Financial planning and education (without the jargon) I Creating blueprints for high-earning sales executives and business owners

I left the financial industry because I saw a problem.

People wanted to work with a planner, but they ended up becoming a number on a spreadsheet.

I had to leave to start something new.

And now?

I'm a fee-only planner who helps salespeople & equity compensated employees under 45 give a purpose to their paycheck.

I left the large financial institutions to start my own independent company. I did it so people could pay for real planning and not just an agenda to sell a hidden product. 

As a true fiduciary, Pashman Financial, LLC was built on that promise by focusing on you and you only.

🔵 Why people hire me? 

Well, people have come to me with the following problems:

- They want peace of mind with their money
- Their old advisor barely communicates with them
- They want an answer tailored to them, not from Google
- They felt pressured to buy a product that wasn't a right fit
- They are great at making money but struggle to keep it
- They want a simple plan that's easy to understand
- They want someone to hold them accountable
- They want someone they can trust

🔵 What are my services?

I help identify your goals, craft a financial blueprint that lays out action items to hit them, and monitor your progress. 

💵 Cash Flow Management  
📈 Equity Compensation
🏡 Real Estate Planning
📊 Investment Planning
📍 Retirement Planning
🛡 Insurance Planning
📚 Education Planning
💲 Tax Management
💳 Debt Repayment
📃 Estate Planning

🔵 Who do I serve?

Age: Individuals and families between 30-50 years old
Target: Sales pros, tech employees, other millennial families
Location: Virtually anywhere in the U.S.

But I love working with people that are driven to make a change. So even if you don’t fit these criteria, feel free to reach out. Your personality is everything. 

🔵 Why I'm different?

1) My model is primarily a flat fee service. No time trap. 

2) I do not require you to hand over your investments nor require a minimum to work with. Managing your assets is optional and I'll still assist you if you do it yourself. My focus is ongoing financial planning. 

3) I focus on how to increase your cash flow, not just your assets. I work with you to ensure your systems are set and consistently educate you on how your finances work. I get paid to truly keep you accountable over time.

You can find my pricing in my "featured" section on the website. 

Stop delaying action. Shoot me a message to schedule a complimentary intro.

Max Pashman, CFP®

50% of people have no idea what tax bracket they're in.

And most think more taxes mean less income. WRONG.

It's not a flat rate. 

The US tax system works at a progressive rate. 

In other words, each level of income is taxed at different rates. 

As new income is included, it is taxed at a higher rate. 

BUT that doesn't mean all of the income is taxed at that rate. 

The highest tax rate is called the "marginal rate". 

The overall tax rate (taxes divided by taxable income) is called the "effective rate". 

Big difference!

Helping Founders and Executives Plan for Early Retirement and Exit

You could skip your annual $7,500 vacation with your family.

Instead, you could contribute to a Roth IRA.

At an average 7% return, over 30 years, that $7,500 annual could grow to about $708,000.

By skipping it, you’d be closer to your retirement.

But there’s one problem.

You traded moments with your family for a bigger portfolio.

Your children will be yours forever.

But they also won’t be kids forever.

For some families, prioritizing these moments matters more.

Because what good is a retirement if it means sacrificing the life you care about along the way?

Most people focus on return on investment (ROI).

We try to focus on something else.

Return on life.

ROL.

The worst financial advice I've seen online: 
 
- Renting is a waste of money 
- Pay all debt first before investing 
- Spend everything now cause YOLO 
- Index Universal Life is better than a 401(k) 
- Don't increase your income so you can avoid more taxes 
- Buy [insert expense] solely because you can write it off 
- Index funds are bad because they are boring 
- Use your credit card as your e-fund 
- Never buy or lease a new car 
- Invest your e-fund 
- 401(k)s are a scam 
- All debt is bad 
 
These can either be challenged, too extreme, or just plain wrong. 
 
What might work for one person might not for another. 

What are some bad ones you've heard?

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pashman-financial-llc

schooloffinances

Your RSUs are income not investments
Your RSUs are income not investments
Your RSUs are income not investments
Your RSUs are income not investments
Your RSUs are income not investments

There's a reason it has "compensation" in equity compensation. 

It's because they are treated just like your cash. 

Don't believe me?

When they vest, check out your W2. 

It's listed right there next to your salary (your cash compensation).

They may be withheld differently, but it's taxed just the same as income when it comes to tax season.

If you leave it as is, sure it's equity that be treated as an investment. 

But the moment you get it? May as well be just like your cash compensation.

So if you don't know what to do, answer one question instead:

"If this was cash instead of equity, what would you do with it"?

Would you save it?
Would you spend it?
Would you invest it?
If you invested, where?

Your answer really dictates how you should reallocate it.

Especially based on...drum roll please*.... your goals! 

You're already taxed on it when it's fully vested.

Your choice of what to do from there.

Capital gains taxes can be your biggest ally or your worst enemy.

Here’s everything you need to know how they can affect your tax bill:

What is a Capital Gain?

It’s a tax applied when you sell an asset for a profit.

These assets can include:

-Stocks
-Crypto
-Real estate
-Businesses
-Personal property

There are two types of capital gains:

Short Term (STCG):

-> Assets held less than 1 year
-> Taxed as ordinary income

Long Term (LTCG):

-> Assets held more than 1 year
-> Taxed at preferential capital gains rates, separate from income taxes

Here’s a breakdown of the federal long-term capital gains rates for 2026:

Single:

-0%: $0–$49,450
-15%: $49,451–$545,500
-20%: $545,501+

Married Filing Jointly:

-0%: $0–$98,900
-15%: $98,901–$613,700
-20%: $613,701+

Relative to income brackets, you can see the immediate difference.

For Example (Single):

If you earned $200k and had $10k in STCG, it’s taxed as ordinary income.

Assuming a 32% marginal tax rate:

$10,000 × 32% = $3,200 in federal taxes

For $10k in LTCG, it’s taxed at the capital gains rate:

$10,000 × 15% = $1,500 in federal taxes

A huge difference!

But here’s where people mess this up:

Your capital gains rate depends on your total taxable income.

“Taxable income” is your adjusted gross income (AGI) minus below-the-line deductions (standard or itemized).

Which means those ranges include both your income AND your capital gains.

Example #1: Single, $50,000 Income, $10,000 LTCG

Total taxable income: $60,000
This puts all LTCG in the 15% bracket.
Tax:
$10,000 × 15% = $1,500 (Federal)

Example #2: Single, $30,000 Income, $10,000 LTCG

Total taxable income: $40,000
This falls entirely within the 0% bracket.
Tax:
$10,000 × 0% = $0 (Federal)

Example #3: Single, $30,000 Income, $20,000 LTCG

Total taxable income: $50,000
The income takes up the first $30,000.
Leaving $19,450 left in the 0% bracket.
$19,450 × 0% = $0

The remaining capital gains spill into the next bracket:
$550 × 15% = $82.50
-> Total LTCG tax: $82.50 (Federal)

This is why being strategic about when you realize capital gains matters.

By spreading gains over multiple years, you may take advantage of lower brackets.

Finally, remember:

Capital gains are not taxed inside tax-advantaged accounts
(e.g., 401(k)s, Roth IRAs).

That’s why most tax-loss harvesting opportunities live in taxable brokerage accounts.

Disclaimer: This is for financial education purposes only and not financial or tax advice.

"W2 employees never become millionaires."

Bulls***. I've consulted with 100s entering early retirement. 

Many were W2 employees, never actually owning a business. 

Or at least use it as a primary means of accomplishing millionaire status

They've crossed that point using the following methods:

- High savings rate towards stocks and real estate
- Equity compensation (More commonly via ISOs)

Owning a business is a massive opportunity to get there. 

And we've seen people retire early thanks to it too.

But it's not the ONLY method to create wealth.

Gotta pick that path that aligns with you.

But what do they all share in common?

Not sitting on the sidelines. 

They let investing take action. 

You earned hard for your paycheck. 

Now make it work harder for you.

Most have no clue what a write-off does.

Here's a quick breakdown of what it is:

A write-off is merely a deduction.

So use the example:

→ You get a $20,000 expense to write off
 → If your income starts at $200,000?
 → It gets lowered to $180,000
 → So what does that mean?

Here's what it does not mean:

IT DOES NOT MEAN $20,000 LESS TAXES.

A deduction does one thing:
Reduces income taxable.

In this case, a single person in 2025:
(Using only federal taxes in this example)

→ The entire $20,000 is in the 32% bracket
 → The amount taxed? $6,400 federal
 → So with the taxes saved?
 → You netted - $13,600

So yes, you saved more in taxes.

But you still spent money in the end.

It's not a dollar-for-dollar save.

It's a reduction in income taxed.

Big difference!

Note: Post is purely educational and not financial or tax advice*

You don’t need a financial planner if you’re HNW.

You just need to do the following:

- Investment planning
- Portfolio construction
- Asset allocation modeling
- Rebalancing across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts
- Tax-aware asset location
- Capital gains management
- Tax-loss harvesting (and not violating wash sale rules)
- Multi-year tax projections
- Roth conversion timing and sizing
- AMT modeling
- Net investment income tax planning
- Equity compensation analysis (RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, ESPPs)
- 83(b) election decision modeling
- ISO AMT exposure tracking
- Concentration risk analysis
- Diversification strategy for concentrated stock
- Trading windows and blackout period planning
- Liquidity planning for large tax events
- Cash flow modeling across good and bad years
- Emergency fund optimization
- Opportunity cost analysis of excess cash
- Life insurance needs analysis
- Disability insurance review
- Umbrella liability coverage review
- ACA subsidy modeling
- Medicare planning
- Early retirement feasibility modeling
- Sequence-of-returns risk management
- Withdrawal strategy optimization
- Tax-efficient withdrawal order
- Guardrails vs fixed spending analysis
- Social Security claiming strategy
- Survivor benefit analysis
- Longevity risk modeling
- Estate planning coordination
- Beneficiary review across all accounts
- Annual exclusion tracking
- Lifetime exemption modeling
- Charitable giving strategy
- Entity structure planning considerations
- Reasonable compensation analysis
- Backdoor and Mega Backdoor Roth execution
- Exit planning scenarios
- Real estate analysis 
- Rent vs sell decision analysis
- 1031 exchange considerations
- Stress testing everything above
- Updating all of this every year
- And not panicking during market drawdowns
- And explaining it clearly to your spouse
- And actually implementing it correctly
- And staying compliant

Good luck!

A 👏 401k 👏 IS 👏 NOT 👏 A 👏 SCAM 👏

Here are some interesting facts about it:

- Has higher contribution limits than an IRA
- Provides a match via an employer
- Does not have income limitations
- Can offer a Roth component
- Can provide a Mega Back Door Roth

But you're probably thinking...

"My money is trapped in here forever!"

Not really. 

Why you won't generally get penalized until you are 59 1/2, there are exceptions to this:

But there are exceptions to getting funds out early penalty-free:

- Roth Conversion Ladder
- 72(t) Withdrawals (SEPP)
- Financial hardship (if allowed)
- Qualified Reservist Distributions
- Medical expenses
- Rule of 55
- Disability
- Death
- Etc.

In other words, you can take your money out with exceptions and specific strategies.

It can be an excellent vehicle for financial independence. 

Do you have a 401k?

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I love it when LinkedIn Influencers are like "the new algo is hurting my reach" and I will look at their content and think yeah it's definitely not the algo bro...

Them: We're looking to get a home.

Lender: How much were you looking to borrow?

Them: Well, how much can we?

Lender: 28% of your gross income. 

Them: Awesome. Let's do it. 

......

Them: We need help. How come it feels like we are stuck? We make really good income! 

Advisor: Let's take a look at your finances.

checks it*

Advisor: Well, I've found the problem. Your mortgage is 50% of your net income.

... 

Affording a down payment doesn't mean you can afford a property.

There's more to owning than just the price:

The costs you see. 

The costs you don't see. 

Don't lose sight of them.

40% of business owners aren’t sure they picked the right entity.

Here's what you need to know about entity structure:

When choosing a tax entity, you gotta choose with what aligns with you.

Some of the characteristics include:

→ What legal protection is provided
→ Is the income earned a pass-through
→ Are there self-employment taxes 
→ How much admin is there
→ What are the tax impacts 
→ Is there double taxation
→ How much does it cost

And so on. 

Consulting with the combo between a CPA and CFP is a great way to make sure you are on the right path here!

What kind of business do you currently have?

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Joe w/ $50K wants as much as Mia making $100K. 
 
Mia w/ $100K wants as much as Bob making $200K. 
 
Bob w/ $200K wants as much as Zoe making $400K. 
 
The problem? 
 
Income levels don't have a ceiling. 
 
And there are 8 billion people on this planet. 
 
So it's inevitable someone will be making more than you. 
 
Do yourself a favor and use a fair benchmark to compare to: 
 
Joe with $50K should aim to make more than Joe. 
 
Mia with $100k should aim to make more than Mia. 
 
Bob with $200K should aim to make more than Bob. 
 
Zoe with $400k shound aim to make more than Zoe. 
 
Stop basing your progress on someone else's. 
 
Want a better measurement to use? 
 
Grab a mirror and stick with it.

If your ESPP has a "look back", you're stting on a wealth hack. 

Here's the opportunity sitting in front of you. 

ESPPs are relatively simple. 

- You set aside your paycheck on a monthly basis for a period of time
- You buy your company stock at the end of the period
- Company let's you buy at a discount (usually 15%)
- The discount puts you at an immediate gain 

There some things to look out for like taxation, liquidity, and blackout periods to see how the ESPP works for you. 

But some have a provision called a "look back" period. 

The discount is applied either at the lower of the enrollment date or purchase date. 

For example:

If the enrollment price was $100 and $50 at the purchase price, the 15% is applied at the purchase price. 

If the enrollment price was $50 and $100 at the purchase price, the 15% is applied at the enrollment price. 

If the latter occurs you are looking at not only at 15% discount, but appreciation already of $50 between the $50 and $100! 

It's one of those great perks that can increase your wealth via your employer benefits. 

Don't discount the value of your company discount!

There’s a more tax-efficient way to own an index.

But is it worth it? Here’s a breakdown of direct indexing:

What is direct indexing?

It’s still passive investing.

But instead of owning an index fund, you own the individual stocks that make up the index.

Same market exposure.
Different implementation.

The goal isn’t higher returns.
The goal is tax efficiency.
Index funds are already very tax-efficient, especially ETFs.

But there’s one thing they can’t do:
They can’t pass individual stock losses to investors.

Losses inside a fund stay inside the fund.
With direct indexing, you own each stock directly.

That allows for:

Ongoing tax-loss harvesting
Offsetting capital gains
Deferring taxes while staying invested

Over time, this can increase after-tax wealth even if pre-tax returns are similar.

Some studies suggest direct indexing can add incremental after-tax value over long periods (often cited at 1%–2%), but results vary widely based on volatility, tax bracket, cash flows, and implementation.

Important tradeoffs to understand.
This strategy is not a free lunch.

Here’s what actually matters.

1) Cost

Most platforms charge roughly 0.10%–0.20%.
But additional costs may include:

Trading costs
Cash drag
Tracking error
Etc.

These reduce the net benefit and must be weighed against expected tax savings.

2) New money works best

Selling existing index funds to switch strategies often creates taxes that wipe out the benefit.

Direct indexing tends to work best with new dollars, such as:

Income
Liquidity events
Sale or acquisition proceeds
Using fresh capital avoids unnecessary tax friction.

3) Tax benefits depend on markets

The biggest advantage comes from harvesting losses, which requires volatility.

In prolonged bull markets:
Losses become harder to find
Unrealized gains accumulate

Tax benefits shift from harvesting losses to deferring gains, and eventually decline.

4) Wash sale coordination matters

Loss harvesting must be coordinated across taxable accounts, spousal accounts, and any index funds held elsewhere.

Poor coordination can reduce or eliminate the benefit.

5) You need an exit strategy

Deferred taxes eventually come due unless there’s a plan.

Is this money for retirement, charity, heirs (step-up in basis), or future liquidity?

Direct indexing works best when paired with broader tax and estate planning.

6) Benefits skew toward higher earners

The tax alpha is largest when tax rates and taxable balances are high.

For lower brackets or smaller portfolios, added cost and complexity may outweigh the benefit.

Bottom line

Direct indexing isn’t a magic upgrade.
It’s a tax optimization tool.

For the right investor, at the right time, with the right plan, it can add meaningful after-tax value.

For others, a low-cost index fund may be the better answer.

That’s why this should be a planning decision, not a product pitch.

If you’re exploring it, talk with a fee-only planner to see if it actually fits your situation.

I feel like I've seen these phases with early reitrees:

Stage 1: They fire their advisor cause they don't like performance or service
Stage 2: They do it themself and are happy with it
Stage 3: The more they research, the more they realize there's more to just investing
Stage 4: They keep getting conflicting answers to from thousands of voices online, but unsure which applies to them
Stage 5: They hire a financial planner for a second-hand opinion 

And guess what?

That new advisor is not the person trying to sell them some fancy product or performance.

It's the advisor who:

- Looks at their whole picture
- A structure to implement it
- Has an incentive to do so

I love it when people are able to handle finances on their own. 

But once you need some help?

You know where to find us.

Most people don’t actually know the tax status of their accounts.

Quick refresher 👇

Taxable Accounts:

- Individual Brokerage
- Joint Brokerage
- UTMA / UGMA

Pre-Tax Accounts:

- Traditional IRA
- SIMPLE IRA
- SEP IRA
- 403(b)
- 401(k)
- 457

Post-Tax Accounts:

- Roth IRA
- Roth 457
- Roth 401(k)
- Roth 403(b)
- Roth SEP IRA
- 529 (Could have a state deduction)

Triple-Tax:

- HSA (One of a kind)

Before worrying about returns?

Make sure you know how your money is taxed.

Which of these are you using?

If the recent 4,000 employees laid off by Block caught your attention, this is your wake-up call to revisit your emergency fund. 

Not your retirement accounts.
Not your brokerage accounts.
Not your company equity.

Your cash. 

Yeah, the boring cash loses to inflation over the long run.

But in the short run:

- Easily accessible
- Removed from market volatility
- Not taxed when withdrawn or liquidated

How much to fund is how you answer this question:

"How long can I reasonably live off my essential expenses?"

Just understand this about the stock market. 

It carries a risk of losing money, no matter how long you park it for.

But the longer you have it, the chances of that are cut significantly.

Not "eliminated", but the risk of losing money is statistically lower. 

That risk is put on full max if you need it now. 

The S&P 500 is not a viable fund in the near term. 

The asset that remains fixed near term is. 

Adjust accordingly!

Top ways early retirees pull their accounts penalty free:

- Roth conversions that have been moved after 5 years
- Distribute HSA funds backed by medical expenses
- Separation of service with a 457 plan
- Use a brokerage account
- Roth IRA contributions
- Rule of 55
- 72(t)

Alongside many more to implement. 

The question becomes which of these applies to you?

You won't know with a black and white answer. 

Find the one for you.

Christian Family’s Financial Guide 🙏 Read my bio and see how… Be Radically Intentional 👊 Accepting new clients: generous families/businesses

🔷When I gave my life to Christ everything changed. 🔷

I knew my life needed to be oriented towards Him.

Not just on Sundays-everyday and in each area of my life. 

Including finances, family, work… everything.

Now, I help families realign their finances. 
Making heaven and impact the goal. Not just wealth.

🔹 Why families hire me? 🔹 

- They want peace of mind with their money 
- They want someone w shared values and goals
- They want to leave a lasting legacy more than money
- They want an answer tailored to them, not from Google 
- They built up a financial junk drawer and need a plan
- They want a clear plan that's easy to understand 
- They want someone to hold them accountable 
- They want someone they can trust

🔹 How we help 🔹 

I help Christian families define their family vision, organize their financial junk drawer, and realign their resources towards their mission through:  

💵 Cash Flow Management  
👼 Planned giving strategy 
🏡 Real Estate Planning 
📊 Investment Planning 
📍 Retirement Planning 
🛡 Insurance Planning 
📚 Education Planning 
🙏Legacy Planning
📃 Estate Planning
💲 Tax efficiency

🔹 What meeting is like 🔹

Financial planning shouldn’t feel like an interrogation. 
It should feel like a family dinner. 

 A place where:
 
- We learn 
- We get to the heart 
- We have open dialogue 
- We act with confidence and accountability


If you're a Christian family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 looking to realign your finances send me a message.

Your family is too important to wait.

I'm here when you're ready.
But until then, you're in my prayers.

God Bless you,

Jack 🙏

Jack Ziegler III

It's unbelievable to witness the revival of faith in America. 
Not long ago it felt like the most basic truths in life were under attack. 

- What constitutes a life? 
- What is a women? 
- What does it mean to be human? 
- Does my sexuality matter? 
- What makes life valuable?

In the wake of these attacks on truth came questions from a curious generation demanding answers...

Thanks be to God, Christianity has been answering these questions for thousands of years. 

Now this curious generation is finding the answers in Jesus and being swept up in his grace and goodness. 

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Jack Ziegler III, CFP®

Christian Families CFP® Accomplish Radically Intentional Goals Generous families 35-55 See my Featured Section for Resources 👇 Read my bio to see if we're a fit.

Generational wealth does NOT have to cost Millions of dollars. 

It DOES have to be radically intentional.

Just another quick reminder to keep going.
You’re building something beautiful.

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Tom got promoted. Income: $185K to $280K.
Within 6 months:
New house. $4,800/m (was $2,400).
New cars. $1,200/m (was $450).
Country club. $1,500/m.

Lifestyle increase: $4,650/m. 
His raise after taxes: $4,900/m.

One yr later his income is up over 50%

But his giving is flat. His savings not grown.
His stress is higher than before. 

Same prison just new countertops.

His friend Marcus: Same promotion. 
But he paused. Prayed. Acted with intention.

Waited 3 years to upgrade anything.

Year 1-3: Kept house. Kept cars. Invested and gave difference. Income continued to grow. 
Year 4: Upgraded modestly. Paid 40% down on house.

Marcus saved $260K. Gave $85K. Mortgage $2,800/month.

Tom saved $18K. Locked into every payment.

Here’s the wisdom:
When income jumps, lifestyle wants to jump immediately.

Wait 3 years. 
Let the raise compound. Then decide. 
What’s actually important will become clear. 

You’ll either realize you don’t need it—or buy it with cash and keep your peace.

DM me. We help families navigate raises without lifestyle traps.

It’s been 2,594 days since I started my business.

Here’s what it did to my life:

1: Had cancer twice
2: Wanted to quit exactly 100 times
3: Rejected by 1000’s of times
4: Survived months with $0 pay
5: Got called a “dirty grifter”

Yet I’d say it was 100% worth it.
Seriously, entrepreneurship is brutal.

But I also got married and had 2 kids
Invited Jesus into every client meeting
Created unlimited growth potential
Built a team of (soon to be) 6!
Built a practice on my terms

Praise you Jesus!

Then I had this moment recently…

Got a recruiter email offering a big 6-figure salary (full benefits, stability…the works)

For a second, I thought “WOW!! That’s really good money!!”

Then I re-ran our recurring revenue and saw its already more than that.

And it clicked differently then before.

The best investment I ever made was betting on myself and fighting through 7 yrs of difficulty when everyone else thought I was crazy.

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You’re 48. Income just hit $520K.
You worked hard. Pursued excellence. Honored God in your career.

The promotions came. 
The income grew. 
You were faithful.

But now there’s this… tension.

You want to live simply. Give generously. Be present with your family.

But you’re earning more than you ever imagined.

Part of you feels guilty. “Do I really need this much?”

Part of you feels proud. “I worked for this.”

Part of you feels confused. “What does God want me to do with it?”

Here’s what I’ve learned both personally and working with hundreds of families:

The income isn’t the problem. 
The unclear purpose is.

God doesn’t call you to earn less to prove your faithfulness.

He calls you to steward more with Kingdom intentionality.

The question isn’t: “Should I earn this much?”

It’s: “What is this much FOR?”

Excellence in your career can honor God.
Provision for your family can honor God.
Generosity with the surplus absolutely honors God.

The tension dissolves when your income has a mission beyond your mortgage.

DM me. We help families turn the tension into clarity.

God bless you, 

Jack 🙏

She quit her $55k job when daycare hit $1,800/month.
She was bringing home $3,200 after taxes.

Daycare ate $1,800.
Gas, work clothes, lunches: $400.

She was working full-time to net $1k/m.
And watch her kids be raised by others.

But here’s what happened next:

1. They got radically intentional about spending. (Cut $500/m in spending)

2. Husband had more focus, home support and opportunity. (Increased income $1k/m)

No more daycare pickup panic.
No more sick kid scrambles.
No more “who’s handling this” stress.

His career accelerated because hers stepped back.

The math: Lost $55k salary, gained $20k in sales/ business growth, spent $32k/yr less.

Net gain: $500/m post tax, more present mom.
 
The two-career trap makes everyone stressed and broke.

Sometimes one focused career beats two frazzled ones.

The 1950s model might actually be the smart financial play in 2025

I used to think success was:

- 12 rental properties
- Ability to not have to work
- Winning in business… ALWAYS
- Titles, rewards, and recognition
- Traveling and stacking experiences for ME

Now I see it’s:

- My wife able to stay home w/ kids
- Building high impact businesses I love
- Growing deeper love w/ Christ, my wife, kids
- Radically generous w/ time, talent, treasure 
- Own home that is a center for community
- Blessing family legacy for generations

My definition of success is different than most

If I don’t:

1. Write this down
2. Have a team to help
3. Share it for accountability
4. Bring it to prayer and surrender
5. Re-align assets, savings regularly 

Then the current of the world will sweep me away.

And my family with it.

I won’t let that happen. 

It’s my role to see that our mission is accomplished.

How are your goals different than the main stream?

God bless you,

Jack 🙏

PS. When you’re ready for a guide on your family planning to help you:

1. write it down
2. stay accountabale
3. realign finances steeped in prayer… 

send me a message.

My client wanted to increase their giving from 10% to 15%.

Their financial advisor said they couldn’t afford it.

I told him, he couldn’t afford not to. 
When God calls, we follow. 

Here’s the math most advisors miss: 

Generosity is often a wealth multiplier.

Families that give more actually accumulate more.

Not because God rewards generosity with money (though He might).

But because generous people make better financial decisions.

→ They waste less on status purchases
→ They’re more intentional with spending
→ They attract better business relationships
→ They sleep better (stress costs money)

This family increased giving to 15%. 

Other families grew from 1-10%. 

Their networth will grow faster than ever. 
Because when you hold money loosely, it flows to you freely.

Most wealthy Christians have a “giving ceiling”—a percentage they’ll never exceed.
But what if generosity had no ceiling?

What if the question wasn’t 
“How much can I afford to give?” 
but “How much can I afford to keep?”

The families with the deepest peace aren’t the ones who’ve saved the most.

They’re the ones who’ve given the most.

Your wealth isn’t your security—your generosity is.

The more you give away, the more you receive what money can’t buy.

What would change if you removed your giving ceiling?

God bless you,

Jack 🙏

From $150K to $600K in 3 Years
Year 1: Hit $150K. Finally made it.
Year 2: Revenue doubled. Income: $300K.
Should feel amazing. Felt chaotic.
Year 3: Hit $600K.

Blessed beyond measure. 
Completely overwhelmed.

Here’s what nobody tells you about rapid growth:

Spreadsheets can’t keep up. 
Last year’s budget is irrelevant.

Do we move? Upgrade cars? 
How much should we give? Save? Spend?

And as a Christian, the weight is different.

Deeply grateful. 
Also crushed by responsibility.

“What if I squander this? 
What if it ends and I upgraded too much?”

Some nights I can’t sleep—not from fear of losing it, from the weight of stewarding it.

“Find a CFP with kingdom values. 
Allow them to guide you through the noise.”

A helpful tip is to wait 1 year before changing lifestyle. 

Let growth fund giving, saving, future first.

God didn’t bless you w chaos and w/o purpose.
He blessed you with opportunity.

DM me. I’ve walked this. 
I help others walk it too.

God bless you, 

Jack 🙏

A family saves $7,000 every month and just booked Italy.

Without touching their emergency fund.

How does a family with high income still feel financially stretched?

It’s not about income.
It’s about intention.

Working with high earning families, I’ve seen it repeatedly:

→ The VP of sales making $750k with nothing left at year-end
→ The business owner with $5M net worth but monthly cash stress
→ The executive who can’t increase giving because “there’s nothing extra”

Money flows to what we value.
But only when we direct it there first.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” (Proverbs 3:9)

Firstfruits.
Not leftovers.

Last September, I sat with a couple to review their spending.

→ $24,000 annually on restaurants
→ $36,000 untracked miscellaneous purchases
→ $9,700 on subscriptions they barely used

Nothing sinful.
Just unintentional.

We rebuilt their cash flow around priorities:

→ Tithe came first (non-negotiable)
→ Then savings (paying their future selves)
→ Then intentional spending aligned with their values

Six months later?

Their giving increased by 40%.
Their savings rate doubled.

And they felt more financial peace than ever before.

No matter your income, the principle remains:
Direction, not amount, determines financial peace.

Cash flow planning isn’t about restriction.
It’s about liberation.

Now they can hit intentional goals like:

- Helping kids with their first home
- One on one trips with each kid at 16
- Generational generosity
- Funding education

Freedom to fund what truly matters.

What one area of your spending doesn’t align with your deepest values?

God Bless you,

Jack 🙏

♻️ Share this with a family you help them reset.
🔔 Follow for more faith-centered financial wisdom for high income families

401(k): $1.1M. 
House equity: $680K. 
Annual spend: unknown

Net worth outside retirement and house? $47K.

Everything locked up. Illiquid. Inaccessible.

What happened:

Kitchen $62K. Basement $48K. Deck $38K. 
Master bath $32K. Roof: $40k Fence: $12k
Car 1: $45k Car 2: $38k. Big trips: $50k

Every yr another project. 
Another major expense.
A life chasing the most recent fire. 

Here’s the pattern I see:

High income. 
Maxing 401(k). 
House appreciating.
Debt pay down.

But…

Zero liquidity. Zero flexibility. Zero options.

Too many families in a spot where they feel blessed in a beautiful home but trapped until 65+  to keep the dream alive. 

3 quick tips: 

1. Make a distinction between true savings, and deferred spending.
2. Create specific, intentional goals and priorities for the family. 
3. Define necessary true savings rates. 
4. Know the trade off cost before making the major purchase. 

Most people don’t know they’re shaving a decade off their retirement until it’s too late.

DM me to build a plan to make it all happen 

Ps. Just saw this picture and can’t believe how big my oldes is getting!

Two become one. Except with finances?
 
Too many couples:
- Separate accounts
- Separate goals
- Separate dreams
- Separate missions
 
Then wonder why they feel divided.
 
Money reveals hearts. 
Hearts shape marriages.

If anyone of the above is divided, you and your kids will feel it.
 
My time… Her time
My work … Her work
My money … Her money
My ministry … Her ministry
My friends … Her friends
My family … Her family
 
This will divide you overtime.
 
What if instead:
 
Our time
Our work
Our money
Our ministry
Our friends
Our family
 
Unity in finances = Unity in marriage
 
It's not about control.
It's about connection.
 
Want a stronger marriage?
 
Start with financial unity.
 
God bless you,
 
 Jack 🙏

You’re money can go 4 places:

1. Spend it
2. Give it to charity 
3. Give it to kids
4. Taxes

My job is three fold:

1. Help you define how much to #1-3
2. Build an intentional plan to achieve it
3. Minimize #4 so it can go to #1-3

I help Christian families making great money but feel like they’re not being as intentional as they could be. 

My job is to build them a radically intentional money plan so they have clarity on the vision God has for their life and the path to get there. 

If that’s you… send me a message.

"Be a good steward."
We've heard it a thousand times.

But what does it really mean?

It's not just:

- Having a budget
- Saving for retirement
- Giving 10%

It's aligning every resource with God's vision for your life.

Seeing all as a blessing and multiplying that to give back to the Lord. 

When the Master returned in Jesus' parable,
He didn't ask if the servants saved the talents.
He asked what they did with them.

True stewardship is radically intentional.

It asks:

- What is God uniquely calling our family to?
- What is the purpose of this wealth?
- What goals if accomplished, will be evidence of our family mission lived?

We've experienced this transformation:

From managing money well…
To deploying resources purposefully

Every dollar.
Every minute.
Every relationship.
Every skill.

All aligned with the vision He's given us.

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."

Are you managing money?
Or stewarding a calling?

The difference is a purposeful life that blesses generations 

God bless you,

Jack 🙏

Dm me, “stewardship” and we’ll find a time to help you be radically intentional.

Your parents had $3M saved for retirement.
Yet they NEVER touched it. Lived off Social Security.
Living terrified of the what if's...

They grew up in the Great Depression.
They saw what long term care expenses did to their friends.
Money started as cash in the mattress. Literally.

Of course they were hoarding more than they needed to! 

They never wanted to knock on the kids door and ask for money.

They wanted so badly to leave something behind.
They wanted to be remembered. For their life to matter. 
They wanted to leave one final love letter:

"I love you more than you'll know. I want you to have this $50k to buy a house for your family. Please, remember me. Always stay close to Jesus."
- Grandpa. 

And that desire to be remembered well? It's beautiful.

But sitting on $3M while living like you're broke isn't a legacy.
It's fear dressed up as wisdom.

We need financial plans designed to give you permission to spend not just hoard wealth. 

Because the guy who dies with the most isn't the winner!

Spending requires a completely different plan than investing. 
One they never built.

Legacy isn't just the number you leave behind.

It's the life you lived. 
The generosity you showed. 
The memories you created.

Because that's the stuff your kids will actually remember.

If your plan doesn't prepare for the "what ifs" directly! 
You're going to hoard wealth. Don't do that.

You’re 52. Spreadsheet open. 
Running the numbers again.
“If we hit $3.5M by 62, we can retire.”
“Maybe $4M to be safe.”
“But what if healthcare costs more?”

The finish line keeps moving. 
The stress never stops.

Here’s what I’ve learned working with affluent Christian families:

Society sold us a lie about retirement — pick an age, hit a number, then you’re free.

But what if freedom isn’t about stopping?
What if it’s about following?

I’ve watched men hit their number and fall apart.

Because the number was never the point. The mission was.

What if instead of chasing a finish line, you focused on:

	∙	Building something that outlives you
	∙	Mentoring the next generation
	∙	Serving with the skills God gave you

The goal isn’t to stop working.
It’s to work from freedom, not for it.

The richest men I know aren’t the ones with the biggest portfolios.

They’re the ones still creating at 70. 
Still serving. Still engaged.

Your calling doesn’t retire at 62. 
Only your need for income does.

DM me — we build plans for work optionality, not just work elimination.

$140K Bonus Hitting Your Account Friday
You should feel excited. 
But instead you feel stressed.
Worked hard all year. Earned it. Faithful.

But now it’s real and you’re paralyzed.
Give? Invest? Kitchen? Italy trip? Mortgage?

Every option feels equally right and wrong.
The worse part is you’ve been here before.

Last bonus disappeared into “life.” 
Can’t even remember where.
You don’t want that again.

Analysis paralysis dressed as stewardship.
Accidentally burying the talents. 

Here’s what I’ve learned:

The confusion isn’t about the math. 
It’s about the mission.

Without clear family values and a financial plan, every dollar is a debate.

What works: 

Know your mission BEFORE the bonus hits.

Build a plan that assigns purpose:

1. Family mission
2. Radically intentional goals
3. Clear and known savings targets for each 
4. Predetermined order of operations
(Ie. 10% giving -> cash reserve full -> retirement in track -> kids savings goals -> fun)

When the bonus lands, you’re not deciding. You’re deploying.

This time can be different. 
But only if you build the framework first.

DM me. We help families turn windfalls into Kingdom impact, not just “life.”

God bless you, 

Jack 🙏

What if we built businesses and livelihoods with multiple generations of our families so that the older generation could contribute things like wisdom, capital, and experience 
while the younger generations drive forward with their energy, hustle, and innovation…

What if we got kids involved early on.

And part of their education was learning the different aspects of each business.

And what if retirement was just taking a more passive role and mentoring the next generation?

What if this is how we’re supposed to live?

“My financial plan is built as if whoever dies with the most money wins.”

His advisor was missing the point.

The destination isn’t retirement. 
It’s not financial security.
It’s not even “financial freedom”

It’s heaven.

Money is a tool. 
We’re called to be good stewards of it. Yes.

But then why is so much around our money aimed at something else?

The house we buy. 
The money we spend.
The work we pursue.
Vacations. House projects. 
The Retirement. The legacy.

All of these are great! 

But what is it all aimed at?

Becoming the best version of ourselves?
Leading our families and communities closer to Jesus?
Stronger marriages? 

Let’s create a vision that goes beyond the typical “be prudent and tithe”

Not ignoring it. 
But going a step further. 
That’s my goal for our clients.

A married Christian couple earning $305k/yr should never lose sleep over retirement.

Why?

Because with the right plan, they don't have to.

Here's what I mean. One spouse brings in $135k from a W-2 job.

The other two businesses jointly produce $170k. 
That's a powerful income combination.

And with a Solo 401(k) on the business side, they can shelter massive amounts from taxes:

→ Tax-deferred growth that compounds year after year.
→ Full control over investment choices inside the plan.
→ Up to $50k per spouse in employer and employee contributions.

But retirement savings alone won't give you peace. 

You need a plan that covers the things most people ignore:

→ A retirement income strategy that doesn't leave you guessing at 72.
→ Long-term care costs that could drain decades of savings in months.
→ Coordination between the W-2 benefits and the business retirement accounts.

When all of this is working together, something shifts.

The anxiety fades. The daily financial stress disappears.

You stop worrying about "what if" and start living with radical generosity and intention.

That's what a real financial plan does for a Christian family.
It doesn't just protect your future.
It frees your present.

So are you going to keep piecing things together on your own?
Or are you going to build a plan that actually gives you peace?

I know which one I'd choose.

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Jack Ziegler III

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The Battle

Max Pashman, CFP®

Jack Ziegler III

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