Shaping a Mediation & Arbitration Career with Elaine Block

How ‘Futures’ Contracts Actually Work

Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money with Matt Smith, Episode 10 In this episode of the Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money, Matt Smith speaks about what a futures contract is and how it works, tracing the tool back to its origins in agriculture and commodities to show how locking in a price ahead of time gives buyers and sellers certainty. Tune in to the episode to hear about:  * The real-world problem futures contracts were invented to solve more than a century ago  * Why does a gain or loss show up when the market price at delivery differs from the agreed price?  * How a corn farmer and a cornflakes factory can lock in a price months before harvest, giving both sides certainty  * Where else do these contracts show up beyond the farm, from oil and metals to everyday consumer goods?  * What "price predictability" and "price discovery" actually mean, in plain terms *********************************** About “Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money”: You bill in 6-minute increments. Let’s get you some of that time back. “Sidebar with a CFP®” is your space for candid conversations about life inside BigLaw—the real stuff they don’t teach in law school or show in recruiter brochures. Hosted by Matt Smith, CFP® and founder of Concert Financial Planning, this show pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to climb the ranks, navigate transitions, and make big decisions in a high-stakes career. You’ll hear from Partners, Associates, and experts across law and finance—each sharing stories, surprises, and strategies for building a life (and career) that works for you. This isn’t a money podcast. It’s a life-in-BigLaw podcast—with a CFP® in the host chair. Watch or listen to more episodes of Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money:  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan [https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan]  * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694]  * Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX [https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX]  * iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554 [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554] Connect and learn more from your host, Matt Smith and Concert Financial Planning:  * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith]  * Follow Concert Financial Planning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan [https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan]  * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan [https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan]  * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan [https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan]

Making Better Tax Decisions in Big Law with Demetrio Vargiu

Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money with Matt Smith, Episode 09 In this episode of the Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money, Matt Smith speaks with Demetrio Vargiu, CPA and Founder of Vargiu Professional Services, an independent Houston-based accounting and advisory firm focused on tax planning, tax preparation, business consulting, and financial guidance for individuals and business owners. With more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, Demetrio specializes in federal and state taxation, strategic tax planning, and helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with a practical, relationship-driven approach. Since launching his practice in 2014, he has built Vargiu Professional Services through long-term client relationships, personalized service, and a commitment to helping clients make informed financial and tax decisions with clarity and confidence. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Demetrio explains why high-income earners must accept taxes, while focusing on paying the least possible through smart, legal planning * Why high-income W-2 earners are limited after 2017 tax changes and must optimize employer benefits like 401(k)s, HSAs, and FSAs * Demetrio breaks down the rental real estate myth, explaining losses typically don’t offset W-2 income once AGI exceeds $150,000 * Real tax mistakes he sees, including missed QBI deductions and a client who overpaid more than $30,000 due to errors * The reality of K-1 income, multi-state filings, and why extensions don’t increase audit risk, but poor decisions can Learn more about Demetrio Vargiu: * Visit Vargiu Professional Services website: https://vargiu-cpa.com/ [https://vargiu-cpa.com/] * Email Demetrio: demetrio@vargiu-cpa.com [demetrio@vargiu-cpa.com] *********************************** About “Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money”: You bill in 6-minute increments. Let’s get you some of that time back. “Sidebar with a CFP®” is your space for candid conversations about life inside BigLaw—the real stuff they don’t teach in law school or show in recruiter brochures. Hosted by Matt Smith, CFP® and founder of Concert Financial Planning, this show pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to climb the ranks, navigate transitions, and make big decisions in a high-stakes career. You’ll hear from Partners, Associates, and experts across law and finance—each sharing stories, surprises, and strategies for building a life (and career) that works for you. This isn’t a money podcast. It’s a life-in-BigLaw podcast—with a CFP® in the host chair. Watch or listen to more episodes of Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan [https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan] * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694] * Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX [https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX] * iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554 [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554] Connect and learn more from your host, Matt Smith and Concert Financial Planning: * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith] * Follow Concert Financial Planning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan [https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan] * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan [https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan] * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan [https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan]

Shaping a Mediation & Arbitration Career with Elaine Block

Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money with Matt Smith, Episode 08 In this episode of the Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money, Matt Smith speaks with Elaine Block, a Law Business Owner specialized in mediation and arbitration of civil lawsuits with 20 years of experience as a mediator and 32 years of experience as a lawyer. Elaine began her mediation career in 1991, having been an active litigator in both personal injury and commercial disputes since 1978. She became a full time mediator/arbitrator in 1996 and has mediated or arbitrated over 6,000 disputes. Her persistence, ability to grasp and analyze complex legal matters, and dedication to helping the parties formulate a deal have made her one of the most active mediators in the Houston area. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Elaine’s love for law school and her giving back through a donation that named the Elaine Block Active Study Room (a study space with exercise equipment) * Career path: Baker Botts trial practice with strong mentoring; notes later challenges women faced as law became more business-driven * How Elaine transitioned fully to mediation * The current mediation practice, largely Zoom-based, with occasional in-person mediations using a pay-per-day center * Work-life reflections: Elaine believes prioritizing career over family was a mistake, describes adopting a newborn through an adoption consultant/agency process Learn more about Elaine Block: * Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-block-1888439/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-block-1888439/] * Visit Elaine’s website: https://elaineblock.com/ [https://elaineblock.com/] * Email Elaine: eb@elaineblock.com [eb@elaineblock.com] *********************************** About “Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money”: You bill in 6-minute increments. Let’s get you some of that time back. “Sidebar with a CFP®” is your space for candid conversations about life inside BigLaw—the real stuff they don’t teach in law school or show in recruiter brochures. Hosted by Matt Smith, CFP® and founder of Concert Financial Planning, this show pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to climb the ranks, navigate transitions, and make big decisions in a high-stakes career. You’ll hear from Partners, Associates, and experts across law and finance—each sharing stories, surprises, and strategies for building a life (and career) that works for you. This isn’t a money podcast. It’s a life-in-BigLaw podcast—with a CFP® in the host chair. Watch or listen to more episodes of Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan [https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan] * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694] * Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX [https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX ] https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX * iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554 [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554] Connect and learn more from your host, Matt Smith and Concert Financial Planning: * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith] * Follow Concert Financial Planning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan [https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan] * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan [https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan] * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan [https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan]

Tax Planning for Big Law Attorneys During Tax Season with Brian Leben

Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money with Matt Smith, Episode 7 In this episode of the Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money, Matt Smith speaks with tax advisor Brian Leben, partner of Lulloff, Leben & Taylor, LLC, a tax advisory firm. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Tax planning considerations for big law attorneys during tax season * Avoiding steep underpayment penalties * Common gaps among high earners, including not maximizing pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions * Backdoor and “mega” backdoor Roth strategies, allowing after-tax contributions and in-service rollovers * A caution to popular social-media tax strategies (heavy vehicle deductions, conservation easements, intangible drilling costs, and the Augusta rule) are often inapplicable, complex, or not worth the hassle * Practical opportunities including properly applying composite/PTE state tax payments Learn more about Brian Leben: * Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-leben-mba-cpa-pmp-pfs-cfp-r-7b29045 * Visit Lulloff, Leben & Taylor, LLC’s website: https://www.lltcpas.com * Email Brian: bleben@lltcpas.com *********************************** About “Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money”: You bill in 6-minute increments. Let’s get you some of that time back. “Sidebar with a CFP®” is your space for candid conversations about life inside BigLaw—the real stuff they don’t teach in law school or show in recruiter brochures. Hosted by Matt Smith, CFP® and founder of Concert Financial Planning, this show pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to climb the ranks, navigate transitions, and make big decisions in a high-stakes career. You’ll hear from Partners, Associates, and experts across law and finance—each sharing stories, surprises, and strategies for building a life (and career) that works for you. This isn’t a money podcast. It’s a life-in-BigLaw podcast—with a CFP® in the host chair. Watch or listen to more episodes of Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694 * Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX * iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554 Connect and learn more from your host, Matt Smith and Concert Financial Planning: * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith * Follow Concert Financial Planning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan

Building Wealth Through Real Estate Investment with Luke Sanders

Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money with Matt Smith, Episode 6 In this episode of the Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money, Matt Smith, speaks with Luke Sanders, owner of River City Screen Printing and Embroidery in San Marcos, Texas, which was founded by his parents in 1978 and grown to 85+ employees across multiple buildings. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * How Luke first built wealth through acquiring and expanding commercial real estate for his operating business, including buying adjacent buildings and leasing one to a pawn shop tenant * Entering short-term rentals in 2019, including a large river house in New Braunfels/Green and multiple Fredericksburg properties * How COVID initially created cancellation risk but later produced a major demand surge (e.g., $80,000 revenue in one month) followed by market oversaturation * Regulatory and licensing uncertainty (city council efforts to restrict or sunset short-term rental permits) * Commercial loan structures with five-year rate resets that can turn cash flow negative * Reliance on local market knowledge and specialized realtors * Frequent maintenance/replacement costs from guest wear-and-tear * Using property management companies (typically 20–30% of revenue) to avoid 24/7 operational issues * Rising insurance costs (e.g., from $3,000 to $15,000 annually) * FEMA floodway rezoning that can eliminate short-term rental use * Why short-term rentals are risky for anyone depending on slim monthly margins * Why Luke’s best, least stressful results have been in commercial buildings with stable tenants Learn more about Luke Sanders: * Connect with Luke Sanders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sanders-b2b4711a [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sanders-b2b4711a] * Visit RiverCity Screenprinting & Embroidery’s website: https://welogoit.com [https://welogoit.com] * Follow RiverCity Screenprinting & Embroidery on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RivercityScreenprinting [https://www.facebook.com/RivercityScreenprinting] * Follow RiverCity Screenprinting & Embroidery on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivercityscreenprinting [https://www.instagram.com/rivercityscreenprinting] *********************************** About “Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money”: You bill in 6-minute increments. Let’s get you some of that time back. “Sidebar with a CFP®” is your space for candid conversations about life inside BigLaw—the real stuff they don’t teach in law school or show in recruiter brochures. Hosted by Matt Smith, CFP® and founder of Concert Financial Planning, this show pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to climb the ranks, navigate transitions, and make big decisions in a high-stakes career. You’ll hear from Partners, Associates, and experts across law and finance—each sharing stories, surprises, and strategies for building a life (and career) that works for you. This isn’t a money podcast. It’s a life-in-BigLaw podcast—with a CFP® in the host chair. Watch or listen to more episodes of Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan [https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan] * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694] * Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX [https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX] * iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554 [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554] Connect and learn more from your host, Matt Smith and Concert Financial Planning: * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith] * Follow Concert Financial Planning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan [https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan] * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan [https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan] * Follow Concert Financial Planning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan [https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan]