Financial Foundations

Hosted by Dustin Taylor

Business Investing

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the "Financial Foundations" podcast, your gateway to the fascinating realm of finance, brought to you by Base Wealth Management. In this show, we delve deep into the world of money, guided by seasoned experts who will unravel the complexities of finance and provide you with invaluable insights and practical advice. Hosted by Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, CFP®.

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October 8, 2026Episode 230 min

Health Insurance Beyond Your Employer: What to Know Before You Switch

Leaving a job, starting a business, or retiring before Medicare eligibility can raise an important question: what happens to your health insurance? In this episode of Financial Foundations, Dustin Taylor, Alex Wolfe, CFP®, and Kyle Howell discuss individual and small-business health insurance with insurance agent Jessica Barnhill. The conversation explores how to compare coverage when an employer-sponsored plan is changing or ending, and why the monthly premium is only one part of the decision. In this episode, we discuss: Health insurance considerations for self-employed individuals and small-business owners COBRA, individual plans, and coverage transitions after a job change Planning for health insurance when retiring before age 65 How premiums, deductibles, prescription costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses fit together Provider networks, medical underwriting, and pre-existing-condition considerations Questions to ask about policy exclusions, benefit limits, and the written terms of coverage Plan availability, eligibility, benefits, and costs depend on the policy and individual circumstances. This conversation is for general educational purposes and is not a recommendation to purchase, cancel, or replace any particular coverage. Review the policy documents and consult a qualified insurance professional about your situation. For more articles, videos, and podcast episodes, visit basewealthmanagement.com . Send questions or episode ideas to question@basewealthmanagement.com . Disclosure Base Wealth Management ("the Firm") is an SEC registered investment adviser located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority. BWM may only transact business in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no strategy can ensure success or protect against loss in declining markets. For additional information, please review the Firm's Form ADV, available at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

April 7, 2026Episode 126 min

LLC vs S Corp: What Business Owners Should Know About Taxes

If you're a small business owner or running a side hustle, choosing the right business structure can have important tax implications. In this episode of Financial Foundations, we sit down with a senior accountant to walk through the key differences between sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and S Corporations—along with common considerations business owners should be aware of. We discuss: -How business structure affects tax reporting -Differences between LLCs, partnerships, and S Corps -How self-employment taxes are applied -W-2 income vs distributions in an S Corporation -When an S Corp election may be considered -Common tax misconceptions among business owners -The importance of planning for taxes throughout the year This episode is designed to provide general educational insights to help you better understand how these structures work. ⚠️ This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific situation. #SmallBusinessTaxes #SCorp #LLC #TaxPlanning #Entrepreneur #SideHustle #FinancialEducation #BusinessOwner #Accounting #FinancialFoundations Base Wealth Management ("the Firm") is an SEC registered investment adviser located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority. BWM may only transact business in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no strategy can ensure success or protect against loss in declining markets. For additional information, please review the Firm's Form ADV, available at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

December 3, 2025Episode 1131 min

Choosing the Right Employer-Sponsored Plan for Your Business

In this episode of Financial Foundations, Dustin Taylor, Kyle Howell, and Alex Wolfe, CFP®, sit down with retirement plan specialist Marc Piccirillo to unpack how employer-sponsored plans really work behind the scenes. If you are a business owner wondering whether you should offer a 401(k), a SIMPLE IRA, or something else entirely, this conversation walks through the practical tradeoffs, the hidden responsibilities, and the incentives you might be leaving on the table. Marc explains how plan sponsors, recordkeepers, and third-party administrators all fit together, why recent legislation has made it easier and cheaper to start a plan, and how offering the right benefits can help you become an "employer of choice" and even make your business more attractive at sale. In this episode, you'll learn: What "employer-sponsored plan" actually means and how 401(k), 403(b), and SIMPLE IRA plans differ The key responsibilities and risks a plan sponsor takes on How recordkeepers and TPAs support the day-to-day administration of a plan How Secure Act changes and state-mandated plans are reshaping the retirement landscape for employers When it makes sense to move from a SIMPLE or SEP IRA to a 401(k) as your business grows Why starting something now, even at low contribution levels, can be more important than waiting for the "perfect" plan Guest: Marc Piccirillo, retirement plan specialist focused on employer-sponsored plans for small and mid-sized businesses. Resources and contact: Visit basewealthmanagement.com for more articles, videos, and podcast episodes. Send your questions or episode ideas to question@basewealthmanagement.com to be featured in a future episode. Disclosures: Investment advisory services provided by Base Wealth Management, LLC doing business as Base Wealth Management, as a registered investment advisor. Base Wealth Management ("BWM") is a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or veri>ed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority. BWM provides individualized advisory services only to persons in states where it is properly registered or exempt from registration. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal, and no strategy can guarantee a pro>t or protect against loss. NOTICE: This email communication, including all attachments transmitted with it, may contain confidential information intended solely for the use of the addressee. If the reader or recipient of this communication is not the intended recipient, or you believe that you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return email and PROMPTLY delete this email, including all attachments, without reading them or saving them in any manner. The unauthorized use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this email, including attachments, is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

November 26, 2025Episode 1031 min

Why Most Owners Fail When Selling a Business or Real Estate

Thinking about selling your business or the building it operates in, but not sure where to start? Dustin Taylor, Kyle Howell, and Alex Wolfe, CFP®, sit down with commercial real estate and business broker Mike Mauger to pull back the curtain on what really happens when you sell a business or the building it operates in. From surprising valuation pitfalls to the hidden levers that boost sale price, this episode cuts through the noise and shows owners what actually matters when it's time to exit. You'll hear: • The signals that tell you it's truly the right time to sell • Why clean, profitable financials matter far more than impressive revenue • The real difference between selling a business and selling the building • How sale multiples are determined—and why many owners misjudge their value • What to fix now if you plan to retire and sell in the next few years • The tax moves (1031s, DSTs, deferred sales trusts) that can reshape your future • Why having the right financial team can make or break your outcome Guest : Mike Mauger, Commercial Real Estate & Business Broker. Resources and contact: Visit basewealthmanagement.com for articles, videos, and more insights. Send your questions to question@basewealthmanagement.com to be featured in a future episode. Investment advisory services provided by Base Wealth Management, LLC doing business as Base Wealth Management, as a registered investment advisor. NOTICE: This email communication, including all attachments transmitted with it, may contain confidential information intended solely for the use of the addressee. If the reader or recipient of this communication is not the intended recipient, or you believe that you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return email and PROMPTLY delete this email, including all attachments, without reading them or saving them in any manner. The unauthorized use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this email, including attachments, is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

September 16, 2025Episode 922 min

Can a Personal Injury Derail Your Financial Future?

Can a personal injury derail your financial future? Dustin Taylor and co-host Kyle Howell sit down with attorney Anissa Morris of Spinner Law to explore how accidents, distracted driving, and unexpected injuries intersect with wealth management. From protecting clients through insurance coverage to safeguarding settlements with smart planning, they uncover the legal and financial tools that keep your long-term security intact. In this episode, you'll learn: • How personal injury cases affect financial stability and recovery timelines • Why adequate auto, umbrella, and uninsured/underinsured coverage are critical • The role of cash reserves and emergency funds when court cases drag on • How gap insurance protects borrowers when cars are totaled • What the "100 deadliest days" for teen drivers mean for families • Legal misconceptions about trusts and asset protection in Florida • Tax treatment of personal injury settlements—and how advisors can optimize windfalls Guest: Anissa Morris, Attorney at Spinner Law Firm. Resources and contact: Visit basewealthmanagement.com for articles, videos, and to connect with our team. Send your questions to question@basewealthmanagement.com to be featured in a future episode. Disclaimer: This conversation is educational, not tax, legal, or investment advice. Talk with your professional advisor about your situation.

September 3, 2025Episode 819 min

Can Your Home Be Your Biggest Wealth Builder?

Season 3, Episode 8. How do homeowners turn their houses into real wealth? Dustin Taylor and co-host Kyle Howell talk with Sarah DiMonaco, broker and owner of Remarkable Real Estate and Rentals, about the practical ways real estate can accelerate financial independence. From tax-free gains on your first home to the math of rental cash flow and 1031 exchanges, they break down strategies for building equity without overextending yourself. In this episode, you'll learn: • How long-term homeownership and extra payments accelerate wealth building • Why tax rules allow up to $250k/$500k gains on home sales without capital gains tax • When to refinance or use home equity—and when not to • The "onion layers" of neighborhood appreciation and why location is key • Smart upgrades that boost value without breaking the bank • Risks and realities of rental property ownership vs. REIT alternatives • How 1031 exchanges work for landlords ready to simplify • The step-up in basis for heirs and why estate planning matters in real estate Guest: Sarah DiMonaco, broker/owner of Remarkable Real Estate and Rentals. Resources and contact: basewealthmanagement.com for articles, videos, and to connect with our team. Send your questions to question@basewealthmanagement.com to be featured in a future episode. Disclaimer: This conversation is educational, not tax, legal, or investment advice. Talk with your professional advisor about your situation.

August 21, 2025Episode 729 min

Can Tailored Benefit Plans Keep Your Top Talent From Walking?

Season 3, Episode 7. How do small and midsize businesses keep top performers from taking the next offer? Dustin Taylor and co-host Kyle Howell sit down with insurance specialist Howard Jonas to unpack nonqualified executive benefit strategies that help attract and retain key people without overhauling your 401(k). We cover which companies are a fit, how tax status shapes design, what to fund with, and how to keep plans simple enough to run. In this episode, you will learn: • When nonqualified plans outperform traditional benefits for high earners • Why entity taxation matters, S corp vs C corp vs partnership • Funding options, including permanent life insurance, taxable accounts, or unfunded designs • How REBA, restricted executive bonus agreements, and double-bonus structures work • Where loan-regime split-dollar and key-person coverage can fit • Creditor exposure, control vs current deduction, and practical restrictions • 409A pitfalls with deferred compensation, and when not to use it • Eligibility for contractors, 1099 use cases, and realistic vesting horizons Guest: Howard Jonas, advanced insurance planning and business succession specialist. Resources and contact: basewealthmanagement.com for articles, videos, and to connect with our team. Disclaimer: This conversation is educational, not tax, legal, or investment advice. Talk with your professional advisor about your situation.

June 11, 2025Episode 622 min

Mortgage Secrets That Save Thousands: Expert Tips from 28-Year Industry Veteran

Mortgage rules keep shifting, but the core questions remain: how much should you borrow, when should you refinance, and which pitfalls will really cost you? In this episode of Financial Foundations , hosts Dustin Taylor and Kyle Howell sit down with veteran loan originator Jennifer Weil —known to clients as "Jen Is My Home Girl"—to uncover practical ways to keep more money in your pocket and stress off your budget. You'll learn how to: Spot the single question that can shave thousands off closing costs Guard against costly escrow shortages and surprise tax hikes Decide when a home‑equity line is smarter than a full refinance Align mortgage decisions with a long‑term financial plan Use January deadlines to lock in homestead savings Questions for the team? Send them to question@basewealthmanagement.com and we might tackle them on a future show.

June 5, 2025Episode 58 min

DIY Investing vs. Hiring a Pro: 6 Questions Every Investor Should Answer

Market headlines can roar louder than a toddler with a drum set—and your portfolio can end up marching to the noise. In this episode of Financial Foundations , hosts Dustin Taylor and Alex Wolfe, CFP® put the would-be DIY investor under a microscope: Do you genuinely have the research chops and the hours? Are hidden emotional or political biases steering your trades? Is "sit in cash till things calm down" a plan—or just anxiety in disguise? How do you align investments with concrete goals, not today's click-bait? What accountability keeps solo investors from drifting off-course? Whether you love rolling up your sleeves or you're wondering what an advisor actually adds, you'll leave with a sharper checklist—and maybe a little less caffeine-fuelled doom-scrolling. ⏱️ Episode Chapters Time Chapter 0:39 Meet the hosts 0:57 Why some investors go DIY 1:15 Experience & research resources 2:15 The real time commitment 3:10 Emotional & political biases 4:03 Linking strategy to goals 5:05 Gauging risk tolerance 5:57 Accountability & confidence checks 7:15 Free resources at Base Wealth 7:48 Subscribe & closing thoughts Find tools, articles and past episodes at basewealthmanagement.com . Questions? Email questions@basewealthmanagement.com . Subscribe on your favorite app so you never miss an insight.

May 2, 2025Episode 411 min

Debt Insights, According To A Certified Financial Planner®

Is all debt created equal? In this eye-opening episode of Financial Foundations, CFP® Alex Wolfe and host Dustin Taylor rethink traditional views on debt management. Find out when debt can actually benefit you, how to prioritize repayments strategically, and why "marrying the house but dating the mortgage" could be your smartest approach in today's market. You'll learn practical strategies to: Identify healthy versus harmful debt Choose effectively between the snowball and avalanche repayment methods Evaluate opportunity costs with confidence Navigate mortgage decisions in the current environment Protect your credit score while eliminating debt Your relationship with debt can shape your financial future—make sure it's built on solid ground. Have questions? Send them to question@basewealthmanagement.com . Subscribe for more financial insights, and visit BaseWealthManagement.com to strengthen your financial foundation.

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