Podcast #42 with Carisa Bertrand: Start the New Year on the Right Financial Foot


In the ever-evolving landscape of personal finance, strategic planning becomes the cornerstone of financial success. Branden and Carisa dive into crucial areas such as financial planning, investment strategies, and estate management. These components are integral for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern finance and secure a prosperous future. Through expert insights from financial guru Carissa, we aim to equip our listeners with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their financial well-being as we step into the new year.

One of the first topics we address is the importance of organizing and updating your financial information. A well-structured personal balance sheet is not merely a document; it’s a dynamic tool that offers valuable insights into your financial health. By detailing assets and liabilities, individuals can gain a clearer picture of their net worth and make informed financial decisions. This practice encourages proactive management of personal finances, enabling minor adjustments throughout the year instead of relying on sporadic, large-scale changes. Whether you’re discovering areas for improvement or realizing your financial standing is better than anticipated, regular reviews offer encouragement and valuable insights.

Our conversation then transitions to portfolio management and investment strategies, highlighting the significance of a balanced investment portfolio. Understanding the components of your net worth statement and the intricacies of 401k assets at the year’s start is critical. Carisa provides expert advice on maintaining balance within your investment portfolio, emphasizing the importance of asset allocation. With the challenges of limited investment options and the nuances of domestic versus international investments, consolidating retirement accounts and setting up automatic contributions become vital steps towards achieving financial goals. These strategies ensure that investments are consistently working for you, contributing to long-term financial stability.

Estate planning and insurance are essential components of comprehensive financial management. Proactive tax planning is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in minimizing lifetime tax liabilities. Our episode underscores the importance of reviewing and updating estate plans, ensuring beneficiaries are correctly listed, and having accessible estate documents. Carisa shares invaluable tips on preparing a clear financial plan, which includes life insurance strategies and maintaining up-to-date policies. Whether managing wealth independently or with professional assistance, these insights aim to support financial stability and peace of mind.

Moreover, the episode emphasizes the importance of having a written financial plan, particularly in the context of life insurance and estate planning. Being prepared with a clear plan for distributing a life insurance payout, including allocations for final expenses, children’s education, and emergency reserves, is vital. We discuss the inevitability of unforeseen events and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date policies and beneficiaries. By providing comprehensive financial services and tools, we aim to support individual financial well-being and offer tailored assistance to meet diverse needs.

Lastly, our commitment to listener engagement remains unwavering. We invite our dedicated audience to reach out with topics or questions they want us to cover, ensuring that our content remains relevant and impactful. By fostering a community of financial literacy and empowerment, we aim to guide our listeners towards a financially secure future. As we step into the new year, we wish everyone a journey filled with growth, prosperity, and peace of mind.