The Live Greater View
Welcome to “The Live Greater View” podcast. The official podcast of VLP Financial Advisors. VLP Financial Advisors is an independent, full-service wealth services firm, with over $1.2B in AUA through Cetera Advisor Networks as of 1/31/23, with clients located nationwide. Our professionals work with families and individuals on financial planning, investment management, and retirement planning, as well as with corporate clients and their employees to create and manage retirement plans and employee education. We believe in partnering with our clients to help them align their financial decisions with their goals and vision for the future, so they can live greater at ever...
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VLP Spotlight: Women's History Month - How Women’s Financial Power Has Evolved
<p>In this special VLP Spotlight episode, we take a step back to look at how far women have come financially and where there’s still work to do.<br/><br/>Not long ago, women couldn’t open a credit card, get a mortgage, or make many financial decisions independently. Today, that landscape looks completely different. Women are building careers, leading businesses, growing wealth, and playing a larger role in financial decision-making than ever before.<br/><br/>But progress doesn’t mean the journey is finished. We talk through the realities that still exist today: from the pay gap and career pau...
Retirement Readiness: Smart Investing for the Home Stretch (Ep. 4)
<p>Are you a decade away from retirement and wondering if your "set it and forget it" strategy still works? In episode four of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, dive into the critical shift from aggressive growth to strategic preservation. Learn how to evaluate your current asset allocation and build a custom "glide path" that aligns with your specific retirement goals.<br/><br/><b>Key Topics Covered:</b></p><b>Understanding Market Corrections: </b>A look at historical data on market declines—including 10% annual corrections and 20...
Retirement Readiness: Maximizing Your Retirement Savings (Ep. 3)
<p>In our third episode of our Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, dive deep into the mechanics of saving as you approach the ten-year countdown to retirement. While most people immediately think of their 401(k), a truly resilient plan requires a balance of cash, retirement vehicles, and non-retirement investment accounts.<br/><br/><b>Key Topics Covered:</b></p><b>The New Rule for Emergency Savings: </b>Why the traditional "3 to 6 months" rule of thumb has evolved in the era of instant digital banking, and how to set...
Market Pulse: Oil Prices Are Surging - Here's What's Behind It
<p>Oil prices don’t just impact what you pay at the pump. They ripple through the entire economy.</p><p>In this clip, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF® and Christopher Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF® break down how the conflict in Iran pushed oil prices higher, and why that matters beyond headlines. From inflation to interest rates to consumer behavior, these shifts can have real effects on markets and everyday decision-making.</p><p>The big question: is this a short-term shock or something that sticks?</p><p>As always, it’s a reminder of the importance of staying diversified and focused on the l...
Retirement Readiness: Defining Your Lifestyle Goals (Ep. 2)
<p>What does "Living Greater" actually look like for you? In episode two of the Retirement Readiness Journey, the VLP team moves from the numbers to the lifestyle. Learn how to translate your retirement dreams into an actionable plan that accounts for everything from healthcare needs to "super fun" travel goals.</p><p><b>Key Topics Covered:</b></p><b>Retirement Goal Setting:</b> Move beyond the "beach" cliché to define the who, what, and where of your next chapter.<b>The "Dimmer Switch" Strategy:</b> Why a phased retirement or scaling back is often more successful than a "hard s...
Retirement Readiness: How to Calculate Net Worth and Financial Health (Ep. 1)
<p>Before you can plan your future, you must establish a clear baseline of your current financial health. In this kickoff episode of the Retirement Readiness Journey, Rose Price, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, and Chris Mellone, CFA, CFP®, AIF®, Partner, Financial Advisor, explore the essential steps to take ten years before your target retirement date. From analyzing asset location to auditing your debt, learn how to prepare your portfolio for the long haul.</p><p><b>Key Topics Covered:</b></p><b>Calculating Net Worth:</b> Learn how to organize diverse assets including 401(k)s, TSPs, real estate, and uniq...
VLP Spotlight: 2025 Year in Review
<p>In this special "Year in Review" episode, the team at VLP Financial Advisors dives into the biggest accomplishments, market reflections, and firm growth of 2025. They also look ahead to 2026, sharing major initiatives like a new office and an exciting new podcast series. Don't miss this candid conversation about the market's volatility, the impact of legislative changes, and the core values driving the firm's success.<br/><br/>Key Discussions and Takeaways:<br/><br/></p><b>Firm and Podcast Growth:</b> Review the significant growth in 2025, including the firm adding over 30 new client households and surpassing 1300 YouTube subscribers.<b>Podcast Achievements:<...
One More Year or Retire Now? How to Weigh the Real Tradeoffs
<p>Deciding whether to retire now or work a little longer is one of the most common questions clients bring to our team. In this episode of The Live Greater View, Chris Malone and Dan Lash walk through the financial, emotional, and lifestyle factors that shape this decision. From the impact of one extra year of income to the psychological shift of spending down savings, they share the conversations they have every day with people nearing retirement.<br/><br/>Whether you feel ready to stop working or you’re unsure what life after full-time work would look like, this episode gi...
Tax Changes in 2026
<p>As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review recent tax updates and how they could affect your financial plans. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we break down the latest tax law changes in simple terms and share strategies to help you prepare before filing season begins.</p><p>From deductions and retirement contributions to new tax brackets and planning opportunities, this conversation helps you understand what’s changing and how to make the most of it.</p><p><b>In this episode, we discuss:</b></p>Key tax law updates and...
Holiday Spending without breaking the bank
<p>The holidays are a time for giving, celebrating, and connecting—but they can also be a time of financial stress. In this episode of The Live Greater View, we talk about practical ways to plan for holiday spending so you can enjoy the season without worrying about your wallet.<br/><br/>From setting a realistic budget to managing travel, gifting, and unexpected costs, this conversation offers simple steps to help you stay in control and still make the holidays special.<br/><br/><b>In this episode, we discuss:</b></p>How to create and stick to a holiday budget th...
