We dive into the world of 529 college savings plans, exploring their tax advantages, flexibility, and potential for creating generational wealth. This educational episode clarifies common misconceptions and provides practical advice for families considering this powerful financial tool.

• 529 plans offer tax-free growth when used for qualified educational expenses
• Qualified expenses now include K-12 tuition, student loans, and apprenticeship programs
• Plans work best with a long investment timeline, ideally starting when children are very young
• There are multiple options for unused funds, including changing beneficiaries or Roth IRA rollovers
• The 10% penalty is waived for scholarships, military academies, and other specific situations
• Starting early can create significant generational wealth by eliminating future student loan burden
• Proper planning can minimize tax impact even if funds aren't used for education
• Parents should prioritize their own retirement savings before funding education accounts

Remember to subscribe to the podcast to hear more information to help you pursue your financial goals.

How to get in touch with us:

Keith Wilson keith.wilson@lpl.com

Anthony Ruffalo: anthony.ruffalo@lpl.com

check out our websites!

Keith Wilson https://www.wfa-nc.com/

Anthony Ruffalo: https://ruffalowealthmanagement.com/

Our YouTube Channels

Keith Wilson: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatFinancialGuy

Anthony Ruffalo: https://www.youtube.com/@anthonyruffalo2704

What happens when your broker-dealer is owned by an insurance company? You guessed it—suddenly, your “financial plan” starts looking suspiciously like a life insurance sales pitch.

In this episode of Unsolicited, we unpack the inherent conflict of interest in insurance-based broker-dealers and why it’s tough to promote real financial planning when you're expected to sell proprietary products. (Spoiler: It’s not ideal for clients—or advisors trying to do the right thing.)

We also share the origin story of our satirical mini-movie series, Truthful Mutual—a not-so-subtle jab at some of the absurdities we’ve seen in the industry. Think: truth bombs wrapped in comedy.

Now, let’s be clear: there’s nothing wrong with selling a product and being the expert in that field—if that’s what you want to do. Just don’t confuse that with comprehensive planning.

To wrap it up, we offer some candid advice to younger advisors starting out—how to build your practice with intention, integrity, and a little less corporate nonsense.

🧨 Unfiltered takes. Satirical detours. And just enough sarcasm to make compliance departments nervous.

How to get in touch with us:

Keith Wilson keith.wilson@lpl.com

Anthony Ruffalo: anthony.ruffalo@lpl.com

check out our websites!

Keith Wilson https://www.wfa-nc.com/

Anthony Ruffalo: https://ruffalowealthmanagement.com/

Our YouTube Channels

Keith Wilson: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatFinancialGuy

Anthony Ruffalo: https://www.youtube.com/@anthonyruffalo2704

In this episode of Unsolicited, Keith and Anthony take a walk down memory lane—sharing personal stories, financial missteps, and hard-earned lessons from their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. Whether you're just getting started or staring down retirement, this episode is packed with practical tips, timeless advice, and a few laughs along the way.

We talk about:

• What we wish we knew in our 20s
• The pressure and pivot points of your 30s
• Balancing growth and stability in your 40s
• Why your 50s are crunch time for retirement planning
• And how the 60s are about making it all work together

No matter where you are in your financial journey, this one’s for you.

How to get in touch with us:

Keith Wilson keith.wilson@lpl.com

Anthony Ruffalo: anthony.ruffalo@lpl.com

check out our websites!

Keith Wilson https://www.wfa-nc.com/

Anthony Ruffalo: https://ruffalowealthmanagement.com/

Our YouTube Channels

Keith Wilson: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatFinancialGuy

Anthony Ruffalo: https://www.youtube.com/@anthonyruffalo2704