Josh Sterling

Wealth Strategist that can help you grow, access, and protect your wealth using world-class financial principles and strategies.

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Hello, everyone. I'm thrilled to share my experience from a special morning at Hotel La Rose. I joined a group of business owners led by Vistage Group Leader William (Bill) Vick. We all were thinking about something Benjamin Franklin said: "Not planning is like planning to fail."

I'm a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Wealth Strategist, and I talked about something important but often forgotten in business – the "5 Ds." 100% of business owners will indeed leave their business one day, but 50% of them will leave not by choice. These unplanned exits can affect a business.

We discussed the "5 Ds" – Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress. These are big problems that can happen suddenly. Our conversation was about how these can hurt a business and ways to protect against them. A big part of this is having a good Buy-Sell agreement.

We examined the process of setting up these agreements, focusing on how to fund them. Money management, saving, handling debts, and using insurance are key. It was great to have deep and smart questions from successful business owners.

What should we remember? Being ready for anything is very important. It's not just about making plans to succeed but also about being prepared for unexpected challenges. In the journey of owning a business, remember – that good planning is your shield against failure.

#BusinessPreparedness #ExitStrategy #WealthManagement #EntrepreneurialJourney #BusinessContinuity #RiskMitigation #The5Ds #StrategicPlanning #LeadershipInsights #BusinessResilience #BuySellAgreements #FinancialPlanning #VistageInsights #SuccessMindset #NavigatingBusinessChallenges #ProtectYourBusiness #ThoughtLeadership #BusinessOwnersTalk #HotelLaRoseExperience #BenjaminFranklinWisdom

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Are you prepared for the unexpected in your business?

From sudden accidents to unforeseen disagreements, every business owner should be ready for the 5 D's: Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress.

Don't be part of the 50% caught off-guard. As a Wealth Strategist and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) at Camas Advice, I'm here to help you "De-Risk" and navigate these challenges.

Let's ensure your business thrives no matter what life throws at you. Reach out for a chat or a complimentary review.

#BusinessPreparedness #ExitPlanning #WealthStrategy #5Ds #BusinessChallenges #CamasAdvice #CEPA

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Did you know 75% of business owners regret selling their enterprise within just a year? 🚨

I'm here to highlight the importance of rethinking strategic exit planning and how it can reshape your business's destiny.

🔍 Key Insights:

79% lack a written transition plan.

94% haven't envisioned life post-business.

50% of business exits are involuntary, often due to the
5 D’s: death, disability, divorce, distress, or disagreements.

🚀 Challenges:

Unpreparedness and the income trap.

Life's unpredictability leading to involuntary exits.

Overemphasis on immediate income over long-term value.

Exit planning isn't a distant concept; it's an ongoing strategy. Your plan should balance business, personal, and financial goals, ensuring your business thrives now and for generations.

Need guidance or a readiness assessment? Reach out! Let's ensure your business's legacy is secure and you're always prepared.

#ExitPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CamasAdvice #CEPA #BusinessLegacy #5Ds #WealthStrategist

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Wrapping up National Life Insurance Awareness Month, revisiting your coverage is crucial. With a $12 trillion gap, many are underinsured.

As life changes, so should your policy. From family support to business needs and estate planning, life insurance offers more than just peace of mind. Need a review or insights on maximizing benefits? I'm here to help.

#LifeInsuranceAwareness #SecureYourFuture #BusinessProtection #EstatePlanning #CoverageGap

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

📣 Attention to all looking into estate planning! As a seasoned wealth strategist and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), I've noticed a concerning trend: 'estate planning paralysis.' Many are hesitating with estate tax changes looming for 2026 and the exemption set to decrease significantly.

Remember the 2020 rush? It's crucial not to delay. Consider segmenting your planning, especially life insurance, to manage risks and costs. Estate planning is more than just assets; it's about legacy. Let's navigate this together. Reach out for guidance. 📈💼🔍

#EstatePlanning #WealthStrategy #LifeInsurance #FinancialAgility #LegacyPlanning #TaxChanges2026 #EstateTaxExemption #FinancialPlanning #Trusts

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

I am thrilled to announce that I have earned the esteemed Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential, joining an exclusive global community of business advisors. This achievement comes after completing the rigorous executive MBA-style program from the renowned Exit Planning Institute.

The CEPA program, endorsed and recognized globally, equips advisors with unique strategies to guide owners of privately held companies. Only over 4000 professionals nationwide can claim this distinction, underscoring its value and exclusivity.

Throughout the program, the core principle of Master Planning resonated deeply with me. The alignment of business, personal, and financial aspects, achieved through the Value Acceleration Methodology™, is crucial. In simpler terms, effective Exit Planning is simply good business strategy. This is an important paradigm shift.

A crucial takeaway for me was confirmation of the importance of advisor collaboration to achieve the best client outcomes. This is something I have been doing for a very long time. While it may seem like a given, not all professionals embrace this collaborative approach.

This program is a game changer for me and, more importantly, my current and future clients. Equipped with many tools, methods, and advanced strategies, I am excited to enhance my value to business owners.

#CEPA #ExitPlanning #BusinessStrategy #ValueAcceleration #BusinessAdvisory #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerMilestone

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

@catarinachapa This is my only Twitter account. Glad you liked the video

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

I'm thrilled to share highlights from my recent speaking endeavor at the Camas Advice event in Phoenix! 🌵🎤
The gathering was packed with vibrant discussions and priceless knowledge for advisors. My one-hour presentation on 'Carve Out Plans' for key executives stirred up considerable intrigue. These plans provide a unique way for business owners to recruit, reward, and retain their top employees, operating outside the traditional rules of benefits like health or retirement plans.

The event commenced with Tyson Bailey shedding light on the significance of marketing to business owners via LinkedIn. 🌐 A rock-solid marketing strategy and client acquisition are the keys to triumph in any industry.

My business partner, Rick Bailey, shared an outstanding presentation on succession planning. His insights on preparing for business sales, structuring buy/sell agreements, and demystifying the misconception that life insurance is expensive for funding these agreements.

Todd Bailey brought another fascinating subject to the table - Captive Insurance. 💵 A potent strategy that empowers businesses to transform risk into wealth. More business owners should be using this tax savings strategy that covers business risks!

Post-break, we'll be diving into the concept of a Family Office. 🏡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The team-based approach offered by Camas Advice delivers unique financial services, ideal for high-net-worth individuals and families.

The event is a testament to our team's collective expertise and passion at Camas Advice.

I've got to dash now as I'll be partaking in the Family Office concept discussion. Looking forward to it! 🏃‍♂️💼

#CamasAdvice #WealthStrategy #Wealthstrategist #FinancialEmpowerment #InnovationInFinance #CollaborativeSuccess #carveoutplans #captiveinsurance #marketing #buy/sell #sucessionplanning

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Taking off to Phoenix, Arizona where I'll be a keynote speaker at a Camas Advice event. 🎤

The focus? Empowering financial advisors and life insurance agents to maximize their potential with business owners.

Leveraging my experience with high-net-worth individuals and business owners, I'm ready to share insights and strategies. All to enable advisors to serve their clients more effectively.

Our one-day event will ignite discussions on succession planning, buy/sell agreements, and Captive Insurance strategies. As the Carve Out King, I'll delve into different carve-out plans for key employees using disability, long-term care, and life insurance.

If you need assistance in these areas, feel free to contact me. And, of course, if you have any insights or strategies to share, please leave them in the comments.

Boarding my flight to Phoenix now! I'll share some key takeaways when I return.

#CamasAdvice #FinancialAdvisors #LifeInsuranceAgents #SuccessionPlanning #CarveOutKing #Phoenix"

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Another superb ProVisors Santa Rosa 1 📅 Meeting this morning, led by Carter Welch. Grateful to spend time with so many exceptional professionals. Packed with informative discussions 📚, teamwork 🤝, and lots of laughter 😂!

Thanks to Lauren Hauptman for guiding our conversation on "one-sheets" 📃. Listening to your expertise was fantastic.
It's great to hear from our members about their experiences in the real world with one-sheets and our evolving digital landscape 💻. As Clint Tripodi aptly put it, we want to have as many "Arrows in our quivers" 🏹, ready to use at the right time.

Thanks to Paul Schwartz for sharing insights into the commercial real estate sector, his background, and his passion for affordable housing 🏡. Interesting to learn he was the founding director for Leadership Santa Rosa (LSR).

Check out an article he wrote: https://t.co/Rx7Kj9Y0vI

Great to see the "Hot Seat" 🔥 back in action. Hats off to William (Bill) Vick for asking the hard-hitting questions and to Zachary Mesel for sharing his unique story 📖. Don't worry, Zach, mixing similar Spanish words makes a fantastic story!

Today seemed full of praises for Ron Wargo, a top estate planning attorney 🏦. It looks like he was a hit with everyone! Thanks, Ron, for the recent referral. Also, thanks to Lisa Hannah, our real estate advisor, and real estate divestment specialist, for considering me for one of your clients.

Thanks, everyone, for a great morning! 🌞

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

I just found a video of my two boys from 9 years ago, now 17 and 13. It hit me hard: Time indeed flies. As a parent, revisiting such memories makes you realize how quickly things move, and yet, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind.

That's exactly how many individuals, business owners, and estates approach their wealth planning. It's often viewed through a rear-view mirror rather than a forward-looking lens. It's always easy to look back, but foresight is where the magical planning happens.

As a Wealth Strategist, I urge you to step back from your routine and contemplate the future. Have you planned for these critical aspects of wealth management?

Business Succession Planning: Are you prepared for the next chapter of your business? An unplanned transition could mean disaster. 📈🔄

Estate Planning: Have you considered the legacy you want to leave behind? Your hard-earned wealth should be distributed according to your wishes. 🏰💼

Retirement Planning: It's not just about retiring; it's about living comfortably and enjoying your golden years. 🌅

Risk Management: Have you adequately insured your assets and income streams against potential risks? 🛡️

Tax Planning: Are you optimizing your wealth in a tax-efficient manner? It's not about what you make but what you keep. 💰

The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence. Let's start focusing on the road ahead.

If you need guidance, I'm just a message away.

#WealthManagement #EstatePlanning #RetirementPlanning #BusinessSuccession #TaxPlanning

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Let's rethink Long Term Care together. Insurance is just one part of a comprehensive plan. With changing landscapes and financial uncertainties, a well-thought-out plan is crucial.

Products have evolved, and old ones no longer tell a compelling story. We need to focus on the comprehensive plan tailored to your financial portfolio. It's about maximizing care, preserving legacies, and providing peace of mind. 🏡❤️💼

No product can provide all the answers alone. Integrating insurance strategically allows you to allocate funds effectively and supplement your care. Let's create a plan that protects you and your loved ones. 💼💡💰

Don't try to figure it out on your own. As a Wealth Strategist and Long Term Care Specialist, I'm here to help. Reach out to me to navigate the complexities and secure your future. 🤝🧩📈

#LongTermCare #Insurance #WealthPlanning #SecureFuture

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Reflecting on my busy week as a business owner, I realized something important: I forgot to post any videos. 😅

But instead of dwelling on this oversight, I saw it as an opportunity to address the neglected areas we face as busy entrepreneurs.

In my upcoming video, I'll dive into three key areas that often slip through the cracks:

1️⃣ Updating Buy-Sell Agreements: Avoid complications and disputes by aligning these agreements with your business's evolving value. 💰

2️⃣ Rewarding and Retaining Key Employees: Discover effective strategies to recognize and incentivize your valuable talent, ensuring a loyal and engaged workforce. 🏅

3️⃣ Prioritizing Retirement Savings: Let's secure your financial future beyond solely relying on the sale of your business. 💼🏖️

Don't worry, you don't have to face these challenges alone. As a trusted Wealth Strategist, I'm here to guide you through these often-neglected areas. Together, we'll create a solid plan for your financial well-being and long-term success. 💪

So, reach out to me today to discuss your unique circumstances and let's embark on this journey together! Don't forget to like this video and subscribe to my channel for more valuable insights.

#BusinessOwners #FinancialWellBeing #NeglectedAreas #WealthStrategist #Buy-Sell #Carveout #retirement #planning #orchestrateyourwelath

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

As a Wealth Strategist, I focus on tailored planning to help clients achieve their financial goals 🎯. Financial products like life insurance play a critical role in this process. This post discusses term and permanent life insurance, exploring their various types, benefits, and drawbacks.

Term Life Insurance provides coverage for a set period, primarily used for income replacement in case of premature death 💰. Permanent Life Insurance offers lifelong coverage, including whole and universal life policies, with more options and a cash value component but added complexity and potential risks.

Understanding the different types of permanent life insurance, such as Whole Life, Traditional Universal Life (UL), Variable Universal Life (VUL), Indexed Universal Life (IUL), and Guaranteed Universal Life (GUL), is crucial in selecting the right product and design for your planning 🌟.

As an expert in this field, I offer valuable guidance in choosing the appropriate policy type and design. If you already have a policy, contact me for a complimentary review to ensure it still works for you 📞. Like and subscribe for more tips and advice 💡, and feel free to comment with your questions or experiences with Permanent Life Insurance 💬.

See you in the next video! 🎥

#LifeInsurance #WealthStrategist #FinancialPlanning #PermanentLifeInsurance #TermLifeInsurance #WholeLife #UniversalLife #InsuranceTips #FinancialGoals #UL #WL #GUL #IUL #Cashvalue

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Just had an inspiring visit to Canine Companions last week and wanted to share a valuable strategy for your charitable planning. As a wealth strategist, I often assist clients in using Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) for their philanthropic endeavors. CRTs are powerful tools that enable donors to contribute appreciated assets, such as stocks or real estate, to a trust that provides a fixed income stream for a specified duration. The remaining assets are donated to charitable organizations at the end of the term.

In this video, I discuss the top 4 reasons CRTs make a fantastic charitable planning option:

1️⃣ Lifetime or Fixed-Term Income 💵
2️⃣ Capital Gains Tax Avoidance 📉
3️⃣ Immediate Tax Deduction 💰
4️⃣ Flexibility and Control ⚖️

Additionally, I reveal a bonus tip on using cash value life insurance alongside a CRT, offering three key benefits:

1️⃣ Asset Replacement 🔄
2️⃣ Added Financial Security 🔒
3️⃣ Estate Planning Advantages 🏠

Please note that CRTs aren't a one-size-fits-all approach, and it's crucial to collaborate with a wealth strategist or advisor to customize the trust to suit your unique needs and objectives. If you're curious about how CRTs can enhance your planning, don't hesitate to contact me for assistance.

Remember to like and subscribe to my channel for more insightful content on orchestrating your wealth and charitable giving!

#CharitablePlanning #CRTs #CashValueLifeInsurance #EstatePlanning #FinancialSecurity #TaxBenefits #WealthManagement

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

What an honor and privilege to be able to write an article for Protea Financial and Zane Stevens. Protea Financial can support you from bookkeeping services, order processing, and inventory tracking to handling management accounts and tax schedules. Protea aims to provide timely, accurate, and high-quality financial information on which a business can act at costs below the market average.

Cash value life insurance is an effective financial tool for business owners, particularly those in the winery and vineyard industry. It offers benefits such as protecting against losing a key person, providing executive benefits, funding a buy-sell agreement, offering financing, and planning for estate transfer. Cash value life insurance can offer businesses in various industries, including wineries and vineyards, a competitive edge by boosting financial stability, supercharging growth, and creating lasting success. Working with an experienced wealth strategist is crucial to designing a policy that meets your business needs.

#ProteaFinancial #ZaneStevens #BookkeepingServices #InventoryTracking #ManagementAccounts #TaxSchedules #TimelyInformation #AccurateInformation #HighQualityInformation #FinancialEdge #CashValueLifeInsurance #WineryIndustry #VineyardIndustry #FinancialStability #BusinessGrowth #WealthStrategist #BusinessOwners #EstateTransfer

https://t.co/sC9tbySqsu

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

I had the privilege of attending a Redwood Empire Estate Planning Council (REEPC) event at Canine Companions, and it was simply amazing! Witnessing the time and care that goes into training these furry companions to assist adults and children with disabilities, our underserved veterans, and therapy dogs was genuinely inspiring.

The demonstration they showed us was simply incredible. The dog was so focused and intelligent, clearly wanting to do the job asked of it. It was calm and razor-focused, embodying the epitome of a working dog.

Then, when they let us interact with the dogs in the yard, they were the playful and excited dogs we are all used to seeing and likely have as part of our family. They played with toys, had zoomies, wrestled, and had fun, showing their playful side.

This organization is truly fantastic, and it is worthy of any and all donations. I want to express my gratitude to my fellow board members for making this event possible for me and our members. If you ever get to attend an event at Canine Companions, I highly recommend it. You will leave feeling inspired and grateful for their incredible work.

#CanineCompanions #REEPC #EstatePlanning #CharitableOrganizations #GivingBack

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

We're tackling a crucial financial topic: future 401K and IRA retirement account taxation. Fear not, we'll reveal how cash value life insurance can be a solution and emphasize the importance of employer matches or contributions. Let's secure your financial future together!

The 401K and IRA Tax Trap can be a real issue in retirement, but Cash Value Life Insurance might be your ticket to freedom. Access your cash value tax-free, worry-free of future tax rates, RMDs, or leaving a tax burden for your beneficiaries.

Always take advantage of employer matches or contributions; they're like getting a 100% return on your investment. Remember to consult a financial professional to find the best options for your unique situation. And always remember to grab that free money from your employer's retirement plan match or contribution.

Need help or have questions? Contact me or comment below. Like this post, share it, and let's spread financial knowledge together. See you in the next post!

#401K #IRA #TaxTrap #CashValueLifeInsurance #FinancialFreedom #RetirementPlanning #EmployerMatch #FreeMoney #TaxDiversification

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Unveiling the best-kept secret used by the wealthy, banks, and Fortune 500 companies – Cash Value Life Insurance! Unlock incredible tax benefits and diversify your taxes effectively with this powerful financial tool. 💪

Imagine the IRS as your business partner – wouldn't you want to buy them out upfront in the tax-free bucket?🤔 Explore the 3 tax buckets: Tax Now, Taxed Later, and Taxed Never (Tax-Free), and discover why cash value life insurance is the perfect addition to your tax-free bucket. 💡

Cash value life insurance offers unique benefits:
✅ No Age Limit
✅ No Contribution Limits
✅ No Phase-Outs
✅ Tax-Free Growth & Distributions
✅ Non-Taxable Death Benefit

Incorporate cash value life insurance for:
🎯 Tax Diversification
🎯 Financial Flexibility
🎯 Legacy & Estate Planning

Ready to build your tax-free bucket or review your current cash value policy? I can help! 💼 If you found this post helpful, please give it a "like" and share your thoughts in the comments. 👇
#CashValueLifeInsurance #TaxFreeBucket #TaxDiversification #FinancialPlanning #LegacyPlanning #WealthStrategy #CamasWealthStrategist

[Josh Sterling @joshsterling3]

Coming to you from Austin, Texas, where I'm attending my son's soccer event, I've been reminded of teamwork's essential role in our personal and professional lives. Watching these young athletes work together on the field in front of college scouts has been truly inspiring. Effective teamwork requires communication, trust, and a shared vision - qualities that we should all strive for in our professional lives. #teamwork #communication #trust #sharedvision #professionaldevelopment #collaboration #wealthstrategy

As a former college soccer player and NCAA National Championship coach, I know firsthand the importance of teamwork. Now, as a Wealth Strategist, I have the privilege of working with a fantastic team of CPAs, attorneys, and other specialists to provide the best possible service to our clients. Collaboration is key in this industry, and I love working in a team-oriented environment. #wealthstrategist #CPA #attorney #specialist #collaboration

If you're an experienced professional with expertise in specific areas for high-net-worth individuals, small business owners, or estate planning, I'm always looking to add more top professionals to my team. Let's collaborate and make incredible things happen. #experiencedprofessionals #highnetworth #smallbusiness #estateplanning #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork

Remember, whether on the soccer field or in the office, working together as a team can lead to incredible results. So next time you're faced with a challenge, consider reaching out for help and embrace the power of teamwork. Thanks for watching, and remember to hit that like button if you enjoyed this video! #challenge #powerofteamwork #embrace #inspiration #professionalteam #LinkedInvideo