FIN-LYT by EWA®

Hosted by EWA LLC

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167

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Financial Literacy. In Motion. Newton’s First Law says an object in motion stays in motion, but the hardest part is the first push. FIN-LYT, a play on financial literacy with catalyst built in, is designed to be the push. The spark that breaks inertia, the perspective that reframes tough decisions, and the education that turns “I should” into “I did.” EWA is a wealth management firm serving physicians, retirees, business owners, and leaders. We deliver holistic planning and guidance to help clients balance competing goals and protect their most valuable resource: TIME.

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August 18, 202637 min

Selling Your Business to Private Equity: What You Need to Know

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, Jamison Smith sits down with investment banking experts Tom Krahe and Andy Bianco to break down what actually happens when a business owner sells to a private equity group. Most owners walk into a potential private equity sale with the same fear: that the buyer is looking for a loophole to exploit them once the deal is signed. Tom and Andy push back on that narrative directly, drawing on years of closing deals across industries to explain why reputation and repeat business keep most private equity groups honest, and why the real risks sit somewhere else entirely, in deal structure, employment expectations, and the fine print most sellers never think to ask about. The conversation moves through the practical mechanics owners actually need to understand before they get an LOI in hand. That includes the difference between asset sales and stock sales, how F reorganizations and 338(h)(10) elections let a stock sale get tax treatment similar to an asset sale, why real estate usually stays out of the deal, and how rollover equity can signal whether a buyer truly believes in the business going forward. Tom and Andy also walk through why a quality of earnings analysis can shrink a seller's expected EBITDA overnight, using a real example where 10 million dollars in reported earnings was recast down to 7 million once addbacks like PPP loan forgiveness were removed. Beyond the numbers, Jamison, Tom, and Andy talk candidly about what life actually looks like after the sale closes, how to vet a private equity buyer the same way that buyer is vetting the seller, and why understanding the post closing expectations matters just as much as the purchase price on day one. If you found this episode helpful, please like and subscribe so you never miss an episode of the FIN-LYT Podcast. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

August 11, 202649 min

What Business Owners Need to Know Before Selling Their Company

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, host Matt Blocki sits down with investment bankers Tom Krahe and Andy Bianco for a deep dive into one of the biggest financial decisions a business owner could ever make: when and why to bring in an investment banker to sell a company. Matt opens with a real story about a friend who sold his eight-figure business without professional representation, structured with a 50% earn-out tied to continued employment, and is now watching that relationship unravel just months before the earn-out period ends. It's the kind of situation Tom and Andy say they see far too often. Tom and Andy break down what an investment banker actually does: creating a competitive market where one doesn't naturally exist for privately held businesses, and de-risking the terms of a deal, not just maximizing the headline valuation. They walk through the difference between a generalist and an industry-specific banker, why "knowing someone for 40 years" is never a substitute for a structured negotiation, and why qualitative goals, like protecting employees or preserving a family legacy, often matter as much to sellers as the dollar amount. The conversation then moves into the mechanics of a real sell-side process: how expectations get set upfront, how a business gets valued using both historical and forecasted numbers, and why a controlled auction protects confidentiality while still creating competitive tension among buyers. Tom and Andy share what typically derails deals late in the process, including a story about a closing that nearly fell apart days before signing, and explain why cash at close matters far more than a high valuation propped up by risky earn-out terms. Whether you're a business owner five years out from a sale or just starting to think about your exit, this episode lays out what a well-run process actually looks like, and what questions to ask before you ever pick an investment banker. Like and subscribe for more episodes breaking down the real financial decisions behind building, running, and exiting a business. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

August 4, 202654 min

Walking Away From an Eight-Figure Business: Identity, Enough, and Letting Go

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki sits down with Bryce Conway, founder of 10X Travel, for his second appearance on the show. This time, the conversation isn't about travel hacking, it's about the biggest transition of Bryce's career: walking away from the company he spent over a decade building. Bryce shares how a college side hustle to save money on a spring break trip turned into a business with 16 full-time employees and $17 million in annual revenue. He talks through the moment COVID nearly ended it all, when a signed offer to sell the company fell through and affiliate revenue dropped 92% almost overnight, and how being transparent with his audience is what got the company through it. The second half of the conversation covers what happens after you build something. Bryce spent 14 months working through the decision to retire, wrestling with questions about identity, purpose, and what life looks like once the thing that used to define you is gone. He and Matt talk openly about the fears that come with stepping back, financially, emotionally, and within a household, and why so many high achievers wait until health or circumstance forces the decision for them. Whether or not retirement is on your radar, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to build something meaningful and, just as importantly, to recognize when and how to let it go. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

July 28, 202632 min

Tax Playbook for the Year You Sell Your Business

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, Jamison Smith sits down with tax strategist Nick Rosen to walk through what actually happens to your tax bill when you sell a business you've spent years building. If a sale is somewhere on your horizon, whether it's next year or a decade out, this conversation lays out the decisions that can make a real difference in what you keep. Jamison and Nick start with the tension every seller faces: buyers generally prefer an asset sale for the depreciation benefits, while sellers often come out ahead with a stock sale taxed at capital gains rates. They break down how goodwill allocation factors into that negotiation, why entity structure (S corp, C corp, or LLC) changes the math entirely, and how private equity buyers typically require a reorganization before a deal can close. From there, the discussion moves into strategies that only work with lead time: qualifying for the Section 1202 QSBS exclusion, changing state residency before a sale to reduce state income tax exposure, and using irrevocable trusts to move business value out of a taxable estate years in advance. Nick also explains installment sales, equity rollovers, and when an earnout might make sense. The episode wraps with what to do in the actual year of sale, including donor advised funds, charitable trusts, family foundations, and tax loss harvesting, plus a candid reminder that the tax planning is only half the equation. Jamison and Nick close with a discussion on preparing for life after the sale itself. Like and subscribe for more conversations on tax strategy, business planning, and building long term wealth. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

July 21, 202613 min

Navigating Personal vs. Business Taxes for Business Owners

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki sits down with Tyler Bidwell and Nick Rosen to break down an often misunderstood part of running a business: the difference between what shows up on your bank statement and what shows up on your tax return. If you're a business owner in the seven figures of income, the stakes around this topic are high. Your business is likely relying on you as its bank, and a tax surprise can hit your personal cash flow just as hard as it hits your business. Tyler walks through why accurate books and records (not a shoebox of receipts in April) are the foundation for avoiding that surprise, and why keeping business and personal accounts separate makes tax time dramatically simpler. Matt shares a real example of a single-owner S-corp where the owner paid himself a $300,000 salary and assumed his total taxable income was around $2.3 million based on the company's profit and loss statement. In reality, once non-deductible items like life insurance premiums, half of business meals, country club dues, and vehicle loan payments were factored in, his actual income was closer to $2.8 million, an unexpected half-million dollars that had already been taxed at some of the highest federal and state rates. Nick then unpacks how this gets even more complicated with multiple owners. In a company with several shareholders, the cash you're distributed and the taxable income allocated to you are often two very different numbers, which can leave a partner covering a much bigger tax bill than the cash they actually received. Tyler and Nick explain how staying in close, ongoing communication with your financial and tax team, rather than treating taxes as a once-a-year event, is the best way to avoid this guessing game. If you're a business owner and want to make sure you're not caught off guard by your next tax bill, this episode is worth the watch. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

July 14, 202621 min

Tax Mistakes That Can Cost High Earners Thousands Every Year

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki sits down with tax strategists Tyler Bidwell and Nick Rosen fresh off tax season to break down the most common tax surprises high earners run into, and how to avoid them before they become expensive. The conversation starts with one of the biggest blind spots for bonus-heavy earners: supplemental income withholding. Bonuses are typically withheld at a flat 22%, but high earners often land in the 32 to 37% tax bracket. That gap can leave a six-figure earner tens of thousands of dollars behind come tax time, plus interest penalties if it's not caught early. Matt, Tyler, and Nick walk through a real example using a surgeon's RVU bonus to show exactly how that math plays out. From there, the group shifts to equity compensation. RSUs and ISOs come with their own tax quirks, from the timing of an 83(b) election to the alternative minimum tax adjustments that can catch tech employees and executives off guard. Tyler and Nick explain why these forms of compensation, while great for building wealth, can create serious cash flow strain if they aren't planned for in advance. The episode wraps with practical guidance for dual-income households and Pennsylvania residents specifically, covering why two employers' W-4 forms often don't talk to each other and how that mismatch can quietly cost a couple thousands of dollars a year. Whether you're a physician, executive, or dual-income household, this episode offers a clear framework for staying ahead of tax season instead of being surprised by it. If you found this episode helpful, give it a like, subscribe for more, and share it with someone who could use it. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

July 7, 202629 min

Meet the Team Behind EWA: The People, Culture, and Roles That Drive Your Financial Plan

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki sits down with the team members of Equilibrium Wealth Advisors for a behind-the-scenes look at who's actually working on your financial plan. Rather than diving into a specific planning topic, this episode pulls back the curtain on the people, roles, and culture that make up EWA, from wealth strategists and tax specialists to operations and investment teams. You'll hear directly from advisors, tax strategists, and operations leaders about how they think about client relationships, what their day-to-day actually looks like, and which person to reach out to depending on your question or need. The conversation covers how the firm coordinates across tax, investments, and estate planning so nothing falls through the cracks. Beyond the technical side, this episode is really about culture. Team members share what drives them personally, how they built their careers, and why collaboration across departments, rather than everyone working in a silo, is core to how EWA operates. It's an inside look at the systems and people behind a firm built to grow with its clients. Whether you're a current client curious about who's behind the scenes on your account or you're exploring what a coordinated planning experience looks like, this episode offers a genuine look at the team making it happen. If you found this helpful, give it a like, subscribe for future episodes, and share it with someone who'd enjoy getting to know the people behind EWA. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

June 30, 202625 min

The Long Short Strategy: How High Earners Offset Capital Gains Taxes

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki and Jamison Smith break down a sophisticated tax strategy that EWA is implementing for a select group of high net worth clients: the long short direct indexing strategy. If you have a major liquidity event on the horizon, this episode could change how you think about taxes. Most investors are familiar with traditional direct indexing, which allows you to own individual stocks, harvest losses along the way, and offset gains over time. The long short strategy takes that concept further by using leverage to go long on additional positions while simultaneously adding short positions. The result is the ability to capture tax losses on both sides of the market, whether stocks go up or down. Matt and Jamison walk through a real-world case study involving a $10 million investment, showing how after just a few years, a client could generate more in tax losses than the original amount invested. This strategy is not for everyone. Matt and Jamison are direct about who it is designed for: clients with a significant capital gain event ahead of them, whether from selling a business, unwinding a concentrated stock position, or closing a large real estate transaction. They cover the mechanics of a 130/30 versus a 200/100 structure, what fees and leverage costs actually look like, where the strategy can go wrong, and why liquidity planning and exit strategy are just as important as entry. If you are a high earner or business owner sitting on a concentrated position and looking for a smarter way to manage your tax exposure, this episode gives you the framework to understand whether the long short strategy deserves a place in your financial plan. Like and subscribe to stay current on the strategies EWA is using to help clients build and protect wealth. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

June 23, 202617 min

Cybersecurity Tips: Especially If You Have Significant Assets

In this episode of EWA's FIN-LYT Podcast, Matt Blocki and Chris Pavcic break down the cybersecurity threats most likely to impact individuals today and what you can do right now to protect yourself. While these steps apply to everyone, they are especially critical if you have significant assets at a custodian like Fidelity or Charles Schwab. With the average data breach costing over $4 million globally and ransomware attacks happening every 11 seconds, this conversation is more relevant than ever. Matt and Chris walk through the layers of protection every person should have in place, starting with your custodians. They cover what Fidelity and Charles Schwab do behind the scenes to protect client accounts, including 24/7 monitoring, insurance coverage, and the ability to lock down outgoing transactions so money cannot be moved without your direct authorization. From there, they get practical. The conversation covers SIM swap protection, why app-based two-factor authentication is significantly more secure than a text code, how to use a VPN on public Wi-Fi, the importance of a password manager, freezing your credit with all three bureaus, and tools like LifeLock, DeleteMe, and Incogni to monitor and scrub your personal data from the internet. Matt also shares how he uses a dedicated travel phone with no financial accounts when traveling internationally. This episode is designed to be the 80/20 guide to cybersecurity. You could have all of these steps in place within one to two hours, and they will protect you from the vast majority of threats individuals face today. If you have any questions or want help setting these up, reach out to the EWA team. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/ View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977

June 17, 202620 min

EWA Stock Market and Portfolio Commentary Q3 2026

Welcome to EWA's Q3 2026 Market and Portfolio Commentary. In this update, Matt Blocki, Nick Stonesifer, and Jordan Fediaczko break down what's driving markets mid-year and how EWA portfolios are being positioned as we head into Q3. The core message: stay constructive, but make the risk work harder. After a sharp market recovery, the team is trimming broad equity beta, reducing the equity overweight from 3% to 1%, while keeping the highest-conviction exposures in U.S. large cap growth and AI-linked opportunities. This is not a bearish call. It's disciplined portfolio management: harvesting gains where conviction is lower and concentrating risk where the earnings story remains strongest. This commentary covers: • Why we trimmed equity overweight from 3% to 1% and why this isn't a bearish signal• Geopolitical risk as a behavioral trap and why discipline beats headlines • The energy shock asymmetry: how rising oil prices hit Europe and China harder than the U.S. • Fed policy uncertainty and the debate between Core PCE (3.2%) vs. Trimmed Mean PCE (2.4%) • Why earnings, not multiple expansion, have been doing the heavy lifting for markets • AI infrastructure and energy leading EPS revisions, with active managers still underweight • Active country selection as global dispersion widens dramatically (Korea +73%, Indonesia 26%) • The stock bond diversification dilemma and why we're adding liquid alternatives as a true shock absorber Throughout the video, we reaffirm EWA's core philosophy: stay disciplined, stay diversified, and concentrate risk where conviction is highest. If you're an EWA client and have questions about how these changes impact your portfolio or financial plan, please reach out to your advisor. Connect with EWA: https://ewa-llc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ewa.llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/equilibrium-wealth-advisors/ https://www.facebook.com/EquilibriumWealthAdvisors/View EWA Disclosures and Firm ADV: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/308977