Personal Finance from the Hill-Top

Kyle Hill, CFP®

There are plenty of retirement podcasts out there, but how many personal finance podcasts are focused on the issues that younger generations face? Personal Finance from the Hill-Top (PFFTHT) cuts through the confusing industry lingo to make it easy to digest and understand. Your host, Kyle Hill, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and owner of Hill-Top Financial Planning, LLC (https://www.hilltopfp.com) dives into personal finance topics like: budgeting, saving, investing, student loans, insurance, taxes, and more. You'll get the information you need to know to help you make better financial decisions. You'll get interviews with industry experts. PFFTHT is on a mission to help grow generational financial independence. Join us today! read less
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Episodes

Episode #18 - The Estate Planning Necessities for Young Adults
Dec 20 2021
Episode #18 - The Estate Planning Necessities for Young Adults
Ever wonder if you need a last will and testament (aka “a will”)? The answer is YES! A will is an integral part of a well-rounded estate plan that every adult needs, not just the rich and famous. "If you have kids under the age of 18, the guardianship in your will is 100% the most important part of your estate plan." - Jamie Weese of Weese Law FirmIn episode 18, we’re talking about the estate planning necessities for young adults. Kyle hops on the mic with estate planning attorneys, Jessica Kimbrell of Kimbrell Estate Planning and Jamie Weese of Weese Law Firm. They discuss what is: a last will and testamenta durable power of attorney a healthcare power of attorneyan advanced healthcare directive (or a living will) trustsand how all of these are a part of a well-rounded, and well-planned Estate Plan. Every young adult needs an estate plan, especially if you have minor children or special needs children (which we touch on in the podcast).“Advance Healthcare Directive and Living Will mean the same thing. How I describe this document is the ’Pull the Plug’ document” - Jessica Kimbrell of Kimbrell Estate PlanningBefore they dive into everything estate planning for young adults, they discuss their favorite movies surrounding estate planning, their favorite Halloween candy - which no surprise Kyle’s is money related - and their favorite estate planning cases… and Kyle doesn’t like where Jessica’s is going. Don’t wait, check it out now so you’re prepared for when life happens. As Forrest Gump’s momma says, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”To skip the fluff, go to the 50:28 mark. However, it's not advised! Resources:Law Abiding Citizen (2009)PFFTHT Episode # 17 - "What should you do with that old 401k"Parks and Rec - Ron Swanson makes a WillKnives Out (2019)The Last BlockbusterLittle Big League (1994)PFFTHT Episode # 12 - What the hell is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)?"Howard Hughes Estate Planning Debacle, The Complete Guide to Wills, Estates & Trusts (Book)The Nobel Peace Prize started via a will Terri Schiavo case
Episode #17 - What should you do with that old 401k?
Sep 17 2021
Episode #17 - What should you do with that old 401k?
Have an old 401k from a previous employer? Wondering what to do with it?In episode 17, we're discussing what your options are for your old 401k.Kyle hops on the mic with Financial Advisor, Ethan Hutcheson, AAMS® of Metcalf Partners Wealth Management and they discuss:What exactly is a 401kWhat are your options when you change employersThe pros and cons of those optionsUnique situations to considerTheir typical preferences for old 401k accountsThere are important things to consider like taxes and your income when deciding what to do with that old 401k (or 403b, or TSP).Before they dive into the topic, they discuss their favorite memories from K-State (pretty epic), good books you should check out, sports they wish they would have tried (apparently there are only two places in the U.S. where Kyle can try it out), and.... poop. Yep, we said it, poop. Don't flench because you don't want to miss this!To skip the fluff, go to the 30:30 mark. However, it's not advised!  Resources:Backdoor Roth IRA and the Aggregation Rule, IRA & Roth IRA Limits 2021, WellnessForTheWin, WellnessForTheWin Instagram, The Bitcoin Standard (book), Fortitude: American Resilience in the Era of Outrage by Dan Crenshaw (book),Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurst Us All by Michael Shellenberger (book), Josh Hutcherson, The Reformed Financial Advisor Podcast - "How Should Patrick Mahomes Invest His $503 Million Contract?", Glenn Gronkowski, Where can you bobsled in the US?, Episode #10 - "What the hell is a Financial Planner?", Unemployment Rate & Statistics (Aug. 2021),
Episode #16 - What You Need to know about Selling your House
Jul 1 2021
Episode #16 - What You Need to know about Selling your House
"Most people move because of two things: they need more square footage (more space), or they're at a new income level." - Tony Long of Long Real Estate TeamHave questions about selling a house like...How far out should you start preparing to sell your house?To stage or not to stage?When should we put it on the market?In episode 16, we're discussing what you need to know about selling a house, with Rockstar Realtor, Tony Long of Long Real Estate Team.Round 2 with Tony Long and Kyle to discuss what you need to know when you’re thinking about selling your house. Kyle lays it out into a 4 Part Process: The Pre-Sale: What you need to do to your house to get it ready to sellDeciding on Realtor or FSBO: Choosing wether you should get a realtor or try to sell it yourself (For Sale By Owner)On the Market: What do we do while the house is on the market, and selecting an offerUnder Contract and Closing: Making sure the deal goes throughTony shares the important things you need to do to get the house ready to go to market. He takes off his realtor hat and discusses the pros and cons of getting a realtor or trying to sell your house yourself. What about being a Sell-Buyer (Selling your house while trying to buy a house)? Tony talks about structuring the deal to eliminate the stress of having to quickly find a house to buy.Before they got started, they were shooting the breeze about the glory days in Manhattan, KS (the Little Apple), cereal, and of course.... wrestling. Who would win the Manhattan High Wrestling dual between Team 1998 vs. Team 2002? Kyle gets the expert, the head coach of both teams, to weigh in! You don't want to miss this!To skip the fluff, go to the 47:53 mark. However, it's not advised!  Resources:Long for Realtor, Overland Park Crossfit, Coach Woodford, Coach Woodford Bio, Big Cedar Lodge, Do you owe capital gains on the sale of your home? (NerdWallet), Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide), Yeah - Usher feat. Lil Jon, Ludacris, Llama Llama Red Pajama - LudacrisEarl Woods buried in Manhattan, KS, Shawn Bammes Named MHS Wrestling Coach, Nature Valley Baked Oat Bites Cereal Tony Long, Principal Agent -  Long Real Estate Team
Episode #15 - What You Need to know about Getting a Mortgage
May 6 2021
Episode #15 - What You Need to know about Getting a Mortgage
In episode 15, we're talking about the way most folks buy a house (at least Millennials)... with a Mortgage. I'm joined by Mortgage Bankers, Jen Gile and Taylor Nedrow.Jen and Taylor sit down with Kyle to discuss what you need to know about getting a mortgage. As you'll discover, not all mortgages are the same, or created equal. How much do you need down? How do you avoid PMI... what is PMI for that matter?!? Conventional, FHA, VA... we discuss all things mortgage, and the process for getting a mortgage to buy a house.Before they dive into mortgages, they talk volleyball and what makes for the perfect kill, more wrestling, and their shoes growing up. As always, they top things off with some Five-Teen Minutes of Fluff. This one is for the record books, our first explicit episode because Kyle said, "shit," and we don't want to get banned. :)Tune in!To skip the fluff, go to the (31:13) mark. However, it's not advised! Resources:Noah’s Bandage Project, Jen Gile, the KC Dancing Star, Vote for Jen!, The BMA Foundation Annual Dine and Dance with the Stars, Road Trip (the movie),  Air Jordan 11, Millennials made up the largest share of home buyers at 38% in 2019 (statistics),Types of Mortgages,  Debt to Income Ratio, Mortgage Closing Costs,  Spencer Lee is tougher than LeBron James, Iowa Hawkeye Volleyball Record Books, and Kill Master Jen (Bell) Gile, Iowa Hawkeye Volleyball #6 All-Time Kills Leader, Jen (Bell) Gile (Page 8), Rep. Dan Crenshaw Eye Surgery, and **
Episode #14 - What You Need to know about Buying a House
Mar 16 2021
Episode #14 - What You Need to know about Buying a House
“Never buy a house to just buy a house.” - Tony Long of Long Real Estate TeamIn episode 14, we're talking about the American Dream… Buying a House, with Rockstar Realtor, Tony Long of Long Real Estate Team.Tony Long sits down with Kyle to discuss what you need to know when you’re thinking about buying a house. He gives you a peek behind the curtain to share the things to look for and the questions to ask your perspective realtor. Tony also discusses the State of the Market, and how we got here. Before they got started, they had to do some catching up talking about babies, crossfit, and wrestling… and not that fake crap! Actually they did talk abou that too. Who were their favorite WWF wrestlers, and what are these guys walking out to? This is the longest show yet, but they’re hangin’ tough. Tune in!“It is a very bad idea (to waive inspections).” Tony Long of Long Real Estate TeamTo skip the fluff, go to the 51:25 mark. However, it's not advised! Benefits of owning a Home:Build up EquityHedge against InflationTax Free GainRecommendations prior to buying a home:Have a fully funded emergency fundDown payment of minimum 10% (don’t include emergency fund)Consumer debt paid offFirst Steps to buying a house (either order):Get preapproved for a mortgageMeet with a realtor to know the processContract on a House Contingent on:InspectionsAppraisalFinancingAfter the Inspection buyer can:Accept as isRenegotiate the contractCancel the Contract Top Costly Things to be Aware of When Looking at a House to Buy:Taxes InsuranceFoundationDrainage - Probably the number one thing that gets overlookedWindowsRoof HVACLocation How to find a realtor:Interview multiple realtors - you’re going to be spending a lot of time with themAsk friends that have bought recently - who did they use and what questions should they have asked?Look at their websiteLook at their social mediaAsk Family and Friends Resources:Long for Realtor, Overland Park Crossfit, Coach Woodford, Coach Woodford Bio, Christina Aguilera,  Britney Spears “...Baby One More Time” (Album), Taylor...
Episode #13 - What the hell is Fee Only?
Mar 3 2021
Episode #13 - What the hell is Fee Only?
“Fee Only means I only get paid a fee from my clients. I don’t get paid fees from products, from brokerage firms, from banks, from insurance companies… I only get paid by the client and that is the person I’m responsible to.” - Brent Hoskins, CFP®, CKA® of Focal Point Financial Group “One of the questions you need to ask advisors you’re interviewing is, ‘how do you get paid?’” - Donovan Brooks, CFP®, CKA® of Storyline FinancialIn episode 13, we're talking about what the hell is Fee Only?Brent Hoskins, CFP®, CKA® of Focal Point Financial Group and Donovan Brooks, CFP®, CKA® of Storyline Financial, sit down with Kyle to discuss what it means when an advisor says they’re a “Fee Only advisor”. Do you know how your advisor gets paid? They break down the two basic ways advisors are compensated by their clients, which leads to the three different types of compensation structures (Commission, Fee Based, & Fee Only), which leads further into the various Fee Only models (AUM, Flat Fee, Hourly, and more). Tune in!"Do you want to pay for products that you can get for free, or do you want to pay for the advice?" Kyle Hill, CFP® Resources:Man of the House (1995), Rochester Brewing and Roasting Co.: Stone Fruit Pale Ale, River Bluff Brewing, Roasterie: Full Vengeance, Drink your coffee, Roasterie: Betty’s Recipe, Parenthood - Forever Young, What is Fee-Only Financial Planning by NAPFA, XY Planning Network, NAPFA,Donovan Walk-up song: Lecrae - Over the Top /Andy Mineo, Brent Walk-up song: Alphaville - Forever Young Kyle Walk-up song: Jump Around by House of PainBrent Hoskins, CFP®, AWMA®, CRPS®, RICP®, CKA® - Focal Point Financial GroupWebsite,Email,LinkedIn,XY Planning Network...
Episode #12 - What the hell is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™?
Feb 11 2021
Episode #12 - What the hell is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™?
In episode 12, we're talking about what the hell is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™?David Tuzzolino, CFA, CFP® of PathBridge and Tyler Landes, CFP®, AIF® of Tandem Financial Guidance, sit down with Kyle to discuss what it means to be a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. It can get confusing when an advisor says they're a financial advisor and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. It leaves you wondering, "which one are you?"The guys break it down to make some sense of it. Tune in!As always, even though it's not recommended, to skip the fluff, go to the 17:15 marker. Resources:David's beverage of choice: Chocolate Meltdown by Penn Brewery, Kyle's beverage of choice: Orange Creamsicle IPA, Rocdhester Brewing and Roasting Co., Up/Down Arcade Bar, Groundhog Dropped by de Blasio Dies, Punxsutawney Phil’s Record, NCAA Football (Video Game) is RETURNING!, Ed O’Bannon, Ed O’Bannon Case vs. NCAA, Sam Keller the first domino, Kyle's Walk-Up Song: Chicago Bulls Theme Song - The Alan Parsons Project, David's Walk-Up Song: Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses,  Tyler's Walk-Up Song: In Summer by Olaf, Bonus: Into the Unknown by Elsa (Idina Menzel), Episode # 10 - What the hell is a Financial Planner?  (with Tyler Landes, CFP®, AIF®; Andy Flattery, CFP®; and Mike Zung, CFP®,  The CFP Board, CFP Board History, Why a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional?, The 4 E’s to becoming a CFP® Professional: EducationExperience...
Episode #10 - What the hell is a Financial Planner?
Jan 14 2021
Episode #10 - What the hell is a Financial Planner?
What the hell is a Financial Planner?In episode 10, Kyle sits down with three CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ to discuss just what it means when someone calls themself a "Financial Planner".Andy Flattery, CFP® from Simple Wealth Planning, Mike Zung, CFP® from Java Wealth Planning, and Tyler Landes, CFP®, AIF® of Tandem Financial Guidance sit down with host of the podcast, Kyle Hill, CFP® of Hill-Top Financial Planning to discuss what exactly it means to call yourself a financial planner, or a financial advisor, or any of the other creative names out there to describe an individual that is giving investment advice for a living. They discuss ways to identify who individuals truly are, and suggest things you should do and ask when looking to hire a financial advisor or planner.Top Recommendations and Questions you should ask your financial advisor or financial planner, according to our host and guests:Are you a broker or are you an advisor or both, and what are you when you’re working with me?Are you a fiduciary? If yes, when? The whole time or only when you are providing me advice?How do you get paid?What services do you provide for your fees?What types of investments do you use?Do you use Proprietary Products?Find the right fit for you.Tune in!Resources:Kansas City Financial Advisors Network (KCFAN), BrokerCheck (FINRA), Investment Advisor Public Disclosure (SEC), The Man, the Myth, the Legend: Tyler Landes, CFP®, AIF® - Board of Directors President of Financial Planning Association of Greater Kansas City, Martin City Brewery Show Time, Modelo, Mother's Brewing Co. The Great Cobra Scare of ‘53, Boulevard Berry Noir, Coors Light, What is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)? ,Investment Broker (Registered Representative) vs. Investment Advisor (Investment Advisor Representative) video, Who is Michael Kitces? , Who is Bob Veras?, Office Space gif, Money Ball - Peter...
Episode #8 - I was in an Accident!
Dec 17 2020
Episode #8 - I was in an Accident!
“Whether people realize it or not (buying direct to consumer), they’re acting as their own insurance agent.” - Ryan Gerstner of Prime Insurance AgencyIn episode 8, we're talking about the things you need to know when reviewing or shopping for auto insurance.Ryan Gerstner from Prime Insurance Agency, and Kyle discuss why we need auto insurance in the first place. They also help you understand what liability limits are and what liability limits you should carry. Being a growing trend in auto insurance, Telematics gets discussed too. Lastly, they wrap up with Kyle's two recent car accidents he was in (not at fault by the way)! What did he do right? What did he do wrong? Find out by listening!Per the usual, they kick it off with some fluff about KU of all things.... not sure how that happened. If you want to know what they want for Christmas, here's your chance. Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Maybe you have the answer. You’re going to get jacked with Ryan's walk up song… and you'll probably want to throw some aviators on for Kyle’s.Tune in!"I look at independent insurance agents a lot like independent financial advisors." Kyle Hill, CFP® Skip the Fluff go to: 48:08Resources:Left Handed Presidents,Playstation 5 (looks AWESOME!),Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells,Elf,Matthew Berry Love/Hate and Why Die Hard is a Christmas Movie,Jingle All the Way,Christmas Trap Music,Liability Coverage Explained,Telematics Devices,Telematics: Who, What & Why?,More on Telematics,Dave Ramsey ELPs,Ryan’s Walk-up Song: Saliva - Ladies and GentlemenKyle’s Walk-up Song: Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone Ryan Gerstner - Prime Insurance AgencyWebsite,LinkedIn,Facebook,
Episode #6 - Diving a Layer Deeper into Investments
Nov 5 2020
Episode #6 - Diving a Layer Deeper into Investments
“You want all of your investments to be a part of your diversified portfolio.” - David Tuzzolino, CFA, CFP® of PathBridge Financial, LLCIn episode 6, we're taking a deeper dive into understanding investments. People talk like all investments are created equal, but that’s certainly not the case. In this episode, we dive a little deeper to help you better understand how investments are not all the same. David Tuzzolino, CFA, CFP® from PathBridge Financial, and Kyle discuss four types of investments: Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and ETFs. They discuss similarities, and differences between investments to cut through the confusion. A key component of the conversation is “diversification”, and they break down what that means in the investment world and why we do it. They close out the episode by discussing the pros and cons of Target Date Funds.To kick it off, they talk about Gettysburg, ghosts, Remember the Titans, David’s bucket list trip and why outer space and scuba diving freak Kyle out. They also discuss their best ever investment picks. Tune in!"It’s (Target Date Funds) meant for the average employee, but no one is average. Every person’s situation is unique to them. It’s a one size fits all (approach)." Kyle Hill, CFP®***Not advised, but to skip the Fluff, go to the 42:12 mark***Resources:Stocks, Market Capitalization (Market Cap), Price to Earnings Ratio (P/E Ratio), Price to Book Ratio (P/B Ratio), Target Date Funds (MarketWatch), Target Date Funds (Financial Times), Bonds, Bond Ratings, Mutual Funds, ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), Fund Expense Ratios, Asset Class Returns (Reason for Diversification), Risk vs. Volatility, CFA Institute (Chartered Financial...
Episode #4 - Bringing Sexy Back to Life Insurance
Oct 6 2020
Episode #4 - Bringing Sexy Back to Life Insurance
“What would you want to see happen with your family, if god forbid, something were to happen to you, and you were to leave your family, without you around?” - Andy Flattery, CFP®, of Simple Wealth Planning, LLCIn episode 4, we're talking LIFE INSURANCE... because September is (and was) "Life Insurance Awareness Month". I know, it's October, and it can be scary talking about your own mortality, but we can't keep kicking the can down the road. We've gotta talk about this, SO WE DID!Spoiler alert, it wasn't that scary.Andy Flattery, CFP® from Simple Wealth Planning, and Kyle discuss why you need life insurance, the different types, who needs it, and how to get it. We even talk some sports, our girl names, and showering with Hall of Famers. Tune in!"It's loving your family enough to take care of them in the instance that you can't." Kyle Hill, CFP®Resources:Life Insurance Overview (NerdWallet),Term Insurance,Permanent Life Insurance,Whole Life Insurance,Variable Life Insurance,Universal Life Insurance,Comparison (Dave Ramsey),Needs Based Life Insurance Calculator,Simple Life Insurance Calculator,Zander Insurance,Policy Genius,Brush Creek Partners,Queen Sweets & Bakery,Red Door Grill,Cael Sanderson (Greatest Wrestler Ever!),The Moonlight Graham Show,The White Stripes - Ball and Biscuit,Justin Timberlake - Can’t Stop This Feeling,Justin Timberlake - Sexy Back Andy Flattery, CFP® - Simple Wealth Planning, LLCWebsite,