- 36. Why do people work with Clients Excel?
Today David shares his unique approach to financial planning, emphasizing the importance of trust, simplicity, and community in retirement planning. Discover how his color-coded money system and focus on long-term relationships can help you achieve confidence and clarity in your financial future.
00:00 Introduction and episode overview
02:15 The difference between retirement planning and investment management
04:02 The interconnectedness of financial decisions
06:19 The color-coded money system explained
09:01 The importance of simplicity and clear communication
11:24 Trust, verification, and building confidence
13:07 Creating community and ongoing support in retirement
16:19 The power of brand consistency and trust
20:03 The importance of being there for clients throughout retirement
22:30 What Clients Excel really means
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Investment advisory services offered through CreativeOne Wealth, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Clients Excel and CreativeOne Wealth are unaffiliated entities. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency and do not provide tax or legal advice.
Licensed Insurance Professional. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice.
Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. No Investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Insurance and annuity products are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company
24m - Sep 11, 2026 - 35. What Happens to us when we stop trusting Government & Media?
In this episode, David Treece discusses the importance of trust in financial decision-making, the impact of leadership failures on public trust, and introduces the BLESSED framework to help you assess and improve your financial health and planning.
The BLESSED Retirement Framework
B — Budget What will retirement actually cost?
L — Legacy What do you want to leave behind?
E — Estate Planning Strategies Is everything structured the way you want it?
S — Social Security When and how should you claim?
S — Savings & Investments How should your assets be positioned for retirement?
E — Earnings & Income Where will your retirement income come from?
D — Dream Retirement What are you actually retiring to?
Key points:
- The decline of trust in government and media
- Leadership failures like Watergate and the financial crisis
- The importance of transparency and integrity in finance
- The blessed framework for comprehensive financial planning
- Steps to help overcome cynicism and make informed decisions
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Links from the episode
- Pew Research Center (Public Trust in Government 1958–2024): https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/06/24/public-trust-in-government-1958-2024/
- Gallup Historical Tracking (Confidence in Institutions & Media): https://news.gallup.com/poll/1597/confidence-institutions.aspx
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Benchmark Revisions Analysis): https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cesprelmod.htm
- Proverbs 21:20 (Principles of Reserve & Stewardship): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+21%3A20&version=NIV
- Georgia Man arrested for Ponzi scheme
- https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/alleged-mastermind-165-million-cryptocurrency-ponzi-scheme-facing-federal-charges
27m - Aug 27, 2026 - 34. Did you get a quality Social Security report? (Part 2)
In this 2nd part of a series on Social Security, David Treece explores the complexities of Social Security, including how taxes, cost of living adjustments, and personal assets impact retirement planning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your benefits and planning ahead to help you maximize your retirement income.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Social Security and Retirement Planning
05:56 The Importance of a Social Security Report
07:03 Using SSA.gov and Navigating Benefits
08:05 Impact of Cost of Living and Inflation
09:00 Role of Assets and Budgeting in Retirement
10:06 Dreaming Bigger in Retirement and Lifestyle Planning
11:10 The Power of Responsible Forecasting and Planning
12:08 Market Volatility and Retirement Strategies
12:59 The Value of a Social Security Report and Personal Decisions
14:10 The Importance of Planning for the Unexpected
14:53 Controlling Perspective and Life Balance
15:59 Understanding Provisional Income and Tax Rules
17:05 The Evolution of Social Security Taxation
18:07 Strategies to Help Minimize Tax Impact on Benefits
19:09 How Long Does a Social Security Report Take?
20:07 The Value of Professional Guidance and Personalized Reports
20:55 Stories of Unexpected Benefits and Peace of Mind
22:02 The Potential Cost of Not Planning and Missing Opportunities
23:02 Encouragement to Take Action and Get Your Report
24:03 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Connect
Investment advisory services offered through CreativeOne Wealth, LLC, a Registered
Investment Adviser. Clients Excel and CreativeOne Wealth are unaffiliated entities. We are not
affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government
agency.
This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not
intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment
advice. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. No Investment strategy can
guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Licensed insurance professional. Insurance and
annuity products are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing
insurance company.
25m - Aug 20, 2026 - 33. Did you get a quality Social Security report? (Part 1)
In this first of two episodes, David Treece shares his insights on ways to help you optimize your Social Security benefits through detailed analysis and strategic planning. Learn how to make informed decisions that could significantly impact your retirement income and peace of mind.
Topics covered:
- Social Security benefit calculation and optimization
- Timing strategies for claiming Social Security
- Impact of life expectancy and health on benefits
- Spousal and survivor benefits coordination
- Effect of potential Social Security solvency issues
Takeaways
- Your Social Security benefit is a variable, not a fixed number, and can be optimized.
- Claiming benefits early versus delaying can potentially result in thousands of dollars difference over a lifetime.
- A personalized Social Security report can help you make more informed decisions.
- Waiting until age 70 can increase your benefits by up to 24%.
- You can write a check to reset your benefits if you claim early and then change your mind within the first year.
- Coordinating benefits with your spouse can help you maximize your household income.
- Understanding your full retirement age and the impact of claiming before or after it is crucial.
- Future solvency issues may reduce Social Security benefits, so planning for potential cuts is wise.
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Investment advisory services offered through CreativeOne Wealth, LLC, a Registered
Investment Adviser. Clients Excel and CreativeOne Wealth are unaffiliated entities. We are not
affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government
Agency.
This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not
intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment
advice. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. No Investment strategy can
guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Licensed insurance professional. Insurance and
annuity products are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing
insurance company.
28m - Aug 13, 2026 - 32. What could happen to Social Security in the future?
In this episode, David Treece discusses the future of Social Security, its funding challenges, and what individuals can do to prepare for potential changes. This is essential listening for anyone planning for retirement and wanting to understand the math and options behind Social Security's sustainability.
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Sources:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/07/social-security-taxes-benefits/688042/
https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/federal/latest-federal-income-tax-data-2025/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Social Security's Funding Problem
01:05 Why Social Security Is a Math Problem, Not Politics
02:39 Where Has the Money for Social Security Come From?
03:30 The Trust Fund and Its Challenges
05:16 Options for Addressing the Funding Shortfall
09:21 The Role of Taxes and Government Revenue
10:41 Reducing Benefits and Raising Retirement Age
12:00 The Impact of Borrowing and National Debt
16:23 Potential Solutions and Personal Strategies
22:27 How to help maximize Social Security Benefits and Planning
25:16 How to Get Personalized Social Security Guidance
29m - Aug 6, 2026 - 31. Is Spreading Your Accounts Around Helpful?
In this episode, David Treece discusses the importance of consolidating and organizing your financial accounts to avoid redundancy, confusion, and inefficiency. He shares practical analogies and strategies to help listeners simplify their financial lives and prepare for a successful retirement.
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25m - Jul 30, 2026 - 30. How to overcome your family's financial mindset
David Treece explores the deep-rooted emotional and psychological aspects of money, discussing how childhood experiences, communication, and gratitude influence our financial behaviors and well-being. They share practical insights for fostering healthier money habits and conversations, especially in retirement planning.
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25m - Jul 23, 2026 - 29. 11 Important Moments to Call Your Financial Advisor
In this episode, financial advisor David Treece shares eleven critical moments when you should contact your financial advisor, from health shocks to geopolitical turmoil. Learn how to prepare and respond to life's financial huddles to secure your future.
01:30 Immediate health shock and its financial implications
03:59 Gray divorce and updating estate plans
05:51 Sudden windfalls and beneficiary reviews
08:00 Legislative changes affecting taxes and retirement accounts
09:06 Recognizing scams and verifying wire transfers
10:01 Loss of a spouse and estate considerations
12:56 Unexpected early layoffs and adjusting your plan
14:45 Large financial opportunities and market shifts
16:38 Market meltdowns and the importance of a downside-focused strategy
18:03 The importance of regular communication with your advisor
19:30 Geopolitical turmoil and black swan events
23m - Jul 16, 2026 - 28. Is it too late to switch financial advisors?
Today David tells you why it’s important to switch your financial advisors later in life if you aren’t confident they are going to guide you into this next chapter of life. You’ll learn how to do it smoothly, and how to manage expectations of the new advisor. We discuss common reasons for switching, the process involved, and how to verify a new advisor's credibility.
00:00 Navigating the Transition to Retirement
03:04 The Importance of Communication in Financial Advising
05:52 Understanding the Role of Advisors in Retirement
08:45 Overcoming the Fear of Switching Advisors
11:57 The Risks of Frequent Switching
14:55 Having Difficult Conversations with Advisors
18:01 Setting Expectations with Your Financial Advisor
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28m - Jul 16, 2026 - 27. How AI can help you make better financial decisions
Today David explores the positive applications of artificial intelligence in personal finance, emphasizing simple, value-driven approaches. Guests discuss how AI can enhance financial literacy, decision-making, and time efficiency, while also highlighting the importance of discernment and human oversight.
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00:00 Introduction to AI in Finance
01:05 Learning and Teaching with AI
04:06 Financial Literacy and AI Tools
07:53 Practical Applications of AI in Daily Finances
10:17 AI in Buying Decisions
15:33 Using AI for Problem Solving
19:59 The Human Element in AI Usage
24m - Jul 9, 2026 - 26. The Limitations and Dangers of Artificial Intelligence in Personal Finance
We’re exploring the dark side of AI in personal finance, highlighting risks like drift, hallucination, scams, and over-reliance.Artificial Intelligence has amazing capabilities but also has real limitations so we must have discernment and wisdom when integrating AI tools into financial decisions.
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02:43 The Dark Side of AI: Mistakes and Miscalculations
05:38 Flattery and AI: The Human Element
08:43 Scams and AI: The Pig Butchering Phenomenon
11:39 AI vs Human Advisors: The Importance of Personal Touch
14:54 The Future of AI in Financial Advisory
17:41 Conclusion: Navigating AI in Personal Finance
29m - Jul 2, 2026 - 25. The Traits of the Financially Savvy
David shares key characteristics of financially savvy individuals, effective saving strategies, and how to cultivate a healthy long-term financial mindset. Discover practical tips on automating savings, overcoming cultural pressures, and passing financial wisdom across generations.
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21m - Jun 18, 2026 - 24. The Smart Kid Blueprint: Teaching Financial Wisdom To Your Kids or Grandkids
This episode explores how parents and grandparents can teach children financial literacy through practical steps like saving, spending, and understanding credit. Hosted by Andy Traub with expert advice from David C. Treece, it covers real-life stories, account types, and strategies to foster financial responsibility from a young age.
00:00 Introduction to Financial Education for Kids
05:57 Teaching Kids About Interest and Debt
11:54 The Role of Allowances in Financial Literacy
17:28 The Value of Saving and Financial Education
23:58 Understanding Credit and Its Importance
30:00 Building Financial Independence for Future Generations
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37m - Jun 11, 2026 - 23. How could the elections influence your financial future?
In this episode we explore how political elections influence the stock market, investor emotions, and financial planning strategies.
00:00 Navigating Political Turbulence in Financial Markets
10:06 Understanding the K-Shaped Economy
19:57 Building a Financial Plan for the Future
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- Stock Performance Under Party in Power (Fidelity Analysis): https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/060_www_fidelity_com/documents/fidelity/party-in-power.pdf
- Managing Client Accounts Through US Elections (Fidelity Guide): https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/060_www_fidelity_com/documents/fidelity/election_guide.pdf
- Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (K-Shape Demographics): https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/
- Auto Loan Debt & Average Monthly Payments (LendingTree Statistics): https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/debt-statistics/
- Automotive Industry Trends & Negative Equity Reports (Edmunds Industry Center): https://www.edmunds.com/industry-center/
25m - Jun 4, 2026 - 22. How could the Iran War impact your finances?
This episode explores the current economic climate, focusing on inflation, energy prices, and investment strategies to protect your finances. David Treece shares insights on market opportunities, risk management, and practical steps for financial resilience amid global uncertainties.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Financial Concerns
01:00 Understanding Inflation and Its Impact
04:36 Strategies for Managing Financial Worries
08:18 Avoiding Lazy Money and Investment Strategies
12:03 Opportunities in an Inflationary Environment
15m - May 28, 2026 - 21. What to avoid in a financial advisor
In this episode, David discusses how to identify good and bad characteristics in financial advisors, emphasizing transparency, communication, and client-focused advice. You’ll learn how to make informed decisions when choosing a financial advisor to ensure your financial goals are met effectively.
00:00 Understanding Financial Advisors' Compensation
02:57 Recognizing Urgency and Pressure in Financial Decisions
06:05 The Importance of Communication in Financial Advisory
09:02 Navigating the Transition from Accumulation to Distribution
12:02 Proactivity in Financial Planning and Adjustments
14:57 Setting and Achieving Client Goals
17:57 The Evolution of Financial Advising
21:05 Client Experiences and Testimonials
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22m - May 22, 2026 - 20. What could happen if taxes go up?
In this episode we explore the potential impact of significant tax increases on individuals' work, spending, and investment strategies. David offers practical advice on preparing for future tax scenarios and managing personal finances effectively.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Future Financial Scenarios
01:00 Impact of Increased Taxes on Work and Spending
04:02 The Importance of Growing Your Money
05:49 Practical Steps for Tax Preparation
10:04 Understanding National Debt and Its Implications
12:00 Strategies for Reducing Debt and Tax Burden
https://www.wsj.com/economy/u-s-debt-tops-100-of-gdp-81c013d7?st=44jh1F
17m - May 8, 2026 - 19. The BEST time to make financial decisions
David shares crucial insights on avoiding common pitfalls in financial decision-making, especially around timing. Topics include hasty decisions, sudden wealth, and market timing, providing practical advice to make wiser choices for long-term financial health.
00:00 Introduction to Financial Wisdom
04:05 The Dangers of Hasty Decisions
07:57 Navigating Sudden Wealth
12:55 The Pitfalls of Timing the Market
21:43 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
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21m - May 1, 2026 - 18. When NOT to make financial decisions
In this episode, David shares crucial insights on avoiding common pitfalls in financial decision-making, especially around timing. Topics include hasty decisions, sudden wealth, and market timing, providing practical advice to make wiser choices for long-term financial health.
00:00 Introduction to Financial Wisdom
04:05 The Dangers of Hasty Decisions
07:57 Navigating Sudden Wealth
12:55 The Pitfalls of Timing the Market
21:43 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
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23m - Apr 24, 2026 - 17. How to avoid fear when investing (Part 2)
In this episode, David shares practical strategies to navigate market volatility, emphasizing the importance of planning, understanding market cycles, and managing emotional reactions to market downturns.
00:00 Introduction to Market Volatility
03:00 Understanding Market Timing and Emotional Decisions
06:07 The Importance of Financial Planning
09:01 Different Types of Money and Their Uses
11:53 Historical Perspective on Investing
14:55 Conclusion and Call to Action
17m - Apr 16, 2026
