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Behind The Designs

Behind The Designs

By: Financial Design Studio
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Ever wonder what financial advisors have to say about money related topics? Join us every other Tuesday for a sneak peek into our internal conversations at Financial Design Studio. If you want to better understand the whys behind the complex designs of taxes, insurance, planning, retirement, or investments, then subscribe! … because this podcast is for you! Hosted by Michelle Smalenberger. Co-Hosts featuring members of the Financial Design Studio team. Recorded, Edited, and Produced by Anna Lewis. DISCLAIMER : All content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of FDS, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to other parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.

© 2026 Behind The Designs
Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Estate Planning Mistakes that Complicate the Inheritance Process
    Jul 29 2026

    A strong estate isn't just about your wishes... It's also about making your affairs easily handled after you are gone. In this episode, Michelle and Trevore discuss the mistakes we've seen in how assets are passed down and the ways paperwork becomes your beneficiaries nightmare.

    💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/

    🚀 WORK WITH US: https://financialdesignstudio.com/get-started/

    👋 ABOUT US: We are a team of financial advisors based Chicago. We specialize in helping professionals plan their retirement through investment management, tax efficiency, and executive compensation.

    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of FDS, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to other parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.





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    55 mins
  • How to Decide When to Move into Retirement Community
    Jul 2 2026

    Whether you are considering a retirement community for yourself or your parents, it can be a hard conversation to start. In this episode, Michelle interviews Royce the process of retiring and having to downsize, how she picked the community, and what the experience has been like for her and her family.

    💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/

    🚀 WORK WITH US: https://financialdesignstudio.com/get-started/

    👋 ABOUT US: We are a team of financial advisors based Chicago. We specialize in helping professionals plan their retirement through investment management, tax efficiency, and executive compensation.

    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of FDS, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to other parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.





    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Is Your Marriage Ready for Retirement?
    May 14 2026

    Retirement is not just a financial transition, it’s also relational. In this episode, Michelle interviews Dave and Diane about how they are preparing their marriage for retirement. They share the financial milestones they've struggled through, and the ways they are building towards the future, together.

    💥 DOWNLOAD our free retirement planning guide: https://financialdesignstudio.com/two-questions-we-ask-every-client-before-they-retire/

    🚀 WORK WITH US: https://financialdesignstudio.com/get-started/

    👋 ABOUT US: We are a team of financial advisors based Chicago. We specialize in helping professionals plan their retirement through investment management, tax efficiency, and executive compensation.

    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of FDS, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to other parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.





    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
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