Shows
Freedom and Prosperity PodcastWe Know Your Dirty Little Secret: CFP Ray Godleski on Smart Planning, Diversification, and Retirement ConfidenceIn this insightful episode of the Freedom and Prosperity Podcast, host Desi Arnaz sits down with Ray Godleski, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and founder of Southeast Wealth Partners, to talk about what it really takes to build lasting financial security and peace of mind.
Ray shares how a disappointing personal experience with a financial advisor in his 20s became the catalyst for his career — inspiring him to become the kind of advisor he wished he had. With more than a decade of experience, Ray now helps individuals and families create thoughtful, diversified financial plans that adapt as...
2025-12-1730 min
Financially FluentEp23 | Why RMDs Could Cost You More Than Taxes (Unless You Plan Ahead)Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory—but the penalties, taxes, and financial stress don’t have to be. In this episode, Ray Godleski breaks down:When your first RMD is actually due (and how to avoid doubling up)How inherited IRA rules changed under the SECURE ActWhat to do if you miss an RMD—and how to fix it fastWhy QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions) can reduce both taxes and IRMA surchargesHow to turn RMDs into long-term planning tools, not financial headachesListen now to learn how to manage your RMDs with clarity and confidence—so they stre...
2025-12-1718 minFinancially FluentEp22 | Why Your Financial Plan Needs a Mental Health Line ItemDo you really know how the holidays are impacting the people around you—or even yourself? In this powerful episode of Financially Fluent, Ray sits down with Rachel Joy Baribeau, founder of I'm Changing the Narrative, to have a raw and real conversation about mental health, isolation, depression, and the hidden pain that many people carry—especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re a high-achieving professional, a parent, or simply someone trying to hold it all together, this conversation offers grace, practical tools, and hope. Learn how to recognize early emotional warning signs in yourse...
2025-12-0230 minFinancially FluentEp21 | 6 Costly Back Office Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (And How to Fix Them Fast)Still writing checks or trusting your cousin to handle your books? That might be killing your business without you even knowing it. In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray welcomes Matt Tate, CEO of Decimal, who shares hard-earned insights from building one of the country’s fastest-growing AI-driven accounting firms. From avoiding outdated bookkeeping practices to preparing for a smooth business sale, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for founders, operators, and growth-stage entrepreneurs. Discover how to eliminate wasted hours and reduce manual errors with the right tech stackUnderstand when to h...
2025-11-1931 minFinancially FluentEp20 | Why Military Retirement Planning Beats Most Corporate 401(k) Strategies—Here's WhyHow a Retired Air Force General Built a Purposeful Life & Pension-Backed RetirementIn this special Veterans Day bonus episode of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski sits down with his uncle, Lt. General Sid Clarke (Ret.), to talk about the true value of military pensions, leadership lessons from a 34-year Air Force career, and how veterans—and civilians—can plan for a more secure retirement.🎖️ They cover everything from:What to know before joining the military (financially + mentally)The difference between military pensions and traditional 401(k)sWhy defined benefit plans are becoming...
2025-11-0537 minFinancially FluentEp19 | The Harsh Truth About Insurance Claims: Why Calling That 800 Number First Can Cost YouAre you unknowingly putting your home, car—or entire financial future—at risk with the wrong insurance moves? Whether it’s an aging roof, a teen driver, or just navigating rising insurance premiums, most people are making insurance decisions based on myths, outdated advice, or rushed choices. In this episode, Ray sits down with insurance expert Alex Knapp to demystify what your policies actually cover—and what they don’t. Discover the most common (and costly) insurance mistakes homeowners and drivers are making todayLearn how umbrella policies actually work—and when they become non-negotiableUnderstand how insurance sco...
2025-10-2137 min
More Than LegalPlanning Beyond Profit: Securing the Future of Your BusinessIn this episode of More Than Legal, Danielle sits down with Ray Godleski, founder and president of Southeast Wealth Partners, to discuss what it truly takes for business owners to protect and grow their wealth.Native to Atlanta, Ray grew up around entrepreneurship. His mom worked as a Realtor for 40 years, and he carried that spirit into his own career. After playing college basketball and earning his business degree from Georgia State University, Ray became a CFP® professional and now works with clients across the country, licensed in more than 10 states.Ray shares practical strategies a...
2025-10-1442 minFinancially FluentEp.18 | Blockchain, Trade Finance, and the $3 Trillion Opportunity You Haven’t Heard OfYou may never have heard of trade finance—but it's quietly powering the global economy. And increasingly, investors are turning to it as a private market strategy that offers short-term, collateral-backed returns. In this episode, Ray sits down with Andreas Schweitzer, CEO of Arjan Capital and author of Trade Works, to demystify trade finance. With over 25 years in banking and private debt, Andreas explains how the need to finance everyday products—from books to fuel to pharmaceuticals—is creating new income opportunities for qualified investors.You’ll also hear how regulation, blockchain, supply chain shifts, a...
2025-10-0942 minFinancially FluentEp17 | How to Use Permanent Life Insurance for Retirement, Long-Term Care, and Tax EfficiencyIs your life insurance plan built to support you while you're alive—or only after you're gone? This episode breaks down the myths, mistakes, and modern strategies surrounding life insurance in honor of Life Insurance Awareness Month. Most people think life insurance is just about covering final expenses or income replacement. But the reality is, with modern riders and permanent policy options, it can do so much more—from covering long-term care to helping offset Social Security gaps to generating tax-free income in retirement. Whether you’re single, a parent, or entering retirement, you’ll walk away from this...
2025-09-2339 minFinancially FluentEp16 | Are You Really Diversified? How Overlapping ETFs Could Be Hurting YouThink all ETFs are passive, low-risk, and interchangeable? Think again. In this episode, Ray sits down with Mike Yeager of PACER ETFs to demystify ETFs, mutual funds, and individual stocks—and help you understand where each fits in your long-term plan. As ETFs continue to explode in popularity, many investors (and even some professionals) don’t fully understand their structure, tax treatment, or when they’re the right choice. Whether you’re building a taxable brokerage portfolio, optimizing your 401(k), or diversifying beyond the S&P 500, you’ll want to hear how Mike explains the rise of active ETF...
2025-09-0236 minFinancially FluentEp15 | 7 Legal Mistakes Small Business Owners Make When Starting Up—and How to Avoid ThemDo you really know if your LLC or partnership is set up to protect you? Most business owners think they’re covered—until something goes wrong. In this episode, you'll hear what many get wrong from day one, and what legal fireproofing your business actually looks like. From choosing the wrong entity type to skipping trademark protection or forgetting to fund your buy-sell agreement, there are costly mistakes business owners make every day. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, expanding your team, or eyeing a future sale, this conversation with attorney Danielle Laughlin uncovers what you must g...
2025-08-1938 minFinancially FluentEp14 | Why Most People Will Miss the Biggest Opportunities in the New Tax BillThink the new tax bill is just more red tape? Think again. Whether you're a retiree, a W-2 worker, or a business owner, OBBBA (the latest tax code overhaul) could impact your deductions, income thresholds, and long-term planning—starting in 2025 From expanded standard deductions to tax-free overtime, the new legislation creates opportunities—but also adds complexity. If you're not proactive, you could miss out on major savings or face surprise penalties, especially if you fall into the $500K–$600K income range. Understanding how these changes affect your situation now is critical to avoiding a 2026 tax headache. In thi...
2025-08-0540 minFinancially FluentEp13 | The Real Reason You Shouldn’t Ignore Roth IRAs—Even If You Have a 401(k)Have you been told you make too much for a Roth IRA—or that it’s only for young investors? Think again. In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski, Cindi Walters, and intern Gavin break down the real rules, benefits, and limitations of Roth IRAs. Whether you're starting your first job or already planning your estate, you'll learn how this versatile tool can fit into your financial picture. Understand who qualifies for a Roth IRA (including kids and retirees!)Learn how Roth IRAs help with retirement tax strategy, estate planning, and income flexib...
2025-07-1525 minFinancially FluentEp 12 | 5 Types of Annuities Explained (Finally) in Plain English for Pre-Retirees🎯 Is everything you've heard about annuities wrong—and could it be costing you money or peace of mind?💡 In this episode, we cut through the noise around annuities. With June being Annuity Awareness Month, Ray and Cindi explore how different types of annuities work (SPIA, MYGA, FIA, RILA), the pros and cons of each, and what you really need to ask before buying one—especially if you're planning for retirement.The 4 main types of annuities—and how to choose the one that fits your goalsCommon annuity myths debunked (yes, some can offer downside pro...
2025-07-0132 minFinancially FluentEp11 | Airbnb Taxes, 1031 Exchanges & Audit Triggers—Explained by a CPA🎯 Episode SummaryIn this packed episode of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski sits down with CPA Josh Roper from Altruist to cut through the confusion on business taxes, real estate strategies, and IRS audit risks.Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate investor, or just trying to make smarter moves with your income, this episode delivers the clear, actionable guidance most CPAs won’t take the time to explain.Josh breaks down:LLC vs. S-Corp vs. C-Corp (and when to choose each)What really triggers an IRS audit (hint: not what you think)Donor...
2025-06-1924 minFinancially FluentEp10 | LLC vs. S-Corp vs. C-Corp: A CPA’s Guide to Choosing the Right EntityIn this expert-packed episode of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski welcomes CPA Josh Roper to demystify taxes for business owners, real estate investors, and high-income earners.From entity selection (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp) to IRS audit triggers, home office deductions, bonus depreciation, and 1031 exchanges, Ray and Josh walk through real-world examples and smart strategies to minimize taxes and avoid costly mistakes.Josh also explains:The “it depends” reality of tax planningHow to use your W-2 as a tax-saving tool (yes, really)When mileage vs. actual vehicle deduction makes senseWhy donor-advised funds are a CPA favo...
2025-06-1723 minFinancially FluentEp9 | Estate Planning for Real People: Disability, Blended Families, and Business OwnersDid you know over 70% of Americans don’t have an estate plan? Whether you're wealthy or not, have kids or don’t, a plan matters—and not having one could leave your loved ones stuck in court. In this estate-planning-packed episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski sits down with estate attorney Becki Campolito to break down what you really need when planning for the future.From trusts vs. wills, to powers of attorney, remarriage protection, blended families, and even business succession, this episode delivers practical advice for real life—not just theory.You’ll w...
2025-06-0337 minFinancially FluentEp8 | How to Use Equity, 1031 Exchanges, and Reverse Mortgages to Maximize Your Financial PlanBuying or selling a home soon? What if the biggest financial mistake isn’t in your contract—but in how you planned for it? In this special episode, Ray Godleski teams up with powerhouse real estate broker Dominai Reeves to talk about the real-life intersection of real estate and financial planning. Whether you’re investing in property, upsizing, downsizing, or just trying to decide when to move, this episode helps you understand the strategic decisions most people overlook when emotions take over.You’ll hear how to:Buy smarterSell with strategyMinimize taxesAnd avoid costly surprise...
2025-05-2041 minFinancially FluentEp7 | No, the Social Security Office Won’t Help You Make the Best Filing DecisionThink you should “always wait until 70” to claim Social Security? Or that your benefit is tax-free once you retire?In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski unpacks the most common myths and misunderstandings about Social Security—including how benefits are taxed, when (and if) you should delay, and how spousal and divorced spouse benefits actually work. If you're thinking about filing soon, or already have, this episode could save you thousands—or help you recover from a filing mistake. Here’s what you’ll walk away with:✅ Why filing too early—or too late—could perman...
2025-05-0627 minFinancially FluentEp6 | Why Medicare Is NOT Free & 5 Common Enrollment Mistakes to AvoidThink Medicare is free? Think again. Do you actually know if your Medigap plan is legitimate—or how to avoid surprise surcharges in retirement? In this important episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski sits down with Janet Payne, a Georgia SHIP counselor, to uncover the biggest misunderstandings and mistakes people make around Medicare. Whether you're years away from retiring or already covered under a Medicare plan, this conversation will open your eyes to critical decisions, timelines, and protections you probably haven’t considered. In this episode, you’ll discover:✅ Why Medicare is not free, and how I...
2025-04-2251 minFinancially FluentEp5 | Why Having a Will Doesn’t Avoid Probate—And What To Do Instead Still think a will avoids probate? Or that long-term care won’t impact your retirement plan? In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski sits down with estate planning attorney Holly Gerdas to clear up the most common (and costly) misconceptions about wills, trusts, probate, and long-term care. They dive deep into the realities facing retirees, business owners, and parents—including those with special needs children—when it comes to protecting assets and avoiding devastating surprises. In this packed episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why a will does NOT avoid probate—and what documents really protect your f...
2025-04-081h 08Financially FluentEp4 | Solo 401(k) Strategies for Side Hustlers & Solopreneurs (Including the Loan Provision Most People Miss)Should you roll over your 401(k) at 55? Is a Solo 401(k) better than a SEP IRA? And can you still get that $2,500 college tax credit with a six-figure income? In this episode of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski and co-host Cindi answer real listener questions from across the country, tackling common financial planning topics with practical, clear insights. From mid-career professionals to solopreneurs and parents with college-bound kids, this episode has something for everyone. In this episode, you’ll discover:✅ When and why rolling over a 401(k) at age 55+ may make sense—or not.✅ How the S...
2025-03-2525 minFinancially FluentEp1 | Why Confidence Without Clarity in Financial Planning Is Risky for Families Approaching RetirementAre you confident in your financial plan—or just going through the motions with no real clarity on what your accounts are doing? In this first episode of Financially Fluent, Certified Financial Planner Ray Godleski lays the groundwork for what this podcast will deliver—answering real financial questions, explaining complex tax and planning topics clearly, and giving you tools to build lasting confidence in your financial decisions. Whether you're working with an advisor or going it alone, this show will elevate your understanding. In this episode, you’ll learn:The 3 C’s that should drive eve...
2025-03-1525 minFinancially FluentEp3 | 5 Hidden Risks of Inherited IRAs Under the SECURE Act—and How to Plan Around Them Do you really understand how the SECURE Act affects your IRA, your beneficiaries—and your future tax bill? In this deep-dive episode, Ray Godleski sits down with advanced planning expert Ryan Yamada to demystify the massive changes brought by the SECURE Act. Whether you have a sizable IRA, a trust as a beneficiary, or you’re thinking about Roth conversions, this conversation reveals how misunderstanding the rules could cost your heirs thousands—and how smart tax planning today can pay off for decades. In this episode, you’ll discover:How the 10-Year Rule for inherited I...
2025-03-1142 minFinancially FluentEp2 | Why Waiting for the ‘Perfect Time’ to Invest Could Destroy Your Returns in 2025Do you feel overwhelmed trying to time the market or pick the "right" investments—especially with all the buzz about AI, inflation, and corrections coming in 2025? This episode of Financially Fluent breaks down what you really need to know heading into 2025—without the noise or hype. Whether you're a retiree worried about market corrections, a growth-oriented investor chasing AI, or just someone trying to stay invested wisely, this conversation with Phil Blancato offers clarity, balance, and actionable insights. In this episode, you’ll discover:Why “normal” market returns are actually a good thing in 2025—and what that...
2025-02-2740 min
Gwinnett StudioBeth Coffey with Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Ray Godleski with Southeast Wealth PartnersBeth Coffey/Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that exists to form partnerships among businesses, non-profits, and government leadership to positively impact the people they serve – their communities of Berkeley Lake, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners. Ray Godleski/Southeast Wealth Partners powered by Osaic Wealth Southeast Wealth Partners guides […]
2024-10-2400 minGwinnett Business RadioBeth Coffey with Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Ray Godleski with Southeast Wealth PartnersBeth Coffey/Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that exists to form partnerships among businesses, non-profits, and government leadership to positively impact the people they serve – their communities of Berkeley Lake, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners. Ray Godleski/Southeast Wealth Partners powered by Osaic Wealth Southeast Wealth Partners guides […]
2024-10-2400 min
Gwinnett StudioBeth Coffey with Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Ray Godleski with Southeast Wealth PartnersBeth Coffey/Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that exists to form partnerships among businesses, non-profits, and government leadership to positively impact the people they serve – their communities of Berkeley Lake, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners. Ray Godleski/Southeast Wealth Partners powered by Osaic Wealth Southeast Wealth Partners guides […]
2024-10-2400 min
Gwinnett Business RadioBeth Coffey with Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Ray Godleski with Southeast Wealth PartnersBeth Coffey/Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that exists to form partnerships among businesses, non-profits, and government leadership to positively impact the people they serve – their communities of Berkeley Lake, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners. Ray Godleski/Southeast Wealth Partners powered by Osaic Wealth Southeast Wealth Partners guides […] The post Beth Coffey with Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Ray Godleski with Southeast Wealth Partners appeared first on Business RadioX ®.
2024-10-2442 min
The Growth Catalyst ShowMapping the Financial Landscape: Ray Godleski's Strategies for SuccessJoin Ray Godleski from Southeast Wealth Partners as he unpacks the complexities of financial planning and risk management to guide you toward securing a prosperous future. This episode provides essential strategies for anyone looking to enhance their financial stability and prepare for retirement.Ray Godleski is a Financial Advisor of Southeast Wealth Partners, LLC located in Suwanee, GA. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.The views e...
2024-10-2232 min
Financial Advisor's Workshop with Brian Kasal#51 Making A Difference In Clients' Lives w/ Ray Godleski, Financial Advisor, Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLCDownload “How to Find Ultra High Net Worth Clients” from https://FinancialAdvisorsWorkshop.com
Ray Godleski (https://www.strategicplanninggroup.com/) is a financial advisor based in Cumming, Georgia, with 16 years of experience in the financial sector. He is an employee of Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC - a leading financial advisory firm offering a wide range of services, including financial planning, portfolio management, and pension consulting.
In this episode, Brian and Ray discuss:
1. The Fiduciary Mindset in Financial Planning
2. New Money And Conservative Investing
3. Planning For Your Financial Future: A Mix...
2023-07-2721 min