Arista Wealth Podcast
Building wealth seems harder than it actually is. This podcast is designed to be a roadmap, cutting through the clutter, to teach you about important topics that show you how invest in yourself and save money the right way. We will also be your life coach through important financial and educational topics, teaching you what is important and how to navigate each topic.
Episode 114: Choosing Financial Help: Comparing What Different Services Actually Do
Choosing financial help can feel overwhelming when every provider describes their service differently. How do you know which kind of help fits your situation, and what will still be your responsibility?
In Episode 114 of the Arista Wealth Management Podcast, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat compares the different types of financial help available and explains how to decide which work to hand off and which to keep.
Paul begins by encouraging listeners to list the jobs involved in managing their finances, decide what to keep or delegate, and identify who connects the decisions...
Episode 113: The Complexity Ceiling: When to Hand Off Your Financial Life
As wealth grows, so does the number of financial decisions that depend on one another. At what point does managing it all yourself stop working?
In Episode 113 of the Arista Wealth Management Podcast, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat builds on an earlier conversation about wealth and happiness and explores how complexity develops as a portfolio grows.
Paul explains why it helps to think of yourself as the CEO of your financial life: deciding what your money is for, what you will handle yourself and what you will delegate to professionals.
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Episode 112: Politics and Your Portfolio: Keeping Emotions Out of Investing
Election seasons can bring strong emotions, uncertainty, and a constant stream of headlines. But should the outcome of an election influence how you manage your investment portfolio?
In Episode 112 of the Arista Wealth Management Podcast, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss the relationship between politics and investing, exploring why maintaining a long-term perspective is especially important during election cycles.
Paul and Jordan examine historical market performance under both Democratic and Republican administrations, emphasizing that political leadership alone does not determine market outcomes. They also discuss...
Episode 111: Beyond Cash: Tax-Smart Charitable Giving with Paul Moffat and Benson Blake
Charitable giving is an opportunity to support the organizations and causes that matter most to you. But how you give can be just as important as how much you give.
In Episode 111 of the Arista Wealth Management Podcast, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat is joined by Senior Financial Planner and CPA Benson Blake to discuss tax-efficient charitable giving strategies and why donating appreciated assets instead of cash may provide meaningful financial advantages.
Paul and Benson explore how gifting appreciated stocks can help donors avoid realizing capital gains while supporting qualified charitable organizations...
Episode 110: Understanding the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
Changes in housing policy can significantly affect homeowners, prospective buyers, and real estate investors. Understanding how these changes may affect housing affordability, property values, and long-term financial planning is increasingly important.
In Episode 110 of the Arista Wealth Management Podcast, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and its potential impact on the American housing market.
Paul and Jordan explore the legislation's proposed approach to expanding housing supply, improving affordability, reducing barriers to development, and...
Episode 109: The Great Wealth Transfer: What Happens to the Family Home?
The Great Wealth Transfer isn't just about investment portfolios and retirement accounts. For millions of American families, a significant portion of the wealth passed from one generation to the next will come in the form of real estate.
In Episode 109 of the Arista Wealth Management Podcast, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss the growing role of inherited real estate in the Great Wealth Transfer and the important financial decisions families may face when property changes hands.
As Baby Boomers continue...
Episode 108: Paul Moffat and Taylor Cole Explain What to Consider When Choosing Medicare Coverage
Choosing Medicare coverage can be complicated, and the right option depends on much more than simply reaching age 65.
In Episode 108 of the Arista Wealth Management Podcast, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat is joined by Medicare specialist and former MLB pitcher Taylor Cole to discuss some of the most important factors to consider when evaluating Medicare coverage.
Taylor explains the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug coverage. He also discusses why prescriptions, preferred doctors, health care needs, employer coverage, and overall costs should all be considered...
Episode 107: Paul Moffat Talks Baseball with Former MLB Pitcher Taylor Cole
Former Major League pitcher Taylor Cole returns to the Arista Wealth Management Podcast for a conversation with President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat about what is happening both on and off the field in professional baseball.
Taylor shares his perspective on the postseason, teams and players to watch, and how quickly momentum can change during the playoffs. Drawing from his own MLB career, he also provides an inside look at the financial realities facing professional baseball players, including league minimum salaries, team control, movement between the major and minor leagues, service time, and the long...
Episode 106: What Are You Really Saving For?
Why does time seem to move faster as we get older, and what does that have to do with financial planning?
In Episode 106 of the Arista Wealth Management Podcast, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa explore our perception of time and an important question that can sometimes get lost in the process of saving for the future: Are you enjoying the life you're building today?
Paul and Jordan discuss the idea proposed by French philosopher Paul Janet that as we age...
Episode 105: 529 Plans, More Than Just College Savings
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa take a closer look at 529 plans and how these tax-advantaged accounts can help families prepare for education expenses while creating opportunities for long-term, multigenerational planning.
Paul and Jordan explain how 529 plans work, the tax advantages they offer, and an often-overlooked feature: lifetime contribution limits. Because maximum account limits are set at the state level and vary significantly, understanding these limits can be an important part of a family's education and estate-planning strategy.
The conversation also...
Episode 104: 6 Tax Strategies for W-2 Employees
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss six strategies W-2 employees can explore to help reduce their tax burden. While employees generally have fewer tax planning opportunities than business owners and independent contractors, thoughtful planning can still create meaningful opportunities.
Paul and Jordan cover strategies ranging from maximizing employer retirement plans and fully funding Health Savings Accounts to exploring short-term rentals, real estate professional status, and tax-advantaged alternative investments. They also discuss how building a legitimate business outside of your primary employment can create additional...
Episode 103: Rebuilding Financial Stability After Divorce or Loss
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss ten important steps for rebuilding financial stability and independence following divorce or the loss of a spouse. While these life events begin very differently, both can create significant changes in income, expenses, responsibilities, and long-term financial goals.
Paul and Jordan explain why it can be important to avoid rushing into major financial decisions during an emotional transition. They walk through creating a clear picture of your finances, rebuilding cash flow, reviewing insurance and estate documents, establishing individual credit...
Episode 102: The Importance of Gratitude in Our Lives
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa explore the life-changing power of gratitude through the groundbreaking research of Dr. Robert Emmons, one of the world's leading experts on gratitude. For more than twenty-five years, Dr. Emmons' research has demonstrated that practicing gratitude can improve happiness, strengthen relationships, reduce stress, improve sleep, and even enhance physical health.
Paul and Jordan discuss Dr. Emmons' simple three-step gratitude practice: identifying three positive moments each day, reflecting on why they happened, and pausing to genuinely experience thankfulness. They explain how...
Episode 101: Beyond Financial Wealth: What Really Makes Us Happy?
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa explore lessons from Harvard's long-running study on happiness and what decades of research can teach us about living a meaningful and fulfilling life. While wealth management often focuses on investments, retirement, and financial security, true wealth extends far beyond the numbers in a portfolio.
Paul and Jordan discuss eight important components of happiness, including the quality of our relationships, the consequences of loneliness, the importance of purpose, and the connection between health and overall well-being. They also examine the...
Episode 100: The Top 10 Financial Lessons From Our First 100 Episodes
In this milestone 100th episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa reflect on the most valuable lessons they've shared over the past six years of the Risk to Wealth Podcast. After one hundred episodes covering investing, taxes, retirement planning, business strategies, market volatility, and financial planning, one truth has remained constant: successful financial planning is built on timeless principles, not short term headlines.
Paul and Jordan count down their ten most important financial lessons, including focusing on what you can control, the power of compounding, diversification, patience, tax...
Episode 99: Aviation Exclusions in Life Insurance Every Pilot Should Understand
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss an often overlooked but critically important topic for pilots and aviation enthusiasts: aviation exclusions in life insurance policies. Prompted by real life client experiences, they explain how certain policy exclusions can dramatically affect coverage and why reviewing insurance contracts before a claim is ever needed is essential.
Paul and Jordan walk through what aviation exclusions are, why insurance companies include them, and how underwriting decisions can vary depending on occupation, flight activity, certifications, and policy language. They also...
Episode 98: Does the National Debt Actually Matter to Your Portfolio?
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa examine one of the most discussed economic topics facing investors today: the growing U.S. national debt. With debt levels continuing to reach new highs, many investors wonder whether government borrowing should influence their investment decisions or long term financial plans.
Paul and Jordan explain how the national debt has grown, why it matters, and how rising interest costs can affect the broader economy. More importantly, they separate legitimate economic concerns from media driven headlines and...
Episode 97: The New Trump Accounts and the Power of Early Investing
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss Trump Accounts, a new tax-advantaged savings program designed to help families invest for their children's future. Launching on July 4, 2026, these custodial investment accounts provide eligible children with a government-funded contribution and allow families to continue building wealth through additional annual contributions.
Paul and Jordan explain how the accounts work, who qualifies, contribution limits, investment options, and the long-term benefits of starting early. They also discuss how these accounts can promote financial literacy, encourage long-term investing habits, and demonstrate the power of...
Episode 96: Understanding the Federal Reserve's Influence on Markets
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss one of the most influential positions in the global financial system: the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. With Kevin Warsh taking over leadership of the Federal Reserve, investors are closely watching how his policies, communication style, and economic priorities may impact markets, interest rates, inflation, and long-term financial planning.
Paul and Jordan explain the role of the Federal Reserve, how monetary policy influences everything from mortgage rates and borrowing costs to savings yields and investment...
Episode 95: The SpaceX IPO and Lessons for Long Term Investors
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO and the investment lessons investors can learn from one of the most talked about companies in the world. As SpaceX prepares to enter the public markets, investors are evaluating both the opportunities and risks associated with a company operating across aerospace, satellite communications, artificial intelligence, and emerging technology sectors.
Paul and Jordan explore SpaceX's business segments, including Starlink, Starshield, launch services, satellite manufacturing, and artificial intelligence initiatives. They also discuss valuation considerations, historical...
Episode 94: Advanced Retirement Planning for Southwest Airlines Pilots
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa take a deep dive into the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) retirement system and the advanced planning opportunities available to Southwest pilots. While the retirement program offers some of the most robust benefits in the airline industry, understanding how the various components work together requires careful planning and expertise.
Paul and Jordan break down the key elements of the SWAPA retirement structure, including 401(k) contributions, non-elective company contributions, profit sharing, deferred compensation plans, and market-based cash balance plans. They...
Episode 93: Financial Planning Strategies for Airline Pilots
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss the unique financial planning challenges airline pilots face and the strategies that can help them manage taxes, retirement planning, and long-term financial risk. With career paths shaped by seniority, fluctuating income, mandatory retirement ages, and specialized benefit structures, pilots often require a more customized approach to financial planning than traditional professionals.
Paul and Jordan break down the complexities of deferred compensation plans, retirement account coordination, concentrated company stock exposure, and FAA-related career risks. They also...
Episode 92: The Masters Tax Playbook for Business Owners
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa break down the Augusta Rule and other strategic tax planning opportunities available to business owners. Inspired by the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, this IRS provision allows homeowners to rent their personal residence for up to 14 days per year and potentially receive tax-free income when properly structured.
Paul and Jordan explain how business owners can use their homes for meetings, retreats, and planning sessions while creating legitimate business deductions and tax-efficient income opportunities. They also discuss the importance of...
Episode 91: Dividends IRA Distribution and Timing Strategies for Better Tax Outcomes
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss IRA distribution and timing strategies, and how thoughtful planning around withdrawals and contributions can improve long-term tax outcomes. With tax brackets, retirement rules, and distribution requirements constantly evolving, understanding when and how to take distributions has become increasingly important for investors and retirees alike.
Paul and Jordan explain how strategic timing decisions can help investors better manage taxable income, maintain bracket control, and reduce lifetime tax liability. The conversation covers Roth conversions, pre-age-59½ withdrawal rules, Net Unrealized Appreciation s...
Episode 90: Lessons From Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa share key takeaways from the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, offering insights into one of the world's most respected investment organizations. With the transition to Greg Abel’s leadership, this year’s meeting highlighted a shift from founder-driven decision-making to a process-driven and disciplined approach focused on long-term durability.
Paul and Jordan break down major themes from the meeting, including Berkshire’s significant cash reserves, its commitment to patience and disciplined capital allocation, and the importance of operational excellence across its po...
Episode 89: Guest Episode, Creating a High Performing Financial Team With Matt Swan, CPA
President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat sits down with certified public accountant Matt Swan, former managing partner of Swan and Gardner CPAs, to discuss the importance of building a coordinated financial team. As financial lives become more complex, relying on a single advisor is often no longer enough. Instead, success comes from assembling a group of professionals who each play a specific role in protecting and growing wealth.
Paul and Matt walk through the key members of an effective financial team, including the client, legal counsel, financial advisor, CPA, and banking relationships...
Episode 88: What the Iran Crisis Means for Investors
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss the recent geopolitical developments involving Iran and how global conflict can impact financial markets. With increased volatility, rising oil prices, and heightened uncertainty, investors are often left wondering how these events affect their portfolios and what actions they should take.
Paul and Jordan break down how markets reacted in the short term, including declines in major sectors and rising energy costs, while also putting these events into a broader historical context. They explain how global...
Episode 87: When It’s Time to Hire a CPA With Matt Swan, CPA
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat sits down with certified public accountant Matt Swan, former managing partner of Swan and Gardner CPAs, for an insightful conversation about the growing complexity of the U.S. tax system and why professional guidance is becoming more important than ever.
Drawing from decades of experience advising individuals and business owners, Matt explains when it makes sense to hire a CPA firm, how tax complexity has increased over time, and why proactive planning can save taxpayers both time and money. From managing multiple 1099 forms...
Episode 86: How Dividends, Options, and Margin Can Change Your Tax Outcome
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa discuss how dividends, margin usage, stock options, and certain market transactions can significantly impact tax outcomes. While these strategies can enhance income and portfolio flexibility, they also introduce nuanced tax rules that investors must understand to avoid unintended consequences.
Paul and Jordan explain the importance of qualified dividend treatment, how margin can alter tax classification, and why timing matters when purchasing dividend paying stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds. They also cover alternative minimum tax considerations related...
Episode 85: Reviewing 2025 and the Power of Staying Invested
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa take a comprehensive look back at the market performance of 2025 and the key lessons investors can carry forward. Despite widespread predictions of a lackluster year, global markets delivered strong and in many cases exceptional returns across multiple asset classes.
Paul and Jordan break down performance across U.S. equities, international developed markets, emerging markets, real estate, and fixed income. They highlight how globally diversified portfolios benefited from strength outside the United States, and why investors who...
Episode 84: Smarter Ways to Give Through Strategic Philanthropy
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat is joined by Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa to explore charitable and philanthropic planning strategies that allow individuals and families to give more effectively while managing taxes. With year-end gifting fresh on many minds, Paul and Jordan walk through the wide range of vehicles available for charitable giving and how each can be used to align generosity with long-term financial goals.
They discuss popular structures such as donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and private foundations, as well as retirement-based...
Episode 83: Capital Gains and Loss Strategies for Smarter Tax Planning
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat is joined by Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa to discuss capital gains and loss strategies, and how proactive portfolio management can reduce taxes, increase flexibility, and improve long term outcomes. With taxes acting as a constant drag on investment returns, Paul and Jordan explain why having a clear strategy around gains and losses is essential for taxable accounts.
They walk through how the IRS treats taxable, tax deferred, and tax free assets differently, and why timing matters when realizing gains. The conversation...
Episode 82: How Business Owners Can Reduce Taxes and Build Smarter Plans
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat is joined by Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa to discuss tax planning strategies designed specifically for business owners and entrepreneurs. After another year end filled with frustration around tax bills, Paul and Jordan walk through practical and proactive ways businesses can improve tax efficiency, simplify structure, and create better long term outcomes.
They explore how proper entity structure lays the foundation for every strategy, along with tools such as the Qualified Business Income deduction, paying family members for legitimate work, bonus depreciation...
Episode 81: Structuring Fixed Income for Stability and Tax Efficiency
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat is joined by Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa to explore bonds and fixed income strategies, and how investors can use them to manage volatility, generate income, and reduce taxes. While equities often dominate investment conversations, Paul and Jordan highlight the significant role fixed income plays for institutions, foundations, and high-net-worth investors focused on preservation and stability.
They discuss how proper bond placement across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts can improve after-tax outcomes, along with strategies for managing high-income years. The conversation also...
Episode 80 Asset Allocation, Asset Location, and Smarter Investment Structure
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat is joined by Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa for an in depth discussion on asset allocation, investment structure, and why proper asset placement can significantly improve long term outcomes. While many investors focus on returns alone, Paul and Jordan explain how taxes, account type, and disciplined portfolio management play an equally important role in building and preserving wealth.
The conversation walks through how the IRS views investments across tax free, tax deferred, and taxable accounts, and why placing the right assets in...
Episode 79: Using the Augusta Rule to Create Tax Free Income
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat is joined by Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa to break down the Augusta Rule, a powerful and often overlooked tax planning strategy for business owners. Properly implemented, this rule allows qualified homeowners to generate tax-free income while their business receives a legitimate deduction.
Paul and Jordan explain the history of the Augusta Rule, how it works under IRS Section 280A, and why documentation is critical to its proper execution. They walk listeners through the step-by-step process business owners should follow, including meeting...
Episode 78 Your Year End Financial Checklist for 2025
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat is joined by Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa to walk through ten critical actions investors should complete before the end of 2025. As the year closes, many financial opportunities disappear once the calendar turns, making proactive planning essential. Paul and Jordan outline a clear and practical checklist designed to help listeners stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and position themselves for long term success.
The conversation blends personal, financial, and tax planning priorities, covering everything from goal setting and beneficiary reviews to retirement contributions...
Episode 77: Five High Impact Planning Strategies That Add Real Value
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa break down five powerful financial planning strategies that help clients protect wealth, reduce taxes, and build long term financial security. With laws constantly changing and new opportunities emerging, many investors are unaware of the tools available to them. Paul and Jordan shine a light on the strategies that can make a meaningful difference in a client’s financial life.
They cover topics ranging from real estate tax strategies and rebalancing to modern 529 uses, backdoor Roth contributions, an...
Guest Edition: Beyond the Basics, A Clear Guide to Medicare With Taylor Cole
This episode of the Arista Wealth Management Podcast, host Paul L. Moffat is joined by former Major League Baseball pitcher and Medicare specialist Taylor Cole for a practical and easy-to-understand conversation on navigating Medicare. Whether you are turning sixty-five, already enrolled, or helping a family member through the process, this episode breaks down what Medicare covers, how the different parts work, and the choices that matter most when evaluating your options.
Paul and Taylor explain how Parts A, B, D, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare supplement plans fit together, what costs to expect, and...
Special Episode: Lessons from Baseball, Leadership, and Life with Major League Pitcher Taylor Cole
In this episode, President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat sits down with Major League Baseball pitcher Taylor Cole for a conversation that goes far beyond the field. They discuss the 2025 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, the mental toughness it takes to play at the highest level, and the leadership lessons that apply to both sports and investing.
Taylor shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time in the big leagues, including his experience with legends like Albert Pujols and Shohei Ohtani, and the emotional no-hitter thrown by the...
