Episode 115 - The Financial X-Ray Most People Avoid

Episode 120 - The Money Conversation Most Couples Keep Avoiding

Money is one of the most important conversations in a relationship. It's also one of the most avoided. In this episode of Building Wealthy Habits, Jeremiah and Laura share a candid look at how they handle financial conversations in their own marriage. As financial planners, business owners, parents, and spouses, they've learned that money discussions are rarely just about budgets and bank accounts. They're often about security, trust, priorities, and the future you're trying to build together. Many couples avoid talking about money because they don't want conflict. Others assume they're already on the same page. But as life becomes more complex, avoiding these conversations can create stress, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities. Jeremiah and Laura discuss the questions every couple should be asking, common communication mistakes, practical tools for creating financial clarity, and how alignment around money can strengthen both your finances and your relationship. If you've ever wondered whether you're having the right financial conversations with your partner, this episode is for you. Key Topics: • Why money conversations feel emotionally charged • The three questions every couple should ask each other about money • How different money backgrounds shape financial decisions • Why budgeting is about clarity, not restriction • Tools that can simplify financial communication • Creating a shared vision for your financial future • Building stronger financial habits as a couple #BuildingWealthyHabits #CouplesAndMoney #FinancialPlanning #MarriageAndMoney #FinancialCommunication #MoneyMindset #TriCordAdvisors Connect with Jeremiah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahjlee/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahjlee/] Email: Jeremiah@tricordadvisors.com [Jeremiah@tricordadvisors.com] Connect with Laura: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lee-59a83610/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lee-59a83610/] Email: Laura@tricordadvisors.com [Laura@tricordadvisors.com] --- Information and ideas discussed are general comments and cannot be relied upon as pertaining to your specific situation, do not constitute legal/financial advice, and do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship. Examples discussed are fictional. You should consult your own advisor/attorney and do your own diligence prior to making any decisions. Investments involve risk and the possibility of loss, including the loss of principal. All situations are different, and results may vary. Randy Barkley is a life insurance agent CA license # 0518567 and Jeremiah Lee is a California licensed attorney and is responsible for this communication. Advisory services offered through TriCord Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisory firm.

Episode 119 - Should Your Business Own the Building It Operates In?

Should you buy the building your business operates in, or continue leasing? For many business owners, commercial real estate can become one of the largest investments they ever make. But owning a building is about much more than control over your space. In this episode, Jeremiah and Laura discuss the key factors business owners should consider before purchasing commercial real estate. From long-term growth plans and tax considerations to liquidity, diversification, and succession planning, they explore how owning property can impact both your business and your personal financial future. While commercial real estate can create opportunities for wealth building, passive income, and greater control, it also comes with responsibilities and risks that should not be overlooked. The right decision depends on how the property fits into your broader goals, investment strategy, and long-term vision. Key Topics: • Evaluating whether your current location supports future business growth and expansion • The benefits of owning commercial real estate, including control and long-term wealth building • Tax considerations, depreciation, and after-tax investment returns • Diversification, concentration risk, and liquidity concerns in real estate investing • The realities of property ownership, management responsibilities, and passive income expectations • Succession planning and using commercial real estate as a multigenerational asset for family businesses #BuildingWealthyHabits #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessOwners #Entrepreneurship #FinancialPlanning #BusinessGrowth #WealthManagement #TriCordAdvisors --- Information and ideas discussed are general comments and cannot be relied upon as pertaining to your specific situation, do not constitute legal/financial advice, and do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship. Examples discussed are fictional. You should consult your own advisor/attorney and do your own diligence prior to making any decisions. Investments involve risk and the possibility of loss, including the loss of principal. All situations are different, and results may vary. Randy Barkley is a life insurance agent CA license # 0518567 and Jeremiah Lee is a California licensed attorney and is responsible for this communication. Advisory services offered through TriCord Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisory firm.

Episode 118 – JR Lay on Failure, Growth, & the Cost of Hustle Culture

What if the biggest turning point in your life starts with a difficult question? In this conversation, Jeremiah, Laura, and special guest JR Lay explore the tension many entrepreneurs and high achievers quietly carry beneath the surface. From identity and ambition to disruption, adaptability, and purpose, this discussion goes far beyond business strategy. JR shares personal stories about building businesses, navigating burnout, redefining failure, and learning how wisdom often grows through discomfort. Together, they unpack why perspective matters so much in seasons of uncertainty and how the stories we tell ourselves shape the future we create. Whether you are navigating a career transition, building a business, leading a family, or simply feeling stretched by change, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on growth, resilience, and becoming who you are meant to become. #BuildingWealthyHabits #EntrepreneurMindset #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #FinancialPlanning #BusinessOwners #WealthManagement #Entrepreneur Chapters: 00:00 Why failure may be the wrong word 03:15 Disruption, perspective, and adaptability 07:30 Why your story is more valuable than you think 11:00 JR Lay's entrepreneurial journey and turning points 20:55 Faith, fear, discomfort, and personal growth Connect with JR Lay: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrwlay/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrwlay/] Connect with Jeremiah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahjlee/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahjlee/] Email: Jeremiah@tricordadvisors.com [Jeremiah@tricordadvisors.com] Connect with Laura: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lee-59a83610/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lee-59a83610/] Email: Laura@tricordadvisors.com [Laura@tricordadvisors.com] --- Information and ideas discussed are general in nature and should not be considered specific financial, legal, or tax advice. This content is for informational purposes only and does not create an advisory, fiduciary, or attorney-client relationship. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Individual situations will vary. You should consult your own financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney before making any decisions. Advisory services offered through TriCord Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Jeremiah Lee is a California licensed attorney. Randy Barkley is a life insurance agent (CA License #0518567).

Episode 117 - Don't Miss the Moment! Preparing for a Business Exit

A business sale can create uncertainty and a long list of financial and planning decisions all at once. The months before and after an exit often become an important planning window in a business owner's life. Jeremiah and Laura walk through several planning considerations that may help business owners prepare for a high-income year, evaluate tax planning considerations, and align financial decisions with long-term goals for family, charitable giving, and broader planning considerations. They also discuss why preparation matters long before a transaction is finalized and why coordinated planning with advisors, CPAs, and estate attorneys may help provide additional planning clarity. #BusinessOwner #TaxPlanning #EstatePlanning #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement --- Information and ideas discussed are general comments and cannot be relied upon as pertaining to your specific situation, do not constitute legal/financial advice, and do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship. Examples discussed are fictional. You should consult your own advisor/attorney and do your own diligence prior to making any decisions. Investments involve risk and the possibility of loss, including the loss of principal. All situations are different, and results may vary. Randy Barkley is a life insurance agent CA license # 0518567 and Jeremiah Lee is a California licensed attorney and is responsible for this communication. Advisory services offered through TriCord Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisory firm.

Episode 116 - RSUs vs. RSOs and What Employees Should Know

Stock options can be a valuable part of compensation, but they also come with important tax considerations, vesting schedules, and investment decisions. In this conversation, Jeremiah and Laura break down the differences between RSUs and RSOs, explain how vesting works, and discuss why many employees feel overwhelmed when trying to make decisions around concentrated stock positions and taxes. They also walk through common planning considerations for tech employees, startup professionals, and anyone receiving equity compensation through work. Whether you're newly receiving stock compensation or trying to better understand an existing plan, this episode highlights why having a long-term strategy matters. #Stocks #RSUs #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #EquityCompensation --- Information and ideas discussed are general comments and cannot be relied upon as pertaining to your specific situation, do not constitute legal/financial advice, and do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship. Examples discussed are fictional. You should consult your own advisor/attorney and do your own diligence prior to making any decisions. Investments involve risk and the possibility of loss, including the loss of principal. All situations are different, and results may vary. Randy Barkley is a life insurance agent CA license # 0518567 and Jeremiah Lee is a California licensed attorney and is responsible for this communication. Advisory services offered through TriCord Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisory firm.