Money Isn't

#83: How Whole Life Insurance Actually Works as a Wealth Tool

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge [http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge] to schedule a call today! Whole life insurance is often dismissed as expensive or unnecessary, but when structured properly, it can become one of the most powerful tools in a long-term financial plan. In this episode of Money Isn’t, John Smallwood breaks down how whole life insurance works when it is integrated into a broader strategy rather than treated as a standalone product. Using real planning scenarios, John explains how whole life can reduce taxes, lower portfolio risk, provide reliable access to cash, and create stability during market downturns. This conversation reframes life insurance as a living asset that helps protect wealth, smooth retirement income, and support better financial decisions over an entire lifetime. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:06) The Core Problem With “Buy Term And Invest The Difference” (06:22) The Scenario Setup, Income, Spending, And Time Horizon (09:08) How Taxes Quietly Drain Compounding Over Decades (14:20) Volatility And Fees, Why “Average Returns” Mislead People (18:26) Term Insurance Is A Rental, And The Opportunity Cost Is Real (28:52) The “Dirty Word”, What Whole Life 100 Actually Guarantees (51:43) Using Whole Life As A Volatility Buffer Inside A Bigger Plan What part of your financial plan would feel less stressful if you had guaranteed access to cash during a market downturn? Leave your answer in the comments below. Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood! Connect with Us On Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth [https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement [https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement] This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056. Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies. NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

#82: Why Early Perspective Shifts Create True Wealth with Stephan Lowy

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge [http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge] to schedule a call today! The biggest wealth opportunities reward those who shift perspective and execute early. In this episode of Money Isn’t, John Smallwood sits down with serial entrepreneur Stephan Lowy, who shares how early action across emerging spaces like cannabis and crypto created opportunities most entrepreneurs never see. Stephan explains why failure is not the risk, hesitation is, and how surrounding yourself with the right people turns uncertainty into leverage. This conversation makes one thing clear. Wealth is not created by perfect timing. It is created by early perspective, decisive execution, and the courage to move before the market agrees with you. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (04:45) Growing Inside a 100-Year-Old Family Business (08:30) Failure as a Strategic Advantage (13:10) Why Perspective Matters More Than Industry (18:00) Seeing Opportunity Before Cannabis Was Obvious (22:45) Understanding Crypto Before the Crowd (28:30) Tokenization and the Next Wealth Shift (34:50) Execution Over Ideas (43:05) Vision Without Execution Is Hallucination (46:20) Acting Before the Market Understands Connect with Stephan: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stephanl8/ [https://www.instagram.com/stephanl8/ ] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephan.lowy/ [https://www.facebook.com/stephan.lowy/ ] Website: https://lowys.com/ [https://lowys.com/ ] What opportunity do you believe is forming right now that most people are still ignoring? Leave your answer in the comments below. Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood! Connect with Us On Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth [ https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement [https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement] This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056. Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies. NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

#81: The Business Principles That Keep Local Retail Alive with Angela courtney

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today! [http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!] People say that retail is dying, but Angela Courtney shows how service based businesses can still thrive when you own your niche, own your building, and take full ownership of your future. In this episode, John Smallwood sits down with Angela, founder of Sweetest Sin Boutique, co-owner of the Red Bank Classic 5K, real estate investor, and longtime community leader, to explore how she built a destination retail brand during the 2009 downturn, scaled through grit and guerrilla marketing, pivoted through supply chain challenges, and reinvested into local real estate to create long-term stability. They break down the realities of building a team, adapting in uncertain markets, strengthening community networks, and using small daily decisions to build momentum and wealth. Packed with insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners, this conversation shows how consistency, ownership, and community can turn a small shop into a lasting, compounding asset. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:10) Angelas role in Red Bank (05:00) Immigrant roots and work ethic from family businesses (09:00) Bartending, retail, and discovering the lingerie niche (13:00) Opening Sweetest Sin in 2009 with 750 square feet (18:00) Turning a lingerie store into a bra fitting destination (22:30) Hiring, team strengths, and service based retail (26:30) Buying her first building and growing a portfolio (31:00) The truth about “dying retail” and online competition (35:00) Red Bank Classic 5K, community boards, and local wealth (37:30) Using setbacks as fuel and taking the first step Connect with Angela: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/angelacourtney17/ [https://www.instagram.com/angelacourtney17/ ] Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetestsinbras [https://www.instagram.com/sweetestsinbras ] Website: https://www.sweetestsinbras.com/ [https://www.sweetestsinbras.com/ ] Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood! Connect with Us On Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth [https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement [https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement] This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056. Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies. NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

#80: Why High-Net-Worth Families Use Charitable Planning with Jackie Bartley

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge [http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge] to schedule a call today! Charitable giving is not just about generosity. Done right, it is one of the most powerful tax and estate planning tools you have.. In this episode, John Smallwood is joined by Jacqueline M. Bartley J.D., vice president of gift planning at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation and one of the nation’s leading experts in estate and blended gifts, helping secure multiple $10M+ planned gifts. Jackie explains how donors use appreciated stock, real estate, charitable trusts, and more to support the causes they care about while improving their long-term financial picture. Together they break down why early planning matters, how to avoid costly tax traps, the power of coordinated advisor conversations, and how legacy gifts can honor your values while strengthening your family’s future. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:10) Jackie’s Role and Three Decades in Gift Planning (05:40) Why Donors Give (10:20) The Most Powerful Charitable Tool (16:00) Tax-Smart Gifting Strategies (23:45) Charitable Trusts: Remainder vs Lead (33:10) Beneficiary Designations, Legacy Gifts, and Family Planning (45:55) Why Communication Protects Your Legacy What asset in your portfolio do you think could create the biggest impact, for both your family legacy and a cause you care about, if it were structured strategically? Leave your answer in the comments below Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood! Connect with Us On Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth [https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement [https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement] This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056. Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies. NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

#79: Stopping Business Wealth Leaks with John DeCausmaker

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge [http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge ]to schedule a call today! Many business owners are losing profit from problems they never see coming, not the economy, not competitors, but their own operations. In this episode, John Smallwood sits down with John DeCausmaker, founder of Little John’s Lawns and Call Boss who scaled from one used pickup truck to 3,100 recurring customers. Together they reveal the silent threats draining most service based businesses. From mispricing his very first job to losing 40+ customers a month from missed calls, Decausmaker shows how sloppy routing, poor pricing intuition, unmanaged COGS, and lack of follow-up quietly destroy profit. If you want to scale without spending more on ads, this conversation shows precisely where your money is leaking and how to plug the holes before they cost you the next decade. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:05) John’s Early Entrepreneurial Roots (15:07) Scaling Little John’s Lawns to 17 Trucks and 3,100 Customers (22:03) Health Wake-up call and Losing 100 Pounds in 12 months (35:54) Wealth Leaks Destroying Small Companies (41:12) Solving Missed Calls and Low Conversion (47:34) Advice For Overcoming Business Struggles Connect with John Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndecausmaker/ [ https://www.instagram.com/johndecausmaker/ ] Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlejohnslawns/ [https://www.instagram.com/littlejohnslawns/ ] Website: https://www.littlejohnslawns.com/ [https://www.littlejohnslawns.com/ ] What’s the one operational leak in your business you know you need to fix this year? Leave your answer in the comments below. Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood! Connect with Us On Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth [https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement [https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement] This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056. Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies. NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.