No Unfinished Business Podcast

There are a thousand different ways your clients can leave unfinished business, but no single advisor can address every issue. We answer the important questions to help professional advisors focused on individual clients - like attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors - identify and eliminate those professional blind spots so you can speak competently and confidently to your clients and help them leave No Unfinished Business.

33. Why You Need a Trademark w/ Jim Hart 09/21/2023

33. Why You Need a Trademark w/ Jim Hart In this episode of the No Unfinished Business Podcast, we delve into the often-overlooked but vital topic of Intellectual Property (IP) for businesses and entrepreneurs. We're joined by Jim Hart, a seasoned trademark attorney, who breaks down the complexities of IP into digestible nuggets of wisdom. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: The Four Types of Intellectual Property: We kick off by outlining the four main types of intellectual property—patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights. Perfect for anyone new to the topic or those who need a quick refresher. Common Missteps in IP: Jim discusses the frequent mistakes that entrepreneurs make, such as the misconceptions around searching for a name in the USPTO database. The Eight-Step Guide to Trademark Registration: Jim walks us through the steps involved in registering a trademark, including why each step is critical and how to avoid common pitfalls. Why Advisors Should Care: If you're an advisor, accountant, or another kind of consultant, this segment is for you. Jim outlines why it's crucial to guide your clients through the IP maze to save them (and you) from potential legal problems down the line. 🎧 Why You Should Listen: Understanding IP is not just for legal experts; it's essential for anyone involved in business. Jim makes this complex topic accessible and actionable, whether you're a seasoned business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or an advisor to either. Tune in to gain a solid understanding of IP and learn how you can better protect your business assets. Follow Jim here on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@jimhart or at https://www.hawthornlaw.net/ ------ We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit https://www.strohmeyerlaw.com/houston-professional-advisors for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/28103639

32. Alternative Real Estate Investments: Mortgage Notes w/ Dan Deppen 09/15/2023

32. Alternative Real Estate Investments: Mortgage Notes w/ Dan Deppen John Strohmeyer sits down with mortgage investment expert, Dan Deppen of Fusion Notes, to dive deep into the niche world of mortgage note investing. With rising interests in alternative investments, mortgage note investing offers an avenue that not many have ventured into. In this episode, we uncover the ins and outs of this fascinating domain. Episode Highlights: Introduction: Dan Deppen explains the basics of mortgage note investing Understanding Mortgage Note Investing: From buying someone else’s mortgage to functioning as a bank, Dan explains the dynamics of this alternate real estate investing pathway. Getting Started in Mortgage Investing: Where to buy these mortgages? From smaller hedge funds to directly from banks, the journey of mortgage notes to an individual. Seller Finance Notes Explained: How property sellers act as a bank, originate loans, and the prospects in selling those loans. Risks and Rewards: Dan highlights potential risks like messy foreclosures and legal challenges. On the brighter side, the prospects of high cash flows, yield benefits, and the possible passive nature of this investment. Navigating the Current Financial Landscape: The effects of current higher interest rates on the mortgage note market. Tune in to learn how you can navigate this investment landscape, understand the risks, and reap the potential benefits! Note: This episode offers insights for seasoned investors, financial enthusiasts, and anyone curious about alternative investments. It's a dive into a niche market that holds potential for great returns, if done right. Don't jump in without plenty of formal training and knowledge. Find Dan at https://www.fusionnotes.com/get-in-touch/ or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandeppen/ ------ We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit https://www.strohmeyerlaw.com/houston-professional-advisors for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/28047522

31. Aging in Place with Companion Care w/ Mikey Newton 09/06/2023

31. Aging in Place with Companion Care w/ Mikey Newton In this episode of the No Unfinished Business Podcast, we dive deep into the challenges faced by the Sandwich Generation—individuals caught between caring for their aging parents and their own children. Our guest, Mikey Newton of Maxim at Home, sheds light on the role of non-medical companions in ensuring older adults age gracefully in their own homes. Listen in as we discuss the early warning signs that indicate it's time to consider help for aging parents, how companionship plays a critical role in their quality of life, and how technology is making the process of finding the right companion easier than ever. Key Sections: 1. The Sandwich Generation Dilemma The challenges of taking care of both children and aging parents. 2. First Steps with Non-Medical Companionship Services How Maxim at Home serves as a first-step resource for families looking to support aging parents. 3. The Importance of Aging in Place The value of allowing older adults to stay in their homes and maintain their lifestyle. 4. The Role of Companions How companions provide non-medical support, such as light housekeeping, meal prep, and pet care, but most importantly, companionship. 5. Warning Signs and Conversation Starters Tips on when and how to initiate conversations about seeking help for your aging parents. 6. Questions to Ask for Future Planning Discussing MIT's Age Lab and the three crucial questions for older adults to consider for independent living. 7. Real-world Scenarios The balance between caring for parents and maintaining your own life, featuring examples from both John and Mikey. Find more info at https://www.maximathome.com/ or Mikey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-newton ------ We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit https://www.strohmeyerlaw.com/houston-professional-advisors for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/27961365

30. Maximizing The Benefits of Premarital Agreements w/ Kathryn Pruitt 08/22/2023

Bonus: John Talks Corporate Transparency Act on Small Business Tax Savings Podcast w/ Mike Jesowshek 08/14/2023

29. Finding and Securing an Estate's Assets w/ Leah Del Percio 07/31/2023

29. Finding and Securing an Estate's Assets w/ Leah Del Percio As an estate planning and probate attorney, I know the challenges that come with finding and securing assets for a loved one's estate. This week, we sit down with Leah Del Percio, the founder of Trustate, to discuss the ways advisors can make their clients' assets easier to find and manage for their families. We dive into the complexities that arise when individuals pass away, leaving behind an array of assets and liabilities that often fall to their loved ones to organize. With the increasing digitization of our world, the task is only getting more difficult. Leah outlines the mission and vision of Trustate, which aims to discover, retitle, and close out accounts of the deceased, taking the heavy burden off the grieving family members. We discuss common misconceptions surrounding estate planning and probate, emphasizing that an estate plan goes beyond simply drafting a will or trust. It's about laying out a comprehensive plan that goes beyond mere documents and organizes the assets and liabilities in a way that eases the transition process for the beneficiaries. We share personal experiences and delve into the intricacies of probate, estate administration, and the challenges that come with these processes, especially when there are issues with an original last will. We get into detail about the importance of communication and coordination among estate attorneys, CPAs, wealth managers, and other professionals in ensuring a smoother and more efficient estate planning and execution process. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone involved in estate planning, whether they are professionals in the field or individuals seeking to better understand and prepare for their own future estate needs. Find Leah at , or on LinkedIn at ------ We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit https://www.strohmeyerlaw.com/houston-professional-advisors for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/27596157

28. Leveraging Your Home Equity w/ Jen Hernandez 07/18/2023

28. Leveraging Your Home Equity w/ Jen Hernandez Have you or your client accrued equity in your home? How can homeowners get the most out of that equity and use it in a way that suits their own unique situation? Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with expert mortgage lender, Jen Hernandez. Amidst skyrocketing house prices and growing home equity, we delve into the different strategies homeowners can employ to make the most of their newfound wealth. Jen sheds light on creative financial solutions, including cash-out refinances and investment opportunities that could potentially lower monthly payments, pay off IRS tax liens, and settle high credit card debts. Jen offers a wealth of insights on how the funds from a cash-out refinance can be used, emphasizing that there are no explicit restrictions as long as the homeowners qualify for the payment. She goes on to highlight potential obstacles related to credit and marital status, and she provides potential solutions to these issues. We get into the timeline of this process (30 to 45 days), while emphasizing the importance of timely paperwork submission. We also examine the factors that could delay this process, such as existing liens, poor credit scores, and divorce-related issues. This episode is a must-listen for homeowners considering tapping into their home equity or professionals advisors looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and rewards involved in leveraging home equity. Find Jen at , on LinkedIn at , or be sure to check out her . ------ We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit https://www.strohmeyerlaw.com/houston-professional-advisors for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/27495327

27. The Art of Business Valuation w/ Amber Widener 07/06/2023

27. The Art of Business Valuation w/ Amber Widener In this episode of No Unfinished Business, we delve into the finer points of business valuation. Our guest, Amber Widener, a seasoned business appraiser, shares her deep insights on why and when to consider a business valuation, how they can impact business decisions, and why it's essential to hire the right professional. She explains why having an outside appraiser provides a credible number that can help business owners with forward planning, especially in scenarios such as buy-sell agreements, succession and estate planning, or during a potential sale of the business. Amber also discusses the intricacies of hiring a capable appraiser and the importance of valuation accreditations. She uncovers common misconceptions and potential pitfalls in the appraisal process and shares advice on how to ensure an accurate valuation, including the idea of seeking draft reports for review before finalization. Finally, we explain the concept of valuation discounts, the role they play in estate planning, and the many factors that can influence the value of a business. Amber concludes by sharing tips for business owners looking to maximize their company's value ahead of a potential sale, emphasizing the importance of planning, cleaning up financial records, and increasing operational efficiencies. Whether you're a business owner contemplating your company's worth, an advisor seeking guidance on the valuation process, or an interested listener wanting to understand the dynamics of business appraisal, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical takeaways. Find Amber on LinkedIn at / or at ------ We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit https://www.strohmeyerlaw.com/houston-professional-advisors for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/27380904

26. Avoiding Disability Claim Denials w/ Marc Whitehead 06/20/2023

26. Avoiding Disability Claim Denials w/ Marc Whitehead This week on the No Unfinished Business Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of disability insurance denials and how professional advisors can guide their clients towards making informed decisions. We welcome Marc Whitehead, an experienced attorney with a robust practice dedicated to handling disability denials. Marc takes us through the labyrinth of disability insurance, explaining the three types of long-term insurance everyone should consider – long-term disability insurance, individual disability insurance, and long-term care insurance. He sheds light on the crucial differences between these policies, the common misconceptions about coverage, and how insurance companies may resist payouts. Marc breaks down how to navigate around the blind spots and pitfalls that come with disability claims. He reveals the sneakier aspects of these policies, such as limitations for specific conditions, shifting definitions of disability after a two-year period, and the tricky pre-existing condition clauses. He underscores the importance of timing in planning a claim, advising how to set clients' claims up for success as early as possible. Beyond insurance specifics, Marc advocates for clients to invest in their medical support network – lining up quality medical professionals and documenting conditions accurately and thoroughly. He explains why choosing doctors who are willing to provide strong evidence to support disability claims is a game-changer. As we reach the end of the discussion, Marc provides listeners with several key questions to ask their clients to better assess their health and potential disability needs. Whether you're an advisor, attorney, or someone looking to learn more about disability insurance, this episode is packed with actionable advice and critical insights that will help you manage the future with a clear, informed perspective. ----- We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/27178143

25. Estate Planning & Transitioning for Pets w/ Shelby Roquemore 05/12/2023

24. Tailoring Retirement Plans for Business Owners w/ Elijah Lopez 04/12/2023

23. Understanding and Implementing Legal Guardianship w/ Adri Graves 03/24/2023

22. The Four Metrics of Life Insurance Policies w/ Preston Sartelle 03/03/2023

21. Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance Policies w/ Wallis Wilkinson Tsai 02/10/2023

20. When to Turn to a Corporate Trustee w/ Beth Owens 02/01/2023

19. The Basics of In-Home Care Management w/ Laura Cook 01/13/2023

19. The Basics of In-Home Care Management w/ Laura Cook As we plan for loved ones aging, families have as many options as they do questions when it comes to care management at home. Whether your family member or client is currently in need of care, or you're just thinking about the future, you need to know what levels of service exist, and when to start considering in-home care. Our guest is Laura Cook, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Family Tree Private Care. Laura breaks down the many options available to people with all kinds of needs. Nowadays, many services that used to only exist in facilities can be implemented with in-home care, allowing for continuity of care and location and customized, tiered levels of care. Laura gives us three basic tiers when thinking about in-home care, with the types of services one can expect. Lowest tier: Client assessment, daily or periodic companionship, basic household assistance. This is a helping hand for everyday tasks. Middle tier: A little bit more health-intensive. Patient is a possible fall risk, needs medication supervision, assistance toileting/showering, etc. The goal in this tier is to reduce hospitalization. High tier: Private duty nursing. From daily to around-the-clock, nurse visits doing vitals checks, advanced medication management, all levels of nursing care. We'll also cover guardianship issues, and first steps to take when families think this care is needed. As usual, forethought, planning, and communication are your best friend, especially when it comes to your loved one's health and care. Contact Laura at https://familytreecares.com/about/laura-cook-biography/ or on LinkedIn at . ------ We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/25598229

18. What You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) 01/04/2023

18. What You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Do you own or advise a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability limited partnership, or business trust? If so, be alert. There’s a new federal filing requirement coming. The Corporate Transparency Act is Coming - what is it? Back in 2021, Congress passed a new law called the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) that requires corporations, LLCs, and other business entities to provide information about their owners to the Department of the Treasury as part of a government crackdown on corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing, tax fraud, and other illicit activity. It targets the use of anonymous shell companies that facilitate the flow and sheltering of illicit money in the United States. What do I have to do now? Businesses subject to the law will have to file a “beneficial owner report” with FinCEN, including each beneficial owner’s full legal name, date of birth, and residential street address, as well as an identifying number from a legal document such as a driver’s license or passport. FinCEN will include the information in a database for use by law enforcement, national security and intelligence agencies, and federal regulators that enforce anti-money-laundering laws. The database will not be publicly accessible. Top 4 Things to Know 1. This requirement will go into effect beginning in 2024, and there are hefty fines for failing to report. As soon as it goes into effect, new corporations, LLCs, and other entities will have to comply with the filing requirement within 14 days of being formed, and existing entities will have one year to comply. 2. Millions of small businesses are affected. The reporting requirements will apply to almost every small business that is not a sole proprietorship or general partnership, including corporations, LLCs, limited liability partnerships, limited liability limited partnerships, business trusts, and most limited partnerships—over 30 million in all. Larger companies with over 20 full-time employees and $5 million in gross receipts are exempt. 3. There will be many beneficial owners. The proposed regulations make it clear that a company can have multiple beneficial owners, and it may not always be easy to identify them all. There are two broad categories of beneficial owners: - any individual who owns 25 percent or more of the company, and - any individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the company. 4. Law and accounting firms are not exempt. Neither the CTA nor the proposed regulations contain any exemption for legal or accounting firms, except for the relatively few public accounting firms registered under Section 102 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Thus, any law or accounting firm that is a professional corporation or an LLC will have to file a beneficial owner report unless it has more than 20 employees and $5 million in annual income. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification for yourself or your clients: https://www.strohmeyerlaw.com/houston-professional-advisors/ ------ We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/25504032

17. When and Why to Review Beneficiaries w/ Elizabeth Kusmider 12/22/2022

16. Maximizing Value with Life Settlements w/ Tama Brooks Klosek 12/20/2022

15. The Top 5 Pitfalls in Real Estate Transactions w/ Cassie McGarvey 11/29/2022

15. The Top 5 Pitfalls in Real Estate Transactions w/ Cassie McGarvey If you've ever bought or sold real estate, you know that risks and complexities abound. Whether you are investing in real estate or purchasing your own home, there are some simple, straightforward rules of thumb that will help guard you from the most common mistakes that people make in the process. Our guest is real estate attorney Cassie McGarvey, Founder & Principal at McGarvey PLLC. She joins to give us her top five most common pitfalls in real estate transactions. We'll cover: 1. Never buy without a title company or without title insurance. Title companies ensure that the title is clear and accurate and insuring the title exchange. We discuss the types of proof title companies look for, title and underwriting standards, and what you can actually argue to a title company or judge. 2. Rights of First Refusals and option contracts. Rights of First Refusal can get you stuck in someone else's timeline from buyer's side, and they're often written poorly. If you're buying from estate, make sure you're buying from the actual executor/administrator. 3. Read the deed restrictions and property owner restrictions before you buy. This seems obvious, but it's overlooked all the time. It's especially important if it's investment property. 4. Contract for deed/rent-to-own. Just don't do it. Just do a regular seller-financed transaction. 5. If you're going to build a real estate portfolio, use an LLC. This is low-hanging fruit, but it's so important. You want a layer of protection for yourself, so don't put the deed in your name. Find Cassie at , LinkedIn at or FB at . ----- We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/25158567

14. Understanding Succession Planning w/ Stephen Caton 11/23/2022

13. Helping Clients Overcome Estate Planning Paralysis w/ Justin Miller 11/21/2022

12. Estate Planning After the Ink Dries w/ Griffin Bridgers 11/18/2022

11. Avoiding Conflict Between Trustees and Beneficiaries w/ Chris Burt 11/10/2022

11. Avoiding Conflict Between Trustees and Beneficiaries w/ Chris Burt Do you have a client who's a beneficiary of a trust? Are you or your client a current or future trustee? Are you a fiduciary who's dealt with beneficiaries of all sorts? Our guest, Chris Burt, attorney and Shareholder at BoyarMiller, joins us to deliver some great tips on avoiding the pitfalls that lead to conflict in a trustee/beneficiary relationship. Chris has years of experience in this field, and has broken down tips for improving this dynamic on both sides. Unsurprisingly, the keys to success here are communication and transparency. Let's detail it a bit further. Here are some things that trustees need to think about: Most importantly, you need to communicate with beneficiaries. It doesn't need to be a full accounting of the trust with down to the penny info, but if the beneficiary is in the dark, they're going to assume the worst and fill in the blanks themselves. You can avoid this! Explain what "accounting" means for a trust and how it differs from a typical understanding. When fiduciaries are drafting trusts, include periodic updates to beneficiary and a built-in grievance period for beneficiaries, so things don't fester. What beneficiaries can do: Ask lots of questions! Automatic info may not come to you and you often need to ask. The trustee/fiduciary is there to answer. That said, you should also know when to stay in your lane and what to consider when choosing a trustee. Sometimes neutrality trumps familiarity. Keep assets as separated as possible to avoid conflict. Fights are expensive, and the trust is usually the one that ends up paying legal fees. Everyone loses. How do you know when a trustee has done something wrong? Trusts with high-risk or questionable investments should get a financial planner to do an analysis. Nothing wrong with a fresh set of eyes on the portfolio. The trustee is obligated to handle the money in a prudent way. Find Chris at or on LinkedIn at . ----- We hope you'll join us each week, so hit that follow button, and if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for topics, please reach out via social or email. We'd love to hear from you. Contact John at [email protected] or via social. Visit for more info about how John works with advisors like you. /episode/index/show/nounfinishedbusiness/id/24973914

10. Stopping Embezzlement Before It Starts w/ Mark Murrah 09/23/2022

9. Advising Women Through Divorce w/ Molly Ward 09/07/2022

8. Crypto and Tax Planning: What You Need to Know w/ Matt Metras 08/18/2022

7. Appraising and Planning for Collections w/ Jennifer Jones 08/12/2022

6. Protecting Your Clients' Anonymity and Security w/ Jim Mottola 07/19/2022

5. What Advisors Need to Know About Medicaid and Medicare w/ Angela Odensky 07/12/2022

No Unfinished Business Podcast

TOPICS