Ed's Edge

Building Your Financial House - The Advisor’s Role, Room by Room

What should a financial advisor do for you? In this episode, we break down the key roles of a financial advisor—acting as a master contractor to coordinate investment management, tax planning, insurance coverage, estate strategies, and retirement planning. Learn how comprehensive financial planning can help protect your assets, reduce taxes, and build long-term security.   Food for Thought:    Raclette Tips & Tricks Prep your pairings: Traditional raclette is melted over potatoes, but it’s even better with crusty bread, pickles, cured meats, and roasted veggies. Use cast iron or nonstick trays: If you have a raclette grill, mini nonstick pans make cleanup easy. No grill? Try melting raclette cheese under the broiler in small ramekins. Don’t skip the pickles: Cornichons and pickled onions cut through the richness and are considered a must-have. Mix cheeses: If you can’t find raclette, use a blend of Gruyère, Fontina, or even Brie. Just go for meltiness! Make it a party: Raclette is meant to be interactive! Set it up like a mini bar and let everyone melt and top their own.   Link to Raclette Grill [https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000635XW/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=7cb8aaaa972a24d6c290381a7e9632c5&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1742486465&sr=1-1-9e67e56a-6f64-441f-a281-df67fc737124&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_0_title&pd_rd_w=YXPoZ&content-id=amzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942%3Aamzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_p=8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_r=QC7D3GF9PXED55C8VZ45&pd_rd_wg=1gC1I&pd_rd_r=ddf4f8af-bd83-4268-a1c1-8197f4661014&th=1]

How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor: Fees, Services & Fit

Selecting a financial advisor involves more than just investment management. It’s important to understand their compensation structure—whether they charge flat fees, commissions, or asset-based pricing—to ensure their incentives align with your financial goals. In this episode, we discuss how to evaluate an advisor’s services, identify any limitations, and choose the right fit based on your financial management style and personality. We also explore the role of trust and confidence in building a successful advisor-client relationship. Whether you prefer a hands-on coaching approach or comprehensive financial planning, we provide insights to help you decide if professional guidance is right for you. Tune in to learn how financial planning extends beyond investments into tax, estate, and holistic wealth management strategies.     Ed's Food for Thought:    Fondant Potatoes   Prep: ~10-15 mins Cook: ~40 mins   Ingredients: * 4 large potatoes * 2 tbsp butter (plus extra for basting) * 1 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable) * 2 cloves garlic, smashed * 2 sprigs fresh thyme * 1 sprig fresh rosemary * 1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable) * Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions:   1️⃣ [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/16.0/0031_fe0f_20e3/72.png] Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).   2️⃣ [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/16.0/0032_fe0f_20e3/72.png] Prep the Potatoes: * Slice the potatoes on both sides to create a flat top and bottom. * Use a round cookie cutter to punch out "puck"-shaped pieces. * Use a peeler to refine the edges for an even shape. * Place potato pucks in a bowl of water to prevent browning. 3️⃣ [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/16.0/0033_fe0f_20e3/72.png] Sear the Potatoes: * Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter + oil. * Dry the potatoes thoroughly, then add them to the skillet. * Brown for about 5 minutes, flipping and adjusting as needed for even coloring. 4️⃣ [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/16.0/0034_fe0f_20e3/72.png] Season & Flip: * Once golden brown on the bottom, season with salt & pepper. * Flip to the other side and brown for another 5 minutes. 5️⃣ [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/16.0/0035_fe0f_20e3/72.png] Baste with Flavor: * Add more butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan. * Use a spoon to baste the potatoes with the infused butter. * Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until evenly golden brown. 6️⃣ [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/16.0/0036_fe0f_20e3/72.png] Bake to Perfection: * Pour in 1 cup of broth and transfer the skillet to the oven. * Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. * The broth should mostly evaporate; use any remaining liquid to spoon over the potatoes. 7️⃣ [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/16.0/0037_fe0f_20e3/72.png] Final Touches: * Season with additional salt, pepper, thyme, and a final brush of butter from the pan. How To Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm96nr5NoMA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm96nr5NoMA]

Early Retirement: Myth or Reality?

Are you asking, "Can I retire early?" In this episode, we break down the complexities of early retirement planning with actionable insights and real-life examples. Hear Ed and James discuss personal client stories that highlight diverse retirement goals—from retiring in your 50s or even your 40s! Learn how to secure sustainable income, manage healthcare costs before Medicare, optimize tax strategies, and handle investment risks like sequence of returns. Tune in for expert advice on early retirement planning and find out how, not if, you can work towards a secure, financially free future.   Food For Thought: https://www.redstonegrill.com/about-us/ [https://www.redstonegrill.com/about-us/]

How To Get on the Same Page with Your Spouse (Financially)

In this episode, we share strategies for getting on the same page as your spouse (financially). Ed & James discuss the importance of compromise, understanding your spouse’s motivating factors, and actionable steps on how to prioritize your goals as a couple.  These insights are designed to not only help with your finances, but your marriage as a whole. Food for Thought: Prime & Provisions Steakhouse - https://www.primeandprovisions.com/ [https://www.primeandprovisions.com/] Edge Financial Advisors [https://edgefa.com/]

Developing a Healthy Relationship with Money: featuring Krisstina Wise

Ed and James are joined by real estate mogul, Entrepreneur & best-selling author, Krisstina Wise. Ed, James, and Krisstina discuss the importance of having a healthy mindset when it comes to your finances, as well as understanding when enough is truly enough.   Krisstina shares how a near-death experience forever changed her view of money and inspired her to share her experiences & knowledge with other entrepreneurs. She also explains how others can shift their money mindset to create a more positive life overall, rather than just financially, primarily through the concept of knowing your numbers. All of your numbers.   Ed’s Food for Thought: Honey Garlic Meatballs Prep: 5 Min. | Cook: 2 Hours Servings: 10   Ingredients: 1/2 cup ketchup 1/3 cup honey 1/4 cup brown sugar 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (about 50) Garlic salt & pepper, to taste For serving: Cooked rice, sliced green onions, sesame seeds   Slow Cooker Instructions: In a medium bowl or the base of a slow cooker, combine the ketchup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce & garlic. Add meatballs and stir until coated in sauce. Add a pinch of garlic salt and pepper on top if desired. Cook on high 2-3 hours or low 3-4 hours. Turn the slow cooker to warm until ready to serve. Season to taste. Enjoy as an appetizer or serve over rice and top with green onions for a main dish.   Stove top instructions: 1) Combine sauce ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat. 2) Once combined, stir in the meatballs. Bring to a light simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until heated.