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The 8 things I have every small business client check before the year is half over. I'm a CFP® who works with small business owners, and every June and July, I sit down with clients for the same conversation: not about revenue, which they always know cold, but about everything underneath it. Cash reserve. Insurance. What happens to the business if they're the one who's out for six weeks. In this episode, I walk through the eight questions I have every client answer at the halfway mark of the year: reading your P&L for what surprises you, cutting expenses that made sense a year ago and don't anymore, checking your cash reserve in real months of coverage, getting your estimated taxes actually aligned, making sure your insurance still matches the business you have now, building a continuity plan, checking your retirement contributions, and revisiting what you're actually paying yourself. None of this needs to happen in one sitting. But if it's been a while since you looked past the top line, this is the conversation to have with yourself before the year runs out of runway. LINKS: Allora Wealth Connect with Mary Beth on LinkedIn or Instagram What's Your Money Style?

You've been saving for years. The balance is there. And you still can't fully picture how it becomes a paycheck. That gap is not about how much you have saved. It is about how you have built it. In this episode, Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP and founder of Allora Wealth, breaks down the three retirement buckets every high earner needs to understand:tax-deferred, tax-free, and taxable, and explains why the mix matters just as much as the total. She walks through what most high-earning women and business owners get right, what they consistently miss, and what the difference costs them in retirement. If you have been putting most of your savings into one type of account, this episode is for you. Topics covered: Why high earners face a bigger retirement income gap than most people realize What each bucket is, how it is taxed, and when you access it The account most high earners forget to build deliberately Two real-life examples: the W-2 earner with equity compensation and the business owner The question worth asking yourself before your next contribution

The term "financial plan" gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? In this episode, Mary Beth breaks down the concept of financial planning from the ground up — what it is, what prompts people to seek one out, and what the process really looks like. You'll learn: The life transitions and moments of complexity that most commonly lead people to a financial planner The difference between investment management and comprehensive financial planning What data you'll need to gather (and why "garbage in, garbage out" matters) The key areas a comprehensive plan covers — cash flow, retirement, taxes, insurance, estate planning, college savings, and more How a financial plan should be rooted in your personal, professional, and financial goals Why your plan is a living document — and how often it should be updated Whether you're wondering if you need a financial plan for the first time or just want to understand what you'd actually be getting, this episode gives you a clear, jargon-free look at what financial planning can do for your life.

You have been contributing to your retirement accounts. You negotiated your last salary. You are not starting from zero. And yet there are questions in your financial life that have not been fully answered.  In this episode, Mary Beth walks through 10 financial questions every woman at this stage should be able to answer. Not just the basics. The ones that matter when your income is high, your life is full, and you are carrying the weight of everyone who depends on you. Topics covered include understanding your total compensation beyond your base salary, confirming your retirement accounts are actually invested and not sitting in cash, planning a retirement timeline that accounts for a longer life, protecting your income if you are the primary earner, and defining what financial independence looks like for you specifically. You do not need to know the answers off the top of your head. You need to know where to find them.

There is a version of hoarding cash that looks completely responsible. The emergency fund is fully funded. The sinking funds are organized. The high-yield savings account is earning a little something every month. And still, the number never quite settles the nervous system. In this episode, Mary Beth gets honest about the psychology of cash: why we hold it, what it is really doing for us, and when a healthy cushion quietly becomes a way to avoid making a harder decision. This is a conversation about what is actually underneath the behavior and what to do when the number in your account still does not make you feel secure. Mary Beth covers: Why cash is not just money: it is optionality, and why that matters emotionally The invisible weight women carry when it comes to financial security How to tell the difference between strategic liquidity and emotional hoarding A clear framework for how much cash to actually hold at this stage Four concrete steps to start moving through the fear of investing If you have ever checked your savings balance at eleven o'clock at night and still gone to bed unsettled, this one is for you. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Allora Wealth Get started with Mary Beth Allora Wealth, LLC is a registered investment adviser. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Please consult a financial professional before making any financial decisions.

Welcome back to Work Your Wealth. This is the first full episode of the relaunch, and we are starting with something that does not get talked about enough in financial planning circles: optionality. Not as a buzzword. As a strategy. If you are in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, juggling a career at peak earning years alongside kids, aging parents, and a household that does not run itself, you have likely felt the weight of a life that offers very few exits. This episode is about changing that. Mary Beth breaks down what financial optionality actually means, why the invisible load gets heavier when your money is not set up to give you choices, and the five pillars she uses with clients to build real flexibility into their financial lives. She also gets personal about the decisions she made over the last several years that gave her the freedom to step away from a C-suite role and relaunch Allora Wealth on her own terms. This episode covers: Why a full emergency fund is not the same as having options How to structure savings across taxable and tax-advantaged accounts to preserve access The debt strategy conversation most people are not having Income diversification that does not require a side hustle What work-optional actually looks like and how to plan for it now You are not behind. You are just building the foundation. This episode will show you what to build.

After four and a half years away, Mary Beth is back. In this relaunch episode she shares where she's been: from merging her first firm to becoming Co-CEO of a $3.5 billion RIA, and why she walked away from all of it to build something smaller, more intentional, and more aligned with the work that got her into this industry in the first place. This isn't a reinvention. It's a return. You'll hear what's coming for the podcast, what Mary Beth has learned after two decades of watching women navigate their finances, and why the hard part is almost never the math. If you're new here, welcome. If you've been waiting, thank you. Either way, this one's for you. New episodes dropping April 2026. Hit follow so you don't miss them. Questions or topics you want covered? Send them to [email protected].

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: The issues women have been facing over the past 18 months Examples of how women have been disproportionately impacted during the pandemic Where women started in the labor force compared to where we are today The impact of the 19th amendment on women in the workforce The long-term impact of the gender wage gap Comparing the changes men and women have faced as a result of COVID-19 The pressure that we perceived and now is being voiced by society due to the pandemic The average cost for childcare and how it relates to other expenses How the pandemic impacted accessibility and feasibility of childcare for many families How women of color have faced even more challenges through the pandemic Long-term financial impacts that these changes are going to have on women Small steps you can take to make that financial progress How Social Security is affected when women have to leave the workforce Why the savings gap is exacerbated by women's longevity A few ideas on how to make progress for women A few financial considerations as we move forward with the pandemic LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Work Your Wealth Book Abacus Wealth Partners Book a consult with Abacus Wealth Partners How the Pandemic Slashed Years of Women's Workforce Progress LET'S CONNECT! Twitter Instagram

One of the best parts of launching this podcast is to talk to others about money topics and addressing concerns they've had or seen. Today is an important episode in the direction of the Work Your Wealth podcast and where you might continue to find financial resources. Today I'm talking about 5 important lessons I've learned over the past four years through my journey with this podcast and what the future will hold for me and Abacus Wealth Partners.   HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: The timeline of the Work Your Wealth Podcast The reason behind launching the podcast and writing the Work Your Wealth book The 5 lessons I've learned in doing the Work Your Wealth podcast The potential rewards that could come with putting yourself out there and taking risks The importance of doing what you love Why you have to recognize when it is time to evolve The one person that will always look out for you most Where you can continue to find the Work Your Wealth content and where you can continue to connect with Mary Beth LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Work Your Wealth Book Abacus Wealth Partners Book a consult with Abacus Wealth Partners LET'S CONNECT! Facebook Twitter Instagram

Dasarte Yarnway is the Founder & Managing Director of Berknell Financial Group, an innovative independent wealth management firm focused on helping millennials and seasoned investors design their best lives. Since the firm's inception, Berknell Financial Group has become one of the most notable millennial-led financial services organizations. In an industry that focuses on revenue and dollars-invested, Dasarte realized that a firm's value is created through how they could invest in their clients. Through this, The Wealth Bridge™ , Private Client Groups and Berknell Athletes were created. With his passion for listening to his clients greatest concerns and applying realistic solutions, Dasarte has become the go-to partner for millennials, growing families and seasoned investors alike. Berknell encapsulates this approach in their motto: Advice With You In Mind. Coined a "financial thought leader" and Guru by NerdWallet and Financial Planning Magazine, Dasarte believes in meeting you where you are. He offers advice and insight through his weekly podcast, The Young Money Podcast, three books (Dating Benji 2016, Young Money 2018, Pay Me In Equity 2019) and weekly blog. His prayer is that you may design your wealth on your terms.   HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: The story of how Dasarte got into the financial world The group Dasarte likes to empower around their finances How he built an ecosystem of financial knowledge for a community of people Why Dasarte embodies a mindset of servant leadership Applying the R.I.I.T.E. planning process The reason Dasarte has applied the lighthouse method in all that he did What the bigger picture for Berknell Financial looks like The changes Dasarte has made to build his business more efficiently The responsibility Dasarte feels to improving the financial industry The hardest business lesson learned by Dasarte The niche that Berknell Financial is continuing to reach The biggest thing many clients don't understand  The unique challenges athletes face with financial decisions Who the real hero is in the advisor-client relationship and why LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisors 2020 Books By Dasarte Yarnway Young Money Podcast GET SOCIAL WITH DASARTE AND LET HIM KNOW YOU HEARD ABOUT HIM HERE Website Twitter Instagram

John Eing is a partner and financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners.  As a financial advisor, John is passionate about simplifying and demystifying finances for his clients, and creating sound financial strategies allowing them to do what they love most.  He is also a member of the firm's M&A team and investment committee.  Prior to joining Abacus, John was the Controller of Wells Fargo's $30B asset-based lending group.  He holds an Executive MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA, a BA in Economics from UC Berkeley, is a Certified Public Accountant, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. In his free time, John and his wife, Andrea, enjoy spending time with their two children Nathan (8) and Mia (4).  In his free, free time John is an avid fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: How Abacus Wealth Partners is focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion Why you should do everything that makes you feel uncomfortable in business The difference between diversity and inclusion The path that led John to financial planning and Abacus Wealth Partners How to provide a space to openly discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in the work environment The benefits seen at Abacus with the cultural lunch and learns Diversity gaps in the financial industry How understanding your client's cultural background can make you a better advisor A hurdle for financial education across different nationalities How to turn the diversity, equity and inclusion conversation into action Why personal finance must be taught in schools What progress might look like when expanding diversity in the financial industry LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Economic vs Financial Planning Education Survey Save More Tomorrow by Shlomo Benartzi The Digital Nervous System by Bill Gates GET SOCIAL WITH JOHN AND LET HIM KNOW YOU HEARD ABOUT HIM HERE Website Email Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Are You Better or Worse off Financially In 2020? One of the fun parts of being a financial planner is getting to field and answer questions from clients and readers all around the country. In these Work Your Wealth episodes I'll be taking time to address and answer questions I've come across from readers and clients throughout my career. Today I'm answering the above question. HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: Why the end of the year is my favorite time of year for clients Questions I consistently receive as the year is closing out A way to gauge if you are better or worse off financially this year First step in measuring your financial progress The measurement to use when evaluating your financial health How to calculate your net worth A good way to evaluate your debt situation for the year The check you should be doing on your debt every January Why you should review your spending throughout the year How your savings goals play into your financial health Different savings vehicles you can utilize to grow your net worth A few things you should consider when talking about your retirement savings The role a change in income can play in figuring out if you're financially better off this year How "lifestyle creep" could potentially hurt your financial health Why employer benefits must be evaluated each year LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Abacus Wealth Partners Mary Beth LET'S CONNECT! Facebook Twitter Instagram

Ariel Ward, CFP® joined Workable Wealth in 2018 as a Financial Planner and in March of 2019, made the move to Abacus Wealth Partners with me as a Financial Planner. She and I work closely together on our clients. She has 11 years of experience in the field of personal financial services and in helping clients develop financial clarity. She is passionate about helping professionals understand their financial lives and make better decisions with their money. She enjoys working with clients in the aviation industry to make the most of their employee benefits and map out a plan for personal financial strength. She is a member of NAPFA, the XY Planning Network and the Financial Planners Association. HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: The most common financial concern seen with entrepreneurs The retirement plan options available to small business owners Items to be aware of if utilizing a SEP IRA Some of the numbers associated with an individual 401(k) The best plan to start with if you have employees  How much you should be saving into your retirement account  The type of insurance a small business owner should consider How a disability policy works and why you need it If you're thinking group policy, here are some options as a small business owner Why you should have life insurance and who you are protecting The type of life insurance policy you should get What a keyman insurance policy will do for your business Reasons you should have a business continuity plan The two big ticket items we see people and business owners drag their feet on Why you should have professional liability insurance The benefits of utilizing a financial planner through all these decisions LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Freelancers Union Workable Wealth Blog post GET SOCIAL WITH ARIEL AND LET HER KNOW YOU HEARD ABOUT HER HERE Workable Wealth Website Ariel's e-mail Instagram

Naseema is the founder of Financially Intentional, a platform about personal finance and living life intentionally. She discusses how taking control of her finances has enabled her to overcome bankruptcy, divorce, and break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. She shares her lessons along her path to help others benefit from the freedoms of financial independence. Outside of encouraging people to get their financial act together, Naseema is a mother and Labor and Delivery Nurse. Though making six figures for years, she struggled with money. Finally realizing she couldn't out-earn her financial ignorance, she knew she had to make some changes. By shifting her mindset around money, being consistent and intentional, She has paid off $1 million in debt and grew a six-figure net worth in three years without living in deprivation. HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: How Naseema made a move from nursing to a finance The misconception many people have about finances Where to start in order to move your finances in the right direction Steps to set yourself up for financial success How Nassema paid off $1,000,000 in debt The asset she sold to push her back on track financially Steps you can take to improve your financial life The flexibility Naseema was able to create by getting her finances in order How to keep yourself committed to your financial goals What it looks like to anti-budget How to keep your financial life in balance The importance of building a good team around you to continue to drive your passion How to make legacy building second nature in your life The benefit of having a financial planner as an accountability partner LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Student Loan Planning Podcast Episode GET SOCIAL WITH NASEEMA AND LET HER KNOW YOU HEARD ABOUT HER HERE Naseema's Website Naseema's e-mail LinkedIn Twitter Instagram (Financially Intentional) Instagram (Nurses on Fire Podcast) Facebook (Financially Intentional) Facebook (Nurses on Fire Podcast) Pinterest TikTok

Ariel Ward, CFP® joined Workable Wealth in 2018 as a Financial Planner and in March of 2019, made the move to Abacus Wealth Partners with me as a Financial Planner. She and I work closely together on our clients. She has 11 years of experience in the field of personal financial services and in helping clients develop financial clarity. She is passionate about helping professionals understand their financial lives and make better decisions with their money. She enjoys working with clients in the aviation industry to make the most of their employee benefits and map out a plan for personal financial strength. She is a member of NAPFA, the XY Planning Network and the Financial Planners Association. HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: Options to save after you've maxed out your 401k 401k limits for singles and married couples The definition of a backdoor Roth IRA and some considerations around it Income limitations for Roth IRA What you should have set up before doing a backdoor Roth IRA Why you should work with a financial planner if interested in the backdoor Roth Tax considerations when utilizing the backdoor Roth IRA When to begin contributing to a 529 Plan and how much What to look for when investing in a taxable account What capital gains taxes will look like based on income and time How to take advantage of a Health Savings Account (HSA) Some ages to keep in mind if you are utilizing an HSA How you should prioritize your savings goals GET SOCIAL WITH ARIEL AND LET HER KNOW YOU HEARD ABOUT HER HERE Workable Wealth Website Ariel's e-mail Instagram