Category: Education
Why Money Choices Get Easier When You Start With Values with Brendan Frazier – Part 1 (Ep. 38)

Why Money Choices Get Easier When You Start With Values with Brendan Frazier – Part 1 (Ep. 38)

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It is easy to think financial planning is all about numbers, but this episode pulls back the curtain to show why the human side matters just as much. 

In this episode, Jim Sumpter, CFP®, sits down with returning guest Brendan Frazier, Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory, to explore the Golden Circle framework and how understanding your why can shape every financial decision you make. From cash flow to retirement to caring for aging parents, your deeper motivations can either move you forward or keep you stuck. 

This conversation brings clarity to an area most people never slow down long enough to examine.

What to expect:

  • Why your values influence your financial habits
  • How to uncover what really drives your decisions
  • The role of mindset in budgeting and long-term planning
  • How life changes can shift your priorities over time
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Brendan Frazier:

About Our Guest: 

Brendan Frazier is the Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG, the host of The Human Side of Money podcast, and a nationally recognized voice on behavioral finance. After starting his career as a consultant to financial advisors around the country, he started his own financial advisory business and was twice named one of Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors in the U.S. Most recently, he built a global training platform to help financial advisors and their clients better understand the behavioral, psychological, and emotional sides of money. When he’s not diving into the latest behavior and psychology research, he is spending time with his wife Shannon and three kids, Brooks, Shepherd, and Merritt. And, he welcomes all unsolicited advice on how to successfully raise three kids.

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Turning Setbacks into Charcuterie: How Jessica Snead Built Petal & Platter (Ep. 37)

Turning Setbacks into Charcuterie: How Jessica Snead Built Petal & Platter (Ep. 37)

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Sometimes the toughest seasons reveal the most unexpected opportunities. 

When COVID-19 turned the world upside down, Jessica Snead found herself without a job, a plan, or a clear next step, but what she did have was creativity, determination, and a love for making things beautiful.

In this episode of The Financial Puzzle Playbook, host Jim Sumpter, CFP®, talks with Jessica, owner of Petal & Platter, about how she turned an uncertain moment into a thriving catering business. From her first “Happy Hour Boxes” to elegant grazing tables and a social media following of over 100,000, Jessica’s journey is a story of reinvention, perseverance, and purpose.

Jessica shares:

  • How losing two household incomes during COVID sparked the idea for “Happy Hour Boxes” that grew into a full-fledged catering business
  • How social media and word of mouth became the foundation for her rapid local growth
  • The moment her business shifted from small platters to large-scale grazing tables
  • Why delegating finances and bookkeeping early helped her focus on creativity and customer experience
  • How she continues to balance entrepreneurship, motherhood, and growth while adapting to inflation and evolving trends
  • And more!

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Jessica Snead: 

About Our Guest: 

Jessica Snead is the owner and creative force behind Petal & Platter, a catering company specializing in custom charcuterie boards and grazing tables. Combining her background in graphic design with a passion for food artistry, Jessica has turned her business, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, into a beloved local brand with over 100,000 Instagram followers and growing recognition across the Southeast.

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Year-End Financial Planning with Andy Graffeo (Ep. 36)

Year-End Financial Planning with Andy Graffeo (Ep. 36)

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Join host Jim Sumpter, CFP®, and his returning guest, CMC Financial’s Vice President, Andy Graffeo, AFSP, as they take you through essential year-end financial planning strategies using their six-piece playbook. They cover key topics like maximizing 401(k) contributions, Roth conversions, required minimum distributions, charitable giving, education planning, and energy tax credits.

Throughout the episode, Jim and Andy stress proactive planning, highlighting that working closely with trusted financial professionals before year-end ensures that key actions are completed in time to optimize tax savings, protect assets, and align financial decisions with personal and family goals.

Key takeaways include:

  • How to make the most of 529 plan contributions and education tax credits
  • Portfolio rebalancing, wash sale rules, and offsetting capital gains
  • Roth conversions, inherited IRAs, and required minimum distributions (RMDs)
  • Maximizing 401(k) and HSA contributions before year-end
  • Charitable giving, home energy credits, and proactive tax planning
  • Reviewing beneficiaries, gifting rules, and digital assets before December 31
  • And more

Previous Episodes of Interest:

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Andy Graffeo: 

About Our Guest:

Andy began his career with RFG in 2003 and brings decades of hands-on experience in tax and financial planning, with a focus on supporting families and small business owners. A proud Birmingham native, he attended Ensley High School and later earned his degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Growing up, Andy spent much of his youth working in his family’s grocery stores, where he quickly took on the responsibility of managing many of the financial operations. It was during these early years that he developed a deep appreciation for the value of hard work and financial stewardship. As the retail landscape evolved, Andy saw the future with clarity—recognizing the opportunity to use his skills in a new way. That foresight inspired him to pivot into financial services, where he could make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families and business owners.

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Santa’s Take on Holiday Spending (Ep. 35)

Santa’s Take on Holiday Spending (Ep. 35)

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The holidays come early in this unforgettable episode of The Financial Puzzle Playbook, where Jim Sumpter is joined by none other than Santa Claus himself. 

With a cocoa in hand and a beachy Hawaiian shirt on, Santa opens up about his off-season routine, what makes the perfect cookie, and why budgeting for the holidays is one of the greatest gifts you can give your future self.

Amid the laughs and holiday cheer, Jim and Santa dive into deeper reflections on meaningful memories, financial mindfulness, and how the best gifts often aren’t things at all. This feel-good episode is a joyful reminder of why we plan, why we celebrate, and why presence matters more than presents.

What to expect:

  • How Santa unwinds after the holiday rush (yes, there’s ice cream involved)
  • Tips for sticking to a holiday budget, straight from the big guy in red
  • Why experiences often make the best gifts
  • A special invite to CMC Financial’s client appreciation event
  • And more!

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

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What Gen Z Gets Right (And Wrong) About Money – Part 2 (Ep. 34)

What Gen Z Gets Right (And Wrong) About Money – Part 2 (Ep. 34)

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What happens when Gen Z tackles investing armed with TikTok hacks in one hand and a finance textbook in the other?

In this candid and high-energy episode of The Financial Puzzle Playbook, host Jim Sumpter reconnects with Vivi Spotswood, a rising junior at Ole Miss, for part two of their conversation. This time, the spotlight shifts to investing, what it really means, how younger generations misunderstand it, and why building financial confidence takes more than a viral video promising millionaire status.

Expect real talk on:

  • The overwhelming noise of financial advice on social media
  • Why quick-fix investing myths can derail long-term wealth
  • How Vivi is navigating student life, investing, and ambition with intention
  • The surprising similarities between Gen Z and older generations when it comes to money fears
  • And more!

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Vivi Spotswood:

About Our Guest: 

Vivi is a driven student currently double-majoring in Entrepreneurship and Finance. As a Finance major, she is seeking to develop a deeper understanding of financial analysis, investment strategies, and market trends. She plans to do this through becoming active in the University of Mississippi Finance Club as well as starting her internship at RFG Advisory. As an Entrepreneurial major, she hopes to be able to combine her developing business expertise with her interests in fitness and health to create a successful future endeavor.

In addition to her academic background, she brings hands-on experience from the retail industry, where she’s honed her skills in customer service, team leadership, and sales strategy through working at Alo Yoga in Aspen, Colorado. She thrives in fast-paced environments and is able to manage day-to-day operations while focusing on the company’s long-term goals.

She is also a certified Pilates Instructor at Bash Studio, where she combines her love for wellness with her teaching skills. Teaching Pilates has not only helped her connect with others but has also enhanced her ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and motivate others to achieve their goals.

She is always looking to connect with like-minded individuals and explore opportunities in business, finance, and wellness.

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What Gen Z Gets Right (and Wrong) About Money – Part 1 (Ep. 33)

What Gen Z Gets Right (and Wrong) About Money – Part 1 (Ep. 33)

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When Vivi Spotswood arrived at Ole Miss, she didn’t know many people, but what she did know was that she wanted to carve her own path. 

Now a rising junior studying finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing, Vivi joins host Jim Sumpter for a two-part conversation about cash flow, confidence, and the mindset shifts that come with growing up financially independent.

From budgeting as a college student to understanding how her parents’ work ethic shaped her own, Vivi brings sharp insight, relatable humor, and inspiring self-awareness to this episode. She also shares what she wishes she’d known as a freshman and how her generation is learning to balance self-care with financial responsibility.

What to expect:

  • Budgeting basics that actually work for Gen Z
  • How to navigate money differences in friendships
  • Why mindset is the real financial differentiator
  • Lessons from working retail, teaching Pilates, and learning by example
  • And more!

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Vivi Spotswood:

About Our Guest: 

Vivi is a driven student currently double-majoring in Entrepreneurship and Finance. As a Finance major, she is seeking to develop a deeper understanding of financial analysis, investment strategies, and market trends. She plans to do this through becoming active in the University of Mississippi Finance Club as well as starting her internship at RFG Advisory. As an Entrepreneurial major, she hopes to be able to combine her developing business expertise with her interests in fitness and health to create a successful future endeavor.

In addition to her academic background, she brings hands-on experience from the retail industry, where she’s honed her skills in customer service, team leadership, and sales strategy through working at Alo Yoga in Aspen, Colorado. She thrives in fast-paced environments and is able to manage day-to-day operations while focusing on the company’s long-term goals.

She is also a certified Pilates Instructor at Bash Studio, where she combines her love for wellness with her teaching skills. Teaching Pilates has not only helped her connect with others but has also enhanced her ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and motivate others to achieve their goals.

She is always looking to connect with like-minded individuals and explore opportunities in business, finance, and wellness.

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The Importance of Setting Insurance Goals with Eileen Shovlin – Part 2 (Ep. 32)

The Importance of Setting Insurance Goals with Eileen Shovlin – Part 2 (Ep. 32)

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What does insurance really look like across a lifetime, and how do you make sure it fits your plan?

In this second conversation with Eileen Shovlin, Director of Business Development at Crump Life Insurance, we dive deep into the logistics of insurance at different stages of life. 

From understanding insurability and group policies to integrating coverage with wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution, this episode is full of insights for families, professionals, and anyone navigating the “what ifs.”

Here’s what else we cover in the episode:

  • Why starting early makes insurance more affordable and flexible
  • How group policies often leave dangerous coverage gaps
  • Gender perspectives: Why women often drive planning conversations
  • The role of insurance in retirement and legacy strategies
  • And more!

Previous Episodes of Interest:

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Eileen Shovlin:

About Our Guest: 

Eileen Shovlin joined Crump Life Insurance Services in 2016 and currently serves as Director, Business Development. She is responsible for forging relationships with fee-only and fee-based RIAs, broker-dealers, banks, employee benefits firms, and large P&C agencies for Crump sales channels nationwide.

Eileen understands that a financial professional’s role is to remove financial anxiety for their clients and solve for uncertainty. She collaborates on the right “go to market” approach to deliver the strongest results for the risk management firms she works with. She believes the true measure of worth is her ability to help high-end financial and insurance professionals build a more profitable business by creating better offerings for their clients, developing stronger retention strategies, and providing additional sources of revenue.

Eileen has over 28 years of experience in both the insurance industry as a regional vice president, brokerage sales director, and marketing director. She is a dedicated salesperson with a reputation for consummate professionalism and exemplary ethics.

Eileen lives outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with her Goldendoodle, Piper, and Bernedoodle, Shanti. She enjoys spending time with her grown son, Brendan, and staying active outdoors, hiking in the PA mountains or by Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT. She is passionate about helping families with special needs children and has served on the board of the Kelly Dolan Memorial Fund in Ft. Washington, PA, for over 15 years.

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The Importance of Setting Insurance Goals with Eileen Shovlin – Part 1 (Ep. 31)

The Importance of Setting Insurance Goals with Eileen Shovlin – Part 1 (Ep. 31)

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What if a single unexpected moment reshaped your entire financial future?

In this episode, host Jim Sumpter, CFP®, sits down with Eileen Shovlin, Director of Business Development at Crump Life Insurance, to explore the deeply personal journey that led her to become an advocate for smart, values-based insurance planning. 

From a life-altering car accident at 27 to a health crisis at 31 that made her uninsurable, Eileen shares the lessons that shaped her purpose and how insurance gave her peace of mind, financial flexibility, and legacy options when she needed them most.

Here’s what you can expect from this release:

  • Term vs. permanent life insurance explained in plain English
  • How to protect your insurability before it’s too late
  • Using life insurance for tax-free college or long-term care planning
  • Why a flexible, reviewed plan creates real-life freedom
  • And more!

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Eileen Shovlin:

About Our Guest: 

Eileen Shovlin joined Crump Life Insurance Services in 2016 and currently serves as Director, Business Development. She is responsible for forging relationships with fee-only and fee-based RIAs, broker-dealers, banks, employee benefits firms, and large P&C agencies for Crump sales channels nationwide.

Eileen understands that a financial professional’s role is to remove financial anxiety for their clients and solve for uncertainty. She collaborates on the right “go to market” approach to deliver the strongest results for the risk management firms she works with. She believes the true measure of worth is her ability to help high-end financial and insurance professionals build a more profitable business by creating better offerings for their clients, developing stronger retention strategies, and providing additional sources of revenue.

Eileen has over 28 years of experience in both the insurance industry as a regional vice president, brokerage sales director, and marketing director. She is a dedicated salesperson with a reputation for consummate professionalism and exemplary ethics.

Eileen lives outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with her Goldendoodle, Piper, and Bernedoodle, Shanti. She enjoys spending time with her grown son, Brendan, and staying active outdoors, hiking in the PA mountains or by Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT. She is passionate about helping families with special needs children and has served on the board of the Kelly Dolan Memorial Fund in Ft. Washington, PA for over 15 years.

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What Rental Owners Get Wrong About Depreciation (Ep. 30)

What Rental Owners Get Wrong About Depreciation (Ep. 30)

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Depreciation can be one of the most misunderstood aspects of owning a business or rental property, and mishandling it can lead to IRS headaches, audit risk, or unexpected capital gains. 

In this episode, Jim Sumpter, CFP®, breaks down how depreciation really works, including how it’s calculated, what qualifies, and what happens if you skip it.

Whether you’re renting out a home, replacing a roof, or writing off new gear, understanding the depreciation timeline is critical. Jim also covers recapture rules, Section 179, bonus depreciation, and how your decisions today could impact what you owe tomorrow.

Here’s what else you can expect from the episode:

  • The depreciation rules for roofs, carpets, A/C units, and sheds
  • How Airbnb properties might fall under a different timeline
  • Recapture explained: what you’ll owe if you sell early
  • Why a tax planning meeting before year-end can save you thousands
  • And more!

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

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