Category: Financial Planning
Achieving and Setting Goals with Pete Belcastro, CFP® (Ep. 32)

Achieving and Setting Goals with Pete Belcastro, CFP® (Ep. 32)

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The New Year typically follows with New Year’s resolutions. What goals do you have for the New Year? And what strategies could help you to stay on track?

Gear up for a power-packed New Year as Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro from the Leonard Advisory team discuss their resolutions and success strategies! Dive into their reflections on the past year’s triumphs, including Pete’s career eureka moment and Josh conquering a half ironman. Uncover the secrets behind their goal-setting choices and the winning strategies that propelled them to achievement. 

Get ready to be inspired and equipped with insights to conquer your resolutions.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • Their personal goals over the past year
  • How their goals related to their personal and professional growth
  • Why is setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals important
  • Why is emphasizing commitment and perseverance important in goal achievement
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

About our Guest: Pete is a seasoned Financial Planning professional with over 15 years of diverse experience in financial, business, sales, and marketing domains. Presently, Pete serves as a financial planner, specializing in helping clients make decisions that align with their current and future financial requirements. His extensive career includes roles as an independent advisor, a registered assistant, and a licensed banker, providing him with a broad spectrum of financial expertise.

Pete’s belief in the value of a multifaceted background is rooted in his conviction that it enables him to offer clients a distinctive and ultimately more effective perspective when it comes to future planning and goal setting. He firmly believes that a comprehensive understanding, not just of financial matters but also of clients and their individual needs and desires, is the cornerstone of a robust financial plan. This holistic approach underscores his commitment to delivering the strongest financial solutions for his clients.

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How to Stay Safe and Have Fun Doing It with Angela Ferrante and Sam Rosenberg (Ep. 31)

How to Stay Safe and Have Fun Doing It with Angela Ferrante and Sam Rosenberg (Ep. 31)

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Do you take your personal safety seriously? What indicators could you be putting out, telling unsavory characters you are a vulnerable target?

Discover with Josh Leonard, Angela Ferrante and their guest Sam Rosenberg, founder of Live Ready and the author of “Live Ready: A Guide to Protecting Yourself in an Uncertain World.” Sam debunks some common myths about helplessness and randomness in violence, sharing valuable advice on personal security and self-defense techniques.

Sam discusses: 

  • When does learned helplessness have an impact on society
  • Where can danger be recognized and managed
  • Why is it important to have a plan for personal safety
  • How can body language and threat indicators be read
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Sam Rosenberg:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

About our Guest: 

Angela Ferrante is a 1987 graduate of Allegheny College with a degree in Economics and Finance. She started with Equitable Life as an insurance representative 2 weeks after graduation selling life and disability insurance to the medical community. By 2005 she was supervising 165 representatives in 4 states and running the brokerage side of the office which included the opening of accounts, research, trade placement, cashiering of upwards of $2 million per month, as well as her own client base. Angela became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary in 2015. Angela and Mark live in Somerset County where she enjoys skiing, hiking, biking and gardening.

Sam Rosenberg has been in the business of protecting people and organizations – and teaching them how to protect themselves – since 1996.

He is the Founder of Global Protective Services, Inc. (GPS) and Sam Rosenberg’s Academy of Personal Protection, both based in Pittsburgh, PA, which together provide comprehensive enterprise risk management, training, and executive protection services for clients globally.

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AI’s Impact on Information Retrieval and Career Futures with Michael Laughlin (Ep. 30)

AI’s Impact on Information Retrieval and Career Futures with Michael Laughlin (Ep. 30)

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Are you worried that technology could take over your job? You aren’t the first to feel this way. Whenever technology booms, fear of replacement creeps up. But have you considered the new jobs that this type of evolution opens up?

Join Josh Leonard with his guest Michael Laughlin, head of the portfolio specialist team at Morningstar. They explore the potential of AI in various sectors such as finance, marketing, software development, and healthcare, emphasizing that AI will never fully replace the human element, which is crucial to decision-making and building relationships.

Michael discusses: 

  • What are the potential business applications of AI
  • When and where is the role of AI in the financial advisory industry
  • How do established leaders and investors perceive AI
  • How is AI used in marketing communications
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Michael Laughlin:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

About our Guest: 

A subject matter expert in portfolio construction and trends in the wealth management community. Frequent conference speaker and thought leader. Collaborating with portfolio and sales management teams to design model solutions that help Wealth Management Advisors scale their practices. Experienced in multi-asset class portfolios including alternatives, ESG, and factor investing for UHNW clients.

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Is Your End-of-Year Financial Checklist Ready? (Ep. 29)

Is Your End-of-Year Financial Checklist Ready? (Ep. 29)

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The end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of your personal finances and make any adjustments that need to be made. 

From catching up on retirement contributions to making charitable donations, you have a bit of time left to get everything in order before 2024. 

In this episode, Josh Leonard explores end-of-year financial planning. He dives into assessing asset and debt issues, understanding tax implications, maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged accounts, and more. Josh also explains the benefits of gifting money to avoid estate taxes and the importance of financial aid planning for children or grandchildren attending college.

Josh discusses: 

  • The need to look at taxable investment accounts and making end-of-year moves
  • The importance of taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) for individuals turning 73 this year
  • Tax planning strategies
  • The importance of maximizing contributions to accounts like HSAs and 401(k)s by the end of the year
  • The need to review insurance plans during open enrollment and update estate documents in light of any family changes or additions
  • The importance of considering financial aid planning strategies for college-bound kids
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

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How Can You Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and Fraud in Retirement? with Pete Belcastro, CFP® (Ep. 28)

How Can You Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and Fraud in Retirement? with Pete Belcastro, CFP® (Ep. 28)

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In this episode, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro, Financial Planner at Leonard Advisory Group, shine a light on a concerning topic that affects many retirees – identity theft and fraud.

Join them as they unveil practical advice that acts as your shield against these modern-day threats. Discover the power of freezing your credit, regularly monitoring your credit scores, and cultivating robust online security habits. Our experts leave no stone unturned to ensure you’re well-prepared for the challenges that may arise.

But it’s not just about digital defense. Josh and Pete emphasize the significance of maintaining financial discipline when using credit cards, ensuring your retirement nest egg remains secure. 

Stay in the know about current fraud trends and outsmart the scammers at their own game.

Pete and Josh discuss: 

  • Statistics on the prevalence of fraud among older adults
  • Protective measures individuals can take, such as monitoring credit scores and freezing credit
  • Importance of freezing credit to protect against unauthorized credit checks and potential identity theft
  • Practicing good online security habits, such as using strong passwords and utilizing features like face recognition or fingerprint scanning
  • Staying informed about current fraud trends, particularly phishing scams through emails
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

About our Guest: Pete is a seasoned Financial Planning professional with over 15 years of diverse experience in financial, business, sales, and marketing domains. Presently, Pete serves as a financial planner, specializing in helping clients make decisions that align with their current and future financial requirements. His extensive career includes roles as an independent advisor, a registered assistant, and a licensed banker, providing him with a broad spectrum of financial expertise.

Pete’s belief in the value of a multifaceted background is rooted in his conviction that it enables him to offer clients a distinctive and ultimately more effective perspective when it comes to future planning and goal setting. He firmly believes that a comprehensive understanding, not just of financial matters but also of clients and their individual needs and desires, is the cornerstone of a robust financial plan. This holistic approach underscores his commitment to delivering the strongest financial solutions for his clients.

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Meet the Newest Member of Our Team: Pete Belcastro, CFP® (Ep. 27)

Meet the Newest Member of Our Team: Pete Belcastro, CFP® (Ep. 27)

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Get to know another puzzle piece that intertwines perfectly in the Leonard Advisory Group’s growing team…

In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by Pete Belcastro, Financial Planning Consultant at Leonard Advisory Group. Pete shares his journey from cold calling to becoming an investment banker and then a Certified Financial Planner. Pete also discusses his passion for outdoor activities and his dedication to community service. 

Josh and Pete chat about: 

  • Pete’s personal background, including being a Pittsburgh native and a sports fan
  • Pete’s career journey into the world of financial planning and investments
  • The importance of comprehensive financial planning
  • His other certified hat: a father and husband
  • His involvement in the Reading is Fundamental program, which promotes literacy among elementary school students in Pittsburgh
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

About our Guest: 

Pete is a seasoned Financial Planning professional with over 15 years of diverse experience in financial, business, sales, and marketing domains. Presently, Pete serves as a financial planner, specializing in helping clients make decisions that align with their current and future financial requirements. His extensive career includes roles as an independent advisor, a registered assistant, and a licensed banker, providing him with a broad spectrum of financial expertise.

Pete’s belief in the value of a multifaceted background is rooted in his conviction that it enables him to offer clients a distinctive and ultimately more effective perspective when it comes to future planning and goal setting. He firmly believes that a comprehensive understanding, not just of financial matters but also of clients and their individual needs and desires, is the cornerstone of a robust financial plan. This holistic approach underscores his commitment to delivering the strongest financial solutions for his clients.

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Can You Harvest the “Fruit” of Volatility? (Ep. 26)

Can You Harvest the “Fruit” of Volatility? (Ep. 26)

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Discover the secrets of wealth mastery as we unveil strategies that will work for you no matter what your portfolio looks like. 

In this episode, Josh unravels essential strategies for navigating uncertain financial landscapes, drawing insights from the practices of the ultra-wealthy and astute investors. Starting with the importance of diversifying a portfolio to mitigate market fluctuations, exploring options like fixed income and advanced strategies. We then delve into the concept of “dry powder” and how it empowers investors to seize opportunities without unnecessary trading. Advanced tax planning steps are also unveiled, offering potential avenues to maximize tax advantages. 

Josh discusses: 

  • Three hidden opportunities to take advantage of and two costly mistakes to avoid when the market is volatile
  • Essential questions to ask yourself in the process
  • The importance of partnering with knowledgeable financial professionals as trusted resources due to the current online climate 
  • Finding advanced tax strategies for wealth preservation
  • Importance of caution with investment trends and social media Influencers
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

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Empowering Families in Need: The Story of Christopher’s Kitchen (Ep. 25)

Empowering Families in Need: The Story of Christopher’s Kitchen (Ep. 25)

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When you’re in the hospital, the last thing you want to worry about is where your next meal is coming from. That’s the philosophy Christopher’s Kitchen bloomed from. 

In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by Leonard Advisory Group’s very own client and good friend, Carol Hesz. As an ambassador for Christopher’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides food to families with children in the hospital, Carol shares how she got involved with the organization and her role in organizing food drives and fundraising events. She offers her experience with the need for access to food 24/7 in hospitals and how Christopher’s Kitchen fills that need. Carol shares heartwarming stories of how the organization has helped individual families and talks about the annual events they host. 

Carol discusses: 

  • The story of how Christopher’s Kitchen started
  • Aspects that Christopher’s Kitchen helps with such as access to food, saving money on eating out, and saving time
  • Services provided by Christopher’s Kitchen to families in need
  • What to expect at the annual Christopher’s Kitchen event including previous costume winners and the creativity of attendees 
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

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How to Choose the Best Place to Retire (Ep. 24)

How to Choose the Best Place to Retire (Ep. 24)

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Are you questioning whether you want to retire in your home state or venture into a different area during your golden years? 

Josh Leonard explores the topic of the best places to retire, depending on an individual’s savings and personal preferences. He explains the important factors to consider when making the decision to relocate such as thinking about the taxes, the cost of living, the proximity to family and friends and more.

In this episode, Josh covers: 

  • How to research the cost of living for the place you desire to relocate to
  • Getting to know the climate or seasonal changes in certain retirement locations
  • Considering the travel time to visit your loved ones, especially any kids or grandkids in your family
  • Looking for areas where it’s not going to be difficult to stay active and make new friends 
  • Thinking about healthcare needs before making a move in retirement
  • Considerations for living overseas in retirement
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

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How Can You Prepare for the Rising Cost of College? with Dan Cieniewicz (Ep. 23)

How Can You Prepare for the Rising Cost of College? with Dan Cieniewicz (Ep. 23)

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As your children get closer and closer to graduation, that education cheque is slowly becoming your reality. 

In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by Dan Cieniewicz aka The College Dude, to discuss all things saving for college. They emphasize the need for parents to come up with a budget and consider sources of funding for college including the FAFSA process and recent changes to it. 

Dan and Josh discuss: 

  • Retirement benefits grandparents can receive through paying for their grandchildren’s education 
  • The challenge of integrating grandparents into the conversation about college funding
  • The importance of scholarships, grants, and choosing the right school for each student
  • The FAFSA Simplification Act and its implications for grandparent-owned 529 plans
  • The four fits and factors you need to consider before choosing a college 
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

About our Guest: 

Dan Cieniewicz works with parents of teenage children as they find themselves in a position to strategize to pay for college while also staying on track for retirement. Dan’s goal when working with clients is to explain the complexities of the financial aid & college application process and to strategize to make sure that both parents and children are set up for long-term success. 

Dan was born & raised in Berks County. He attended Albright College, majoring in Economics & Political Science and played on the football team.  Dan has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. 

Dan is the head girls basketball coach at Warwick High School in Lititz, PA and loves working out and playing basketball. He resides in Lititz with his wife, Carly.  He also became a father in March of 2022, to a beautiful daughter, Stella.

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