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

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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Santa’s Take on Holiday Spending (Ep. 35)

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

By |

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: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
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)

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
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)

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
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)

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
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)

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
What Rental Owners Get Wrong About Depreciation (Ep. 30)

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

By |

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: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
How Women Are Reshaping the Future of Financial Management With Jillian Berry – Part 2 (Ep. 28)

How Women Are Reshaping the Future of Financial Management With Jillian Berry – Part 2 (Ep. 28)

By |

What’s the puzzle of financial empowerment for women? 

Unpack the generational shift in wealth with Jim Sumpter and guest Jillian Berry in part two of the Financial Puzzle Playbook. Discover how women are becoming major financial decision-makers and what it means for the future. From understanding the impact of social media on financial literacy among Gen Z to addressing the unique challenges of the sandwich generation, we delve into strategies for achieving financial goals across all ages.

Jim and Jillian dive into:

  • The upcoming wealth transfer across generations and its impact on women [00:02:51]
  • The importance of financial literacy for older generations becoming primary decision-makers [00:03:40]
  • How technology and social media influence financial decisions among younger generations [00:06:47]
  • Setting meaningful financial goals at every life stage [00:23:03]

Tune in to connect the pieces of your financial puzzle, empower your financial journey, and embrace lifelong learning.

Resources:

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Jillian Berry:

About Jillian Berry: 

Jillian Berry is the Senior Director of StrongHer Money at RFG Advisory, where she leads efforts to empower women to take control of their financial future. She focuses on providing educational resources, personalized investment strategies, and networking opportunities to help women navigate the financial landscape with confidence. Jillian is passionate about promoting equity in the financial industry and increasing women’s influence in global financial decisions.

With a strong background in leadership and management, Jillian has played a pivotal role in evolving StrongHer Money into a comprehensive platform that supports both women and financial advisors. She is recognized for her strategic vision, commitment to financial inclusion, and ability to inspire others to transform the financial industry for women.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
How Women Are Reshaping the Future of Financial Management With Jillian Berry – Part 1 (Ep. 27)

How Women Are Reshaping the Future of Financial Management With Jillian Berry – Part 1 (Ep. 27)

By |

What’s driving the financial power shift towards women, and how will it impact the future of wealth management? 

Join us on the Financial Puzzle Playbook as Jim Sumpter explores this transformative trend with Jillian Berry, the Senior Director of StrongHer Money. They delve into the upcoming $104 trillion wealth transfer across generations and highlight the pivotal role women will play in reshaping financial landscapes. With insights into social investing, philanthropy, and the unique challenges women face, this episode also offers practical advice on handling life transitions.

Jim and Jillian discuss:

  • The projected shift in wealth control to women and its societal impacts [00:02:17]
  • Differences in investment perspectives between genders and the social impact of women’s financial decisions [00:04:06]
  • The rise of women’s financial literacy, fueled by technology and education [00:13:39]
  • The complexities faced by women in the “sandwich generation,” balancing family and work pressures [00:19:50]

Tune in to explore how CMC Financial plans to empower female investors through strategic advisory and community-focused solutions.

Resources:

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Jillian Berry:

About Jillian Berry: 

Jillian Berry is the Senior Director of StrongHer Money at RFG Advisory, where she leads efforts to empower women to take control of their financial future. She focuses on providing educational resources, personalized investment strategies, and networking opportunities to help women navigate the financial landscape with confidence. Jillian is passionate about promoting equity in the financial industry and increasing women’s influence in global financial decisions.

With a strong background in leadership and management, Jillian has played a pivotal role in evolving StrongHer Money into a comprehensive platform that supports both women and financial advisors. She is recognized for her strategic vision, commitment to financial inclusion, and ability to inspire others to transform the financial industry for women.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More