Your Wealth, Your Legacy

Hosted by Prairiewood Wealth Management

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Jun 2026

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Reduce Taxes | Grow Wealth | Create a Legacy: Your Wealth, Your Legacy is a podcast by Prairiewood Wealth Management covering the latest in investment, tax, estate, and charitable giving strategies to help individuals and families keep more of what they make, make more with what they have, and create a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.

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57 recent

June 1, 202620 min

EP 57: What Are Your Financial Advisor's Qualifications?

Most people assume that if someone is legally licensed to give investment advice, they have completed a rigorous amount of education and training, have demonstrated advanced knowledge by passing exams that test the real-world application of concepts, and have a minimum level of real-world experience. The answer is much more complicated, and the truth is that there can be significant variation in education, experience, and ability beyond the basic, legal threshold.In this episode, we break down the minimum legal standard to become a licensed investment adviser representative and why there can be meaningful differences in the depth of knowledge and experience among licensed advisors.We cover what it takes to satisfy the basic legal standard which is the Series 65 exam, the over 200 designations that exist in the financial industry, how to tell which designations demonstrate a long-term commitment to developing high-quality planning capabilities, and the three credentials that we believe rise to the top: the CPA, the CFP®, and the CFA®.We walk through the education, experience, examination, and ethics requirements for each, share the questions every person should ask a financial advisor before engaging them, and explain why the right advisor will always welcome those questions.For individuals and families with significant assets and complex financial needs, understanding whether your advisor holds one of these designations is an important step in determining whether your advisor is the best fit for your family.Thanks for listening!For more details, check out our blog post at https://pw-wm.com/learn/financial-planning/what-are-your-financial-advisors-qualifications/

May 1, 202617 min

EP: 56: The Mega Back-Door Roth: Supercharging Tax-Free Savings

Most people know the standard 401(k) contribution limit. Very few know about the much higher total additions limit and the powerful strategy hiding in the gap between the two.In this episode, we break down the mega back-door Roth strategy: what it is, how it works, who can use it, and what the long-term numbers actually look like for families who take full advantage.We cover the difference between pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax 401(k) contributions, how after-tax contributions can be converted to Roth to create permanent tax-free growth, and what plan features are required for the strategy to work. We also discuss the special opportunity available to self-employed individuals through a Solo 401(k), why high-income earners benefit most, and how this strategy compares to the standard back-door Roth IRA.For families with strong cash flow looking to maximize their tax-free retirement savings, this is one of the most significant planning opportunities available under current tax law.Thanks for listening!For more details, check out our blog post at https://pw-wm.com/learn/financial-planning/mega-back-door-roth/

April 1, 202625 min

EP 55: A Simple Guide to Advisor Compensation

Ever wonder why two financial advisors can offer similar services but charge very differently and why it matters?In this episode, we break down the five most common ways financial advisors are compensated: commissions, hourly fees, flat project fees, retainers, and AUM-based fees. We explain how each model works, the incentives each structure creates, and why understanding your advisor's compensation is one of the most important steps in evaluating the advice you receive.We also discuss why searching for the lowest fee can often be a costly mistake and what questions to ask any advisor before engaging them.If you want to understand what you're really paying for and ensure your advisor's incentives are aligned with your goals, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Thanks for listening!For more details, check out our blog post covering the same topic at https://pw-wm.com/learn/financial-planning/a-simple-guide-to-advisor-compensation/

March 1, 202620 min

EP 54: How The Wealthy Borrow - Box Spread Loans

What if you could borrow at rates comparable to U.S. Treasury yields without going to a bank?In this episode, we break down box spread loans - a lesser-known strategy that allows investors to access liquidity from their portfolio at highly competitive rates (currently under 4%). We explain how box spreads work, why institutional investors have used them for years, and when they may be a smarter alternative to traditional lending options.We also discuss key considerations, including potential tax treatment of the interest expense, practical use cases (like bridging a home purchase or avoiding the realization of capital gains), and how to structure a box spread loan to reduce the risk of a margin call if markets fluctuate.If you’re looking for flexible, low-cost financing without disrupting your long-term investment strategy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Thanks for listening!For more details we recommend that you check out our blog post covering the same topic at https://pw-wm.com/learn/financial-planning/how-the-wealthy-borrow-box-spread-loans/

February 1, 202618 min

EP 53: Why Financial Advice vs. Product Sales Matters

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood parts of the financial industry: the difference between financial advice and product sales and why it matters more than most people realize.Most people seek out a financial professional because they want advice. They want to confirm they’re on track, want help building a comprehensive plan, or are seeking guidance for a specific financial decision. What many don’t realize is that the financial industry has historically been structured as a sales-based business. According to feeonlynetwork.com, fewer than 2% of the 295,000 financial professionals in the United States can be classified as Fee-Only for the advice they provide. We explore how compensation, sales quotas, and limited product offerings can influence recommendations, often blurring the line between objective advice and a sales presentation. We end with a simple recommendation of how to quickly identify advisors who have prioritized advice and eliminated the sales-based commission and revenue sharing incentives from their practices.If you want to better understand the incentives behind the advice you receive, this episode will give you a framework to ask the right questions and choose a financial professional that is right for you.Thanks for listening!For more details we recommend that you check out our blog post covering the same topic at https://pw-wm.com/learn/financial-planning/why-financial-advice-vs-product-sales-matters/

January 1, 202621 min

EP 52: Your Finances in 2026: What You Need To Know!

Welcome to 2026! In this episode, we discuss key market takeaways from 2025, including why valuations matter, how concentration within the S&P 500 has grown, and why diversification remains essential for long-term planning.We also cover planning items for 2026, including general housekeeping items like updated IRS contribution limits for employer retirement plans, IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts, along with important changes impacting catch-up contributions.As we look ahead to 2026, some of the major items to consider are the provisions taking effect under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including changes to income tax brackets, itemized deductions, charitable giving rules, estate planning exemptions, and the growing importance of proactive tax planning.As financial complexity continues to increase, the importance of staying informed, managing risk, and maintaining a coordinated strategy is key to long-term success.This conversation will help you prepare and plan for financial success into 2026 and beyond. Thanks for listening!For more details, we recommend that you check out our blog post covering the same topic at https://pw-wm.com/learn/financial-planning/your-finances-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know/

December 1, 202519 min

EP 51 - Are All Financial Professionals Created Equal?

Are all financial professionals created equal? If not, how can you identify who will provide advice that puts you first?Managing your money wisely can be complex, and many individuals realize they need good financial advice; however a search for “financial advisor near me” provides an endless list of advisors that all promise to help with retirement planning, tax strategies, investment management, and more, while promising to do it all “in your best interests.” Despite all sounding the same, individuals know that there is a significant difference between financial professionals. Whether they’ve experienced financial professionals trying to “sell” products or sensed pressure toward certain strategies, they realize that identifying the right financial professional is a key decision. The question is how to cut through all the marketing hype to identify the professional who will put them first. In this series, we break down the key types of financial professionals, explore how compensation structures can influence advice, and share tips for identifying fiduciary, Fee-Only advisors who truly put your interests first. Cut through the marketing noise, avoid hidden conflicts, and make informed financial decisions with confidence.Whether you’re already working with a financial professional or looking to hire one, this conversation will help you understand how to choose a financial professional committed to putting you first.Thanks for listening!For more details we recommend that you check out our blogpost covering the same topic at https://pw-wm.com/learn/financial-planning/are-all-financial-professionals-created-equal/

November 1, 202524 min

EP 50: Retiring Before 65 - What About Health Insurance?

As part of our continuing health insurance series, this episode dives into one of the biggest questions facing early retirees: how to maintain health coverage before Medicare kicks in at age 65. We explore your key options, from COBRA coverage to Marketplace plans, discuss how to pay for health insurance out of pocket, and uncover tax planning strategies that can help reduce your premiums through premium tax credits. Whether you’re planning to retire soon or just beginning to map out your financial future, this conversation will help you understand how thoughtful planning can make early retirement a reality. Thanks for listening!For more details, we recommend that you check out our blog post at https://pw-wm.com/learn/.

October 1, 202524 min

EP 49: Medicare – What You Need To Know!

Retirement planning isn’t just about finances; it’s about healthcare too. With Medicare enrollment approaching, many retirees wonder how Medicare works and what coverage they really need.In this episode, we break down Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, explain the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, and walk through key enrollment periods to help you avoid costly penalties. We also cover premiums, deductibles, IRMAA surcharges, and common misconceptions about Medicare coverage. Whether you’re turning 65, continuing to work past retirement, or exploring your healthcare options, we think you’ll enjoy this podcast episode. Thanks for listening!For more details we recommend that you check out our blog post covering the same topic at: https://pw-wm.com/learn/financial-planning/medicare-what-you-need-to-know/

September 1, 202522 min

EP 48: Will The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Save You Money?

The new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is changing the tax landscape for families across America, but what does it really mean for you? In this episode, we break down three family scenarios with real tax calculations and comparisons showing the actual changes in tax liability under the OBBBA for each family. You’ll learn who benefits, where phaseouts and limitations come into play, and why proactive planning will be key to making the most of these changes.For those who are interested in understanding how the provisions of the OBBBA will impact their own family, we think you will enjoy this month’s podcast. Thanks for listening!For more details we recommend that you check out our blog post covering the same topic at https://pw-wm.com/learn/tax-planning/will-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-save-you-money/