Wealth Well Done

E58: FYREBX: Innovating Fire Safety with Sean Henry

Did you know all it takes is a single spark to ignite a wildfire threatening countless lives and homes? 
This week, Eric and Isaac are back with FYREBX Sean Henry to discuss the multibillion dollar scale of the global fire industry from a business perspective. They explore how the industry works to both fight fires and mitigate wildfire risks, as well as how FYREBX is innovating solutions to address the escalating challenges faced by firefighters worldwide.
Tune in to learn more about the billion dollar challenges of wildfire management and how this pioneering company is rising to meet the escalating crisis with life-saving innovations.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
The multi-billion dollar scale of the fire industry
Sean's experience fighting fires that led to the idea for FYREBX
How FYREBX works and its advantages over traditional fire fighting methods
Stories of FYREBX in action saving lives and property
Future plans to expand FYREBX's impact
Episode Highlights:
[02:36] The Multibillion Dollar Scale of the Fire Industry
The fire industry encompasses far more than frontline firefighting. It includes extensive land management, fuels reduction work, and rebuilding after fires. Government wildfire budgets alone reach billions annually. Insurance costs for reconstruction are also immense. A wide range of services from logging to fire equipment manufacturing contribute to the industry's multibillion-dollar scale, demonstrating wildfires' enormous economic and social impacts.
[03:28] The Inspiration for FYREBX
Sean discusses how his experience battling wildfires showed him the limitations of existing firefighting equipment. Crews needed a portable water source that could access remote areas, but trailers were unsafe and inefficient. This inspired Sean to design FYREBX, a collapsible water tank that fits on any vehicle. 
[11:25] A Life Saved: A Logger's Story  
A logger was masticating brush when a stray spark ignited a blaze. With winds fanning the flames, the fire quickly grew out of control. Just in time, the man was able to deploy his new FYREBX unit. It allowed him to safely douse the flames before the fire reached a dangerous size, saving himself and potentially surrounding lands from catastrophe.
[19:20] Protecting Resources at a Controlled Burn
FYREBX is now used by fire departments across North America. Sean details a recent controlled burn where FYREBX demonstrated its ability to safely fight fires and protect valuable trees from wildfire damage. Fire experts were impressed and many departments are adding FYREBX to their arsenals.
[38:48] Understanding Capital Efficiency
Companies that can effectively deploy additional funds to generate high returns while minimizing ongoing investment needs are highly attractive. Features like adaptable product designs allowing expansion into new markets on a single platform, partnerships enabling large-scale production through outsourced manufacturing, healthy profit margins producing profits from each additional unit, and recurring revenue streams producing cash flows with limited reinvestment needs – all signal a business's ability to grow substantially while requiring only incremental additional funding. This maximizes returns on investments and is a prime characteristic private equity firms seek in potential portfolio companies.
Resources Mentioned:
FYREBX

E57: Fighting Fires on the Frontlines: A Conversation with Wildland Firefighter Equipment Innovator Sean Henry of FYREBX

Ever wonder what it takes to battle the monster wildfires raging across the American West? 
In this episode, veteran firefighter Sean Henry sheds some light on the grueling realities of fighting fires on the frontlines. From harrowing close calls to innovative new strategies, Sean shares candid stories from his decades battling blazes in California. 
He also explains what drove him to start FYREBX and how his new gear is helping equip firefighters with cutting-edge tools. So fire up this podcast to get a no-holds-barred look at the challenges facing our wildland heroes—and one man working to help them fight fire with fire.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Understanding fuels reduction strategies 
Innovative strategies for battling intense wildfires
Inspiration for starting FYREBX to support firefighters
New gear and tools helping crews combat the flames
Giving firefighters a voice through a podcast
Episode Highlights:
[04:12] Understanding Fuels Reduction to Manage Wildfire Risk
Fuels reduction refers to management practices that aim to reduce the amount of combustible materials available to burn, such as trees, brush, grass, and dead vegetation, which are collectively known as wildland fuels. When fire needs fuel to spread, reducing the amount of available fuel helps to control and contain fires. Some key aspects of fuels reduction discussed in the episode include removing ladder fuels to prevent fire from spreading from the forest floor up into tree canopies, performing prescribed burns to reduce surface fuels, and using equipment like masticators and dozers to thin out vegetation.
[08:12] Contributory Factors to The Recent Increase in Catastrophic Forest Fires
Weather events - Prolonged drought conditions across many regions have stressed trees and reduced soil moisture levels. This has made forests more susceptible to disease, insect infestation, and intense fire activity even when rain returns. 
Mismanagement of lands - Past policies restricting logging and controlled burns led to an accumulation of excess vegetation and fuels in forests. At the same time, decreased management has allowed ladder fuels to develop. These conditions have increased fire intensity and made blazes more difficult to control when ignited.
[15:05] The Evolution of Wildfire Fighting: Meeting Today's Intense Fire Conditions
The way wildfires are fought has progressed significantly over the years. In the past, fires on federal land were often left to burn small and slow, allowing nature to take its course. However, with climate change leading to hotter, drier conditions and a buildup of fuels, this approach is no longer viable. Today, immediate air support is deployed when new fires are detected to quickly get water or retardant on the flames before they can grow out of control. On the ground, specialized hotshot crews cut containment lines and lay hose rapidly. Large bulldozers carve wider firelines through dense vegetation. Coordinated attack strategies now involve thousands working together to battle major fires and protect communities.
[27:40] Giving Firefighters a Voice Through a Podcast
Sean felt strongly that wildland firefighters' stories needed to be shared more widely. He is thinking about launching a podcast called "Wild Wild Side" where he could conduct in-depth, hour-long interviews with crews from various agencies. Sean wants listeners to truly get to know firefighters as individuals - learning about their backgrounds, how they got their start in the industry, and what a typical day fighting fires entails. Most importantly, he wants to give them a platform to tell gripping, first-hand accounts from the firelines and allow their voices to be heard.
Resources Mentioned:
FYREBX

E56: Tackling the Opioid Crisis through Innovation and Partnership

Is a scientific breakthrough finally on the horizon in the battle against opioids? In this episode, we’re joined again by Greg Sturmer and Tom Jenkins of Elysium Therapeutics to discuss Elysium's groundbreaking work to develop new drug technologies aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. 
Greg and Tom explain how a personal tragedy close to home sparked their mission to make an impact. They dive into the science behind Elysium's O2P and SOOPR technologies, designed to prevent opioid abuse and overdose while providing life-saving reversal effects. 
Don't miss this fascinating discussion on cutting-edge efforts to tackle the epidemic and the role of strategic partnerships in advancing life-saving solutions.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Elysium Therapeutics' mission and molecular engineering approach
O2P technology for preventing opioid abuse and overdose 
SOOPR technology providing long-acting overdose reversal
The investment side of things
Episode Highlights:
[03:36] The Spark That Led to Their Interest in The Opioid Crisis
Greg shares how a personal tragedy in their community sparked their focus on the opioid crisis. Two children were killed after being hit by a driver under the influence of opioids, fueling their drive to make an impact. 
[06:16] How O2P Works
O2P was designed to utilize the known opioid hydrocodone, but with molecular modifications, where it only releases the drug when you swallow it and your stomach breaks it down. This prevents other ways of taking it, like snorting or injecting, and protects against overdose by limiting how much gets in your system if you take too many. Clinical tests showed that even with a huge extra dose, O2P kept people's exposure below lethal levels. Plus, it only may need once-a-day dosing instead of multiple times like other opioids, lowering the risks of misuse.
[25:01] SOOPR - Solving the Need for a Longer-Lasting Overdose Reversal Agent
When treating an opioid overdose, time is critical since the person has already stopped breathing and is becoming hypoxic. While Narcan rapidly reverses IV drugs like heroin, its short hour-long effect isn't ideal for today's long-acting fentanyl taken orally. SOOPR was designed through preclinical testing to last 5-10x longer, allowing it to fully cover fentanyl's extended danger period from oral use - a window Narcan alone can't address due to its brief lifespan. Both work fast to resuscitate overdoses, but SOOPR's prolonged protection is key to reversing modern potent synthetics.
[35:52] Investing in Elysium
Elysium Therapeutics has benefited greatly from their lead investor Mesa Verde Venture Partners, known for their strong track record in life sciences investing. Over half of Mesa Verde's portfolio companies have experienced liquidity events like acquisition or IPO, demonstrating their ability to identify promising opportunities. Mesa Verde's expertise in evaluating and supporting biotech ventures through development has provided invaluable guidance and validation to Elysium as it works to advance its important new technologies.
Resources Mentioned:
Elysium Therapeutics
Mesa Verde Venture Partners

E55: The Opioid Epidemic: Origins, Impacts, and Alternative Pain Treatment Options

Are you ready to discover the future of pain treatment? Scientists may have just made a breakthrough that could revolutionize pain treatment and stop the opioid epidemic in its tracks. The future of pain relief and stopping this tragic epidemic has never looked brighter.
In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with Tom Jenkins and Greg Sturmer of Elysium Therapeutics to discuss solutions to the opioid crisis. If successful in clinical trials, this discovery may finally offer a real solution to end the tragic opioid epidemic for good. Eliminating the risks of misuse – this could be a game-changer! 
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
The progression to addiction
The shift from acute to chronic use of opioids
The pendulum swing
How opioid addiction can affect anyone
Fentanyl production and its devastating effects
 
Episode Highlights:
[11:18] The Progression to Addiction
Tom discusses how opioid addiction often starts with prescription drugs and progresses from there. He explains that people don't just suddenly decide to use heroin - it begins with being prescribed opioids for legitimate pain and having leftover pills. Taking extra doses for their euphoric effects can lead to misuse and abuse as people seek out more pills from friends and family. This establishes a cycle of reinforcement that drives further-seeking behaviors and sets people up for addiction.
[20:30] The Shift from Acute to Chronic Opioid Use
The opioid crisis began in the 1990s when two major changes occurred. First, pain became the fifth vital sign in healthcare, increasing focus on pain management. Around the same time, Purdue Pharma released OxyContin, making opioids more suitable for long-term chronic pain through a controlled-release formulation. This shifted prescribing from predominantly acute, short-term pain to chronic pain and increased opioid prescriptions dramatically. While aiming to improve patient care, this unintendedly fueled the rise in prescription opioid abuse and overdoses.
[23:14] The Swing Back Towards Control
In 2011-2012, there was a "pendulum swing" in response to the worsening opioid crisis. Where focus had moved to chronic pain management and opioid exposure, the pendulum swung back towards controlling opioid use and abuse. Prescriptions dropped 44% as doctors became more hesitant. However, fatal overdoses remained the same because the pharmaceutical industry had not developed safer alternatives and formulations. 
[44:42] Fentanyl Production and Its Devastating Effects
The opioid crisis has impacted virtually everyone. Greg notes that 90% of overdoses are from swallowing pills, not injection or insufflation as many assume. This is due to the proliferation of illicit fentanyl pills on the market of varying and often lethal potency. People unknowingly take more to feel the effects, not realizing the risks. As such, the crisis is difficult to address because opioid abuse cannot be easily identified - it affects everyday people across all demographics rather than just the stereotypical addict. 
Resources Mentioned:
Elysium Therapeutics

E54: Rediscovering Biblical Manhood and Restoring God's Church

Are you prepared to defend your faith and family?
This week, Greg Downey returns to join Eric and explore biblical perspectives on masculinity, spiritual warfare, and standing up for truth. With transparency and heart, Greg and Eric examine problems plaguing churches today. They also dive into what it truly means to be a godly man and father in today's world.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career, gain practical insights into strengthening your moral foundation and preparing for challenges.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Loyalty and defense in marriage
Defining biblical masculinity vs. toxic masculinity
A father's responsibility to protect his family spiritually 
Major issues plaguing the modern church
Episode Highlights:
[03:50] What is Biblical Masculinity?
Real masculinity involves loyalty to one's spouse through honoring the marriage covenant before God, as well as integrity in business dealings. Masculinity also means protecting and providing for one's family - not just financially but spiritually and physically, including defending them from threats or harm. Greg notes men are called to balance each other out with their spouse through mutual support. Overall, biblical manhood entails honoring one's role to defend the family spiritually, physically and financially. 
[10:09] What It Means to Protect Your Family Spiritually
Greg discusses protecting one's family spiritually by not leaving children's spiritual education solely to others. He emphasizes spending dedicated nightly time reading Scripture and telling Bible stories to impart understanding from a young age. Greg also stresses the importance of children comprehending spiritual warfare and discerning good from evil, while fathers set a godly example through upright conduct to aid children in learning discernment.
[20:56] The State of the Modern Church
Greg notes how in many churches, the focus seems to be on converting people but providing little discipleship beyond weekly sermons. He also observes how misogyny and lack of accountability have allowed spiritual abuse to take place. The church would do well to return to its roots as small fellowship groups rather than large productions.
[31:21] The Church's Evolution: How Paganism Influenced Modern Denominations
Greg shares his experience visiting the Vatican and uncovering how pagan rituals and idols became incorporated into Catholicism over time. While understanding the political motivations, it went against God's command to destroy all idols. The church must guard against man's tendency to organize beyond what Scripture prescribes.
Resources Mentioned:
Purim Ventures

E53: Awake and Armed: Understanding Spiritual Warfare and Jesus' Call to Faithful Action

Are you ready for a spiritual battle?
In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with entrepreneur Greg Downey, who shares how his experience in the business world revealed the importance of acknowledging the spiritual side of life. Greg is an experienced entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years. He is the founder of Pirum Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on hands-on support of portfolio companies.
Today, Greg discusses the reality of spiritual warfare and emphasizes the need for believers to engage with Scripture and exercise the authority and gifts provided by God. He provides a biblical perspective on spiritual warfare, challenging Christians to prepare for spiritual battles through faith, prayer, and utilizing their God-given spiritual tools.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Greg's background in early-stage companies and venture capital
Defining spiritual warfare and its relevance today
Jesus' teachings on faith, miracles, and preparing disciples
Personal experience with spiritual healing through prayer
Authority given to believers and call to action
Episode Highlights:
[09:38] What is Spiritual Warfare?
Spiritual warfare refers to the biblical belief that Christians are engaged in an unseen battle between forces of good and evil. As believers, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers of wickedness. Spiritual warfare involves defending against and resisting attacks from demonic spirits that seek to deceive, tempt, and destroy. It is an acknowledgment that there are supernatural forces at work beyond what is seen with physical eyes – and that through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been given authority and spiritual tools to fight against the enemy.
[19:00] Faith in Action: Jesus Trains the Disciples and a Story of Spiritual Healing
Jesus emphasized the importance of faith through both belief and works. He trained his disciples and sent them out, preparing them for testing through experience. Greg shares a personal story of spiritual healing through prayer with his family. This experience highlighted the spiritual aspect of healing and the authority believers have been given through Christ's name.
[34:00] Preparing for Battle: The Call to Engage in Spiritual Warfare and Advance God's Kingdom
Greg encourages listeners to actively engage with the spiritual realm through studying Scripture and utilizing the tools God has provided. While a relationship with God is key, believers also have a responsibility as active participants working to advance God's kingdom on earth. As believers, we need to prepare by acknowledging spiritual warfare and exercising the authority and power we have been given by Christ.
Resources Mentioned:
Purim Ventures
The Unseen Realm

E52: Challenging American Christianity: Living Out Our Faith Fully

In today's business world, it's easy to get caught up in chasing money, status, and success. But as believers, we're called to a higher standard of managing our resources in a way that honors God. In this episode, Eric Scovill and Pastor Nathan Rychener continue the conversation and tackle this important topic head-on. Through insightful biblical teaching and practical advice, take their challenge to reexamine your relationship with finances from a place of heart transformation. Find the encouragement to get into God's word, make a plan, and live generously!
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Rejecting Jesus through inaction in the face of cultural opposition
Understanding the Sermon on the Mount
Finding humility and motivation in God’s help
A Call for Contrition: Recognizing the lack of brokenness over sin
Tips to help you get started with the Bible
Practical steps to align your finances with God's purposes
Episode Highlights:
[11:57] Finding Motivation and Humility in God's Help
When you earnestly pray and seek God's guidance and assistance, your motivation to follow through on your intentions significantly increases. The essence of being poor in spirit is recognized as humbly approaching God, acknowledging that we possess nothing of merit to impress Him. This understanding shifts the focus from material poverty to a poverty of spirit, emphasizing the importance of relying on God's help in all endeavors.
[16:12] A Call for Contrition: Recognizing the Lack of Brokenness over Sin
In Psalm 119:136, the Psalmist expresses deep sorrow and sheds tears over the disobedience to God's law that he witnesses in the world. His heart is shattered because he understands that sin grieves God. This heartfelt response to sin contrasts with the current state of spirituality, particularly in America, where there seems to be a lack of contrition and brokenness over wrongdoing. This lack of remorse serves as a troubling sign of the spiritual sickness within our society. The Psalmist's example calls us to examine our own hearts and rekindle a genuine sense of sorrow and repentance for our collective transgressions.
[19:40] Tips for Getting Started with the Bible
For those wanting to get started with regular Bible reading, Nathan suggests beginning with short passages like the Sermon on the Mount to avoid getting overwhelmed. Developing a consistent reading plan is also important, whether it's a chapter a day or reading through the whole Bible in a year. Additional resources like the Bible Project videos can help provide context without replacing direct engagement with Scripture. Most importantly, they stress the need to pray and meditate on what is read in order to understand and apply it, not just check reading off a to-do list. With a plan and the Holy Spirit's help, regular Bible study can become a life-changing habit.
[23:17] Practical Steps to Align Your Finances with God's Purposes
Begin your financial journey by examining your heart attitude and embracing the concept of stewardship of God's resources. Gain a comprehensive understanding of biblical teachings on tithing, cheerful giving, and generosity. Develop a generous lifestyle by considering "how much" you can give in each opportunity, rather than questioning whether to give at all. Remember, the importance lies in giving generously, regardless of the amount, as your heart posture matters more than the dollar figure. Stay open to God's guidance in reshaping your financial goals, dreams, and priorities to align with His purposes. Prioritize obedience over personal desires and regularly seek divine guidance through prayer for your spending, saving, investing, and giving, ensuring alignment with God's will.

E51: The Fear of the Lord: Taking Our Faith Seriously with Nathan Rychener

How serious are you about your faith? On the latest episode of “Wealth Well Done”, Eric and Pastor Nathan Rychener challenge comfortable Christianity. They discuss the high stakes of judgment day and urge listeners to truly know and obey God, not just check boxes. Nathan emphasizes responding immediately to Holy Spirit's conviction. Don't rely only on secondhand knowledge - regularly read Scripture yourself. This episode will stir you up and make you reconsider your relationship with Christ. 
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Rediscovering the fear of the Lord
Fear of the Lord for eternal perspective and finances
Uncovering the true meaning behind the Sermon at the Mount
Repentance and obedience in Christianity
Surrendering all to love God
 
Episode Highlights:
[06:34] Rediscovering the Fear of the Lord
In the American church, the fear of the Lord has been lost, along with the reverence, humility, and contrition that accompany it. This absence is evident in our lack of recognition of God's holiness, as seen when Isaiah encountered Him in Isaiah 6. Overwhelmed by a sense of his own unworthiness, Isaiah cried out and fell before the Lord. It is this realization that ignites the fear of the Lord within us. This fear is what safeguards us from sin and compromise, guiding us to walk in integrity and wholeheartedness before God. In an age where this fear is desperately needed, let us seek to rediscover it and cultivate a deep reverence for the Lord.
[10:15] Fear of the Lord for Eternal Perspective and Finances
Without the fear of the Lord, all perspective is lost. We find ourselves chasing after temporary and trivial things of this world, losing sight of eternity and what truly matters. The weight and importance of things in God's eyes fade away when we lack the fear of the Lord. Living for eternity becomes impossible without this reverence. Taking this concept to the realm of money, it becomes clear that faithful handling of finances in light of eternity requires the fear of the Lord residing within our hearts. To gain a proper perspective and live with eternal significance, let us cultivate a deep reverence for God in every aspect of our lives.
[19:27] Genuine Repentance: Actions that Reflect True Transformation
In Acts 26, Paul boldly declares his message of repentance and turning to God to King Agrippa. He emphasizes the importance of performing deeds in line with true repentance. While salvation is a free gift based on the grace of Jesus, it requires action when Jesus says, "Follow me." Paul's message resonates as he urges believers to demonstrate their repentance by taking tangible steps towards change. Whether it's breaking free from addictions or rectifying dishonest practices, genuine repentance calls for actions that align with the transformation of the heart.
[24:43] Wholehearted Devotion: Surrendering All to Love God
In emphasizing the first and most important commandment, Jesus instructs us to love the Lord our God with every aspect of our being - heart, soul, mind, and strength. This goes beyond mere sentimentality; it entails wholehearted devotion and complete surrender to God in every area of our lives. It means obeying Him in all aspects - from our relationships to our finances, from our physical well-being to our business endeavors. True love for God leaves no room for half-heartedness or selective obedience; instead, it encompasses a radical surrender, acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him, and we willingly follow His guidance in all things.

E50: Preparing Your Business and Finances for Cultural and Economic Shifts with Shawn Dill

Learn from an expert how to future-proof your business! 
In this landmark 50th episode of the Wealth Well Done podcast, Eric Scovill sits down with his longtime business coach and mentor Shawn Dill. Shawn has provided Eric invaluable guidance over the years, helping him achieve success in his business and beyond. 
From navigating political trends to adapting with changing technologies, gain insights on maintaining stability during uncertain times. Shawn also offers valuable advice for scaling your company to more affluent clientele. Learn trends in areas like social media, AI, and podcasting that can impact businesses. 
Plus, don't miss Shawn's inspiring personal story of overcoming obstacles and achieving success through the “Book Yourself Solid” program. 
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Accurate economic predictions
Navigating political polarization
Trends in social media, AI and podcasting
Scaling your business to affluent clients 
Overcoming obstacles and achieving success
Episode Highlights:
[04:46] Looking Ahead to Uncertain Times
Shawn provides his perspective on the current economic climate and shares why he believes continued decline is ahead despite attempts at a soft landing. With accurate predictions of COVID's early impact under his belt, his forecasts offer valuable insight for financial planning.
[12:00] Navigating Political Polarization and Maintaining Neutrality
Understand multiple perspectives and plan for either election outcome rather than making impulsive decisions based solely on partisan views. Shawn's advice is to pick their lane but also consider all possibilities as one side is guaranteed to win each election cycle.
[16:11] Tracing Societal Shifts Through 40-Year Cycles
Shawn draws from the insights of book “Pendulum” to trace the 40-year cycles that have shifted societies between more individualistic "me" eras and more collective "we" periods throughout history. He notes that 1983 marked the peak of the last "me society" while 2023 represents the height of the current "we society" trend. He points to the rise of social media in the early 2000s as signaling the move towards greater collectivism after the individualism of the 1980s. Shawn also predicts AI may be the force that signals the next major shift away from a "we" mindset in the coming decades.
[30:45] Preparing Businesses for Recession
Shawn discusses the difference between serving upmarket versus downmarket clients. While a recession may negatively impact those at all wealth levels, the effects are significantly greater for those with less wealth and purchasing power as even a small percentage loss can disrupt their budgets and lifestyles. Shawn recommends that small and mid-sized businesses focus on marketing, experiences, and sales processes catered to those in the upper middle and upper classes who still retain the ability to spend during an economic downturn.
Resources Mentioned:
www.shawndill.com
www.bookyourselfsolid.com 
Pendulum by Roy H. Williams and Michael R. Drew

E49: Protecting Your Family's Financial Future Through Creative Life Insurance Strategies

Keep your legacy intact with the right life insurance strategy. Most people think of life insurance as simply coverage, but did you know it can help pass on a multi-million dollar inheritance intact?
In this episode of Wealth Well Done, Eric Scovill provides practical advice on using different types of life insurance to protect your family's financial future. Eric discusses long-term care options, the pros and cons of term vs. permanent policies, and how to determine the right death benefit amount. Eric also shares how to avoid estate taxes through an irrevocable life insurance trust. 
Whether you're just starting out or have significant assets, learn tactical tips to effectively use life insurance in your financial and estate planning.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Long-term care insurance options explained
Differences between term, universal, and whole life policies
How to determine the right death benefit amount
Avoiding estate taxes with an irrevocable life insurance trust
Creative strategies for high net worth individuals
Episode Highlights:
[03:26] Long-Term Care Coverage
Eric notes that older policies from when the coverage first launched had advantages like fixed premiums that are no longer seen in today's marketplace. He warns that new standalone long-term care policies typically allow for rising premiums without guaranteeing coverage amounts. However, Eric advises connecting long-term care insurance to a life insurance policy provides more stability, as it fixes the premiums while tying it to a death benefit. 
[13:00] How to Determine the Right Death Benefit
When determining the appropriate life insurance death benefit amount, Eric stresses considering outstanding debts, foreseeable large expenses like funding children's college educations, and replacing the income that would be lost upon the insured's death, as this is typically much higher than most clients initially estimate and often leads to a significantly higher coverage level than first proposed. 
[15:57] Other Types of Insurance Policies
Universal life insurance: Offers a fixed death benefit that stays the same. Premiums are generally lower than whole life. Cash value can be accessed but may affect the death benefit. Meant to last a lifetime.
Whole life insurance: Allows the death benefit to increase over time. Offers more flexible access to cash value through policy loans. However, premiums are higher than universal life. Can be oversold as a retirement income source.
Survivor life insurance: Insures two individuals (e.g. husband and wife) under one policy. Reduces risk for the insurance company, lowering premium costs compared to individual policies.
Irrevocable life insurance trust: Allows transferring life insurance contracts to a trust to avoid estate taxes by moving policies outside of an estate. Can help pass on policies and cash value to beneficiaries tax-free.