Metcalf Money Moment the Podcast
Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, & Eric Wymore
Recent Episodes
Business succession planning is critical for every business owner, regardless of when they plan to exit. In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric sit down with attorney Jeff Coppaken to discuss the mergers and acquisitions landscape and the essentials of exit strategy. Jeff reveals that the best time to start business succession planning is always now—whether you're planning to sell in six months or six years. He explains common pitfalls in selling a business, the importance of having clean financials, and when to start the business succession planning process. Learn about deal structures, seller financing, and why assembling the right team of advisors early can maximize your business value and minimize tax implications when it's time to exit.
What you will Learn in this Episode:
✅ Discover why business succession planning should start immediately, whether you're exiting in six months or six years, and learn which key advisors—including your business attorney, wealth management team, and tax strategy experts—need to be part of your planning process from day one.
✅ Understand the critical role of the due diligence process and clean financials in maximizing your purchase price, plus learn how business valuation works and why removing lifestyle expenses from your books is essential before bringing your company to market.
✅ Explore various deal structures, including seller financing, seller notes, and SBA loans, and discover how internal succession plans can create win-win scenarios that protect both buyer and seller while ensuring business continuity.
Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 When to start business succession planning, including business attorney, wealth management, and tax strategy advisors
06:51 Finding the right buyer through business brokers and ensuring culture fit in mergers and acquisitions
09:32 Pitfalls, including messy financials and owner benefits that negatively impact business valuation and purchase price
13:32 Deal structures explained: seller financing, SBA loans, seller notes, and why internal succession deals often include higher seller carryback percentages
18:30 Typical transaction timelines for selling a business range from six to nine months
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
💎 The best time to begin business succession planning is always now. Assemble your advisory team—tax strategy expert, wealth management advisor, and business attorney—to maximize value and minimize tax implications, whether you exit in 6 months or 6 years.
💎 Clean financials are crucial for selling a business at top dollar. So, remove excessive owner benefits from your books. Don't compare a fixer-upper to a renovated property when setting business valuation expectations.
💎 Internal succession deals often involve more seller financing due to established trust. Creative structures can include consulting arrangements and earn-outs, while proper collateral protects the seller's investment throughout the transaction.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Jeff Coppaken, the founder of the Coppaken Law Firm, is a lifelong resident of Kansas City. Before becoming an attorney, Jeff spent almost a decade in sales, marketing, and customer service, which helped him understand unique aspects of the business model. His customer base includes closely held businesses, family offices, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and developers, and is industry-agnostic. Jeff often assists his clients with buying or selling a business, ongoing business legal needs, and real estate transactions.
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Jeff Coppaken, and Coppaken Law Firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial and Metcalf Partners Wealth Management.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
The bull market officially hits its three-year milestone, marking a significant period of growth since October 2022. In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric break down what bull markets and bear markets really mean for investors. They explore historical data showing that bull markets typically last 4.3 years with average gains of 150%, while bear markets last only 1.5 years. The team discusses investor psychology and common emotional pitfalls — such as fear, greed, and overconfidence — that threaten portfolio performance. Learn about average bull-market duration and returns, and discover why staying invested through market volatility is crucial to long-term investing success.
What you will Learn in this Episode:
The key differences between bull markets and bear markets, including how the S&P 500 moves through the cycle, with bull markets averaging 4.3 years and 150% gains versus bear markets lasting just 1.5 years with 35% declines.
Why investor psychology and emotions like fear, greed, and overconfidence pose a bigger threat to your portfolio performance than actual market volatility, and how to avoid common investment strategy mistakes.
How to leverage market corrections as opportunities rather than threats, and why working with a financial advisor helps you stay focused on long-term investing instead of attempting market timing.
The current bull market trajectory and potential headwinds, including tariffs, interest rates, and geopolitical concerns that could impact your wealth management and retirement planning goals.
Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Discussion of the three-year bull market anniversary and overview of bull markets versus bear markets
02:30 Defining bull markets and bear markets: Understanding the 20% threshold for the S&P 500, market corrections, and historical data
08:24 Current bull market analysis: Ethan discusses the 90% gain since October 2022, potential headwinds, and why long-term investing beats trying to time the market
11:45 Investor psychology and Emotional Threats: Eric covers fear, greed, overconfidence, regret, herd mentality, and impatience that damage portfolio performance more than market volatility
18:38 Patience and Strategy: The importance of working with a financial advisor, avoiding emotional decisions, and staying committed to your financial planning through market cycles
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Bull markets occur 75% of the time and last significantly longer than bear markets (4.3 years versus 1.5 years), making staying invested through market volatility the smarter investment strategy than attempting market timing.
The longest bull market in history ran from 1987 to 2000 with a 582% gain, while the shortest bear market (COVID) lasted only 1.1 months—proving that markets take the escalator up and the elevator down.
Emotional threats like fear, greed, overconfidence, and herd mentality pose greater risks to portfolio performance than actual market declines, which is why working with a financial advisor helps maintain discipline during turbulent periods.
The current bull market is only three years old with 90% gains since October 202. If history repeats itself, there could be another 12-24 months of growth, making patience and long-term investing essential for successful retirement planning.
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Jeb Graham, the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management, is a seasoned financial advisor with a CFP® designation and executive education in retirement planning from Wharton. His expertise and community involvement make him a trusted voice in the field. Before founding Metcalf Partners, Jeb was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and has completed additional executive education in retirement planning at Wharton.
Ethan Hutcheson is a Partner and Financial Planner at Metcalf Partners. He is passionate about helping people prepare, plan, and execute their goals. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys hunting, cycling, and outdoor activities with his wife, Shanna, and their sons, Rhett and Levi.
Eric Wymore is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. His career has been dedicated to wealth management. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, he prioritizes acting in clients’ best interests. Originally from southeast Iowa, Eric has lived in Kansas City for 20 years with his wife, Becky, and their sons, Gabe and Nolan. He holds a degree in finance from Iowa State University.
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Metcalf Partners Women's Financial Planning event takes center stage as Jeb, Ethan, and Eric welcome international keynote speaker, Tara Renze. Tara shares her journey from corporate sales leadership to becoming an emotional intelligence expert and author of "Be Who You Came to Be: 43 Secrets to Unlock the Most Powerful Version of You." The conversation explores how women investors can build financial confidence through personal development and authentic self-discovery. Tara discusses the Metcalf Partners upcoming women's event, where attendees will gain insights on building confidence in financial decisions while connecting with like-minded women in a supportive environment.
What you will Learn in this Episode:
How Personal Development and authentic self-discovery directly impact women's financial planning and decision-making confidence in wealth management
Why building financial independence requires working on yourself first, and how transformational "butterfly goals" can change your career transitions and financial decision-making
The importance of creating supportive environments where women entrepreneurs and investors can connect, learn from financial advisors, and take control of their retirement planning
How self-development and emotional intelligence empower women to overcome intimidation around managing investments and financial literacy
Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Tara Renze, emotional intelligence expert and author, discussing the women's financial planning event
03:16 Tara's grandmother's life advice: "Be who you came to be," and its impact on personal development and career transitions
06:30 Evolution from women entrepreneurs' message to women leadership development and discussion of Tara’s new book
13:25 Tara's journey from a corporate financial advisor, CareerBuilder, to a direct sales and self-development focus
17:00 Taking the first imperfect step in entrepreneurship and building financial confidence through action
19:59 Creating inclusive spaces for women investors to overcome intimidation in financial decision-making and retirement planning
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Women's financial planning becomes less intimidating when combined with personal development work—when you focus on improving yourself first, everything else, including financial decision making and relationships, naturally improves
"Butterfly goals" are transformational rather than transactional objectives that require figuring things out as you go, leading to greater financial independence and self-development for women entrepreneurs and professionals alike
Creating supportive environments where women investors can learn from financial advisors alongside friends helps overcome the intimidation many face when managing retirement planning, especially after life transitions like divorce
The message "be who you came to be" transcends cultural boundaries and industries, empowering women by encouraging authentic self-discovery rather than conforming to external expectations in career transitions and wealth management
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Tara Renze is an international keynote speaker, author, and emotional intelligence expert helping individuals and organizations “Be who they came to be.” Through her signature message, Tara empowers audiences to lead with authenticity, get mentally fit, and create lives and careers rooted in purpose and fulfillment. Her work blends emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and personal storytelling to inspire transformation at every level.
Tara Renze - Leawood, Kansas, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
The 2025 tax cuts are not just changes; they are transformations that will impact your estate tax, standard deduction, and tax planning strategies. Join hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric on the Metcalf Money Moment podcast as they unpack the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in 2025. This episode delves into critical updates, including higher estate tax exemptions for the ultra-wealthy, expanded standard deductions for retirees, and new deductions for business owners. Discover how 2025 tax reform estate planning can optimize your financial future, whether you're saving for retirement, managing a business, or planning your legacy. Tune in for expert insights to maximize your wealth with these tax cuts.
What you will Learn in this Episode:
How tax cuts impact your tax planning and financial strategies.
Changes to estate tax exemptions and their effect on wealth transfer.
Benefits of increased standard deduction for retirees and families.
New qualified business income deductions for business owners.
Strategies for 2025 tax reform estate planning to optimize savings.
Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!
TIMESTAMPS:
01:25 Overview of 2025 tax cuts in One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Impacts on tax planning, revenue reduction
04:40 Estate tax updates: Exemption rises to $15M/person, aiding wealth transfer for high-net-worth
07:21 SALT deduction changes: Increases to $40K for married couples, phases out above $500K income
10:31 Standard deduction at $31,500, no tax on tips/overtime or car loan interest
15:02 Retiree benefits: Senior deduction adds $6K/person, qualified business income deduction permanent
21:30 Tax planning opportunities: Roth conversions, estate tax strategies for efficient wealth transfer
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Tax cuts impact: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes tax planning, estate tax, and federal revenue.
SALT deduction expansion: $40K cap for married couples, key for tax cuts and high earners’ tax planning.
New deductions: Car loan interest, charitable contributions, enhance tax cuts, support retirement planning.
Senior deduction: $6K extra for those 65+, a significant tax cut boost for retirement planning strategies.
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Jeb Graham, the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management, is a seasoned financial advisor with a CFP® designation and executive education in retirement planning from Wharton. His expertise and community involvement make him a trusted voice in the field. Before founding Metcalf Partners, Jeb was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and he received additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.
Ethan Hutcheson is a Partner and Financial Planner at Metcalf Partners. He is passionate about helping people prepare, plan, and execute their goals. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys hunting, cycling, and outdoor activities with his wife, Shanna, and their sons, Rhett and Levi.
Eric Wymore is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. His career has been dedicated to wealth management. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, he prioritizes acting in clients’ best interests. Originally from southeast Iowa, Eric has lived in Kansas City for 20 years with his wife, Becky, and their sons, Gabe and Nolan. He holds a degree in finance from Iowa State University.
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Can Estate Planning be simplified? With Wealth.com’s innovative tools, like the AI extractor tool and visualizations, the answer is yes.
Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric on the Metcalf Money Moment podcast as they host Eva Deniz to explore how estate planning transforms with Wealth.com. Learn how financial advisors can streamline the creation of revocable trusts, wills, and other estate planning documents, making the process more intuitive and cost-effective. Learn to navigate emotional hurdles and ensure your plan mirrors your expectations.
What you will Learn in this Episode:
How Wealth.com enhances Estate Planning for advisors and clients.
Benefits of the AI extractor tool for updating existing plans.
Role of the attorney network in supporting deed services.
Using the pre-meeting worksheet to ease client account setup.
Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Estate Planning can be emotional. A pre-meeting worksheet and estate planning checklist give clients time to plan.
06:38 Eva highlights the AI extractor tool for visualizing and updating outdated revocable trusts, wills, and medical directives.
13:00 The intuitive document wizard eliminates legalese, and the attorney network offers a pre-negotiated rate.
16:45 Discussion of consultation rate for clarifying complex wills and trusts, highlighting Wealth.com’s value in simplifying legal jargon.
19:15 Metcalf is partnering with Wealth.com, emphasizing faster Estate Planning processes for clients using the client account and document wizard.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Wealth.com simplifies Estate Planning with tools like the document wizard and visualizations for advisors and clients
AI extractor tool visualizes and updates existing wills or trusts in minutes, ensuring relevance
Pre-meeting worksheet and estate planning checklist ease emotional barriers in client account setup
Attorney network offers consultations for $240 and deed services to finalize revocable trusts
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Eva Deniz leads advisory sales in the Central Region at Wealth.com, helping advisors, firms, and family offices initiate dynamic estate planning conversations. She empowers advisors to leverage it for growth while addressing industry challenges. Before joining 2.5 years ago, she spent 8 years at Lululemon, leading EMEA ecommerce operations and guest experience. Outside of work, she travels with her children (ages 10 and 14), plays golf, and enjoys spending time at the lake.
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.