What do a superstar athlete and your retirement plan have in common? In this episode of the Vision Wealth Podcast, Ben and Megan Smith break down the concept of deferred income—using Shohei Otani’s headline-making contract as a springboard for real-world retirement strategies. Discover how deferral can impact taxes, income, and legacy planning, and why the right approach depends on your personal goals. From tax-deferred accounts to annuities and Social Security timing, learn how to weigh the options and make decisions that fit your vision for the future. Tune in for practical insights, relatable stories, and expert guidance.

Schedule your discovery call with Ben to help calculate the future costs of current decisions at MyVisionWealth.com or call or text 503-831-9011.

Like us on Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the days get shorter and the year winds down, it’s not just your home that needs a seasonal checkup—your finances do too. In this episode of the Vision Wealth Podcast, Ben and Megan Smith share their essential end-of-year financial checklist, from budgeting and tax planning to Roth conversions, charitable giving, and RMD strategies. Discover why even high earners need guardrails, how to make the most of charitable donations, and what steps can help you start the new year strong. Tune in for practical tips, candid stories, and a dose of humor to make financial planning feel less daunting.

Schedule your discovery call with Ben to help calculate the future costs of current decisions at MyVisionWealth.com or call or text 503-831-9011.

Like us on Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think your investment accounts are quietly working for you? They might be quietly bleeding value. Ben and Megan Smith break down the hidden fees and underperforming products—from variable annuities to whole life insurance—that could be costing you more than you realize. This episode explores why understanding the fine print matters, how small details can add up over time, and why finding a trusted advisor is key. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or want expert help, learn how to spot red flags and make informed decisions that fit your goals.

Schedule your discovery call with Ben to help calculate the future costs of current decisions at MyVisionWealth.com or call or text 503-831-9011.

Like us on Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the American dream still within reach, or has it become a luxury reserved for a few? Ben and Megan Smith tackle the true cost of family, education, and retirement, exploring how shifting priorities and smart planning can help redefine financial success. This episode dives into the impact of social media, the value of freedom, and why aligning your money with your values matters more than ever. Discover how habits, mindset, and personal goals shape your journey—because the dream isn’t just about numbers, it’s about what matters most to you.

Schedule your discovery call with Ben to help calculate the future costs of current decisions at MyVisionWealth.com or call or text 503-831-9011.

Like us on Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do dating and financial planning have in common? More than you think! In this episode, Ben Smith, president and lead wealth advisor at Vision Wealth, and his wife Megan Smith unpack the emotional layers of money talk—from transparency in relationships to bridging communication gaps between partners. This candid conversation reveals how trust, honesty, and shared goals can transform financial planning into a team sport. Whether you're the spreadsheet lover or the silent partner, this episode offers insights that go far beyond the numbers.

Schedule your discovery call with Ben to help calculate the future costs of current decisions at MyVisionWealth.com or call or text 503-831-9011.

Like us on Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben and Megan Smith of Vision wealth discuss the U.S. Mint’s decision to stop stamping pennies and how they rarely use cash. Then Ben talks about tools in people’s financial plans, such as mutual funds, that do not have the rate of returns they used to have. Ben also talks about refinancing annuities, since interest rates have increased and how no one tool is right for everyone. Ben explains how he puts a lot of effort into crafting plans and how financial strategies sometimes are worth their high fees. Megan then explains how she and Ben often have that same mindset with buying nice items for the house that end up lasting a long time.

Schedule your discovery call with Ben to help calculate the future costs of current decisions at MyVisionWealth.com or call or text 503-831-9011.

Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben and Megan Smith of Vision Wealth talk about how Welsh soccer team Wrexham has gained almost 100 times its value in the nearly five years that Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McIlhenney have owned it. Ben discusses the importance of patience and the realization that one has to put in if they expect to get a return. Then Ben breaks down a deferred tax strategy and how that can help people who make big profit off of sales. He explains the process and how Vision Wealth determines if that process is right for someone. And Megan explains the lessons she and Ben teach their teenage daughter on the value of money and how they have to delay gratification sometimes. Ben and Megan also talk about taking the boat out on the river and why they prefer it to be less crowded out there.

Schedule your discovery call with Ben to help calculate the future costs of current decisions at MyVisionWealth.com or call or text 503-831-9011.

Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben and Megan Smith talk about the phone call to partner with a car dealer that Nick Saban says changed his life and could soon make him a billionaire. Ben relates this to his deferred tax strategy and the potential savings it creates. But Ben also shares how some people are leery, because it seems too good to be true. So Ben and Megan talk about the importance of trust between advisors and clients and how finding that trust and spark could lead to a very prosperous relationship. They also compare this to the spark in cheerleading-coaching that Megan finds with some of her teammates.

Schedule your discovery call with Ben to help calculate the future costs of current decisions at MyVisionWealth.com or call or text 503-831-9011.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/myvisionwealth

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.