Living Your Wealth, Today and Tomorrow

In this episode of Living Your Wealth: Today and Tomorrow, Kelly Ennis, founder and president of Infinity Financial Strategies, explores what it truly means to live your wealth with intention. Through a simple but powerful story about a $21 parking decision, she examines how disciplined habits that built wealth can sometimes limit present-day experience. Kelly discusses friction points, time, energy, and alignment, encouraging listeners to evaluate spending not just by cost, but by impact. This episode challenges the automatic “we don’t need that” mindset and reframes responsible stewardship as thoughtful alignment between resources and what matters most.  ______________________________________________________________________  [00:00:00] Introduction to the concept of truly living your wealth [00:02:16] The Connecticut-to-Florida trip and the $21 valet parking decision [00:06:24] The snowy parking lot moment and the experiential cost of saving money [00:08:33] The “we don’t need that” reflex and the DIY mindset [00:11:08] Expanding prudence beyond finances to include time, energy, and experience [00:12:04] Meal services and reducing mental load at home [00:14:21] Hiring help as prioritization, not irresponsibility [00:15:23] Evaluating friction points and the broader impact of spending decisions [00:16:18] Time as a non-renewable resource and protecting energy [00:17:54] Optimizing for overall experience versus lowest price [00:19:27] Recalibrating work to support life priorities [00:21:12] Wealth as optionality and small, intentional adjustments [00:22:31] Modeling balanced stewardship for children [00:24:05] A practical exercise to reconsider automatic spending refusals [00:25:58] Alignment over extravagance: using money as a thoughtful tool   Links:  Follow Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ennis-cfp  Subscribe, review, and share the show to help others live their wealth today and tomorrow:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfinityFinancialStrategies  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RKP0s0AO24KsLOqHe6ULD?si=f2f916d5f8964f2b   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

In this episode of Living Your Wealth: Today and Tomorrow, Kelly Ennis, founder and president of Infinity Financial Strategies, explores why when you take financial action matters just as much as what action you take. With the end-of-year deadline approaching, Kelly breaks down how timing can be used as a powerful tool—not just a constraint. She examines the real impacts of volatility, recovery time, income predictability, tax implications, and investment environment. From Roth conversions to required minimum distributions, Kelly explains how separating the decision from the action can improve outcomes and reduce stress. Learn how to structure your year with clarity and confidence, and make timing an intentional part of your financial strategy.______________________________________________________________________[00:00:00] Why year-end timing is more important than most people realize[00:01:04] Timing as a financial tool, not just a detail[00:01:52] Your financial life runs on a calendar, not in a vacuum[00:02:35] Good timing vs. poor timing: how it affects risk and outcomes[00:02:54] Matching timing to spending needs and dollar “jobs”[00:03:36] Risk capacity versus emotional risk tolerance[00:04:27] Why timeline is critical in handling investment volatility[00:05:10] The impact of market recovery time on financial actions[00:05:56] How much short-term loss can your portfolio handle?[00:06:44] Timing decisions for large financial actions and distributions[00:07:34] How tax implications affect timing—especially in Q4[00:08:08] Key tax-sensitive actions that benefit from better year-end data[00:08:43] Tax optimization ≠ tax perfection[00:09:11] Evaluating whether your investment environment limits your options[00:09:48] Comparing employer plans vs. managed portfolios for RMDs[00:10:36] Separating the decision from the execution[00:11:07] Examples of actions that follow distinct timing windows[00:11:47] Making December a time of confirmations, not chaos[00:12:31] Annual structure: Plan, adjust, strategize, execute[00:13:29] Fourth quarter is for precision and clarity[00:14:00] Timing is intentional, not a guessing game[00:14:17] Reflecting on how timing supported your goals this yearLinks:Follow Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ennis-cfp Subscribe, review, and share the show to help others live their wealth today and tomorrow: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfinityFinancialStrategies Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RKP0s0AO24KsLOqHe6ULD?si=f2f916d5f8964f2b  

In this episode of Living Your Wealth: Today and Tomorrow, Kelly Ennis, founder and president of Infinity Financial Strategies, unpacks the real-world role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives. From personalized travel planning to managing inbox overload, and even research for personal financial planning, Kelly shares both the power and the pitfalls of AI, revealing how it can become a helpful assistant—or a risky shortcut. Through practical examples and cautionary tales, this episode explains how context, privacy, and discernment are essential for using AI safely and effectively in your financial and personal routines. Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] Introduction to AI’s growing influence in everyday life [00:01:00] Common examples of embedded AI tools [00:01:42] Accessibility and rise of generative AI [00:03:00] Benefits vs. risks of using AI at home [00:03:23] Story illustrating the importance of context in AI prompts [00:06:22] Why vague questions lead to misleading results [00:07:34] Privacy considerations when using AI tools [00:08:48] The risk of vague financial questions to AI systems [00:11:22] AI’s knowledge cutoff and the danger of outdated information [00:13:25] Accuracy and bias in AI-generated responses [00:15:26] Using AI as a starting point, not a final authority [00:16:22] 13 practical ways AI can simplify daily life [00:25:05] Real-world story: using AI to plan a complex day in NYC [00:26:03] Real-world story: AI-assisted apartment move-in logistics [00:27:33] Responsible use: balancing convenience with caution [00:30:15] Final reflection on using AI to enhance intentional living   Links: Learn more at: https://infinityfinancialstrategies.net  Follow Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ennis-cfp  Subscribe, review, and share the show to help others live their wealth today and tomorrow:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfinityFinancialStrategies Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RKP0s0AO24KsLOqHe6ULD?si=f2f916d5f8964f2b 

In this episode of Living Your Wealth: Today and Tomorrow, Kelly Ennis, founder and president of Infinity Financial Strategies, explores the powerful tax strategy of Roth conversions. Kelly breaks down the differences between traditional and Roth retirement accounts, outlines when and how conversions work, and highlights advanced approaches like backdoor and mega backdoor strategies. She shares how timing, income levels, and changing tax laws can all influence your financial outcomes. Tune in to learn how Roth conversions can help you reduce future tax burdens, increase flexibility, and build a more secure legacy. Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:18] Introduction to Roth conversions and why they matter. [00:00:46] Tax treatment of Roth vs. traditional retirement accounts. [00:02:02] The problem with large pre-tax balances and future tax risk. [00:04:07] Income limits for direct Roth contributions vs. conversions. [00:06:25] Having both Roth IRA and Roth 401k for future flexibility. [00:08:34] When IRA contributions become non-deductible. [00:10:20] Importance of proper tax reporting for backdoor Roths. [00:13:34] Why Roth conversions provide long-term tax control. [00:16:19] Required minimum distributions (RMDs) and their tax impact. [00:17:43] Taking advantage of today’s historically low tax rates. [00:19:01] Importance of timing and the five-year rules. [00:21:33] Tax rate history and today's lower tax environment. [00:23:06] Opportunity presented by current low tax rates. [00:24:26] Strategies for spreading conversions and managing IRMA. [00:25:57] Roth conversions as a tool for legacy planning. [00:28:43] Coordinating with your advisor and accountant. [00:30:29] Final message and encouragement to explore Roth options. Links: Learn more at: https://infinityfinancialstrategies.net  Follow Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ennis-cfp  Subscribe, review, and share the show to help others live their wealth today and tomorrow:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfinityFinancialStrategies Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RKP0s0AO24KsLOqHe6ULD?si=f2f916d5f8964f2b 

In this episode, Kelly Ennis, founder and president of Infinity Financial Strategies, explains how to reduce stress at tax time with a clear, repeatable year-end planning process. With a few months left in 2025, there's still time to take meaningful action. Kelly discusses the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the value of tax projections, and how steps like Roth conversions and charitable giving can help align your finances with your goals—and replace anxiety with clarity.Key Topics:• What to gather before year-end• How a tax projection helps reduce uncertainty• What’s changed under OBBBA• Roth conversions and pre-tax strategies• Charitable giving in 2025• Aligning savings and investments with your goals• A practical checklist to finish the year strongLinks:Learn more at: https://infinityfinancialstrategies.net Follow Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ennis-cfp Subscribe, review, and share the show to help others live their wealth today and tomorrow: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfinityFinancialStrategiesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RKP0s0AO24KsLOqHe6ULD?si=f2f916d5f8964f2b

The 4% Rule for withdrawals in retirement has become the standard rule of thumb.  But do you know where the rule came from and what it really means?  Tune in to find out how the rule may not apply to your situation and what you should consider when applying it to your planning.Links:Learn more at:⁠ https://infinityfinancialstrategies.net⁠ Follow Kelly on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ennis-cfp⁠ Subscribe, review, and share the show to help others live their wealth today and tomorrow: YouTube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@InfinityFinancialStrategies⁠Spotify:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/4RKP0s0AO24KsLOqHe6ULD?si=f2f916d5f8964f2b⁠  

Becoming a 401k millionaire, someone who has accumulated at least $1MM in their employer financial plan, is a huge accomplishment.  But along with that feat come some significant challenges.  Join us as Kelly talks through some considerations for your retirement portfolio.

In this episode of Living Your Wealth: Today and Tomorrow, Kelly Ennis challenges the traditional goal-based approach to personal finance. She explores why building income-producing assets—rather than simply achieving one-off goals—creates lasting financial momentum. Using vivid analogies like buckets versus wells and ships with purposeful crews, Kelly explains how a consistent focus on wealth can fund personal goals more efficiently, increase freedom, and ultimately transform your relationship with money. This episode offers a six-step roadmap to help listeners shift from short-term goal chasing to long-term wealth creation.______________________________________________________________________[00:00:00] Introducing the episode’s central question: build wealth or achieve goals?[00:00:58] Defining true wealth as income-producing assets, not just cash or net worth.[00:02:01] Comparing saving for goals with building lasting financial infrastructure.[00:02:44] Why wealth building is like digging a well, not filling a bucket.[00:03:05] The importance of giving every dollar a purpose, beyond just earmarked goals.[00:04:10] Wealth building as a disciplined approach to assigning dollars across needs and investments.[00:05:17] Income-producing assets as tireless workers generating money around the clock.[00:06:23] How compounding returns create momentum that requires less effort over time.[00:07:08] Shifting income from labor to portfolio and what that freedom can look like.[00:08:12] A real-world example of a family reaching financial freedom through rental properties.[00:09:22] How wealth accelerates goal achievement by funding multiple objectives simultaneously.[00:09:46] Six concrete steps to start building wealth today.[00:11:20] Final analogy: planting an orchard versus short-lived flowers.[00:12:06] A call to action: take the first step toward building wealth this week.Links:Learn more at: https://infinityfinancialstrategies.net Follow Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ennis-cfp Subscribe, review, and share the show to help others live their wealth today and tomorrow: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfinityFinancialStrategies Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RKP0s0AO24KsLOqHe6ULD?si=f2f916d5f8964f2b  

In this inaugural episode of Living Your Wealth: Today and Tomorrow, host Kelly Ennis, founder of Infinity Financial Strategies, breaks down one of the most sweeping tax reforms in recent history—the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Signed into law on July 4, 2025, this legislation extends many provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while introducing a host of new deductions, retirement rules, and planning opportunities. Kelly walks through how these updates affect individual taxpayers, retirees, small business owners, and families—and why smart tax planning from 2025–2028 could unlock significant advantages. Whether you're curious about the new standard deductions or the brand-new "Trump Account" for kids, this episode sets the foundation for navigating the future of tax planning with confidence.  Key Points From This Episode: (00:00) Welcome to the show and what to expect from Living Your Wealth.(00:20) Overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and why it matters.(01:05) Why tax planning is now more complex—with new brackets, phaseouts, and deadlines.(01:30) Individual tax brackets and standard deductions made permanent or expanded.(02:32) SALT deduction cap raised, mortgage interest now permanently deductible.(03:36) Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction expanded with new $400 minimum.(04:40) Five new deductions available even for non-itemizers (tips, overtime, auto loans, etc.).(06:11) Retirement and savings changes, including the new Trump Account for minors.(06:52) Estate tax exemption increases; proactive AMT and charitable planning suggested.(08:00) Final thoughts: Take advantage of the window from 2025–2028 for tax strategy wins. Links: Learn more at: https://infinityfinancialstrategies.net Follow Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ennis-cfp Subscribe, review, and share the show to help others live their wealth today and tomorrow: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfinityFinancialStrategies Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RKP0s0AO24KsLOqHe6ULD?si=f2f916d5f8964f2b  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/living-your-wealth-today-and-tomorrow/id1827705934 

Welcome to Living Your Wealth, Today and Tomorrow, hosted by Kelly Ennis, Founder and President of Infinity Financial Strategies, the show where we explore how to enjoy the wealth you’ve already built, as well as how to best plan for a successful financial future. Each episode, we’ll discuss strategies to minimize your tax bill, invest for the future, and plan a path toward a work-optional life. If you’ve built your nest egg, always waiting for tomorrow to consider travel or a career pivot, this is the show for you!If you are looking for tips on designing financial strategies to get maximum enjoyment out of life, balanced with the confidence that you will be able to enhance the future opportunities and quality of life for your loved ones, then make sure to subscribe to Living Your Wealth, Today and Tomorrow on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!https://infinityfinancialstrategies.net/