The Financial Puzzle Playbook

Many families avoid talking about money because they fear conflict, awkwardness, or hurting someone’s feelings. 

Jim and returning guest Brendan Frazier break down why family meetings matter more than ever and how they can protect both relationships and legacies. They explore the emotional dynamics that show up when siblings gather, why blended families need a d...

It is easy to think financial planning is all about numbers, but this episode pulls back the curtain to show why the human side matters just as much. 

In this episode, Jim Sumpter, CFP®, sits down with returning guest Brendan Frazier, Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory, to explore the Golden Circle framework and how understanding your why can shape every f...

Sometimes the toughest seasons reveal the most unexpected opportunities. 

When COVID-19 turned the world upside down, Jessica Snead found herself without a job, a plan, or a clear next step, but what she did have was creativity, determination, and a love for making things beautiful.

In this episode of The Financial Puzzle P...

Join host Jim Sumpter, CFP®, and his returning guest, CMC Financial’s Vice President, Andy Graffeo, AFSP, as they take you through essential year-end financial planning strategies using their six-piece playbook. They cover key topics like maximizing 401(k) contributions, Roth conversions, required minimum distributions, cha...

The holidays come early in this unforgettable episode of The Financial Puzzle Playbook, where Jim Sumpter is joined by none other than Santa Claus himself. 

With a cocoa in hand and a beachy Hawaiian shirt on, Santa opens up about his off-season routine, what makes the perfect cookie, ...

What happens when Gen Z tackles investing armed with TikTok hacks in one hand and a finance textbook in the other?

In this candid and high-energy episode of The Financial Puzzle Playbook, host Jim Sumpter reconnects with Vivi Spotswood, a rising junior at Ole Miss, for part two of their conversation. This time, the spotlight shifts to investing, what it really m...

When Vivi Spotswood arrived at Ole Miss, she didn’t know many people, but what she did know was that she wanted to carve her own path. 

Now a rising junior studying finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing, Vivi joins host Jim Sumpter for a two-part conversation about cash flow, confidence, and the mindset shifts that come with growing up financially independent...

What does insurance really look like across a lifetime, and how do you make sure it fits your plan?

In this second conversation with Eileen Shovlin, Director of Business Development at Crump Life Insurance, we dive deep into the logistics of insurance at different stages of life. 

What if a single unexpected moment reshaped your entire financial future?

In this episode, host Jim Sumpter, CFP®, sits down with Eileen Shovlin, Director of Business Development at Crump Life Insurance, to explore the deeply personal journey that led her to become an advocate for smart, values-based insurance planning. 

Fr...

Depreciation can be one of the most misunderstood aspects of owning a business or rental property, and mishandling it can lead to IRS headaches, audit risk, or unexpected capital gains. 

In this episode, Jim Sumpter, CFP®, breaks down how depreciation really works, including how it’s calculated, what qualifies, and what happens if you skip it.

Have you ever wondered if your side hustle qualifies as a legitimate business or if the IRS sees it as just a hobby? 

In this episode, Jim Sumpter, CFP®, unpacks the surprisingly high-stakes distinction between the two. With real-life examples, Jim walks through the IRS’s 9-factor test for business classification and why failing that test could cost you big.

What’s the puzzle of financial empowerment for women? 

Unpack the generational shift in wealth with Jim Sumpter and guest Jillian Berry in part two of the Financial Puzzle Playbook. Discover how women are becoming major financial decision-makers and what it means for the future. From understanding the impact of social media on financial literacy among Gen ...

What’s driving the financial power shift towards women, and how will it impact the future of wealth management? 

Join us on the Financial Puzzle Playbook as Jim Sumpter explores this transformative trend with Jillian Berry, the Senior Director of StrongHer Money. They delve into the upcoming $104 trillion wealth transfer across generations and highlight th...

What happens when the stock market takes a wild ride? 

Join Jim Sumpter and special guest Matt Sommer,  a seasoned strategist with Janus Henderson Investors, as they unpack market volatility, exploring how emotions and mindsets impact financial decisions and investments.

Listen as they dive into the complexities of investme...

What happens when two independent financial worlds come together? 

Today on The Financial Puzzle Playbook, Jim Sumpter revisits the six key areas of financial planning—cash flow, retirement, insurance, investments, income, taxes, and estate planning with guest Amanda Callahan, who offe...

What does a year of piecing together financial puzzles look like? 

Join Jim Sumpter as he marks a milestone—the anniversary of The Financial Puzzle Playbook—by walking us through a year of engaging conversations and relatable insights. Featured guests have contributed rich stories across various financial topics like the emotional impact of investments, essentia...

What makes certain celebrations unforgettable? 

Dive into the world of events with Jim Sumpter and guest Amanda Callahan to unravel effective planning for life’s milestone moments. Whether it’s a 50th anniversary, a baby shower, or a company holiday bash, understanding the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ is crucial for hosts and attendees.<...

What unexpected factors should you consider when planning a wedding budget?

Jim Sumpter and Amanda Callahan dive into the intricacies of event planning, focusing on cash flow and unforgettable experiences. Amanda, with her extensive background in wedding planning, shares insider tips on budgets, venues, and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, li...

Can understanding financial literacy reshape your future?

Tune into the Financial Puzzle Playbook, where Jim Sumpter, CFP®, and returning guest Victoria O’Tool, Wealth Manager Intern at Mercer Advisors, explore the vital role of financial smarts in everyday life. This episode dives deep into the six essential financial puzzle pieces and why grasping them i...