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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
  • 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.





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    56 mins
  • Raising Kids Who Understand Money: Teens + College Students
    Apr 16 2026

    As your teen or college student begins to make their own money, you want to continue to teach them wisdom with their money. In this episode, we cover finding a job and eventually a career, banking and credit cards, and how plan for big savings goals.

    💥 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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    49 mins
  • Raising Kids Who Understand Money: Ages 0-12
    Apr 2 2026

    Long before kids earn their first dollar, they’re forming beliefs about money. In this episode, we explore how children ages 0–12 begin forming their understanding of money, and how you can instill good habits for giving, saving, spending.

    💥 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
    1 hr and 1 min
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