FMI Financial Management Podcast

Charitable giving can be about much more than simply writing a check. When planned correctly, giving can also play an important role in tax planning, retirement planning, investment strategy, and even family legacy.In this episode, David and Marlana break down several strategies that can help make charitable giving more tax-efficient and purposeful. They discuss Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts, giving appreciated assets, and how charitable planning can fit into a broader financial and estate plan. They also talk about the role charitable giving can play in teaching children about generosity, creating a family legacy, and supporting organizations that matter to you.Whether you're retired, approaching retirement, sitting on highly appreciated assets, or simply looking for smarter ways to give, this conversation offers several strategies worth knowing.00:00 - Introduction: Why charitable giving matters00:59 - Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from an IRA01:44 - Why keeping taxable income lower can matter02:37 ‎- Giving, stewardship, and the bigger purpose behind philanthropy04:01 - Making charitable giving more tax-efficient05:25 - Donor-Advised Funds: A strategy for major income years06:17 - How a Donor-Advised Fund can let you give over time07:33 - Giving highly appreciated stocks or real estate08:01 - How a Charitable Remainder Trust works08:31 - Avoiding a large capital-gains event while creating income08:52 - Receiving income from a charitable trust09:14 - What happens to the assets when the trust ends?10:05 - What about leaving money to your children?11:26 - A real-world example of a Charitable Remainder Trust12:21 - Why charitable trusts don't pass the assets directly to heirs12:31 - Family foundations, private foundations, and teaching generosity13:35 - Charitable giving and college foundations14:16 - Giving appreciated stock to charitable organizations14:22 - Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts (CRATs)14:57 - A real-life example involving multiple charitable trusts15:21 - How charitable annuity trusts work after the donor's lifetime16:01 - Wrapping up: The "alphabet soup" of charitable strategies

What happens to your assets when you're gone–and how can you make things easier for the people you leave behind?In this episode of Through the Noise, Marlana Lancaster joins David Elmore in a conversation, breaking down the fundamentals of estate planning, including wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, medical directives, beneficiaries, and more. While estate planning can seem complicated and overwhelming, David explains why every family should have a plan in place and how a few key documents can help protect your wishes and your loved ones.Whether you're just getting started with estate planning or reviewing documents you created years ago, this episode offers practical insights to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Should you open a 529 Plan, a Trump Account, a Roth IRA, or another investment account for your child?In this episode of Through The Noise, David Elmore and Marlana Lancaster break down the most popular ways to save and invest for children–from college savings plans to the newly introduced Trump Accounts. They discuss the pros and cons of each option, recent changes to 529 plans, why trade schools deserve more attention, and how parents can use Roth IRAs and even family businesses to build long-term wealth for the next generation.Whether you're a new parent, grandparent, or simply planning ahead, this episode will help you understand which savings strategy may fit your family's goals.00:00 - Preview00:39 - Introducing "Through the Noise"01:28 - Ignore the Market Noise02:21 - Best Ways to Save for Your Child02:49 - 529 Plans Explained04:16 - What Are Trump Accounts?05:36 - How Much Could a Trump Account Grow?06:27 - Why Investing Early Matters07:24 - New Benefits Added to 529 Plans08:07 - Using 529 Plans for Trade School09:10 - Can You Pay Student Loans with a 529?09:45 - What Happens to Leftover 529 Money?10:46 - Converting a 529 into a Roth IRA11:58 - UTMA/UGMA Custodial Accounts13:25 - Keeping Investments in the Parent's Name15:18 - Using a Roth IRA for College Savings16:31 - Funding a Roth IRA for Your Child17:37 - Can FMI Help Set Up a 529 Plan?18:20 - Final Thoughts

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Wes Kirtz, Managing Director of Bookkeeper.com, to discuss how integrating tax planning with financial advising can help individuals and business owners simplify their financial lives while minimizing unnecessary taxes.The conversation covers why having multiple investment accounts and advisors can create unnecessary complexity, the importance of proactive tax planning throughout the year, new charitable giving rules for 2026, retirement planning strategies, and why having a single financial "quarterback" can make a significant difference for both your finances today and your family's future.Whether you're preparing for retirement, managing investments, or looking for ways to reduce your tax burden, this discussion provides practical insights into building a more coordinated financial plan.0:00 – Introduction and meeting Wes Kirtz1:02 – Why multiple investment accounts create financial chaos2:12 – The advantages of consolidating assets and advisors4:28 – Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and consolidation benefits5:56 – The difference between tax preparation and tax planning7:46 – Why tax planning must happen before year-end8:15 – 2026 charitable deduction changes explained11:02 – Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and IRA giving strategies14:07 – The best tax deduction: retirement accounts15:29 – Retirement plan strategies for business owners17:05 – Estate planning, wealth transfer, and avoiding unnecessary complexity17:56 – The value of having financial advisors and CPAs working together18:26 – Closing thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Client Services Associate Joel Elmore to discuss how engineering, technology, and AI are reshaping the way we approach investment management. Joel shares his background in electrical and computer engineering and how those problem-solving skills translate directly into building and managing strategies. The conversation explores how data, software development, and AI tools are being used to analyze large amounts of information, improve decision-making, and create more effective investment strategies. We also dive into key principles such as risk management, diversification, and the importance of aligning strategies with each client’s goals and comfort level. The discussion touches on current market trends, including the rapid growth of AI, and why today’s environment differs from past cycles like the dot-com era.

In this episode of the FMI podcast, Marlana Lancaster sits down with associate advisor Caleb Snider to talk about his journey into financial planning, growing up in southwest Virginia, and his passion for helping people navigate their financial lives. They discuss practical advice for younger investors, including retirement savings, Roth IRAs, employer matches, investing during market downturns, and how much house people can realistically afford. Caleb also shares insights on consistency in investing, long-term financial planning, and balancing life outside the office through faith, music, golf, and fitness.00:00 – Introduction and welcome 00:47 – Caleb’s background and career path 03:39 – Why financial planning as a career 06:34 – Who needs a financial advisor and minimums 07:19 – Working with younger vs. older clients 08:10 – How much to save (retirement contribution guidance) 09:15 – Employer match importance (401k basics) 09:41 – Additional savings beyond a 401k 10:01 – What is a Roth IRA and how it works 10:49 – Comparing growth and tax treatment across accounts 11:32 – Importance of actually investing contributions 12:01 – How aggressive young investors should be 12:21 – Home buying and affordability guidelines 13:41 – Key advice for young investors (consistency, discipline) 14:30 – Market downturns and investing mindset 15:13 – Personal interests and life outside of work 16:34 – Closing remarks

In this episode of the FMI Podcast, Marlana Lancaster sits down with Senior Client Services Associate, Abby Pannell for an authentic conversation about career growth, customer service, leadership, and what it means to truly serve people well. Abby shares her unexpected path from managing at Chick-fil-A to spending the last 10 years helping FMI grow. With no prior financial experience, she reflects on the lessons she learned stepping into a completely new industry, the importance of hospitality in business, and why the smallest details can make the biggest difference in how people feel. The conversation also explores lessons from Unreasonable Hospitality, Michelin-star service experiences, company culture, leadership, and the natural growth of FMI over the years.00:00 – Introduction to Abby Pannell00:45 – Abby’s side hustles and flipping thrift finds01:18 – How Abby joined FMI with zero financial experience02:00 – Lessons learned managing at Chick-fil-A03:07 – Why Chick-fil-A hospitality translates to finance03:43 – Unreasonable Hospitality and serving people well04:28 – Michelin-star restaurant experience and service details05:43 – Making clients feel valued at FMI06:17 – Small gestures that make clients feel special06:55 – Growing the FMI team and building relationships07:40 – FMI culture: glorifying God and serving people08:18 – Abby reflects on 10 years at FMI08:50 – From the old office to major company growth10:05 – Leadership, technology, and adapting as a company10:50 – How FMI combines local care with large-scale resources11:20 – The funny “10 years apart” connection between Abby and Marlena12:15 – Oura Rings, sleep scores, and final thoughts

In this episode of the FMI Podcast, financial advisor Marlana Lancaster and founder David Elmore explore what it really means to retire well. They discuss why retirement requires purpose beyond work, common mistakes people make with 401(k)s, how to create sustainable income from retirement savings, and the hidden tax traps that can devastate long‑term plans. The conversation also covers Social Security taxation, withdrawal strategies, estate planning, the financial impact of helping children and grandchildren, managing fear and market volatility, and why thoughtful planning is essential as people live longer and retirement years stretch further than ever before.0:00 – What Retirement Really Means0:45 – The Importance of Purpose After Retirement2:29 – Baby Boomers and the Retirement Wave3:14 – What to Do With Your 401(k) at Retirement3:58 – Why Cashing Out a 401(k) Is a Major Mistake4:34 – Rolling a 401(k) Into an IRA Explained6:14 – Creating Retirement Income Without Running Out7:18 – The 5% Income Rule in Retirement7:46 – Taxes and Social Security in Retirement9:10 – Using Multiple “Buckets” of Retirement Money10:24 – What Is Bracket Creep?11:55 – Estate Planning and Updating Beneficiaries13:42 – How Children and Grandchildren Can Impact Retirement15:27 – Travel, Lifestyle Choices, and Budgeting in Retirement16:48 – Fear, Market Volatility, and Protecting Your Money18:18 – Inflation and the Risk of Sitting in Cash19:41 – Why a Written Financial Plan Matters20:25 – Living Longer and Planning for 30+ Years of Retirement

In this episode of the FMI Podcast, financial planners Marlana Lancaster and David Elmore discuss the fundamental principles of navigating market volatility. They address why market fluctuations are a normal, expected part of the investment cycle and explain the technical definition of a "correction". The conversation focuses on the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective, even when headlines or geopolitical events cause short-term uncertainty. The hosts share practical strategies for investors to manage their emotions, including the psychological benefits of limiting news consumption and the dangers of attempting to "time" the market. David also highlights the advantages of active management, explaining how downturns can provide opportunities to buy quality companies at under valued prices to help propel future portfolio growth.00:00 – Introduction & current market context00:27 – Geopolitical events (Iran conflict) and market impact01:05 – Why market declines like this are normal02:06 – What is a market correction?02:42 – Why downturns feel worse than they are03:08 – How advisors guide clients during volatility03:29 – Turning off the news & emotional investing03:59 – What a stock actually represents (ownership explained)05:03 – Long-term strength of companies vs short-term noise05:22 – Examples of real companies behind the market06:21 – Role of government policy vs business fundamentals07:11 – Should you get out of the market?07:24 – Why timing the market doesn’t work08:17 – Staying invested & active management strategy08:44 – Buying opportunities during downturns (“on sale”)09:04 – Dollar-cost averaging during volatility09:24 – Limiting news consumption09:42 – How often to check your portfolio10:46 – Active management example (oil, Exxon, profits)12:03 – The “brick through the window” analogy13:09 – Recap: why you can’t time the market13:43 – Missing recovery days and impact on returns14:06 – Final thoughts & closing

In this episode of the FMI Podcast, Marlana Lancaster and David Elmore break down the alarming rise in financial scams and how they’re impacting everyday people. From AI voice impersonation to romance and cryptocurrency scams, they share real-life stories, warning signs, and practical ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. This conversation highlights just how sophisticated scams have become—and why awareness is your best defense.(0:00) Introduction & Why Scams Are a Growing Threat(1:21) Shocking Scam Statistics ($1.3B → $30B)(2:13) AI Voice & Grandparent Scam Explained(5:12) Where Scammers Operate (Global & Organized Crime)(6:25) Romance Scams & Average Losses(7:14) Real Story: $600K Crypto Romance Scam(9:40) How Romance Scams Start (Social Media & Apps)(10:10) Red Flags in Online Relationships(11:30) Utility & Tech Support Scams(13:01) Precious Metals & “Inheritance” Scams(15:28) “No Free Lunch” Principle & Financial Wisdom(17:24) IRS & Tax Identity Theft Scams(19:50) Practical Tips to Avoid Being Scammed(21:44) How Financial Firms Protect Client Assets(23:36) Final Advice: Stay Alert & Help Others Stay Safe

*CORRECTION*: Energy credits for solar, heat pumps, windows/doors, etc. are available for 2025, but many went away if not installed by 12/31/25.In this episode, David Elmore and Marlana Lancaster walk through the key tax law changes shaping the 2025 filing season. David and Marlana explain how these updates may increase refunds and reduce taxable income for many Americans.They cover:Why many people are seeing bigger refunds this yearSocial Security taxation + the new $6,000 deduction for seniorsHow the overtime and tips tax breaks workSALT deduction limit increasesNew rules for auto loan interest on 2025 vehicle purchasesWhat happened to energy‑efficient tax creditsMajor small‑business updates (Section 179, bonus depreciation, QBI)The power of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)As Kingdom Advisors, David and Marlana blend technical tax insight with a philosophy of abundant, generous, and tax‑efficient financial living.

This first episode introduces the Financial Management podcast, where financial planner Marlena Lancaster sits down with founder David Elmore to talk about the story behind the firm — from its beginnings in 1987 as a small bookkeeping and tax practice to its growth into a multi-division organization with more than 70 employees. David reflects on his early days running radio ads, the influence of motivational speakers, and how those experiences shaped both his leadership and the firm’s investment philosophy of asset allocation, diversification, and active management. Marlena and David discuss the importance of faith in their work as Certified Kingdom Advisors, and the joy and purpose they find in serving clients through every stage of life. The conversation also touches on team culture, legacy, and the mentors who influenced David personally — including Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, and Earl Nightingale, whose ideas continue to shape his outlook today.