Dear CFO: You Analyze Everything Except the One Thing Bleeding Cash

In this episode of the Zemar Podcast, Butch Zemar takes us on a wild ride from outdated Navy aircraft to outdated employer health plans — because apparently, both refuse to die quietly. Using a broken FLIR pod as a metaphor (and no, not the kind of pod you cry in after seeing your renewal increase), Butch breaks down why starting from scratch isn't such a bad thing — whether it's rewiring aircraft or rebuilding your benefits strategy. If NASA can reprogram a space capsule with duct tape and whiteboards, your company can certainly rethink its January 2026 health plan before it's too late (yes, even in July 2025).

Bonus tip: your broker might already be on summer vacation, but that doesn’t mean your fiduciary duty is too.

He compares the health insurance renewal process to a family board game — except in this one, the rules change annually, the dice are rigged, and your CFO keeps trying to skip to the end without reading the instructions. Butch lays out the roadmap: ditch the cookie-cutter plan, start removing predictable expenses like doctor visits, challenge your broker on drug rebates, and don’t be afraid to ask “why are we still doing it this way?” If you can control office supplies and taxes, you can control your health plan. And if all else fails, channel your inner Captain Jack Sparrow, grab your sword (or spreadsheet), and charge the Kraken — because it’s time to fight back against bad renewals. 💥💼🩺

 

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