Tag: Personal Finance
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
How Financial Literacy Fits into Your Financial Puzzle with Victoria O’Tool (Ep. 21)

How Financial Literacy Fits into Your Financial Puzzle with Victoria O’Tool (Ep. 21)

By |

Can understanding financial literacy reshape your future?

Tune into the Financial Puzzle Playbook, where Jim Sumpter, CFP®, and returning guest Victoria O’Tool, Wealth Manager Intern at Mercer Advisors, explore the vital role of financial smarts in everyday life. This episode dives deep into the six essential financial puzzle pieces and why grasping them is crucial for personal and professional growth. Engage with stories that make money matters accessible and discover ways to enhance your financial literacy arsenal.

Jim and Victoria discuss: 

  • (03:42) The significance of financial literacy for modern living
  • (10:36) National movements towards financial education
  • (12:01) Initiatives at the University of Alabama: A financial literacy book club
  • (13:19) Insights into credit understanding among college students
  • (24:36) The real-world importance of financial literacy beyond textbooks
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Victoria O’Tool:

About our Guest: 

Victoria O’Tool is a dynamic and driven finance major at the University of Alabama, set to graduate in December 2025. Known for her determination, leadership, and adaptability, she has a passion for embracing diverse cultures and fostering collaborative innovation. Inspired by her father’s financial wisdom and her mother’s dedication to service, Victoria is committed to a career in financial services, with a focus on making a lasting impact through continuous learning and growth.

Upon graduation, she plans to relocate to New York City, where she will actively pursue a client-facing role in wealth management or financial advising. Victoria’s goal is to build strong, trusting relationships with clients and guide them toward financial security and success. With a relentless focus on excellence in every endeavor, she is eager to contribute to a dynamic team and leverage her unique skills to make a meaningful impact in the financial industry.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Understanding the Psychology of Money with Brendan Frazier – Part 2 (Ep. 18)

Understanding the Psychology of Money with Brendan Frazier – Part 2 (Ep. 18)

By |

What if money could buy happiness?

In this episode, Jim Sumpter, CFP®, and Brendan Frazier, Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory, continue their conversation about understanding the psychology of money with a focus on whether money can buy happiness. They unpack this fascinating question by diving into the often-overlooked connection between financial planning and happiness. A personal journey through the emotions and psychology of money, they explore how intentional spending can bring joy and fulfillment.

Jim and Brendan discuss: 

  • (02:00) Understanding the real value of money
  • (10:00) How life events reshape your financial mindset
  • (22:00) The impact of intentional spending on happiness
  • (29:00) Behaviors around investing and how to navigate uncertainty
  • And more

Tune in to discover how organizing your financial puzzle with a focus on cash flow and intentionality can lead to a more meaningful, happier life. Whether you’re a rookie in financial planning or a seasoned pro, this conversation will resonate with anyone looking to make smarter financial choices.

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Brendan Frazier:

About our Guest: 

Brendan Frazier is the Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
A College Student’s Guide to Cash Flow and Investments with Victoria O’Tool (Ep. 13)

A College Student’s Guide to Cash Flow and Investments with Victoria O’Tool (Ep. 13)

By |

Are you a college student or know a college student who’s wondering how to get a strong financial start? 

In this episode of The Financial Puzzle Playbook, Jim Sumpter, CFP®,  sits down with Victoria O’Tool, a finance major and aspiring financial advisor from the University of Alabama. They dive into the unique perspective college students have on managing cash flow and investments, sharing their insights and stories from different generational viewpoints.

Jim Sumpter, CFP®, Victoria O’Tool discuss: 

  • (10:30) Strategies for college savings and debt avoidance
  • (20:00) The importance of early investment and savings bonds
  • (26:33) Building credit wisely as a student
  • (30:02) The role of financial literacy from a young age
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Victoria O’Tool:

About our Guest: 

Victoria O’Tool is a dynamic and driven finance major at the University of Alabama, set to graduate in December 2025. Known for her determination, leadership, and adaptability, she has a passion for embracing diverse cultures and fostering collaborative innovation. Inspired by her father’s financial wisdom and her mother’s dedication to service, Victoria is committed to a career in financial services, with a focus on making a lasting impact through continuous learning and growth.

Upon graduation, she plans to relocate to New York City, where she will actively pursue a client-facing role in wealth management or financial advising. Victoria’s goal is to build strong, trusting relationships with clients and guide them toward financial security and success. With a relentless focus on excellence in every endeavor, she is eager to contribute to a dynamic team and leverage her unique skills to make a meaningful impact in the financial industry.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More