated with them, and the pivotal moment that led him to seek help. Scott emphasizes the importance of community support and intentionality in overcoming debt, ultimately achieving financial freedom. His story serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, highlighting the significance of sharing experiences and seeking help. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available. You can reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 to provide support and connect you with resources in your area. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Scott's Journey 03:08 The Evolution of Identity and Roles 05:51 Facing Financial Struggles 11:59 The Turning Point: Seeking Help 18:00 The Path to Recovery and Financial Freedom 24:02 Sharing the Story and Encouraging Others
/episode/index/show/dd1145c0-7310-4b57-9301-e9f56ef346db/id/34769665
info_outline
Community, Commitment, and Homebuying: A Firefighter’s Story Featuring Ben Kitzen
12/15/2024
Community, Commitment, and Homebuying: A Firefighter’s Story Featuring Ben Kitzen
In this episode of Amir's Anecdotes, Amir interviews Ben Kitzenn, an insurance broker and volunteer firefighter from Long Island. Ben shares his journey into the insurance industry, his experiences as a firefighter, and the challenges he faced while navigating the competitive housing market. The conversation digs into the emotional and financial stress associated with buying a home, the importance of community support, and Ben's future financial strategies as he plans to purchase a home with his fiancée. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ben Kitzen 02:48 Ben's Journey into Insurance and Firefighting 06:04 Navigating Financial Stress: The Home Buying Experience 11:59 Community and Support in Financial Decisions 18:07 Future Plans and Financial Strategies
/episode/index/show/dd1145c0-7310-4b57-9301-e9f56ef346db/id/33944612
info_outline
Leaving the World in a Better Place with John McSherry
11/15/2024
Leaving the World in a Better Place with John McSherry
In this episode Amir speaks with John McSherry, a seasoned real estate investor and broker. John shares his journey from a creative background in design to becoming a successful entrepreneur in real estate. He discusses the challenges he faced, including the loss of his father at a young age, and how that shaped his approach to life and business. John emphasizes the importance of problem-solving in real estate and the value of community and service in overcoming personal struggles. He also shares his vision for a foundation aimed at feeding a million children a year, highlighting his commitment to giving back. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to John McSherry 03:05 John's Journey into Real Estate 05:50 Navigating the Real Estate Market 08:54 The Importance of Problem Solving 11:58 Overcoming Personal Challenges 15:12 The Power of Community and Service 17:46 Vision for the Future: Feeding a Million Children
/episode/index/show/dd1145c0-7310-4b57-9301-e9f56ef346db/id/33886997
info_outline
The Grind to Growth: Steve DeAngelis’ Journey from Struggle to Success
10/15/2024
The Grind to Growth: Steve DeAngelis’ Journey from Struggle to Success
In this episode of Amir’s Anecdotes, Steve DeAngelis, owner of MMP Creations, shares his journey of starting his own content agency and the financial challenges he faced. Steve shares insight on starting his business with limited funds and taking on two full-time employees without much financial runway. However, through perseverance and grinding the axe, he was able to double his business in a short period of time and improve his financial situation. Steve emphasizes the importance of resilience, finding a support system, and learning from others who have faced similar challenges. He encourages entrepreneurs to not let the lows get too low and to seek guidance from professionals. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:51 Starting MMP Creations and the Challenges Faced 11:57 Financial Stress and Limited Runway 15:57 Taking Action and Grinding the Axe 19:48 Realizing the Importance of a Support System 22:51 Learning from Others and Finding Comfort in Shared Experiences 27:05 Contact Information and Closing Remarks
/episode/index/show/dd1145c0-7310-4b57-9301-e9f56ef346db/id/33378217
info_outline
From Wall Street to Indie Screens: AJ Scordio's Bold Leap into Entrepreneurship
09/15/2024
From Wall Street to Indie Screens: AJ Scordio's Bold Leap into Entrepreneurship
In this episode, AJ Scordio shares his journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship and digital marketing. After realizing that investment banking wasn't fulfilling him, AJ made a drastic change and went to film school. He started creating his own indie TV shows and working on professional sets. Eventually, he transitioned into entrepreneurship and started his own digital marketing agency. AJ emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people and mentors who believe in you. He also highlights the significance of having an emergency fund and the impact it can have on your mental health and business decisions. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:59 Transitioning from Investment Banking to Film School 07:49 Pivoting to Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing 13:08 Financial Struggles and the Importance of Support 22:52 Opportunities and Growth in the Digital Marketing Industry 26:58 Closing Remarks
/episode/index/show/dd1145c0-7310-4b57-9301-e9f56ef346db/id/33061527
info_outline
From Financial Setbacks to Real Estate Comebacks: Ryan Twomey's Path to Success
08/15/2024
From Financial Setbacks to Real Estate Comebacks: Ryan Twomey's Path to Success
Ryan Twomey joins us today to share his journey from growing up in a middle-class family in Massachusetts to pursuing a career in finance and eventually starting his own real estate company. He talks about the challenges he faced in his early career and how he had to move back in with his parents due to financial difficulties. Ryan emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and saving money, which allowed him to buy his first property at the age of 24. He also discusses the benefits of house hacking and how it helped him build a stronger financial foundation. Ryan shares the story of how he and his friend purchased their first property together, a triplex, and renovated it to live for free while renting out the other units. He advises young college graduates to sacrifice for a year and save money before making big financial commitments. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:16 Growing Up in Massachusetts 06:16 Living in Massachusetts and the Benefits of Community 08:44 Overcoming Financial Challenges and Changing Mindset 11:41 Taking Control of Finances and Building a Stronger Foundation 14:13 From Poor Choices to Financial Success 16:02 The Power of Sacrifice and Discipline 23:42 The Importance of Financial Literacy
/episode/index/show/dd1145c0-7310-4b57-9301-e9f56ef346db/id/32542647
info_outline
Structuring Success: Financial Strategies for Young Creatives with Meghan Griffin
07/15/2024
Structuring Success: Financial Strategies for Young Creatives with Meghan Griffin
In episode 3, Amir interviews Meghan Griffin, a business owner and entertainment professional. They discuss Meg's identity and how she identifies as a woman, mom, business owner, and more. They also talk about Meg's career in the entertainment industry and her company, Paired Up Media. Meg shares her experiences of financial stress, including the challenges she faced during pregnancy and as a new graduate. They also touch on the importance of creating financial security as an entrepreneur and the impact of personal beliefs and values on financial decisions. In this conversation, Meg and Amir discuss the overwhelming nature of finance and the importance of working with someone to navigate it. They emphasize the need to set up a structure and seek support, especially for young creative professionals and entrepreneurs. Meg shares her experience of dealing with financial stress during pregnancy and the steps she took to address it. They discuss the importance of taking things one step at a time, making problems bite-sized, and staying active. They also highlight the value of having a plan and a team to rely on. Overall, the conversation provides insights and advice for managing financial stress and planning for the future. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Exploring Identity 03:40 Navigating the Entertainment Industry and Entrepreneurship 08:20 Financial Stress: Pregnancy and Graduation 12:59 Creating Financial Security as an Entrepreneur 16:33 The Impact of Personal Beliefs on Financial Decisions 23:10 The Overwhelming Nature of Finance 24:01 Setting Up a Structure 25:22 Feeling Overwhelmed and Seeking Support 27:26 Taking Things One Step at a Time 28:20 Getting Practical and Delegating 30:05 Working with a Financial Advisor 31:08 Making Problems Bite-Sized and Staying Active 34:12 Creating a Plan and Prioritizing 37:21 Navigating the Healthcare System
/episode/index/show/dd1145c0-7310-4b57-9301-e9f56ef346db/id/32030682
info_outline
Discipline and Hard Work: The Key to Entrepreneurship and Financial Success
06/15/2024
Discipline and Hard Work: The Key to Entrepreneurship and Financial Success
David DeCelle joins me in this episode to share his journey as an entrepreneur and the financial struggles he faced, including accumulating sizable credit card debt. He shares how he made the decision to take ownership of his situation and worked hard to pay off his debt within a year. David emphasizes the importance of discipline, hard work, and staying focused on your goals. He also highlights the value of monitoring what you consume and surrounding yourself with positive influences. Today, David is in a much better financial position, with a high credit score, a successful consulting business, and a new home with his wife Kennedy. In this episode: 00:00 Introducing David DeCelle 02:21 The Entrepreneurial Mindset 04:32 Dealing with Financial Uncertainty 09:25 The Most Significant Financial Struggle 12:32 Making the Career Transition 20:01 Exploring Financial Options 23:13 The Importance of Discipline and Hard Work 29:08 Recognizing Available Tools and Options 33:24 Current Financial Status and Future Goals 35:19 Connect with David DeCelle Connect with David: Email: [email protected] Website: www.ModelFA.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddecelle Connect with Amir: Email: Website: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amirnoor/
/episode/index/show/dd1145c0-7310-4b57-9301-e9f56ef346db/id/31704392
info_outline
Client Voices: How Online Reviews Shape Business Reputations with Brian Thorp
05/15/2024
Client Voices: How Online Reviews Shape Business Reputations with Brian Thorp
Welcome to Amir’s Anecdotes, where we tell meaningful stories around life, business and the human experience. In our inaugural episode I am joined by Brian Thorp, the founder and CEO of Wealthtender to discuss the importance of reviews in evaluating a financial advisor's credibility and expertise. We discuss the overall importance of reviews in today’s digital world while stressing the need for qualify reviews by demographics and circumstances to make them more relatable and useful for readers. Don’t miss out as we share ways for individuals to share their financial advice stories without disclosing private information, focusing on the emotional impact of the advisor's work rather than specific investment details. Enjoy this first episode of Amir’s Anecdotes. In this episode: 0:04 - Financial advisor reviews and their impact on client satisfaction. 4:15 - How to write a financial advisor review without disclosing private information. 8:42 - The importance of reviews for professionals and consumers. 13:10 - Using online reviews to build trust and credibility for financial advisors. Connect with Brian: Email: Website: www.wealthtender.com LinkedIn: Connect with Amir: Email: Website: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amirnoor/
/episode/index/show/dd1145c0-7310-4b57-9301-e9f56ef346db/id/31177067