What if the biggest retirement risks aren’t market crashes, but the quiet mistakes most people never see coming?
In this episode of March to a Million, Greg DuPont unpacks the inspiration behind his new book, The Twenty-Five Biggest Retirement Mistakes, and why so many families enter retirement feeling uncertain despite “doing everything right.” Greg explains why retirement is not simply an extension of the accumulation years, but an entirely different financial phase that requires a different strategy, mindset, and level of coordination.
Greg discusses:
Why accumulation and distribution require completely different financial strategies
The hidden tax traps tied to IRAs, 401(k)s, and required minimum distributions
Why claiming Social Security too early can create long-term financial consequences
Estate planning mistakes families often discover too late
How having a coordinated “financial quarterback” strategy may help reduce uncertainty in retirement
Caring for a family member with a disability touches every part of life, from daily routines to long-term financial survival. What happens to the people who depend on you completely when you are no longer here to protect them?
In this episode, Greg DuPont interviews Mary Anne Ehlert, CFP®, Founder of Protected Tomorrows, about her 38-year mission helping families plan for loved ones with disabilities. She shares how her personal experience as a sister, mother, and caregiver shaped her conviction that families cannot navigate this alone, and why the professionals they turn to are rarely equipped to help.
Mary Anne walks through the critical role of special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and proper estate documents, and explains why a social worker and financial professional working together changes everything for these families.
Key takeaways:
Turning personal caregiving experiences into a mission to support families facing similar challenges
Recognizing gaps in financial and legal guidance for families with loved ones with disabilities
Building structured plans that include trusts, benefits, and long-term care considerations
Supporting caregivers by prioritizing their well-being alongside their loved ones
Creating systems that document personal details to maintain continuity of care
Mary Anne Ehlert is a nationally recognized expert in special needs planning. As a Partner of Simplicity Group and Founder of Protected Tomorrows, a Simplicity Group commitment, she leads the organization in providing advocacy, education, and planning support to families with loved ones who have disabilities.
Mary Anne founded Protected Tomorrows more than 35 years ago after her family’s personal journey with special needs planning for her sister Marcia’s future revealed a lack of available resources. She has since dedicated her life to building those resources for others.
Prior to founding the company, Mary Anne spent over two decades in corporate financial services. Today, she speaks at national conferences, hosts educational webinars, and leads virtual training programs for families and caregivers of people with special needs and disabilities.
Mary Anne has served on the boards of several disability-focused organizations, including the National Disability Institute, Special Olympics Illinois, a SEDOL Foundation and Gateway to Learning. She currently serves on the boards of the Special Olympics Illinois Foundation, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation, Integrative Touch, and the Tails for Life Advisory Board.
Mary Anne resides in Barrington, Illinois with her life partner and her three pups. She is a proud mother of three stepsons, one who lives independently and shares his life experiences with his peers with disabilities.
What if one moment could redefine your life’s mission?
Greg DuPont shares the story behind his new book, March to a Million, a vision born from his own near-death experience as a “blue baby” and a lifetime of seeing families lose control over their finances because of fragmented advice.
Together with co-host Matt Halloran, Greg explores how the Wealth Solutions Network (WSN) is training attorneys to step beyond traditional legal roles and become true financial advocates. They discuss the 4D Estate Plan, a proprietary system that helps families document, defend, and deliver their legacy while avoiding costly tax and probate mistakes.
What to expect:
The origin of Greg’s “March to a Million” mission
The dangers of financial fragmentation
How to make longevity a blessing, not a curse
Why “Wealth Under Alignment” replaces “Assets Under Management”
What happens when attorneys stop working next to financial advisors and start working with them?
Greg DuPont dives into the next evolution of the Wealth Solutions Network: regional attorney-advisor teams trained in the Financial Advocate model. He exposes the tension that’s long plagued professional estate planners who feel sidelined, advisors who feel unsupported, and reveals a better path forward built on mutual trust, shared responsibility, and aligned outcomes.
Greg also breaks down the real reason collaboration often fails (hint: it’s not about revenue splits), and explains how letting go of control can actually increase influence, effectiveness, and income. He shares a live client case that proves how powerful it is when legal and financial minds row in the same direction with the 4D Estate Plan as their compass.
What to expect:
The hidden insecurity behind control-seeking professionals
How family office thinking can transform small firms
The advisor’s mindset vs. the attorney’s wiring
A case study showing the 4D Plan in action with seven kids, charitable intent, and major tax savings
In this episode, Greg DuPont discusses his latest venture: the “Retirement Tax Trap.” Discover how this new development is set to revolutionize client interactions for Wealth Solutions Network (WSN) members, offering a unique lead generation tool through comprehensive estate planning strategies.
Greg shares insights on:
The development and purpose of “The Retirement Tax Trap” [01:09]
Creating alignment within law practices [03:16]
The importance of focus in targeting the right market [04:02]
Utilizing the book within a lead generation system [07:30]
Optimizing consumer outreach through webinars and marketing [12:08]
Is real estate still a good investment for your portfolio?
Join Greg DuPont as he chats with Taylor Vick, Director of the Commercial Real Estate division of Foothills and Blue Ridge Asset Management about the smart ways real estate can diversify your investments and provide significant returns. Get the scoop on valuing your assets and how ongoing valuations can play a game-changing role for your financial future!
Tune in to discover:
[00:01:29] Introduction to Taylor Vick and Blue Ridge Asset Management
[00:03:01] Exploring property management and real estate syndication
[00:05:54] Understanding business valuation and its cross-industry relevance
[00:09:56] The importance of defensible valuations for estate planning
[00:17:22] How exit strategies in real estate can maximize value
[00:23:21] Alternative investments: Real estate syndicates explained
This episode is jam-packed with actionable insights tailored for anyone navigating real estate investments and comprehensive financial strategies.
Taylor is the Director of the Commercial Real Estate division of Foothills and Blue Ridge Asset Management. Currently managing over $100 million in assets, Taylor leads Blue Ridge to create custom portfolios for investors to achieve their lifestyle goals.
Blue Ridge oversees financing, due diligence, pro forma analysis, acquisition, property management, accounting, value add and disposition for client portfolios.
When Taylor is not helping his clients with their commercial needs, he can be found on the golf course or spending time with his wife Rachel and two children.
What does it take to redefine financial security in today’s world?
In this episode of “March to a Million,” Greg DuPont chats with John Broyles from OneAmerica Financial to explore the evolving landscape of long-term care (LTC) insurance and its impact on financial planning. Greg and John dive into the complexities of long-term care options, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting innovative solutions like hybrid LTC insurance. They share personal stories to underscore the real-life effects of financial planning and discuss strategies that offer greater protection and peace of mind, like unlimited LTC benefits and strategic use of qualified funds.
John discusses:
(04:53) The importance of addressing long-term care planning proactively
(08:34) The evolution from traditional to hybrid LTC insurance
(19:26) How OneAmerica Financial creates personalized solutions for clients
(21:10) Tax advantages for business owners investing in LTC policies
John Broyles, CFP® serves as a Concierge Specialist for OneAmerica Financial. John brings a range of experiences garnered through living abroad, working with mutual fund and insurance companies, and as a financial advisor.
What happens when business owners overlook the vital details of their buy-sell agreements?
In this episode, Greg DuPont sits down with David Foster, Director of Advanced Planning for Simplicity Group, to unravel the complexities of business succession planning and how recent legal changes can impact entrepreneurs. Discover why many business owners need to rethink their buy-sell agreements and protect their wealth from unforeseen tax implications like those highlighted in the recent Conley case.
Greg and David discuss:
(04:14) The importance of regular review and updates to buy-sell agreements
(05:51) How the Conley case could change estate tax valuations and why business owners should care
(09:59) Practical steps advisors can take to safeguard their clients’ interests
(14:06) Various complex solutions available for high-net-worth individuals and business succession planning
(21:07) Common mistakes for small business owners trying to minimize taxes and how to avoid aggressive tax strategies
And more
Tune in to gain clarity on essential financial strategies and learn how attorneys can better serve their clientele with advanced planning techniques. Don’t miss out on these critical insights that could save you and your clients from potential financial buy-sell oversights.
David Foster is the Director of Advanced Planning for Simplicity Group. David focuses on wealth transfer, business succession planning, charitable planning, and executive compensation planning.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are a crucial and essential aspect of retirement planning, yet how they work is an often misunderstood concept.
How do RMDs impact your financial strategy, and what can you do to manage them effectively? Are there ways that attorneys can better serve their clients by understanding the nuances of RMDs?
In this episode, host Greg DuPont defines and explains the concept of RMDs, their significance, and strategies for managing them effectively to benefit your financial plan. He emphasizes the importance of proactive planning in order to take these payments into account and not be surprised later down the line. He also unpacks the important role of attorneys in educating and in guiding their clients through these financial decisions.
Greg discusses:
Definition and Importance: What RMDs are and why they matter in retirement planning
Tax Implications: How RMDs affect taxable income and the potential for higher tax brackets in retirement
Strategies for Management: Options like Roth conversions and other methods to minimize tax impact
Role of Attorneys: How estate planning attorneys can help clients navigate RMDs and improve their financial outcomes
Estate planning is evolving and Wealth Solutions Network (WSN) 2.0 is at the forefront of this transformation.
With these changes underway, how can estate planning attorneys enhance their practice and better serve their clients? What changes are necessary to achieve greater professional satisfaction and client value?
In this episode, host Greg DuPont discusses the evolution of WSN into its 2.0 version. Starting by defining what this 2.0 version entails, Greg shares insights on the challenges faced by estate planning attorneys and the solutions WSN 2.0 offers to overcome them. This episode also highlights the importance of trust-based client relationships and the need for continuous improvement in the legal profession.
Greg discusses:
The key learnings from the first year of WSN and the challenges faced by members
The importance of obtaining an insurance license and the time commitment required
The shift in focus to a more streamlined and scripted process for client interactions
The introduction of nationwide estate planning webinars as a lead source for WSN members
The emphasis on trust-based selling and building strong client relationships
The vision for WSN 2.0 to accommodate more members and create a significant impact in the estate planning community
