Category: Retirement Planning

Turning New Year’s Fitness Goals into Lifelong Habits with Julia Nastasi (Ep. 14)

Turning New Year’s Fitness Goals into Lifelong Habits with Julia Nastasi (Ep. 14)

Have you ever considered how your passions can transform into a thriving business? Join us to explore the captivating journey of turning dreams into reality.

In this episode of Compass Wealth Conversations, Brendon Murphy speaks with Julia Nastasi, a dynamic digital creator, lawyer, and CEO of Fitting and Fitness. From battling personal challenges to carving out a business in fitness, Julia shares how she transitioned from law to full-time fitness while staying true to her passion. Tune in to uncover how a dose of personal accountability and a sprinkle of innovation can redefine career paths. Julia also dives into her latest ventures, from skincare collaborations to launching a Disney guide service, underscoring her philosophy of integrating personal interests into successful business endeavors.

Brendon and Julia discuss:

  • (01:14) Julia’s journey from attorney to fitness CEO and how her initial skepticism transformed into success
  • (04:06) The importance of tailoring fitness programs to one’s lifestyle and how Julia’s “Fitting In Fitness” adapts to individual needs
  • (08:45) Insight into Julia’s nutrition-focused program, highlighting sustainable fitness and real-world applicability
  • (23:28) The emotional and financial lessons learned from a personal family experience, emphasizing the need for long-term care planning
  • (32:15) Julia’s advice for embracing guidance and how it’s shaped her personal and professional life
  • And more

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Connect with Julia Nastasi: 

About our Guest: 

Julia Nastasi is the Founder and CEO of The Fit Fighters, an Online health and fitness coach at Fitting in Fitness, and the Creator and CEO of Fitting in Fitness.

Transforming Homes and Lives: The Power of Design with Stephanie Gillin (Ep. 13)

Transforming Homes and Lives: The Power of Design with Stephanie Gillin (Ep. 13)

What if your home renovation could transform not just your space, but also your lifestyle?

In this episode of Compass Wealth Conversations, Brendan Murphy sits down with Stephanie Gillin, co-owner of Grande Decor, to discuss the art of remodeling and the role of innovative design in modern living spaces. Steph shares insights into how she and her team at Grande Decor approach home transformations that go beyond just aesthetics. The episode offers a fresh take on integrating functionality and style, ensuring that both your home and your life receive a makeover.

Stephanie discusses: 

  • (01:45) The comprehensive design and build approach of Grande Decor
  • (03:44) The importance of understanding how clients live to create tailor-made spaces
  • (05:56) Collaboration with husband Joe Gillin for seamless project execution and client satisfaction
  • (08:07) The evolution of their unique construction binder system for clarity and efficiency
  • (10:51) Upcoming trends in home renovations and timeless design elements
  • And more

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Connect with Stephanie Gillin: 

About our Guest: 

Walking into someone’s home and seeing where we can help by adding function and style to their kitchen and bath is what we love to do! Getting to know our clients and their family makes the design process exciting! Then we take the design and renovate each kitchen and bath to meet/exceed the wants and needs of the homeowner. It is a truly special experience to design and remodel a family’s home! 

At Grande Decor, we walk homeowners through each step of the design and remodel phase. We explore all possible options for their renovation on all levels, including; style, function, budget and time. We are known for our communication, energy, cleanliness and passion.

A College Planning Roadmap with Keith Wilkerson (Ep. 11)

A College Planning Roadmap with Keith Wilkerson (Ep. 11)

Thinking about college but don’t know where to start? What if there was a roadmap that made college prep simple and stress-free?

In this episode, Brendon Murphy sits down with Keith Wilkerson, founder of College Thoughts, a boutique college consultancy that’s reshaping the journey to higher education. Keith shares his inspiring journey as a first-generation college student and how it shaped the comprehensive services offered by College Thoughts today. From essay editing to SAT prep, Keith’s team provides a holistic approach to navigating the college application process without the overwhelming package deals.

Keith discusses: 

  • (02:22) The shift from traditional packaged services to an hourly consulting model that benefits clients
  • (04:05) The benefit of starting college prep early and how they tailor their services to different ages
  • (10:53) The importance of being authentic in college applications and selecting schools that resonate with students
  • (12:51)  Insights on financial planning for college, including the FAFSA and alternative forms like the CSS profile
  • (16:56) Finding the right college fit over prestige
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Connect with Keith Wilkerson: 

About our Guest: 

Keith is a specialist in developing and implementing a program that teaches students the value of making the transition from being a good student to chasing greatness. Whether teaching innovative strategies to master standardized testing, helping students transition to a more challenging educational setting, or speaking about unlocking the mysteries of the college application process, Keith always wants students to strive for excellence instead of mere survival. His no-nonsense approach and proven strategies have helped many programs have successful events with ongoing follow-up.

Pat Lyman on Building a Trusted Financial Legacy (Ep. 10)

Pat Lyman on Building a Trusted Financial Legacy (Ep. 10)

How do financial experts kickstart their journey and the impact they leave behind?

In this episode, Brendon Murphy sits down with Patrick Lyman, President Emeritus of Compass Financial Solutions, to explore the evolution of financial planning over the past five decades. Pat shares insights from his 50-year career in the financial services industry, from starting with Prudential in 1972 to establishing Compass Financial in 2008, and his commitment to community empowerment. Their conversation dives into the importance of independence in financial advising, the transformation of life insurance products, and strategies for building guaranteed income in retirement.  Tune in to hear personal anecdotes about his beginnings in the insurance world and how he built Compass Financial Solutions.

Brendon and Patrick discuss: 

  • (01:33) How Pat got into the financial services industry
  • (05:03) The need for independence in offering tailored client products
  • (09:40) The evolution of Compass Financial Solutions and the importance of a personalized approach
  • (19:39) Essential advice for young professionals starting their financial planning
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Connect with Pat Lyman: 

About our Guest: 

Patrick, president emeritus of Compass Financial Solutions, has over 50 years of experience in the financial industry, providing a strong foundation for his team’s guidance and service. His dedication is reflected in his certifications and memberships, including the American Society of Financial Services Professionals and the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants. In 2005, Patrick joined the Million Dollar Round Table and, in 2016, achieved Qualifying and Life member status, recognizing his commitment to ethics and excellence.

Patrick is also devoted to his community, leading YMCA workshops and supporting organizations like the Rotary Club of Upper Darby/Lansdowne and the Delaware County Police and Firefighters Organization. A member of the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels, he actively contributes to philanthropic causes.

Retirement Myths Busted: What’s Fact, What’s Fiction? (Ep. 9)

Retirement Myths Busted: What’s Fact, What’s Fiction? (Ep. 9)

What retirement myths are holding you back?

In this episode, Brendon Murphy sorts through some misleading beliefs about retirement. Discover why you might not actually spend less in retirement, how to plan for longevity, and debunk the idea that Social Security will cover all your expenses. This episode offers a conversational yet insightful peek into the realities of retirement planning.

Brendon discusses: 

  • (02:01) Spending expectations in retirement and the reality of initial costs
  • (05:08) Social Security misconceptions and supplemental income needs
  • (09:51) Importance of early savings to leverage compounding interest
  • (12:18) Planning for healthcare needs and living longer
  • And more

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Are Annuities Right for Your Financial Plan? (Ep. 8)

Are Annuities Right for Your Financial Plan? (Ep. 8)

What do modern annuities bring to the table for your retirement plans?

In this episode of The Compass Wealth Conversations Podcast, Brendon Murphy dives deep into the world of annuities, demystifying the often misunderstood financial tool. He explains how when set up correctly, annuities can provide guaranteed income for life, principal protection, and tax-deferred growth. This conversation is perfect for anyone looking to understand how annuities might fit into their retirement strategies and overcome the bad rap they’ve historically received. Discover the ins and outs of different types of annuities, from immediate and fixed index to variable ones, and learn how they can effectively support your retirement income planning.

Brendon discusses: 

  • (01:06) What an annuity is and how it secures your principal and income
  • (02:35) Types of annuities: immediate, multi-year guaranteed, fixed index, and variable
  • (04:46) The historical bad rap of annuities and why it’s outdated
  • (07:17) How annuities complement Social Security and other retirement income
  • (09:21) The considerations for rolling your 401(k) into an annuity
  • (11:59) The right time to consider investing in annuities
  • (13:24) Addressing liquidity concerns for annuity holders
  • And more

Ready to see how annuities can transform your retirement strategy? Tune in as Brendon Murphy guides you through the essentials to make informed decisions. Listen, learn, and share to keep this valuable financial conversation going. 

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Long-Term Care Planning: Protect Your Family and Finances with Jeremy Veryser (Ep. 7)

Long-Term Care Planning: Protect Your Family and Finances with Jeremy Veryser (Ep. 7)

What do you need to do to prepare for your family’s future care needs?

Navigating long-term care is not just about planning financially, but emotionally, and strategically. Let’s explore how to protect our loved ones without losing our peace of mind.

In this episode, Brendon Murphy sits down with Jeremy Veryser, a seasoned regional account director from OneAmerica, to unravel the complex world of long-term care planning. Together, they dive into unique funding strategies that will ease the burden on families while offering peace of mind. Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or just someone curious about long-term care, this episode has invaluable insights for everyone.

Brendon and Jeremy discuss: 

  • (03:00) The history and evolution of asset-based long-term care solutions
  • (08:03) Leveraging life insurance and annuities for long-term care benefits
  • (11:10) Strategies for using health savings accounts and business tax deductions in care planning
  • (13:00) How the Pension Protection Act offers new tax advantages
  • (16:05) Addressing cognitive disorders and care for illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s
  • And more

Tune in for practical advice that can help safeguard your financial plans and secure legacy wealth for future generations. Be sure to like, follow, and share this episode with anyone you think might find it helpful.

Resources:

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Connect with Jeremy Veryser: 

About our Guest: 

Jeremy Veryser, a regional account director of OneAmerica, works with successful BGAs and IMOs to educate their marketers and financial professionals on how to implement plans for extended care needs by utilizing our asset-based LTC product suite. At OneAmerica Financial, Asset-based long-term care is a primary focus and with a dedicated employee wholesaling team, the largest in the asset-based LTC market, it’s easy to see why these strategies are becoming the future of LTC planning. OneAmerica Financial’s Brokerage partners have found these solutions help to address one of the largest retirement risks while simultaneously creating significant revenue. Some of the attributes Jeremy seeks in future brokerages he works with are a real desire to help advisors protect their clients and their client’s families from the physical and emotional consequences that an unexpected care need would cause, a holistic approach to financial planning, superior ethics, and a desire for continued growth.

Understanding Medicare: When to Enroll and What You Need to Know with Lisa Eppolito (Ep. 6)

Understanding Medicare: When to Enroll and What You Need to Know with Lisa Eppolito (Ep. 6)

Are you unsure how to navigate the complexities of Medicare and health insurance? 

Learn about the complexities of Medicare and health insurance with expert Lisa Eppolito, making it easier to choose the right plans and avoid costly mistakes

Today on The Compass Wealth Conversations, Brendon Murphy is joined by Lisa Eppolito, a Medicare specialist from Positive Insurance Solutions, to discuss the intricacies of selecting the right Medicare and health insurance plans. You’ll hear valuable insights on how to prepare for retirement by understanding the complexities of Medicare, from initial sign-ups to choosing between various supplemental plans.

Brendon and Lisa discuss: 

  • Why it’s important to sign up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible and the potential consequences of delaying
  • How to choose the best prescription drug plans based on individual medical needs and budgets
  • Significant upcoming changes to Medicare prescription drug costs set for 2025
  • Tips on navigating healthcare options for individuals under 65, including the benefits of seeking professional advice
  • And more

Join us for these vital tips to ensure you make informed decisions for your health and retirement!

Resources:

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Connect with Lisa Eppolito: 

About our Guest: 

Lisa Korab Eppolito of Positive Insurance Solutions is a Medicare and health insurance specialist for people under the age of 65. Lisa is a licensed independent health insurance broker.

How to Build Your Own Pension: A Guide for Modern Retirees (Ep. 5)

How to Build Your Own Pension: A Guide for Modern Retirees (Ep. 5)

Pensions may seem like a thing of the past, but you can still create your own secure retirement income.

How can you ensure a stable income in retirement without relying on traditional pensions? What strategies can help you build a reliable financial future?

In this episode, Brendon Murphy discusses the decline of traditional pensions and how individuals can build their own retirement income using modern financial tools. He explains the role of fixed index annuities and other strategies to create a personal pension plan.

Brendon discusses: 

  • The Decline of Traditional Pensions: Why company pensions have become rare and the shift to 401(k) and 403(b) plans
  • Building a Personal Pension: How to use fixed index annuities with guaranteed lifetime income to create a stable retirement income
  • Tax Considerations: The tax implications of rolling over 401(k) funds into annuities and the benefits of using Roth accounts
  • Starting Early vs. Late: Strategies for both early and late starters in building a personal pension
  • Real-Life Examples: Stories of clients who successfully transitioned from company pensions to personal retirement plans
  • And more!

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Building a Strong Financial Team with Brendan McPoyle, CFP®, AEP® (Ep. 4)

Building a Strong Financial Team with Brendan McPoyle, CFP®, AEP® (Ep. 4)

Creating a robust financial plan can be daunting, but having the right team can make all the difference.

How do you find the right professionals to guide you through retirement planning? How can collaboration between wealth managers and insurance specialists benefit you?

This week, Brendon Murphy sits down with Brendan McPoyle, Partner & Wealth Manager at Princeton Global Asset Management. Together, they explore the power of their collaborative approach to wealth management and insurance, focusing on providing holistic and customized financial solutions to clients. You’ll hear about their unique partnership, their comprehensive services, and how they help clients navigate their finances with ease.

Together, they discuss: 

  • Brendan McPoyle’s journey and his collaboration with Compass Financial Solutions
  • How personalized financial planning can address specific client needs and goals
  • The importance of having a professional team for holistic wealth and health management
  • Real-life client stories illustrating the benefits of their services
  • And more!

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Connect with Brendan McPoyle: 

About our Guest: 

Brendan McPoyle works with business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and hard-working professionals across the United States. With 20 years of experience in developing inclusive financial plans and comprehensive financial strategies, he has helped individuals and families visualize their dreams and plan for financial retirement success.

His collaborative and comprehensive wealth management approach leverages the talents and knowledge of the Princeton Global team and each client’s trusted advisors to help increase and protect financial assets, build and secure assets for retirement, and achieve financial security and independence.