Retirement Planning – The Financial Puzzle Playbook

Digital Assets, Bitcoin, and the Future of Financial Planning with Loran Coffman – Part 2 (Ep. 49)

By The Financial Puzzle Playbook | June 30, 2026

Digital assets are becoming a bigger part of financial conversations, but many people still wonder whether they belong in a long-term plan.

How do blockchain, Bitcoin, and crypto actually work? And what should investors understand before adding digital assets to a portfolio?

In this episode, Jim Sumpter continues part two of his conversation with Loran Coffman, MRFC®, CRPC™, CBDA℠, Wealth Advisor and Founder of Route Financial Group, about how digital assets are evolving beyond cryptocurrency headlines. They break down blockchain transparency, Bitcoin mining, institutional adoption, portfolio allocation, regulation, and the role advisors play in helping clients approach this developing asset class with discipline and perspective.

Key takeaways:

How blockchain records transactions and creates transparency through decentralized digital ledgers
Why advisors are discussing Bitcoin exposure as part of broader portfolio diversification planning
How ETFs and institutional adoption are changing access to digital asset investments
Why portfolio sizing and discipline matter when adding volatile assets to retirement accounts
How Bitcoin mining works and why scarcity plays a role in digital asset valuation
And more!

Resources:

The Financial Puzzle of Bitcoin and Blockchain with Loran Coffman – Part 1 (Ep. 47)

Connect with Jim Sumpter:

Connect with Loran Coffman:

About Our Guest:

Loran Coffman is an independent financial advisor and the founder of Route Financial Group in Troy, Michigan. With nearly three decades of experience in financial planning, Loran specializes in helping clients understand developing asset classes and portfolio diversification strategies. He holds the Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets designation through the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals and works extensively with digital asset education and investment planning.

Disclosures:

Loran Coffman offers advisory services through RFG Advisory, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Route Financial Group, CMC Financial, RFG Advisory, and Private Client Services are unaffiliated entities.

Digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, are speculative and volatile and may lose substantial value. Any references to specific cryptocurrencies or digital asset ETFs are provided for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or

digital asset. Price references reflect conditions as of the recording date and are subject to rapid change.

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Life Happens. Is Your Financial Plan Ready? With Mark Green (Ep. 48)

By The Financial Puzzle Playbook | June 11, 2026

Life has a way of changing even the most carefully crafted financial plans. One day you’re focused on building wealth and preparing for the future, and the next you’re navigating a major transition that requires a completely different set of financial decisions.

In this episode, Jim Sumpter, CFP®, welcomes fellow advisor and GFG Wealth Advisors founder Mark Green for a conversation about the moments that can change a financial plan overnight. As they explore market uncertainty, retirement readiness, estate planning, taxes, and family responsibilities, they share why successful financial planning isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about building a framework that can adapt when life inevitably changes.

Jim Sumpter, CFP®, and Mark Green discuss:

Why trying to time the market can create more risk than staying invested
How emotions influence financial decisions during periods of market volatility
The importance of having a flexible financial plan that evolves as life changes
Common concerns facing today’s retirees and pre-retirees
The realities of the “sandwich generation” and caring for both children and aging parents
And more!

Resources:

The Tax Control Triangle for Retirement

Connect with Jim Sumpter:

Connect with Mark Green:

About Our Guest:

Mark Green is the founder of GFG Wealth Advisors in College Station, Texas. With more than four decades of experience in the financial services industry, Mark has worked with individuals and families through every type of market environment and life transition. After building his career at major wirehouses, he launched his independent practice in 2019 to provide comprehensive, client-focused planning. Mark specializes in helping clients navigate retirement, investment management, tax-aware planning, estate considerations, and the many financial decisions that arise throughout life. He is passionate about helping clients create adaptable plans that can evolve alongside their goals, families, and changing circumstances.

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The Tax Control Triangle (Ep. 46)

By The Financial Puzzle Playbook | May 20, 2026

Many people think tax planning happens once a year when they file their return. Jim Sumpter believes the real planning starts after tax season ends.

In this episode, Jim introduces what he calls the “Tax Control Triangle,” a simple way to think about where your money lives, how it’s taxed, and why flexibility matters when it comes time to use it. Jim walks through the differences between taxable accounts, tax-deferred retirement accounts, and tax-free strategies like Roth IRAs. He also explains why having money spread across all three “corners” of the triangle may help create more options later in life, especially as tax laws, income needs, and life circumstances change over time.

Jim Sumpter, CFP®, discusses:

(00:04:00) The three corners of the Tax Control Triangle and how each type of account is taxed
(00:08:00) Why many retirees unintentionally limit their options by relying on only one or two tax buckets
(00:14:00) How Roth conversions may help create more future tax flexibility
(00:20:00) Why financial planning should evolve as life changes, tax laws shift, and new goals emerge
(00:31:00) How newer strategies, like Roth 401(k)s and updated 529 rules, are changing retirement planning conversations
And more!

Resources:

Tax Planning Resources: https://tax.cmcfp.com
The Tax Control Triangle for Retirement

Connect with Jim Sumpter:

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

By The Financial Puzzle Playbook | January 22, 2025

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.

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Maximize Your Retirement Savings: Tips on 401(k) and Roth 401(k) (Ep. 11)

By The Financial Puzzle Playbook | October 2, 2024

Are you making the most of your company’s benefits? Dive in to uncover how to maximize your 401(k), 403(b), and other investment options within your employee benefits package.

In this episode of The Financial Puzzle Playbook, Jim Sumpter dives into the intricacies of 401(k) and 403(b) plans, comparing Roth and traditional options. He discusses the importance of employer matching and shares tips on navigating investment choices, ensuring you get the most out of your benefits. Discover the intricacies of traditional and Roth 401(k) plans, learn the impact of employer matches, and gain insight into how vesting schedules work. Jim also explores vesting, the importance of matching contributions, and tips for choosing investment options that align with your retirement goals.

Jim Sumpter, CFP®, discusses:

A breakdown of the difference between traditional vs. Roth 401(k) options and their tax implications
Why you should always contribute at least enough to get the full employer match
Tips on selecting investment choices within 401(k) plans, including target date funds
Rebalancing your investment portfolio to align with your financial goals
And more