Tag: Financial Advisor
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:

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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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Family, Faith, and Financial Resilience With Cassidy Sumpter (Ep.9)

Family, Faith, and Financial Resilience With Cassidy Sumpter (Ep.9)

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Uncover the heartfelt legacy of resilience and love as we dive deep into a family’s journey through cancer and discover the life lessons that emerged.

This special episode features Jim Sumpter and his daughter, Cassidy, as they share poignant stories about Carson, who battled cancer with courage and joy. Learn how these experiences have profoundly influenced Jim’s approach to financial planning, infusing it with empathy and resilience. 

Key episode discussions include:

  • The Strength of Family Bonds & how Carson’s battle with cancer united and strengthened his family.
  • Jim’s personal experiences have made him a more understanding and supportive financial advisor
  • How facing life’s toughest challenges can inspire personal growth and resilience.
  • The value of experiences over material possessions, and how these moments shape our lives

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

 

About our Guest: 

Cassidy is Jim’s youngest daughter.  At 20 years old, she is a Junior at the University of Alabama majoring in Elementary Education and a member of Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi) sorority.  Cassidy is also a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society. She lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with her dog, Buttercup.

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Estate Planning for Young Families + The Must-Have Documents (Ep.6)

Estate Planning for Young Families + The Must-Have Documents (Ep.6)

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Are you prepared for life’s ultimate certainties? Join us as we demystify estate planning with attorney Alex Priester, helping ensure you and your loved ones are protected.

We’re discussing some of the critical components of estate planning—wills, powers of attorney, and medical directives. Alex Priester, a seasoned estate planning attorney, walks us through the essentials, explaining why these documents are vital at every stage of life. 

From young families to retirees, we cover practical advice and real-life examples, helping you navigate the complexities of estate planning.

Episode discussion points include:

  • Learning the who, what, and why of wills, and why they’re crucial for protecting your assets and loved ones
  • Discovering the importance of having a power of attorney for both financial and healthcare decisions
  • Understanding how medical directives go beyond a simple DNR, ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected
  • Why estate planning isn’t just for retirees & why young adults, parents, and mid-life professionals also need comprehensive estate plans too

Resources:

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Connect with Alex Priester:

About our Guest: 

Alex, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, graduated from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2020 with her J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation. 

During her time in law school, Alex was awarded The University of Alabama Federal Tax Clinic Scholarship and the Justice Janie L. Shores Scholarship.  Alex received awards for best paper in each of her tax courses including Personal Income Taxation, Capital Gains Transactions, Corporate Transactions, Civil Tax Procedure, and Business and Accounting Ethics.  Alex was inducted into the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society and served as an ambassador for future and incoming students of The University of Alabama School of Law.

In addition to her academic studies, Alex served as a member of the Public Interest Student Board and was awarded the Dean’s Community Service Award, the Student Pro Bono Award, and the Order of the Samaritan for her pro bono and law-related volunteer work. 

Alex lives in Leeds with her husband, Jake Hoogstra, and their 4 “furkids.”  Her hobbies include reading, baking, traveling, and golfing with her dad.

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Jim’s Five Rules of Investing & Understanding the Basics of Financial Planning (Ep.4)

Jim’s Five Rules of Investing & Understanding the Basics of Financial Planning (Ep.4)

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Have you ever wondered how to get started with your investments or how to make your money work harder for you? 

Your host Jim Sumpter breaks down his tried-and-true rules for investing, making complex concepts easily digestible for everyone. 

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced investor, Jim’s insights on setting investment goals, understanding risk tolerance, and leveraging the power of compounding and diversification will guide you on your financial journey. 

Jim Sumpter, CFP®, discusses: 

  • Investing basics you need to know to get started
  • Jim’s Rules for Investing & setting investment goals, assessing risk tolerance, diversifying your portfolio, and more
  • Learn how compounding your money over time can significantly impact your financial health
  • Start Early, Invest Consistently & why these two principles are critical to long-term financial success.
  • And more

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