Shows
Her Divorce Source.. with LeahBONUS EPISODE: The Process of Pension Property Division During Divorce for Federal EmployeesThis episode was previously released in 2020, but we wanted to rerelease this episode coinciding with Jessica Markham’s book release of, Representing Federal Employees and Their Spouses, a Practical Guide.
Meet Jessica Markham, a family lawyer that practices in Maryland and Washington DC. She has many honors and awards to her and her firm’s credit including best lawyer in America and the best divorce attorney in the Bethesda area. She started her law firm about 5 years ago and is often sort after by federal employees going through a divorce.
In this episode of the High...2021-11-2533 minHer Divorce Source.. with LeahBONUS EPISODE: Military Divorce with Kate ReeseIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, speaks with Kate Reese about military divorce, addressing anyone who is considering or going through a divorce that includes someone who is or has been a member of the military. They discuss things to consider such as the documents and resources you’ll need to collect and how to approach the division of assets.
“You just pick your battles. Run the numbers and see what the numbers look like… It’s just a choice that you have to make. Just need to be informed and it’s got...2021-11-2533 minHer Divorce Source.. with LeahBONUS EPISODE: Financial Implications During A Divorce When the Woman is the Primary Bread Winner with Heather HostetterMeet Heather Hostetter, she is a family law attorney located in Bethesda Maryland with a long list of awards and a partner at Hostetter Strent. This is a domestic relations law that deals with divorce, property distribution, alimony, custody, and child support.
In this episode, Leah speaks with Heather about the process of property distribution during a divorce primarily with alimony and child support when the woman is the main breadwinner.
Listen in to learn the difference between alimony and child support and why they both exist. You will also learn why as a woman...2021-11-2341 minHer Divorce Source.. with LeahBONUS EPISODE: Is Amicable Divorce Possible w/ Regina DeMeoIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Regina DeMeo, a family law attorney. Regina has worked with family law issues for 22 years, serving her clients to make divorce easier and more cost-effective as they work towards a resolution. She shares what an amicable divorce looks like and the difference between mediation and a collaborative approach. She also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the process.
“If you can’t sit in that meeting and sort of have a clear mind, you shouldn’t be making legal decisions that are going...2021-11-2325 minHer Divorce Source.. with LeahBONUS EPISODE: Financial Literacy and Transparency in Marriage and DivorceMeet Meg McKenny, the former founding partner of Delaney McKinney and recently founded McKinney Figini. She has over 27 years of experience practicing family law and is sought after for her negotiations, trial skills, and has made integrity and reliability central facets of her legal practice.
In this episode, Leah is joined by Meg McKinney as she explores the topic of financial literacy and transparency in marriage and divorce. She dives deep into the process she as a family lawyer takes couples through to educate them on how to manage their financial situations.
Listen in to...2021-11-2328 min
Everything MoneyMilitary Divorce with Kate ReeseIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, speaks with Kate Reese about military divorce, addressing anyone who is considering or going through a divorce that includes someone who is or has been a member of the military. They discuss things to consider such as the documents and resources you’ll need to collect and how to approach the division of assets.
“You just pick your battles. Run the numbers and see what the numbers look like… It’s just a choice that you have to make. Just need to be informed...2021-09-2335 minEverything MoneyMid-year check in with Mike ZollerIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, speaks with Mike Zoller, Senior Investment Analysis for Hightower Bethesda. Mike and Leah conduct a mid-year check in, focusing on higher economic data and provide an update on the COVID-19 pandemic, both domestically and internationally. They talk about broad macro indicators, the U.S. stimulus and international markets, and they also address the topic of inflation.
“One thing I really want to emphasize is that the recovery we’re having today is not the 2009 recovery.” -Mike Zoller [09:46]
What You Will Lea...2021-08-2531 min
Everything MoneyMid-Year Check In with Mike ZollerIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, speaks with Mike Zoller, Senior Investment Analysis for Hightower Bethesda. Mike and Leah conduct a mid-year check in, focusing on higher economic data and provide an update on the COVID-19 pandemic, both domestically and internationally. They talk about broad macro indicators, the U.S. stimulus and international markets, and they also address the topic of inflation.“One thing I really want to emphasize is that the recovery we’re having today is not the 2009 recovery.” -Mike Zoller [09:46]What You Will Learn:[01:04] An update...2021-08-1631 minEverything MoneyUnderstanding Maryland 529 with Michelle WinnerIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Michelle Winner, Director of Marketing for Maryland 529 plan, about using a 529 plan as a savings and investment plan for college costs specific to Maryland. They answer commonly asked questions about these types of plans.“Adults can use the plan too. For example, maybe your child doesn’t need the money, but perhaps you want to go back to school. You could use the funds yourself to pay for your education expenses. So just something to think about too for those who are looking to m...2021-07-2331 minEverything MoneyUnderstanding Maryland 529 with Michelle WinnerIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Michelle Winner, Director of Marketing for Maryland 529 plan, about using a 529 plan as a savings and investment plan for college costs specific to Maryland. They answer commonly asked questions about these types of plans.
“Adults can use the plan too. For example, maybe your child doesn’t need the money, but perhaps you want to go back to school. You could use the funds yourself to pay for your education expenses. So just something to think about too for those who are l...2021-07-2131 minEverything MoneyFinancial Implications During A Divorce When the Woman is the Primary Bread Winner with Heather HostetterMeet Heather Hostetter, she is a family law attorney located in Bethesda Maryland with a long list of awards and a partner at Hostetter Strent. This is a domestic relations law that deals with divorce, property distribution, alimony, custody, and child support.
In this episode, Leah speaks with Heather about the process of property distribution during a divorce primarily with alimony and child support when the woman is the main breadwinner.
Listen in to learn the difference between alimony and child support and why they both exist. You will also learn why as a woman...2021-06-2944 minEverything MoneyCryptocurrency with Michael SonnensheinIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Michael Sonnenshein, CEO of Grayscale Investments, the world largest digital currency asset manager. Michael oversees the strategic director and growth of the business and maintains relationships with key stakeholders. Michael talks about cryptocurrency, what it is, why it’s a polarizing topic and the rationale for owning it. He explains the differences between cryptocurrencies and how it can fit into someone’s portfolio. He also discusses how a company like Grayscale does due diligence on cryptocurrencies and how transparency and compliance come into play.
2021-06-0337 minEverything MoneyAn introduction to hedge funds with Jeff ValeIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Jeff Vale, founding partner and chief investment officer at Infinity Capital Partners. They provide an introduction to hedge funds, what they are and how they can be incorporated into an investor’s portfolio. They also discuss the media’s portrayal of hedge funds.
“Hedge funds are actually a good thing if they’re run correctly. Due diligence is key. You definitely have to do your work and find the very top managers.” -Jeff Vale [36:06]
What You Will Learn:
2021-05-1939 minEverything Money30 Years as an Entrepreneur in Non-Profit Video Production with Robin SmithIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Robin Smith, founder and president of Video/Action, a non-profit dedicated to providing voices for the underserved and voiceless. Robin talks about why she started Video/Action when she was 40 years old. She shares her story, the lessons she’s learned along the way during her 30 years in business and her second act in impact producing.
“Another gift that you need to give yourself if you’re an entrepreneur is to know what are those things that you really are good at. And...2021-05-0534 minEverything MoneyThe use of alternatives with Stephen RosenIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Stephen Rosen, Managing Director and Partner at Hightower Bethesda. Stephen provides perspective on the use of alternatives which he refers to as the “third leg of the stool” in addition to equity and bonds. Listen as he shares what people need to know when investing in alternatives.
“Patience is a virtue. And sometimes people are reluctant to be patient. Sometimes people are reluctant to maybe hold cash or have a liquid alternative. Looking for the right thing, you don’t always have to j...2021-04-0735 minEverything MoneyIs Amicable Divorce Possible w/ Regina DeMeoDivorceIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Regina DeMeo, a family law attorney. Regina has worked with family law issues for 22 years, serving her clients to make divorce easier and more cost-effective as they work towards a resolution. She shares what an amicable divorce looks like and the difference between mediation and a collaborative approach. She also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the process.
“If you can’t sit in that meeting and sort of have a clear mind, you shouldn’t be making legal decisions that ar...2021-03-1727 minEverything MoneyCurrent Tax Code Changes and Opportunities for Tax Planning w/ Louis RuebelmannIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Louis Ruebelmann, a CPA and CFF at Mendelson & Mendelson about recent and upcoming tax changes and opportunities to help with tax planning. Louis has worked with individuals and businesses in tax planning since the 1970s. He shares guidance in regards to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and the stimulus checks that provided financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also discusses the changes with the charitable contribution allowance and education deductions and credits.
“That payroll number is absolutely key. It mus...2021-03-0332 minEverything MoneyThe Process of Pension Property Division During Divorce for Federal EmployeesThis episode was previously released in 2020, but we wanted to rerelease this episode coinciding with Jessica Markham's book release of, Representing Federal Employees and Their Spouses, a Practical Guide.
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Meet Jessica Markham, a family lawyer that practices in Maryland and Washington DC. She has many honors and awards to her and her firm’s credit including best lawyer in America and the best divorce attorney in the Bethesda area. She started her law firm about 5 years ago and is often sort after by federal employees going through a divorce.
In this episode of...2021-02-1734 minEverything Money2021 Year Projections with Michael Zoller, Senior Investment Analyst for Hightower BethesdaIn this episode, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Michael Zoller, Senior Investment Analyst for Hightower Bethesda, about financial projections for 2021. Every year, the company lists 10 investment themes in January. Michael shares his thoughts on these themes and his forecast of what the economic recovery will look like after a year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Presidential election that resulted with a new administration.
“With this pent-up demand issue that I talked about earlier, Americans are going to run out and buy, buy, buy. That has the potential to lea...2021-02-0327 minEverything MoneyDefined Benefit Plans: A Retirement Plan Every Small Business Owner with No Employees Should HaveIn this episode of the Hightower Bethesda podcast, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Philip Pirio, Senior Plan Design Consultant for Dedicated Defined Benefit Services about defined benefit plans for business owners with no employees and 1099 income. Listen to how these plans are a great way to maximize retirement savings and minimize taxes. Phil discusses these plans with real world examples, what to keep in mind when setting one up and what happens if you terminate the plan.
“The closer you are to retirement age, the fewer years you have to...2021-01-2242 minEverything MoneyTax Changes What You Should Be Thinking AboutIn this episode of the Hightower Bethesda podcast, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning for Hightower Bethesda, talks to Jeffrey Gershen, from Aronson’s Tax Services Group, about potential changes under President Joe Biden’s upcoming administration. Jeffrey is a CPA that focuses on serving business owners and specializes in tax compliance, business planning and consulting. He discusses potential changes that might be in the pipeline with Biden’s proposed plans and mentions a few concerns he’s hearing from his clients. Listen to some of the strategies he suggests to be more proactive.
“I hate to say...2021-01-0832 minEverything MoneyWomen + Finances with Jordann AndrusiakOn one hand, women are earning more, they’re more dominant in terms of controlling household spending, and they’re becoming more interested in finance. On the other hand, only 15% of financial advisors are women… so how do we address this gap?
In this episode of the Hightower Bethesda Podcast, Leah Jones, Director of Financial Planning at Hightower Bethesda speaks with fellow female financial advisor within the Hightower umbrella, Jordann Andrusiak. Jordann works for a team called Synergy Capital Solutions and has a wealth of experience in advising women.
Together they discuss the reasons...2020-11-1332 minEverything MoneyMarket Outlook 2020 Getting Past the Elections & BeyondA look at the disconnect between the market and economy now and a look at what’s potentially in store for the market over the next few years.
[1:10] Why the disconnect between the stock market and the economy?
[4:29] 3 market outlooks with milestones for key factors on progress and timeframes associated with those stages, Act 1 now through the election – unlocking uncertainty
[9:57] Don’t let negative political sentiment cause you to miss out on returns
[11:14] Act 1 continued, removing uncertainty around COVID-19 through herd immunity and timeframe
[13:45] Act 2 – 4.3T in cash with...2020-10-2929 minEverything MoneyFinancial Literacy and Transparency in Marriage and DivorceMeet Meg McKenny, the former founding partner of Delaney McKinney and recently founded McKinney Figini. She has over 27 years of experience practicing family law and is sought after for her negotiations, trial skills, and has made integrity and reliability central facets of her legal practice.
In this episode, Leah is joined by Meg McKinney as she explores the topic of financial literacy and transparency in marriage and divorce. She dives deep into the process she as a family lawyer takes couples through to educate them on how to manage their financial situations.
Listen in to...2020-09-2530 minEverything MoneyThe Process of Pension Property Division During Divorce for Federal EmployeesMeet Jessica Markham, a family lawyer that practices in Maryland and Washington DC. She has many honors and awards to her and her firm’s credit including best lawyer in America and the best divorce attorney in the Bethesda area. She started her law firm about 5 years ago and is often sort after by federal employees going through a divorce.
In this episode of the Hightower Bethesda Divorce Series, Jessica joins Sarah as they scrap the surfaces of nuances of being a Federal employee going through a divorce. She’s best suited for this topic since she is i...2020-08-0332 minEverything MoneyJessica Markham: Learning to Run A Law Firm as a BusinessMeet Jessica Markham, the managing attorney at Markham law, a law firm based in Bethesda. She started her business in 2015 as a solo practitioner and now has 7 attorneys on staff. Both she and her firm have been named best lawyers in America.
In this episode of the Women Business Owner Series, Leah speaks with Jessica as she shares her journey from an employee to a law firm business owner.
Listen in to learn how Jessica runs her business with a passion and creating an environment where the staff and the clients are happy.
“If...2020-07-2835 minEverything MoneyThe Effects of The Coronavirus on Divorce Cases and Processes with Erin KopelmanMeet Erin Kopelman, a principal at Lerch, Early & Brewer in Bethesda Maryland. She overall deals with domestic relations and family law.
In this episode, Leah speaks with Erin on the effects of the COVID-19 on divorce processes both in and out of court.
Listen in to learn what factors you should consider before filing for a divorce if you had planned to. You will also learn how you can ensure the safety of your children to keep in line with the court’s guidelines while working as both parents.
What you will learn:...2020-06-0232 minEverything MoneyFinancial Implications During A Divorce When the Woman is the Primary Bread Winner with Heather HostetterMeet Heather Hostetter, she is a family law attorney located in Bethesda Maryland with a long list of awards and a partner at Hostetter Strent. This is a domestic relations law that deals with divorce, property distribution, alimony, custody, and child support.
In this episode, Leah speaks with Heather about the process of property distribution during a divorce primarily with alimony and child support when the woman is the main breadwinner.
Listen in to learn the difference between alimony and child support and why they both exist. You will also learn why as a woman...2020-05-1945 minEverything MoneySarah Djamshidi: Starting a Business as a Way to Solve an Existing ProblemIn this episode of the Women Business Owner Series, Leah speaks with Sarah Djamshidi, the president and managing partner at Speedshift Advisors. She has already advised more than 30 lower-to-middle market companies and tech startups within her firm.
Sarah shares how her passion for helping business owners strategize their exit led her to start her own business. Listen in to hear tips that Sarah gives to women who want to take that rip of faith and start their own business.
“You do need a passion, you do need a course, you need to have something that ex...2020-05-0824 minEverything MoneyBrian Lodestro: How the COVID-19 has Affected the Fixed Income WorldMeet Brian LoDestro, the senior portfolio strategist at Prudential Investment Management. He has 27 years of experience as an investment professional.
In this episode, Stephen talks with Brian on how the recent COVID-19 pandemic has affected the fixed income world. He shares how different financial sectors are going to change in the coming months or years as compared to how they were in the last few years.
“Interest rates are simply the price of money when you have more borrowers than lenders the price goes up, and when you have more lenders than borrowers the price go...2020-04-2943 minEverything MoneySarah Djamshidi: How to Have a Successful Exit Strategy for Your Business.Meet Sarah Djamshidi, the owner of Speedshift Advisors. She is an exit strategy advisor and licensed banker who works with clients to obtain a successful exit strategy as defined by what’s really important to them. She has been doing this for over 2 decades and has worked with over 200 companies and has even testified in the US senate over small business issues.
In this episode, Leah speaks with Sarah on the importance of business owners having an exit plan in place.
Listen in to learn why you should target a successful exit from your business fr...2020-04-2033 minEverything MoneyThe Premiere Episode of the HighTower Bethesda PodcastMeet Stephen Rosen the managing director and founding partner and Leah Jones, the director of financial planning at HighTower Bethesda.
In this premiere episode, Leah and Stephen explain who HighTower Bethesda is, what they do, and the purpose of starting two podcasts. They share what is to be expected in the podcasts going forward.
“Our goal with this podcast is to provide insightful content and make an impact in people’s lives through relevant content.”- Leah Jones
Key points:
Get to know HighTower Bethesda, their team, and what they do.
What are the...2020-04-1808 min