Up Your Assets

E12 · 34m

Up Your Assets ~ Women, Wealth, and the Financial Services Gender Gap

Ray Ferrara, CFP®, sits down with Cary Carbonaro, CFP®, MBA, Managing Wealth Advisor and Women in Wealth Ambassador for Ashton Thomas, to tackle the financial services industry's gender problem. Together, they explore how women approach money differently, the unique challenges they face—from wage gaps to longevity planning—and what women should look for when choosing a financial planner.

E13 · 30m

Up Your Assets ~ Bridging the Gap: Smart Strategies for Women’s Wealth

Ray explores the surprising truth when it comes to the future of Women and Wealth Management with Dr. Barb Provost. This in-depth discussion reveals the amazing trends in financial services and the opportunity that exists. You won’t want to miss the insightful conversation on how to help current and future generations control the “Purse Strings”.

E14 · 27m

Up Your Assets ~ Understanding Social Security: Maximize your benefits, Minimize regret.

In this amazing three-part series, Ray Ferrara CFP ® speaks to award winning author/journalist and Social Security expert Mary Beth Franklin. Ray and Mary Beth roll up their sleeves and have a detailed discussion about all things Social Security! A must watch for anyone who wishes to learn more about the complex system that will affect all of us as Americans.

E15 · 26m

Up Your Assets ~ Understanding Social Security: How to Claim Smart

Welcome to part two of this superb three-part series with Ray Ferrara CFP ® and award-winning author / journalist and Social Security expert Mary Beth Franklin. During this exciting and informative session, Ray and Mary Beth give some well thought out tips on how to navigate the sometimes-overwhelming process when claiming your Social Security Benefits.

E16 · 21m

Up Your Assets ~ Understanding Social Security: Is It Broken? How do we fix it?

The conclusion of the amazing three-part series on understanding Social Security, with Ray Ferrara CFP ® and award-winning author / journalist and Social Security expert Mar:y Beth Franklin. During Part 3, Ray and Mary Beth take a look down the road on what the future of Social Security may look like given that it is projected to run out of money in 2032...

E17 · 43m

Up Your Assets ~ The Trials and Tribulations of Living Too Long - "Longevity Planning "

There are several complexities that factor into retirement, adding to the conundrum is how to factor in the potential of "living longer" and what that might entail. Ray sits down with longtime friend and fellow CFP® Rick Kahler to contemplate these challenges and biases that affect retiring. We hope this podcast's message will educate and inspire those who watch.

E18 · 57m

Up Your Assets ~ One Big Beautiful Bill, Explained: Taxes, Deductions & You

Ray provides great perspective on the major tax law changes that are here! During this educational session, he describes how the Big Beautiful Bill could have a significant impact on your retirement, investments, and estate planning. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings sweeping changes to the tax code that could directly impact your income, retirement, and estate plans for years to come.

E19 · 38m

Up Your Assets ~ Medicare Alphabet Soup Decoded: A, B, C, D and Your Best Path Forward

Host Ray Ferrara and insurance expert Bill Askins delve into the complexities of Medicare, discussing its various parts (A, B, C, and D), the importance of understanding enrollment periods, and the differences between Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans. They emphasize the need for personalized advice and the potential pitfalls of late enrollment penalties, providing listeners with essential insights to navigate their Medicare options effectively.

E20 · 50m

Up Your Assets ~ The Claiming Clock: Singles, Couples, and Survivors

This episode is a unique conversation with Sandy Risgaard, CFP ® and Ray Ferarra, CFP® where they discuss essential information regarding Social Security and retirement. Included in the conversation is how to access benefits, the importance of having a strategy, tax implications and recent updates in the Social Security system. This great discussion emphasizes the complexity of Social Security and the need for personalized financial planning.

E21 · 36m

Up Your Assets ~ Living Longer Than You Think (and Loving It)

Ray Ferrara and Jonathan Ainsley discuss the implications of increased longevity on financial planning and lifestyle. They explore how living longer requires a shift in mindset, financial strategies, and the importance of reframing aging perspectives. Jonathan introduces the Flourishing Longevity Scorecard and discusses the three revolutions affecting longevity: the revolution of longevity itself, the impact of technology, and the evolution of relationships.

E22 · 25m

Up Your Assets ~ The Hidden Costs in Your Retirement Plan ~ Benchmarking Your Way to Better

Host Ray Ferrara CFP® and guest Jon Brethauer CFP®, AIF®, CPFA, MBA discuss the complexities of being a retirement plan sponsor. This is part 1 of a 2-part series, where they delve into fiduciary responsibilities, the importance of hiring fiduciary advisors, and the various types of fiduciaries.

E23 · 25m

Up Your Assets ~ Master Your 401k: Matches, Roth vs. Traditional and the Power of Starting Now

In this "Part 2" episode with guest Jon Brethauer CFP®, AIF®, CPFA, MBA and Ray go further into the intricacies of managing retirement plans from a participant's perspective. They cover essential topics such as understanding eligibility, maximizing employer contributions and the differences between traditional and Roth contributions. Ray & Jon also share the importance of early savings, the power of compound interest and how the role of target date funds can be a useful tool in ones plan.

E24 · 14m

Up Your Assets ~ Ray’s 2026 Predictions Were Better Said: How to Make a Fool of Yourself

Ray Ferrara shares his predictions for 2026 and reflects on how difficult it is to forecast the future in such an unpredictable world. He looks at several major market themes, including a possible surge in IPO activity with nearly 500 companies potentially going public and raising over 100 billion dollars, helped by the expected passage of the Invest Act.

E25 · 43m

Up Your Assets ~ Estate Planning After the One Big Beautiful Bill: New Rules, New Strategies

Ray Ferrara is joined by estate planning attorney Nick Grimaudo! The two discuss recent changes in estate planning, which made estate tax rules permanent. From proper asset titling to the strategic use of trusts, there’s more than one way to slash probate costs, guard against creditors, and shape your legacy. Even if you're below the exemption threshold, there are income tax benefits and planning tactics that could save you big. Are you taking the right steps now?

E26 · 29m

Up Your Assets: Trust Companies Explained—Preserve Family Wealth & Protect Your Legacy

Ray and James A. Combs, Jr. , the President and CEO of National Advisors Trust Company, discuss the intricacies of legacy planning and the role of trust companies in estate planning. They explore the advantages of using a corporate trustee, the benefits of the directed trust model and the importance of professional expertise in managing trusts. Jim shares insights on the unique offerings of National Advisors Trust and their approach to asset management.

E27 · 37m

Up Your Assets ~ Your Money Isn’t the Only Target: Protect Your Data, Home, and Identity

Ray discusses essential strategies for securing personal data with expert Kenneth Washington, who is the Chief Information Officer at the Tampa Port Authority. They cover a range of topics that are a little more "TECH" related...including the importance of regular software updates, creating strong passwords, the necessity of multi-factor authentication, and securing home and office networks.

E28 · 34m

Up Your Assets ~ Marriage, Money & Divorce: What Couples Need to Know Before and After “I Do”

Join Ray as he hosts renowned family law expert Ky Koch, a Florida attorney with decades of experience in divorce and collaborative law. In this compelling discussion, they explore destiny, marriage preparation, and modern approaches to divorce. Learn why prenuptial agreements matter more than ever, with practical advice on financial disclosure, asset valuation, and protecting your assets before saying, “I do.”

E30 · 6m

Up Your Assets ~ Roth IRA Conversions: When it Makes Sense and When it Doesn't

This episode features some great perspective from the podcast host Ray Ferrara. Where he explores the strategic considerations of converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs, including benefits, drawbacks, and timing tips to optimize retirement planning. Ray does not have a "Crystal Ball" and this is not a prognostication...however he provides some poignant and thought-provoking concepts on how to hedge potential tax changes in THE FUTURE.

E31 · 5m

Up Your Assets ~ The Hidden Risks That Quietly Drain Your Wealth - and How to Avoid Them

In this brief but bold episode, Ray shares several essential strategies for preserving and growing your wealth! It is so important to remain vigilant and keep focused on risk management, proper tax strategies, liquidity when needed and organized estate planning. Take a listen and learn some quick tips on how to keep your wealth intact!

E32 · 33m

Up Your Assets ~ How Smart Investors Navigate Market Uncertainty

Ray and Kara Murphy, CIO of Kestra Investment Management, discuss market timing myths, investment strategies, and the buzz around AI and crypto. Learn why discipline beats FOMO, how market ups and downs can impact your portfolio, and what emerging technologies may mean for future investments. Essential listening for anyone focused on building long-term wealth.

E33 · 30m

Up Your Assets ~ The Child-Free Estate Planning Gap Nobody Talks About

Ray Ferrara and Dr. Jay Zigmont discuss estate planning for child-free couples, covering everything from values and pets to charities and legacy planning. Gain valuable insights for protecting your assets and creating a plan that reflects your unique life goals.