Your Path to Real Wealth: Recent Episodes
Blue Barn Wealth
Do you ever feel like your life and money are misaligned with your values? Join your hosts from Blue Barn Wealth® to explore how to achieve real wealth, which they define as the sum quality of our values, relationships, health, sense of purpose, time, charitable giving, legacy and more. They and their guests will share personal experiences and insights about how to live a more simple, intentional, and meaningful life. In doing so, they hope you’ll find greater fulfillment on your path to real wealth.
When it comes to alternative investments and deciding how to diversify your portfolio, how much you should be investing, and the risk that comes with it, you need an expert to help guide the way.
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, Ph.D. CFP®, are joined by Dave Jensen, an expert in the alternative investment space. Around three years ago Dave co-founded a private investment firm called Sandlot Partners, focused on two key areas: experts and alignment.
Dave discusses:
- Some alternative ways you can diversify your portfolio
- Some drawbacks when considering the risks that come with these types of investments
- Alignment and what that means for Sandlot Partners
- Some of his successful alternative investments
- And more
Connect with Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
Connect with Dave Jensen:
- LinkedIn: Dave Jensen
- Sandlot Partners
About Our Guest:
Dave Jensen is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Sandlot Partners, an independent private investment firm. Sandlot partners with exceptional founders and management owners who believe in the long-term potential of their business and provides them with growth capital, strategic guidance, and/or partial liquidity. Sandlot’s investors include family offices and strategic individuals that provide patient capital and seek strong alignment.
Dave is a Co-Founder of Beacon Data, an expert data strategy and implementation consultant serving the private equity community. Helping tech and business leaders solve pain points and drive value through modern data infrastructure, analytics, and AI. Guiding light to companies serious about digital transformation and turning data into a strategic advantage.
Dave enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Liz and their 5 children. In addition to being an avid golfer, skier, hiker, and movie watcher, Dave is a former professional baseball player (KC Royals 3rd-round pick). Dave also volunteered and worked in Latin America over 3 years where he became passionate about and keeps up with the amazing people, culture, and Spanish language.
You could have the best financial plan only to worry when dealing with an emergency. How can you avoid feeling uncertain about your plan before that happens?
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, Ph.D., CFP®, focus on what comprehensive financial planning means and what it looks like for clients. They explore strategies to focus a financial plan on the client’s needs and goals while sharing tips to prevent miscommunication with loved ones in case of an emergency.
Jeff and Ben discuss:
- The value of a comprehensive financial plan
- The role of an advisor in building a client’s dream future
- What’s included in a comprehensive financial plan
- How estate planning benefits from a comprehensive financial plan
- And more
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
Wouldn’t it be incredible to learn about the economics in life through an outdoor experience that allows you to immerse yourself in a curriculum that helps young adults fully become responsible with their money in life? In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, Ph.D., CFP® are joined by BYU Professor Mark … Continue reading Exploring A Better Economic Life Through Outdoor Experiences with Mark Widmer (Ep. 21) →
Do you have a side business, or are you an entrepreneur looking for a way to save independently for retirement? Are you aware of the inner workings of a solo 401k and how it differs from a regular 401k? We have the answers you need! In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin … Continue reading Solo 401k Planning with Rachel Nabers (Ep. 20) →
Are you a property investor looking to maximize your profits while minimizing your tax liability? Join Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, Ph.D., CFP® for this exciting new episode that dives deep into the world of 1031 exchanges. Listen in as they are joined by Lonnie Nielson, a specialist in 1031 exchanges and … Continue reading Discover The Power of 1031 Exchanges with Lonnie Nielson (Ep. 19) →
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed about money? Does the pursuit of wealth feel empty — like no amount of money can make you truly happy? According to today’s guest, the solution lies in financial education that focuses on resourcefulness rather than just math. In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and … Continue reading How to Live a Life You Love With the Resources You Have with Sarah Newcomb (Ep. 18) →
Estate planning stretches far beyond managing your finances. It includes planning for your future, your legacy, and how your wishes will affect your loved ones. In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, Ph.D., CFP® are joined by Stanford McCullough, J.D., LL.M., CFP® to discuss his new role at Blue Barn Wealth … Continue reading Beyond Finances: Estate Planning with Stanford McCullough (Ep. 17) →
Have you ever thought about what would happen to your income if you suddenly became unable to work due to illness or injury? Disability insurance can protect your income and provide a safety net for a time just like that. In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, Ph.D., CFP® are joined … Continue reading A Simplified Guide to Disability Insurance with Bart Spencer (Ep. 16) →
When considering whether an annuity would be worthwhile for you, some questions you might ask yourself are why would I choose an annuity over just having a taxable brokerage account? What benefits could it provide for me? How can I differentiate between the different types of annuities, and why would I go through all the … Continue reading What to Consider When Evaluating An Annuity with Jackson Bradley (Ep. 15) →
Relationships are seen as the cornerstone of living a full and happy life. They are vital to mental and emotional well-being and even survival, so why don’t we pay more attention to them? In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, Ph.D., CFP® are joined by Dr. Scott Anderson, a marriage and … Continue reading The Secret Sauce to Positive Relationships with Dr. Scott Anderson (Ep. 14) →
Currently, in the United States, the rate of charitable donations has grown to nearly $500 billion a year. While corporations do their fair share of contributing, two-thirds of that total comes from individuals.
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Ph.D., CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, Ph.D., CFP®, discuss how you can make your charitable contributions as tax-efficient as possible. They discuss a number of reasons you might want to consider charitable giving and how you can benefit from making charitable donations from your retirement accounts.
Jeff and Benjamin discuss:
- Different charitable entities you can donate to and how they affect the strategies you can use to save on taxes
- How you can use a donor-advised fund to separate your contributions over time
- How you can strategize selling a private business or real estate with charitable giving for a more tax-efficient process
- And more
Resources:
- A Donor Advised Fund For All Your Charitable Needs With Dan Blake (Ep.9)
- Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism — America’s Charity Divide — Who Gives, Who Doesn’t, and Why It Matters By Arthur Brooks
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
When planning for your retirement we like to ask the important questions, check your portfolio and gather all the information necessary prior to offering you a plan. When it comes to retirement, a one size fits all mindset can cause you to miss out on unique opportunities specific to your situation.
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, PhD, CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, PhD, CFP®, discuss a number of investment strategies such as contributing to a Roth IRA or a 401K and which one will work best for you based on your unique situation. Join us as you start your ideal retirement planning to live out your golden years the way you desire.
Jeff and Benjamin discuss:
- How a Roth IRA might be the best account type for you
- How to determine your retirement planning steps based on your age
- The tax advantages you can gain depending on the type of account
- How you can determine the right amount and way to save for retirement
- And more
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
Do you have children or grandchildren who have yet to graduate from high school? Are you wondering how you can offer them a timeless gift this year that supports their future goals?
Investing in a 529 plan might just be the perfect fit for you.
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, PhD, CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, PhD, CFP®, talk with Richard Ellis, executive director at my529 to discuss what exactly a 529 plan is, how it compares to other savings plans and why you should start investing sooner rather than later. He also talks about transferring it from one beneficiary to another and what will happen to the plan if it is not used for education.
Richard discusses:
- The benefits of having a 529 plan depending on the state you live in
- How you can get a tax advantage on education expenses by investing in a 529 plan
- Some reasons people start a 529 plan early for their children
- And more
Connect With Richard Ellis:
- LinkedIn: Richard Ellis
- my529
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
About Our Guest:
Richard Ellis is a seasoned professional with experience working at all levels of state and local government. His primary expertise is in investment of public funds, debt issuance and budgeting. Richard has extensive experience speaking and training large and small groups. He has served on several boards and commissions helping develop policy and strategic initiatives. Richard also has experience working with various constituencies to find solutions to problems and continue the advancement of programs.
Do you know what it means to “win” at insurance? If you’ve never thought about insurance in this light or have not considered how insurance can help during moments of high stress, you may want to tune in to this week’s episode.
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, PhD, CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, PhD, CFP®, talk with Todd Erkis, author and professor at St. Joseph’s University to discuss how you can reformat the idea of insurance in your eyes so that you have the protection you need, when you need it. From car to life insurance, it is important to know how these plans work so that you feel confident when the time comes to tap into this area of your portfolio.
Todd discusses:
- When is the right time to lock in an insurance plan
- How to understand deductibles and choosing the right deductible level
- The right time to approach your insurance company with a claim
- The decisions involved in life insurance and how to identify your needs
- And more
Resources:
- Saint Joseph’s University
- What Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know: An Insider Shows You How to Win at Insurance By Todd Erkis
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
Connect With Todd Erkis:
- LinkedIn: Todd Erkis
About Our Guest:
Todd Erkis is currently living a lifelong dream teaching finance and risk management at St. Joseph’s University.
He is the author of “What Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know – An Insider Shows You How to Win at Insurance” available at Amazon.com.
He is also, a life actuary with experience in M&A, pricing, financial projections, annuity and life products including variable annuities (VA) and VA hedging.
Creating a donor advised fund (DAF) means building a wealth account for charitable giving. How can you increase flexibility for yours and your families charitable contributions?
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, PhD, CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, PhD, CFP®, speak with Dan Blake, a managing director of University Impact, on creating flexible donor advised funds and creating family inclusive charitable contributions.
Dan discusses:
- What a donor advised fund is
- How University Impact’s triple DAF increase flexibility for their clients donations
- How parents can involve their children in charitable giving
- Why people do or don’t donate
- And more
Connect With Dan Blake:
- University Impact
- LinkedIn: Dan Blake
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
About Our Guest:
Daniel’s background is in building and scaling startups. He started his first company, EcoScraps, in 2010 and sold it to a Fortune 1,000 company (Scott’s Miracle Gro) after 4 years. He has been on the board for two companies that have sold to publicly traded companies.
Donating to a charitable organization, volunteering at a shelter or just giving to your neighbor, even the smallest actions can make a difference in someone’s life.
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, PhD, CFP®, CFA, and Benjamin Cummings, PhD, CFP®, talk with Paul MacArthur, partner at MacArthur, Heder and Metler and co-founder of A Child’s Hope Foundation. They explore ways to make a difference in the world and the small actions that lead to greater experiences for the next generation.
Paul discusses:
- How A Child’s Hope Foundation got started
- Why he focuses on orphanages
- How he involves his children in volunteering and charitable giving
- The first step in making a difference in someone’s life is taking action
- His personal stories about taking small actions to create a joyful moment in someone’s life
- And more
Connect With Paul MacArthur:
- Paul MacArthur
- MacArthur, Heder and Metler
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
About Our Guest:
Paul MacArthur is the founding partner of MacArthur, Heder & Metler, PLLC. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in English with a minor in business finance from Brigham Young University, a juris doctorate from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU, and a master of science in taxation degree (LL.M.), with honors, from the Washington School of Law.
His practice is focused on business formation, maintenance, contracts, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, succession planning, taxation, estate planning, non-profit organizations, and adoption. Paul is co-founder of A Child’s Hope Foundation, a non-profit public charity dedicated to improving the standard of care for orphaned children in third-world countries. He has also served and is serving as an officer and board member for many other non-profit entities.
Choosing an advisor for your financial journey should mean partnering with someone who makes you feel comfortable.
In this episode, Jeff, Benjamin, and Hyrum discuss some of their investing strategies that can help you achieve your long-term financial goals, such as enjoying a comfortable retirement.
Jeff, Benjamin, and Hyrum discuss:
- Why the average investor over the last few decades made a much lower return than what the markets would’ve allowed them to achieve
- The first steps they take when working with new investors
- Why you should diversify your investments, especially when pursuing long-term goals
- The dangers of being an overconfident and undereducated investor
- And more
Resources:
- The Blue Barn Wealth Way: Key Offerings and Expertise (Ep.6)
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Hyrum Smith
At Blue Barn Wealth, your goals influence everything we do.
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Benjamin Cummings, and Hyrum Smith discuss how they are helping people like you achieve long-term goals. They will become your financial partner and help you bring your financial plan all together using the 12 key services they offer.
Jeff, Benjamin, and Hyrum discuss:
- How they help people like you find their inspiration to lead a more fulfilling life
- Why financial planning and living a simpler life go hand in hand
- What you can expect in your first financial planning session with their team
- 12 services they offer and which one best suits your needs
- And more
Resources:
- Your Path to Real Wealth: What Is Real Wealth? (Ep.5)
- Overview of Blue Barn Wealth’s Services
Connect with Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Hyrum Smith
What does it mean to achieve Real Wealth?
In the most simple terms, it means to increase the value of more than just your investments.
In this episode, Jeff Brimhall, Benjamin Cummings, and Hyrum Smith discuss the meaning and purpose of Blue Barn Wealth’s slogan, “Live Within Your Meaning,” and how they implement its message into the lives of people like you.
Jeff, Benjamin, and Hyrum discuss:
- How they implement their slogan, “Live Within Your Meaning,” into their business practice
- The strategies they use which can contribute to your wealth in whatever form that may be
- Why you need to broaden your view of wealth to include more than just your investments
- How creating Real Wealth can allow you to lead a simpler and more intentional life
- And more
Resources:
- Your Path to Real Wealth: The Meaning Behind Blue Barn Wealth (Ep.4)
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Hyrum Smith
The name of a business is the face of the business. That is why the founders of Blue Barn Wealth meticulously created and decided on its name.
In this episode, the three founders of Blue Barn Wealth, Jeff Brimhall, Benjamin Cummings, and Hyrum Smith, share their experience of naming their company, with the criteria of being simple, searchable and easy to remember to draw people to their services. They also explain the concerns they had to overcome about people understanding their story.
Jeff, Benjamin and Hyrum discuss:
- The story and meaning behind the name ‘Blue Barn Wealth’
- The origin of their partnership
- And more
Resources:
- Your Path to Real Wealth: Meet Hyrum Smith (Ep.3)
Connect With Blue Barn Wealth:
- info@bluebarnwealth.com
- (801) 466-4101
- Blue Barn Wealth
- LinkedIn: Jeff Brimhall
- LinkedIn: Benjamin Cummings
- LinkedIn: Hyrum Smith
- LinkedIn: Blue Barn Wealth
- Facebook: Blue Barn Wealth
- Twitter: Blue Barn Wealth
- Instagram: Blue Barn Wealth
Now that you have met two of the show’s hosts, it is time to meet the third partner of Blue Barn Wealth! In this episode, a managing partner at Blue Barn Wealth, Hyrum Smith, discusses what brought him to the financial services profession and how his education allows him to help clients create Real Wealth. … Continue reading Meet Hyrum Smith, PhD, CFP®, CPA (Ep.3) →
Benjamin loves working with anybody who wants to improve their financial situation. In this episode, Benjamin Cummings, a partner at Blue Barn Wealth, provides insight about who he is and how he helps make a difference for others seeking financial advice. Benjamin discusses: His journey to becoming a financial advisor How he strives to make … Continue reading Meet Benjamin Cummings, PhD, CFP® (Ep.2) →
Introducing Your Path to Real Wealth! In this inaugural episode, Jeff Brimhall, PhD, CFP®, CFA, a managing partner at Blue Barn Wealth, shares insight into his life personally and professionally. Jeff discusses: His journey to becoming a financial advisor How he can help you reach your long term financial goals What he does outside of … Continue reading Meet Jeff Brimhall, PhD, CFP®, CFA (Ep.1) →