On this episode of the Power Up Wealth podcast, James Derrick sits down with Brandi Romero to share practical steps to protect your personal information and clean up your inbox. They discuss why it only takes one click to cause major damage, how decluttering your email helps you spot threats faster, and the biggest red flags to watch for—urgency, odd language, suspicious links, and sender addresses that don’t match.

Their top advice: slow down, hover before you click, never trust links you weren’t expecting, and when in doubt, go directly to the source or pick up the phone. A cleaner inbox and a cautious approach can go a long way in keeping your financial life secure.

In this cautionary podcast episode, Parker Thompson, a private wealth manager, shares a distressing story of a client who fell victim to an elaborate online romance scam. After losing his wife, 'Bill' was targeted by 'Melinda,' who exploited his loneliness and financial security. Over months, she convinced him to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme, draining his savings, and maxing out loans. Only after a financial advisor intervened, was the true nature of the scam revealed. Key red flags included unsolicited online contact, reluctance to meet in person, and pressure to invest. Listeners are warned to remain vigilant and seek advice to avoid such traps.

The demise of the penny has hidden implications for your wallet. I’m Mikal Aune, Executive Vice President of Smedley Financial. Today, we will be talking with our President, James Derrick, about the demise of the penny and the hidden impact on your wallet.

In this episode of the SFS Power Up Wealth Podcast, James Derrick and Mikal Aune discuss the surprising financial strategy of giving away wealth to preserve and grow it. Mikal highlights the transformative power of giving, emphasizing that teaching heirs to donate money and time can instill a deeper understanding of money's potential for good. By shifting focus from personal gain to community impact, individuals often rethink their relationship with money and its role. Mikal also discusses how these charitable actions are not about the size of the donation but about fostering values that can transform inherited wealth.

In this podcast episode, James Derrick and Parker Thompson discuss how to prepare for unexpected life events such as death, disability, or divorce, which can significantly alter one's financial landscape. Parker emphasizes the importance of having essential documents like wills, trusts, and medical directives ready and accessible. They also highlight the often-overlooked area of digital assets, stressing the necessity of keeping track of online accounts and passwords securely. Parker recommends maintaining a detailed inventory of financial assets and ensuring loved ones know the stories and values behind one's financial decisions to facilitate smoother transitions.

In this episode of the Power Up Wealth Podcast, financial expert Jordan Hadfield shifts the conversation from typical monetary subjects to the invaluable nature of time. He explores how, at the age of 40, he's come to recognize the fleeting nature of time, particularly with aging parents and growing children. Jordan emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time with loved ones over work, valuing moments that create lasting memories. By understanding time as a currency and spending it wisely, we can lead more fulfilling lives. He advocates for intentional living without stress, which enhances both personal happiness and financial decision-making.

The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' passed on July 4, 2025, brings nuanced changes to tax policy. Major takeaways include the indefinite continuation of tax cuts from 2017 and slight increases to the standard deduction, now indexed to inflation. Among the bill's varied effects, the SALT deduction cap rises to $40,000, mainly benefiting itemizers. Social Security taxes remain unchanged, but a new temporary senior bonus deduction offers slight relief. While businesses gain from returning depreciation benefits, American families see minor adjustments with the child tax credit increase, and the introduction of 'Trump accounts' for newborns, seeded with $1,000 from the government.

The threat of cyber-attacks, scams, and just simply being taken advantage of continues to be a major concern.

Welcome, I’m James Derrick, and today, I will be joined by Mikal Aune to discuss allowing your financial advisor to be your financial bodyguard.