The Live Greater View
Welcome to “The Live Greater View” podcast - a financial planning podcast covering retirement planning, tax strategies, wealth management, investing, estate planning, and financial decisions for individuals, families, professionals, executives, and business owners. This is the official podcast of VLP Financial Advisors.VLP Financial Advisors is an independent, full-service wealth services firm, with $1.5B* in assets under administration (AUA), as of 1/21/2026, with clients located nationwide. Our professionals work with families and individuals on financial planning, investment management, and retirement planning, as well as with corporate clients and their employees to create and manage retirement plans and employee education. We believe in p...
Retirement Readiness: Medicare & Retirement - What You Need to Know Before You Enroll (SPECIAL)
Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re approaching age 65, planning for retirement, or trying to understand how your current coverage fits with what comes next.
In this special episode, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, are joined by Emily O’Halloran, Executive Director of EMP Group, to break down the Medicare decisions that often create the most confusion for retirees and pre-retirees.
The conversation covers when to start planning, how employer coverage and COBRA interact with Medicare, the differences between Parts A, B, C, and D, Medicare Advantage versus Original Medicare...
The Exit Planning Playbook: What Is Exit Planning?
What is exit planning?
Exit planning doesn’t mean you’re ready to sell your business. In fact, starting the conversation years before you plan to step away can give you more time and flexibility to prepare for whatever comes next.
In this video, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, explains why business owners should think about exit planning well before a transition is on the horizon. From reducing the business’s dependence on you and developing key employees to improving processes, profitability, and overall business value, starting early gives you the runway to identify opportunities and make...
Retirement Readiness: From Saving to Spending: The Psychological Shift (Ep. 11)
The transition into retirement brings a new set of financial and personal challenges. After years of focusing on saving and investing, many retirees find that spending their money confidently can be one of the hardest adjustments to make.
In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, share practical retirement planning strategies for creating sustainable income, managing market volatility, and building confidence throughout retirement.
Key Topics Covered:
Retirement Readiness: 7 Big Mistakes People Make Years Before Retirement (Ep. 10)
The few years leading up to retirement are filled with important financial decisions, and avoiding common mistakes can make a meaningful difference in your long-term success.
In this special episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, is joined by Partner Dan Lash, CFP®, AIF®, to discuss some of the biggest retirement planning mistakes they see pre-retirees make and how thoughtful planning can help you avoid them. From tax strategies and Social Security decisions to retirement income planning and coordinating with your professional team, this episode offers practical insights to help you prepare with confidence.
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Retirement Readiness: Managing Retirement Distributions (Ep. 9)
You've spent your career saving for retirement. The next step is learning how to turn those savings into a paycheck that can support the lifestyle you’ want to live. The transition from saving for retirement to living on your savings requires an entirely different approach to financial planning.
In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey series, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the transition from accumulating wealth to living on it. From creating tax-efficient withdrawal strategies and coordinating multiple income sources to managing inflation and preparing for required distributions, this episod...
The 401(k) Playbook: Target Date Funds - Are They Actually the Right Choice?
Target date funds are one of the most popular investment options in 401(k) plans, but are they automatically the right choice for everyone?
In this episode of VLP's 401(k) Playbook, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, breaks down how target date funds work, why they've become a common default investment, and some of the key differences participants should understand before investing.
From glide paths and underlying investment strategies to the distinction between "to retirement" and "through retirement" funds, not all target date funds are created equal.
The right investment approach depends on your goals, tim...
Retirement Readiness: Are You Thriving in Retirement? (Ep. 8)
Retirement is about creating a fulfilling and meaningful next chapter. In this episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey series, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the lifestyle, emotional, and financial adjustments that come with life after the paycheck. From finding purpose and building new routines to managing retirement income sustainably, this episode explores what it takes to thrive during retirement and enjoy the freedom you've worked so hard to achieve.
Key Topics:
The 401(k) Playbook: 401(k) Loans - Helpful Tool or Retirement Killer?
Borrowing from your 401(k) may seem like an easy solution when unexpected expenses arise, but it's important to understand the tradeoffs before tapping into your retirement savings.
In this episode of VLP's 401(k) Playbook, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, discusses how 401(k) loans work, the potential impact on your long-term retirement savings, and why borrowing from your retirement account may cost more than many participants realize.
While a 401(k) loan can be a valuable tool in certain situations, it's not a decision to make lightly.
Visit vlpfa.com to download res...
Retirement Readiness: Your Final Year Before Retirement - Social Security and Medicare (Ep. 7)
Retirement is just 12 months away—are you ready? In the final episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey series, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the key financial and emotional decisions that can help make your transition into retirement a success. From Social Security claiming strategies and Medicare planning to creating a sustainable retirement paycheck and adjusting to life after work, this episode provides practical guidance for navigating your final year with confidence.
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Retirement Readiness: Insurance, Medicare, and Estate Planning (Ep. 6)
As you reach the final decade before retirement, protecting your health, income, and legacy becomes a top priority. Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, dive into the "protection equation," helping you evaluate which safety nets are still necessary and which are simply hidden expenses. From the evolution of long-term care to navigating the complexities of Medicare and trusts, learn how to shield your plan from unexpected derailments.
Key Topics:
Life & Disability Insurance Audit: Why the need for high-premium whole life or group term policies often diminishes as you pay d...Retirement Readiness: Tackling Debt and Taxes Before You Retire (Ep. 5)
Before you can plan for where you want to go, you must establish a clear baseline of your current financial health. Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, discuss the critical first steps of the ten-year countdown to retirement, focusing on the data and thought processes needed to set your baseline.
Key Topics:
The 401(k) Playbook: The 7 Biggest 401(k) Mistakes
What are the biggest 401(k) mistakes? “Whatever the default option is…”
If that’s how you’d describe your 401(k), you’re not alone but it might be costing you more than you realize.
In this episode, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, breaks down seven of the most common 401(k) mistakes. From missing out on employer match to being too conservative early on, it’s how these small mistakes today can make a big difference over time.
Contributing to a 401(k) is a great start but understanding what you’re doing with it is w...
The 401(k) Playbook: 2026 401(k) Contribution Limits
What are the 2026 new contribution limits?
New year, new 401(k) limits!
In this episode, Andrew Fincher, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, walks you through what changed for 2026. Contribution limits are up, which means more opportunity to save in a tax-advantaged way.
These increases may not seem huge year to year, but over time they can make a meaningful difference. At the start of every year, it’s a good reminder to review your contri...
Market Pulse: How Markets Behave During Conflicts
It’s easy to let headlines drive decisions. The challenge is staying grounded in a plan when emotions are running high.
In this episode, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, break down what we’ve historically seen when geopolitical events create volatility and why the market’s initial reaction isn’t always the full story.
From the role of diversification to how quickly markets refocus on earnings and fundamentals, we walk through how we think about these moments and how we guide clients through them, and why that feeling is completely normal and w...
VLP Spotlight: Women's History Month - How Women’s Financial Power Has Evolved
In this special VLP Spotlight episode, we take a step back to look at how far women have come financially and where there’s still work to do.
Not long ago, women couldn’t open a credit card, get a mortgage, or make many financial decisions independently. Today, that landscape looks completely different. Women are building careers, leading businesses, growing wealth, and playing a larger role in financial decision-making than ever before.
But progress doesn’t mean the journey is finished. We talk through the realities that still exist today: from the pay gap and career...
Retirement Readiness: Smart Investing for the Home Stretch (Ep. 4)
Are you a decade away from retirement and wondering if your "set it and forget it" strategy still works? In episode four of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, dive into the critical shift from aggressive growth to strategic preservation. Learn how to evaluate your current asset allocation and build a custom "glide path" that aligns with your specific retirement goals.
Key Topics Covered:
Retirement Readiness: Maximizing Your Retirement Savings (Ep. 3)
In our third episode of our Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, dive deep into the mechanics of saving as you approach the ten-year countdown to retirement. While most people immediately think of their 401(k), a truly resilient plan requires a balance of cash, retirement vehicles, and non-retirement investment accounts.
Key Topics Covered:
Market Pulse: Oil Prices Are Surging - Here's What's Behind It
Oil prices don’t just impact what you pay at the pump. They ripple through the entire economy.
In this clip, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF® and Christopher Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® break down how the conflict in Iran pushed oil prices higher, and why that matters beyond headlines. From inflation to interest rates to consumer behavior, these shifts can have real effects on markets and everyday decision-making.
The big question: is this a short-term shock or something that sticks?
As always, it’s a reminder of the importance of staying diversified and focused on the l...
Retirement Readiness: Defining Your Lifestyle Goals (Ep. 2)
What does "Living Greater" actually look like for you? In episode two of the Retirement Readiness Journey, the VLP team moves from the numbers to the lifestyle. Learn how to translate your retirement dreams into an actionable plan that accounts for everything from healthcare needs to "super fun" travel goals.
Key Topics Covered:
Retirement Goal Setting: Move beyond the "beach" cliché to define the who, what, and where of your next chapter.The "Dimmer Switch" Strategy: Why a phased retirement or scaling back is often more successful than a "hard s...Retirement Readiness: How to Calculate Net Worth and Financial Health (Ep. 1)
Before you can plan your future, you must establish a clear baseline of your current financial health. In this kickoff episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price CFP®, AIF®, and Chris Mellone CFA, CFP®, AIF®, explore the essential steps to take ten years before your target retirement date. From analyzing asset location to auditing your debt, learn how to prepare your portfolio for the long haul.
Key Topics Covered:
Calculating Net Worth: Learn how to organize diverse assets including 401(k)s, TSPs, real estate, and unique collectibles.Strategic Debt Management: U...VLP Spotlight: 2025 Year in Review
In this special "Year in Review" episode, the team at VLP Financial Advisors dives into the biggest accomplishments, market reflections, and firm growth of 2025. They also look ahead to 2026, sharing major initiatives like a new office and an exciting new podcast series. Don't miss this candid conversation about the market's volatility, the impact of legislative changes, and the core values driving the firm's success.
Key Discussions and Takeaways:
One More Year or Retire Now? How to Weigh the Real Tradeoffs
Deciding whether to retire now or work a little longer is one of the most common questions clients bring to our team. In this episode of The Live Greater View, Chris Malone and Dan Lash walk through the financial, emotional, and lifestyle factors that shape this decision. From the impact of one extra year of income to the psychological shift of spending down savings, they share the conversations they have every day with people nearing retirement.
Whether you feel ready to stop working or you’re unsure what life after full-time work would look like, this episode gi...
Tax Changes in 2026
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review recent tax updates and how they could affect your financial plans. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we break down the latest tax law changes in simple terms and share strategies to help you prepare before filing season begins.
From deductions and retirement contributions to new tax brackets and planning opportunities, this conversation helps you understand what’s changing and how to make the most of it.
In this episode, we discuss:
Key tax law updates and...Holiday Spending without breaking the bank
The holidays are a time for giving, celebrating, and connecting—but they can also be a time of financial stress. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we talk about practical ways to plan for holiday spending so you can enjoy the season without worrying about your wallet.
From setting a realistic budget to managing travel, gifting, and unexpected costs, this conversation offers simple steps to help you stay in control and still make the holidays special.
In this episode, we discuss:
Micro-Retirement
What if retirement didn’t just happen once at the end of your career, but instead showed up in smaller breaks throughout your life? In this episode of The Live Greater View, we explore the growing trend of “micro retirements” and what it means for how people are choosing to live, work, and plan for the future.
We look at why more people are taking intentional breaks from work to travel, volunteer, reset, or simply recharge, and how to prepare financially for this kind of lifestyle.
In this episode, we discuss:
5 Questions You Should Ask Your Financial Advisor
Choosing the right financial advisor can have a big impact on your future—but how do you know what to ask? In this episode of The Live Greater View, we walk through five key questions everyone should ask to make sure they’re getting advice that truly supports their goals.
These questions can help you feel more confident, understand how your advisor works, and know exactly what you’re paying for.
In this episode, we discuss:
The most important questions to ask before hiring (or continuing with) a financial advisorHow to clarify what s...Will AI Replace Financial Advisors
Artificial intelligence is becoming more common in financial planning, but what does that mean for the role of human advisors? In this episode of The Live Greater View, we examine how AI is being used in the industry and what it can—and can’t—do for clients.
We look at the balance between technology and personal guidance, and how both can work together to help people reach their financial goals.
In this episode, we cover:
How Long Will My Money Last in Retirement
One of the most common (and anxiety-inducing) questions in retirement planning is: How long will my money last? In this essential episode of The Live Greater View, we dive into the factors that influence the longevity of your retirement savings—and what you can do to take control of your financial future.
This isn’t just about spreadsheets and projections. It’s about lifestyle, choices, and peace of mind.
In this episode, we explore:
Stuck in the Middle: Navigating Life in the Sandwich Generation
Caught between raising kids and caring for aging parents? You're not alone. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we unpack the unique emotional, financial, and logistical challenges of being part of the sandwich generation—and offer guidance for finding balance.
With honest stories and practical strategies, we shed light on a generation that’s feeling stretched thin, yet often overlooked.
In this episode, we explore:
Financial Scams and How to Avoid Them
Think it can’t happen to you? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of The Live Greater View, we pull back the curtain on financial scams that are costing people billions—and reveal exactly how you can avoid becoming the next victim.
Join us as we dive into the deceptive world of fraudsters, with real-life stories and actionable tips that will sharpen your awareness and strengthen your financial defenses.
In this episode, we explore:
The psychology behind why even smart people fall for scamsCommon red flags in phone, email, and online fraudHow scam...Retiring in a Bear Market
Are you ready for retirement — even when the markets aren't? Welcome back to The Live Greater View, the financial planning podcast by VLP Financial Advisors, where we help you live your best life through all of life's financial ups and downs.
In today’s timely episode, Rose Price and Dan Lash, both certified financial planners, tackle the crucial topic of retiring during a bear market. Drawing from real client experiences and decades of expertise, they share strategies to help you manage volatility without sacrificing your retirement goals.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode...
Bonds 101: The Beginner’s Guide to Smarter Investing
Welcome to Live Greater View—the podcast where we break down big financial ideas into clear, actionable insights so you can live with more confidence, clarity, and freedom.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of bonds—what they are, how they work, and why they matter more than you think. Whether you're a beginner or just need a refresher, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you make smarter investment decisions.
Here’s what we cover:
Make Your Tax Season More Successful
Tax season can be stressful, but with the right planning, you can set yourself up for success! In this episode of The Live Greater View, certified financial planners Rose Price and Dan Lash from VLP Financial Advisors share practical insights on how to navigate tax season with confidence.
What you'll learn in this episode:
How life changes—marriage, job changes, stock options—impact your tax situationWhy proactive tax planning is essential and how it differs from tax preparationKey tax law changes to watch for and how they could affect your returnsTips for organizing your docu...Retirement Travel: Making Memories & Maximizing Your Budget
What’s the best way to spend your money in retirement? More and more retirees are choosing experiences over things, prioritizing travel and family time over material purchases. In this episode of The Live Greater View, hosts Rose Price, CFP®, and Chris Malone, CFP®, dive deep into the financial planning strategies that can help you make the most of your retirement travel budget.
Tune in as they discuss:
The growing trend of prioritizing travel over material possessionsHow to budget and plan for travel in retirement without financial stressCommon mistakes retirees make when planning vacations (and how to a...Financial Spring Cleaning
As the seasons change, it's not just our homes that need tidying up—our finances do too! In this episode of VLP Live Greater Podcast, we’re diving into the concept of financial spring cleaning. Just like clearing out clutter from your home, taking stock of your financial situation can set you up for success.
Join us as we discuss:
How to assess your spending plan (not a budget!) and stay on trackThe importance of reviewing your tax withholdings and savings contributionsSmart debt reduction strategies to free up cash flowThe benefits of consolidating old 401(k) accounts and...Advisors Answer: What to do if you're laid off?
Getting laid off is a tough pill to swallow, but it doesn't have to be the end of your financial journey. In this episode of The Live Greater View, produced by VLP Financial Advisors, hosts Rose Price and Chris Millennium dive deep into the timely topic of layoffs and how to navigate them effectively, no matter where you are in your career.
Whether you're just starting out, midway through your professional journey, or nearing retirement, this episode offers valuable insights to help you plan, pivot, and prosper.
Here's what you’ll learn:
Immediate St...Breaking Barriers: Women in Financial Planning
The financial industry is evolving, but one thing remains clear—women are still underrepresented in financial advising. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re bringing together the inspiring women of VLP Financial Advisors to share their journeys, challenges, and successes in the field.
Tune in as we discuss:
How each of our guests found their way into financial planningThe statistics behind women in finance and why more need to enter the fieldThe challenges of balancing career, family, and professional growthThe power of mentorship and collaboration in shaping a successful careerPractical advice for women considering a care...College Financial Considerations in 2025
Making the right college decision is one of the most impactful choices your family will face—and one of the most expensive. Welcome to The Live Greater View, a financial planning podcast from VLP Financial Advisors, where we help clients navigate life, money, and perspective. In this episode, we tackle the complex process of college planning with insights that can shape both your child’s education and your family’s financial future.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Why become a financial advisor
Are you curious about a career in financial planning? Think it's all spreadsheets, investments, and retirement plans? Think again! In this episode of The VLP Live Greater View, host Andrew Fincher sits down with Richard Tam, a standout financial planning student at George Mason University and former VLP intern, to discuss what it really takes to become a financial advisor in today's world.
Richard shares his unique journey into financial planning, from a background in competitive tennis to discovering his passion for helping others navigate the complexities of personal finance. Together, Andrew and Richard explore the evolving...
SECURE 2.0 Act Changes in 2025
Ready to unlock the secrets of the SECURE 2.0 Act and its transformative impact on your retirement planning in 2025? This episode dives into the most critical updates to 401(k) plans and other retirement strategies, equipping you with the tools you need to make smarter financial decisions.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How the SECURE 2.0 Act enhances employer contributions and impacts your savings.New catch-up contribution rules for individuals over 50 and what they mean for your retirement timeline.Key updates on automatic enrollment features and their benefits for younger savers.How these changes aim to...