Retirement Planning – Un Eff Your Finances

Tackle Tax Season Like a Pro with Mark Carrison (Ep. 10)

By Un Eff Your Finances | February 27, 2025

Do you find yourself tangled in tax season chaos every year? You’re not alone! Dive into this episode for a laugh and some clarity!

In this episode, Nicholas chats with his brother from another mother, Mark Carrison, a seasoned tax pro from Verdolino and Lowey. Prepare to unwind those tax-time worries and learn how to save the bucks you’ve been unknowingly sacrificing to Uncle Sam. Grab your headphones as Nick and Mark highlight common mistakes, from last-minute filing frenzies to the myths about tax refunds, and unravel how proactive planning can save you from pulling your hair out come March!

Mark and Nick discuss:

(02:48) Top three tax mistakes – procrastination, reactive planning, and poor communication
(06:36) Differences between tax deductions and credits and why mixing them up can cost you
(13:26) The importance of building a team of trusted advisors for holistic financial well-being
(21:59) Creative gifting strategies for leaving a meaningful legacy while optimizing your taxes
(22:40) The value of real-time tax planning over delayed fixes and how “Google” isn’t your perfect tax advisor
And more

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About our Guest:

Mark Carrison is a Tax Supervisor for Verdolino & Lowey, P.C. Mark joined the firm in January 2020 and has more than 15 years of public accounting experience. Mark provides accounting and advisory services in tax, accounting, financial reporting, and consulting services for individuals, privately held companies, and trusts. Mark is a member of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He has had active roles on numerous not-for-profit boards in Rhode Island and Massachusetts including Treasurer and Board of Director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Boy Scouts of America, and Rhode Island Wild Plant Society. Mark received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Saint Leo University in Accounting with a Fraud Examination concentration.

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Real Talk on Taxes with Anthony R. Ruffalo (Ep. 9)

By Un Eff Your Finances | February 13, 2025

Wondering how to navigate your tax forms this season without losing your cool—or your cash? Don’t worry, we’re here to break it down.

In this episode, Nicholas St. George teams up with Anthony Ruffalo, a social media legend and financial advisor, to get real about taxes and smart financial planning. Join us for full transparency and a few good laughs as Nicholas and Anthony help un-eff your finances just in time for tax season.

Nicholas and Anthony discuss:

(05:02) Deductible Dilemmas: Understanding what you can and can’t deduct
(12:42) Tax Time Preparedness: Anthony shares practical advice on not getting blindsided by missing paperwork
(15:11) Tax Loss Harvesting: Why selling a loss might be your new favorite strategy
(26:54) RMDs and Tax Planning: Simplifying your taxes in retirement planning
And more

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Connect with Anthony R. Ruffalo:

About our Guest:

Anthony R. Ruffalo is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner. The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires financial planners to hold a CFP® certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients. Currently, only 62,000 individuals have obtained CFP® certification in the United States.

Anthony holds the series 24, 7, 66 securities licenses through LPL Financial as well as Life, Health, Long Term Care, Medicare Supplement, and Annuity licensures.

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Avoiding Financial Train Wrecks with Eric Woodraska (Ep. 8)

By Un Eff Your Finances | January 30, 2025

Ever wonder why your retirement portfolio might resemble a messy clearance aisle at TJ Maxx?

In this episode, Nick St. George sits down with Eric Woodraska, Client Portfolio Manager from Helios, a financial wizard who knows his way around a portfolio like no other! They dig into the good, the bad, and the downright “what were they thinking” moments of investment management. This conversation is brimming with real-life portfolio mishaps and tips to steer clear of those financial train wrecks. Plus, it’s not all business – find out their bourbon favorites, because hey, life’s about balance, right?

Nicholas and Eric discuss:

(02:12) The risks of concentrating investments in one fund family and how diversification should really look
(06:28) A simple guide to understanding fund performance metrics, from flashy returns to actual sustainability
(13:45) How to avoid the ‘latest-and-greatest’ investment traps and stick to what’s proven
(22:01) The impact of risk tolerance on portfolio choices, especially during unpredictable markets
And more

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Small Steps to Big Financial Wins (Ep.7)

By Un Eff Your Finances | January 16, 2025

Want to make 2025 your most financially fit year yet? Discover how small tweaks can bring big wins to your wallet!

This week on Un Eff Your Finance, Nicholas St. George explores practical steps to kickstart your financial goals for the new year. They dive into simple yet powerful habits that help busy individuals take control of their finances without feeling overwhelmed. Nick shares his advice on how you can reach your financial goals, while still enjoying life, and how to find balance.

Nicholas discusses:

Trimming the excess and save (02:16)
Assigning a goal to your money (06:32)
Strategies to avoid interest pitfalls (10:46)
Setting and forget for future growth (13:52)
Staying aligned with your financial goals (19:10)
Finding a balance between saving and enjoying life (22:02)
And more

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Crushing Retirement Risks: Making Your Money Last in Retirement (Ep. 6)

By Un Eff Your Finances | January 2, 2025

Are you ready to navigate the unpredictable seas of retirement? What if your golden years could be generously funded and worry-free?

In this episode, Nicholas tackles the burning question of how to make your money last in retirement amid rising inflation and longer lifespans. He addresses the realities of longevity risk, the importance of planning for healthcare and housing in retirement, and the often-overlooked inflation factor that can chip away at your nest egg. This episode is packed with humorous, yet brutally honest, insights to help you keep your financial future secure.

Nick discusses:

(01:22) Retirement Risks and How to Navigate Them
(02:22) The Impact of Increased Life Expectancy
(04:55) Balancing Enjoyment with Financial Security
(05:58) Healthcare and Housing Costs
(09:27) Embracing Flexible Working During Retirement
(13:53) The Reality of Inflation on Your Savings
(19:15) The Importance of Emergency Planning and Communication
And more

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Don’t Root Against The Pilot (Ep. 5)

By Un Eff Your Finances | December 19, 2024

What does it mean to root for the pilot in the world of finance and elections? Dive into today’s conversation to find out why staying the course is essential, no matter who’s at the political helm.

In this episode, Nicholas St. George talks about how election outcomes really impact your finances. He dives into the numbers behind red and blue administrations, revealing some surprising insights on market returns that might just make you rethink panic selling. Think it’s all doom and gloom after the polls? It’s time to tune in and reconsider!

Nick discusses:

(02:01) Historical market returns under different political parties
(06:21) The risks of market timing and emotional investing
(15:47) The importance of sticking to your financial plan despite political shifts
(22:56) Why elections shouldn’t dictate your investment strategy
And more

With insights drawn from years of experience (and a little humor about Marvin the Martian!), this episode is your guide to navigating financial turbulence with ease.

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Mastering Money: How to Un Eff Your Finances (Ep. 4)

By Un Eff Your Finances | December 5, 2024

How can you keep your cool when financial chaos hits? Tune into this episode where Nicholas St. George dives into the financial blunders you didn’t know you were making and how to fix them with simple, practical advice.

In this episode, Nicholas tackles some of the common financial mistakes people face when managing their money and how to sidestep them. From the pitfall of lending retirement money to grown-up kids to the trap of watching your account balance every day – Nick shares the details with a blend of humor, real stories, and no-nonsense advice.

Nicholas discusses:

(01:19) Why lending money from your retirement savings to adult children might not be such a great idea
(04:58) The pros and cons of checking your account balances too often
(09:07) The importance of regular portfolio rebalancing
(12:29) How comparing your investments to your friends and family’s can lead to trouble
(17:07) Keeping emotions in check during market fluctuations

Feel the financial frenzy but want to keep it mellow? Tune in and start un-effing your finances today!

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Year-End Financial Planning: Get Ahead Before the Holidays Hit (Ep. 3)

By Un Eff Your Finances | November 21, 2024

What if December 31st is knocking at your door, and suddenly you realize you haven’t checked off your financial to-do list? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Tune into this episode of Un Eff Your Finances with Nicholas St. George as we break down the essentials of year-end planning.

In this episode, Nicholas covers everything you need to know about smoothing out your financial journey before the year closes. With a focus on year-end planning, this episode lends a helping hand with a mix of humor and straightforward advice. It’s not about having a crystal ball, but it’s close!

Nicholas discusses:

(02:38) Maximizing retirement contributions and why a job switch could make it tricky
(04:16) The scoop on capital gains and tax loss harvesting
(07:30) How smart charitable contributions can save you on taxes while doing good
(10:12) Why reviewing your budget and savings goals is a must, even when things are peachy
(15:14) Updating estate plans so your assets go where you intend them to
(20:32) How insurance coverage checkups can be as crucial as that fire extinguisher you’ve never used
(23:23) Tackling tax liabilities head-on to prevent any unpleasant April surprises

Get ready to tick off your financial checklist with us – and remember, procrastination is your wallet’s worst enemy!

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Uncovering Financial Skeletons: How Nick Can Help You Un Eff Your Finances (Ep. 2)

By Un Eff Your Finances | November 7, 2024

“Un Eff Your Finances” is not just a catchy name; it’s a mission to rescue your money from chaos with personalized, professional advice.

In this episode, Nicholas St. George dives into the story behind the name of the podcast, sharing a personal anecdote about the trials and tribulations of naming things. Nick also breaks down the importance of tailored financial planning and shares real-world examples of financial “eff-ups” and how to avoid them, all while adding a healthy dose of humor and honesty.

Nicholas discusses:

The story behind why the podcast is named “Un Eff Your Finances”
The financial mistakes even smart people make and how to avoid them
Why a one-size-fits-all approach to finance is a recipe for disaster
How personalized planning can save the day
The importance of constant communication and trust in the advisor-client relationship
And more

Connect with Nicholas St. George:

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Meet Nicholas St. George – The Man Who Wants to Help Un Eff Your Finances (Ep. 1)

By Un Eff Your Finances | November 7, 2024

A childhood fascination with GI Joe and Madden NFL could shape a financial advisor’s career; who knew?

In this premier episode of Un Eff Your Finances, host Nicholas St. George takes us on his journey from a young stock market enthusiast to a seasoned financial advisor dedicated to demystifying finance for hardworking professionals. Nick shares personal anecdotes, his passion for financial planning, and the importance of having a tailored strategy. This episode introduces you to Nick’s unique approach to financial advising, combining honesty, humor, and a client-centric mindset to help you feel more confident and in control of your financial future.

This episode covers:

Nick’s journey from stock market games in Lincoln, Rhode Island to becoming a trusted financial advisor
The importance of personalized financial plans over one-size-fits-all solutions
Nick’s approach to demystifying complex financial concepts with humor and clear communication
Real-world examples highlighting the significance of long-term financial planning
And more

Connect with Nicholas St. George:

About Nicholas St. George:

Nick is a North Carolina-based advisor who coordinates the financial affairs of a select group of families and individuals. With a background in compliance, he applies strong analytical skills and attention to detail to help clients identify risks and plan for their financial futures. His mission is to help clients achieve their personal and financial goals through comprehensive support, customized planning, and exceptional service.

Nick began his financial services career after earning a Finance degree from Bryant University. He holds several certifications, including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA).

Nick lives in Denver, NC, with his wife Kelly and their two children, Bo and Caroline. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and hockey.

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