Tag: Sweet Financial Partners

FEATURE
Transforming Life Insurance into a Retirement Asset (Ep. 82)

Transforming Life Insurance into a Retirement Asset (Ep. 82)

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What if your old life insurance policy could fund your retirement dreams instead of just getting surrendered? 

In this engaging episode of The Dream Architect Life Podcast, Bryan Sweet from Sweet Financial Partners chats with Jon B. Mendelsohn, CEO of Ashar Group. They delve into life settlements, a lesser-known but potentially lucrative option for those holding a life insurance policy with seemingly no need for it.

Jon shares his journey from teaching to entrepreneurship and explains how life insurance can be appraised and sold, much like real estate, to potentially provide financial flexibility for retirement, charitable planning, or even supporting loved ones. They discuss the importance of being informed about options before canceling a policy, as well as the emotional and financial impact this decision can have on families.

Jon B and Bryan cover:

  • The basics of life settlements and their untapped potential [03:47]
  • Real-life examples of life settlements transforming financial outcomes [13:34]
  • Tax implications and process timelines for life settlements [06:27]
  • How longevity and current health can influence policy valuation [27:25]

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Jon B. Mendelsohn:

About Jon B. Mendelsohn:

Jon B. Mendelsohn is the CEO and co-founder of Ashar Group, a leading firm specializing in life settlements and life insurance policy valuations. With a deep passion for innovation and education, Jon has played a pivotal role in shaping Ashar Group’s success since its inception in 2003. He has led the company to develop proprietary, time-saving processes that help financial advisors and clients navigate the complexities of life insurance with transparency and responsibility.

Jon is also an influential figure in the life settlements industry, advocating for best practices and ethical standards. He is an active member of the Forum 400, an exclusive community of elite insurance producers, and has shared his expertise as a guest speaker at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School and Columbia University’s PhD program in finance.

In addition to his work with Ashar Group, Jon has been featured in leading publications such as Trust & Estates and Tax Adviser Magazine, offering insights into life settlements and wealth management. His forward-thinking approach has established him as a respected thought leader in the industry.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

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How Vision and Communication Drive Business Growth with Chad Jenkins (Ep. 80)

How Vision and Communication Drive Business Growth with Chad Jenkins (Ep. 80)

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What happens when you embrace collaboration over competition?

Join Bryan Sweet as he engages in an enlightening discussion with visionary Chad Mackay, a dynamic leader recognized by Inc. 5000. Chad shares his journey from a small town in South Carolina to founding over 55 ventures, showcasing his remarkable ability to identify and harness invisible business opportunities.

Bryan and Chad discuss: 

  • How non-verbal communication and life on a farm taught Chad essential business skills (3:04)
  • The transformative power of vision in personal and business growth (8:02)
  • Chad’s approach to collaboration and how it fuels exponential growth (14:46)
  • The significance of identifying and naming your unique value contribution (18:55)
  • And more

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Chad Jenkins:

About Our Guest:

Chad’s zeal to understand how businesses work allows him to immediately identify invisible opportunities in “the way we have always done it.” His unique approach leverages the innate resources available, igniting a passion for innovation without the need for hefty investments or extended timelines. Chad’s journey began at age eight, turning his first job into a successful business venture, laying the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit. His remarkable career is highlighted by significant achievements, including recognition in the Inc 5000, initiating over 50 ventures, and pioneering SEEDSPARK CoLAB Partners. When Chad couples his key fundamentals with his natural curiosity, these methods become the game-changers needed to move businesses toward exponential growth.

This talent, what some call his highest value role, has opened the doors for Chad to work directly with leaders of businesses of every size across every industry. By analyzing the various aspects of an organization’s Dangers, Opportunities, and Strengths, Chad can quickly identify invisible opportunities that enable companies to create competitive advantages and increase margins, resulting in exponential enterprise value growth. The result is a proven track record of over forty owned or previously owned high-growth companies and hundreds of CoLAB Partners across North America.

Now focused on helping others, he has passed on leadership in his companies. SEEDSPARK CoLAB Partners, his primary focus, stands out as a testament to his beliefs, aiming to drive growth through visible and actionable opportunities without any upfront cost to the entrepreneur.

 

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

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FEATURE
Chapter 10: Know Your Worth (Ep. 79)

Chapter 10: Know Your Worth (Ep. 79)

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What does it really mean to live your best life in retirement?

Join Bryan Sweet as he dives into the final chapter of our audiobook, Dream Architecture: Build a Retirement Beyond What’s Possible. This episode goes beyond numbers and retirement statistics to explore how a strong sense of self-worth can transform your retirement journey. Discover how you can shift your mindset to focus on what truly matters—living richly rather than dying rich.

This chapter covers: 

  • Self-worth and its connection to achieving your biggest dreams (02:34)
  • Shifting the retirement focus from money to life fulfillment (05:20)
  • Creating positive momentum through tiny habits (14:10)
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

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FEATURE
Chapter Eight: Turning Your Dreams Into Reality (Ep.77)

Chapter Eight: Turning Your Dreams Into Reality (Ep.77)

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What if retirement wasn’t just about slowing down, but rather speeding up to live out the dreams you’ve always had?

Join Bryan Sweet, CLU®, ChFC®, as he reveals key strategies to build confidence in your financial future. Through smart planning and a focus on what truly matters, he’ll help you create a fulfilling and secure retirement.

With insights from Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin P. Hardy, Bryan challenges the common notion of retirement being a slow phase and instead portrays it as an exciting time to pursue significant life goals. Whether it’s opening a new business or traveling the globe, it’s never too late to dream big and plan wisely.

Key highlights in this chapter include:

  • How focusing on life goals complements financial planning [00:01:00]
  • The pitfalls of early retirement without proper planning [00:03:00]
  • Harnessing the power of planning and achieving small wins [00:08:00]
  • Strategies to build self-confidence and avoid comparing yourself to others [00:14:00]
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

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FEATURE
Chapter Four: The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences (Ep.73)

Chapter Four: The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences (Ep.73)

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In this chapter of our audiobook, Dream Architecture: Build a Retirement Beyond What’s Possible, Bryan Sweet explores the power of relationships and the company we choose to keep. Discover how the people around you can either uplift you toward your dreams or hold you back with limiting beliefs. Tune in to learn how to foster relationships that align with your values and aspirations for retirement.

The top takeaways from this chapter include: 

  • The influence of the five people you spend the most time with [0:00:55]
  • Recognizing and distancing from negativity while building a positive environment [0:03:20]
  • How small habits can lead to big changes, inspired by B.J. Fogg’s work [0:12:45]
  • The importance of maintaining your values in financial decisions [0:19:10]
  • Balancing personal needs with family expectations [0:24:30]
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

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FEATURE
Chapter Three: How to Stay Focused on What You Want (Ep.72)

Chapter Three: How to Stay Focused on What You Want (Ep.72)

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In this chapter of our audiobook, Dream Architecture: Build a Retirement Beyond What’s Possible we dive into the powerful concept of not letting others “should” on you. Too often, people let friends, family, or colleagues dictate what they should do with their wealth, career, or retirement. Your life is not their life – it’s time to focus in on what you really want.

Dive in to explore: 

  • What it means to “stop letting others should on you” and how it impacts your journey (00:02:50)
  • How to cultivate an abundance mentality and maintain clarity in your goals (00:10:30)
  • Powerful tools and exercises for gaining clarity and confidence in your financial future ( 00:18:45)
  • The role of gratitude and positivity in overcoming negativity bias (00:25:00)
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

 

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

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FEATURE
Chapter Two: What Do You Want For Your Future? (Ep.71)

Chapter Two: What Do You Want For Your Future? (Ep.71)

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Are your indecisions holding you back from living your dream retirement?

Join Bryan Sweet as he delves into Chapter 2 of our audiobook, Dream Architecture: Build a Retirement Beyond What’s Possible. Listen as he explores how you can overcome decision fatigue and the vital steps needed to determine what you truly want in life.

Let’s unlock the pathway to your ideal future!

  • Understanding decision fatigue and its impact on our lives [00:02:35]
  • The importance of decisively planning your retirement [00:11:45]
  • Strategies to combat self-limiting beliefs and embrace new possibilities [00:22:10]
  • How to test and refine your dreams effectively [00:34:12]
  • The transformational power of maintaining a positive mindset [00:48:05]
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

 

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

 

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FEATURE
Dream Architecture: Chapter One (Ep.70)

Dream Architecture: Chapter One (Ep.70)

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✨Exclusive for listeners of The Dream Architect Life Podcast! 

Come along as Brittany Anderson introduces the audiobook of Dream Architecture, a guide to building a retirement beyond expectations. This episode features the first chapter exploring the power of possibility in financial and life planning while emphasizing the importance of mindset. Learn how a positive outlook is essential for maximizing financial strategies and unlocking a future filled with purpose and fulfillment. 

In this chapter, you will discover: 

  • The Dream Architect’s trademarked four-step approach (Vision, Blueprint, Build, Maintain) aligns your financial path with your dreams. [05:17]
  • The deeper ‘why’ behind your goals can redefine your path to retirement. [15:50]
  • Embracing a creative mindset and thinking like a kid to unlock untapped potential, including proven strategies for reigniting creativity. [10:48]
  • Inspirational stories like Sean “Three Foot Giant” Stevenson’s, highlighting how mindset shifts can transform life’s challenges into empowering opportunities. [20:02]
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

 

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

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Maximizing Your Retirement Through Estate Planning with Craig Hersch (Ep.67)

Maximizing Your Retirement Through Estate Planning with Craig Hersch (Ep.67)

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Think estate planning is just about what happens after you’re gone? Think again! It’s a vital life plan to help you shield wealth, minimize taxes, and set your family up for success. 

Today on The Dream Architect Life Podcast, Bryan Sweet interviews Craig Hersch, a seasoned estate planning attorney and strategic coach. They discuss the upcoming changes in estate tax laws, particularly the sunset provisions set to take effect in 2026. Craig shares insights on advanced estate planning strategies, the importance of timing, and how to identify qualified estate planning attorneys.

Craig discusses: 

  •  How important is timing when implementing estate planning strategies
  •  What are some common misconceptions clients have about estate planning processes
  •  Why is open communication with family about financial matters essential
  •  What is necessary to create a personalized estate plan tailored to a client’s unique situation
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Craig Hersch:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

About Our Guest:

Craig R. Hersch is the go-to National Practice Development Expert for truly entrepreneurial & ambitious estate planning attorneys. He almost single-handedly created the innovative, trademarked processes The Family Estate & Legacy Program® and The Estate Settlement Program®, The Advanced Planning Expander™ and The Transitional Event Sequence™.  These unique processes, designed to provide clients with comfort and clarity when navigating the complex legal, tax, and financial concerns associated with planning and administering an estate, are innovative game-changers that can’t be compared with anything else out there.

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Why High Net Worth Individuals Need Cybersecurity With Scott Augenbaum & Kevin Donahue (Ep.65)

Why High Net Worth Individuals Need Cybersecurity With Scott Augenbaum & Kevin Donahue (Ep.65)

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Your family’s wealth and personal information could be more vulnerable to cyber criminals than you think. Are your family and finances truly safe from these evolving threats?

This episode provides essential insights into how you can safeguard against these invisible threats that could jeopardize your financial security. 

This episode features Scott Augenbaum, a former FBI expert in cybercrime, and Kevin Donahue, a specialist in cybersecurity for high-net-worth individuals. They share real-life stories, actionable insights, and essential strategies for safeguarding your wealth and personal info from cyber threats. Whether it’s phishing scams, password security, or even social engineering, this episode equips you to take control of your cybersecurity.

Key episode discussions include:

  • The different types of cyber threats including email phishing, smishing, and QR code phishing
  • Why using unique passwords and two-factor authentication can be your first line of defense
  • Real-life stories of huge financial losses due to cyber scams, and how they could have been prevented
  • Proactive steps to safeguard your family and information, from monitoring the dark web to implementing a family code word

Resources: 

Connect With Scott Augenbaum & Kevin Donahue:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

About Our Guests:

Scott Augenbaum

With over 30 years of FBI experience in cybercrime investigations and author of “The Secret to Cybersecurity,” Scott brings unparalleled insights and practical strategies to prevent cyber threats. Scott is the foremost expert in educating businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and families on the current threat environment.  Scott focuses on how to prevent a cyber threat because after investigating over 1,000 cyber crimes, he knows all too well that recovering stolen money and data is almost impossible.   In addition to his experience with the FBI, Scott is called on by Fox News, USA Today, News Max, and many other major media outlets as their resident cybersecurity expert.

Kevin Donahue

Kevin has 25 years of experience working in enterprise technology solutions, cybersecurity, and with high-net-worth individuals as an executive and entrepreneur.  Kevin’s clients have included the White House, National Security Counsel, CIA, US Secret Service, World Bank, US Department of Homeland Security, and many more high-profile organizations and has worked on some of the highest-profile investigations in the past 20 years.   Kevin is the founder of Stealth Executive/ Stealth Family and together with his partner Scott Augenbaum is on a mission to help protect 1,000,000 families from being victims of cyber criminals. 

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