Peter Ciravolo

Only Fee-Only Podcast | BC Brokerage | Travel. Food. Golf.

[Peter Ciravolo @PeterCiravolo]

Big difference between being frugal and being cheap

[Paul Saladino, MD @paulsaladinomd]

This is How You Shop for Meat at Costco

[Thomas Kopelman 💵 @TKopelman]

Insurances you need as a millennial

1. Car insurance: cover large outlays of cash not low deductibles (maxed out liability)
2. Disability insurance: protect your future earnings
3. Health insurance: make sure a large accident doesn't cost 100s of thousands of dollars
4. Term life insurance (notice I said term): protect your family and kids if you are done
5. Homeowners insurance: maxed out liability and enough dwelling to rebuild
6. Umbrella insurance: protect against a lawsuit coming and losing your net worth

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Most disability claims are partial, not total.

That’s why you NEVER buy a policy without a Residual Disability Rider—it pays out even if you’re only partially disabled.

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Here is one of the biggest mistakes that I see people make, and how to avoid it…..

People assume they’ll always be insurable.

Health changes. Careers evolve. Life throws curveballs. But your ability to get insurance isn’t guaranteed. That’s why locking in coverage while you’re young and healthy is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

Here’s why:
✅ Your future health isn’t guaranteed—but your locked-in policy is.
✅ You might need more coverage later—marriage, kids, business growth, etc.
✅ Buying now can save you thousands vs. waiting until it’s more expensive (or unavailable).

The best time to get life or disability insurance? Before you need it. The second best time? Before you can’t. hashtag#LifeInsurance hashtag#FinancialPlanning hashtag#RiskManagement

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Renters underestimate how much they own.

Clothes, electronics, furniture—if everything was lost in a fire or theft, how much would it cost to replace?

Renter’s insurance covers that (and sometimes even hotel stays if you’re displaced).

It’s an easy financial win in a tough situation.

[Thomas Kopelman 💵 @TKopelman]

Some things that can kill your wealth building

- panic selling
- being underinsured
- having too much debt
- having a low investment rate
- raising your lifestyle too quick
- not having an emergency fund
- only investing when the market is up
- not having the proper p&c protections
- pulling from retirement accounts too early

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Sun, strategy, and setting big goals—Miami delivered on all fronts.

This week, I spent some time with Peter in Miami to reflect, strategize, and set our goals for 2025. It’s always helpful to step back from the day-to-day and focus on the bigger picture—whether it’s refining our processes, enhancing customer service, or planning how to serve the fee-only community even better.

We also made time to enjoy the Miami scenery, hitting the water for a cruise around the bay. Sometimes those moments of downtime spark the best ideas and remind us why we love what we do.

As always, a huge thank you to the fee-only community for trusting us and making BC Brokerage possible!

Feeling refreshed and ready to make 2025 our best year yet!

[Thomas Kopelman 💵 @TKopelman]

"We are going to buy a home next year that costs $750,000 and put down 10%

Meaning we need a mortgage for $675,000

That will result in a mortgage payment of $4,144 based on today's rates of 7.25%"

Here's why this thinking is wrong and you could end up feeling house poor👇

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Growth Doesn’t Always Mean Rushing Forward

This time of year always reminds me that growth isn’t just about chasing the next milestone or rushing forward. True growth comes from taking a moment to reflect, appreciate, and find fulfillment in the journey.

Personally and professionally, this has been one of the best years of my life. There were achievements that made me proud, challenges that tested me in new ways, and lessons that shifted my perspective. These moments weren’t just about hitting goals—they were about becoming more present, learning to adapt, and realizing what truly matters.

As I look ahead to 2025, I want to hold onto this balance. Growth is important—it drives us to be better—but it’s equally important to pause, celebrate the progress, and be present for the moments that make the journey worthwhile.

Sometimes that means going to a Colts game and getting on the Jumbotron CREED cam with some of your best friends (see attached photo) 😂😂😂

How do you balance striving for growth with finding fulfillment in where you are? Let’s head into the new year with that energy.

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Insurance policies and concepts business owners should consider.

1) A Buy-Sell agreement

2) Key Person Life insurance

3) Key Person Disability policy

4) Business Overhead Expense.

These policies have the ability to create a solid safety net and give some breathing room.

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Do you need life insurance for your entire life?

Probably not……

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

#113 - Matt Pruitt on Balancing Growth with Personal Fulfillment

Matt Pruitt, CFP®, CFA, founder of Exhale Wealth Management, is back for his second appearance on the Only Fee-Only Podcast podcast, and his journey continues to impress. After leaving institutional investment management, Matt built a firm that’s thriving by serving tech workers with equity compensation. His business has seen remarkable growth in a short time, a testament to the power of a clear niche and strategic focus.

In this episode, Matt shares with us what’s driving his success—focusing on the right clients, leveraging a strong referral network, and outsourcing to stay efficient. He also shares the value he’s found in collaborating with peers and learning from groups like the XYPN.

Beyond the numbers, Matt talks about how he manages his time effectively to prevent burnout and balance running a growing business with family life. His approach is practical and grounded, offering insights that advisors at any stage can learn from.

Tune in to hear Matt’s story and gain valuable takeaways for building your own practice

Apple Podcasts:

https://t.co/eVCxZrWJpx

Spotify:

https://t.co/xSROS4sbrI

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Ever wonder what those ribbons on an insurance agent’s name tag really mean?

Spoiler: they’re not about helping clients—they’re about hitting quotas.

Here’s the thing: for many agents, this is their introduction to financial services. They start young—often right out of college—stepping into a system that celebrates sales over solutions.

When it’s all you know, and your livelihood depends on it, you convince yourself you’re doing the right thing.

It’s not about bad intentions. It’s about a system that pushes products, not planning. It’s about a culture that teaches you to prioritize ribbons, awards, and metrics over actual client needs.

But the wake-up call comes. For some, it’s realizing that the advice they’re giving isn’t always in the client’s best interest. For others, it’s stepping back and seeing the system for what it is.

When you finally break free, you see the difference. It’s not about the ribbons. It’s about doing what’s right.

Have you experienced this shift? Or seen it happen? Also, if anyone ever feels like they're stuck in this trap reach out. I am always happy to talk.

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

#112 - Optimize Your Practice with Tips from Libby Greiwe🎙 ChFC, RICP, FIC

What if you could turn your financial advising practice into a seven-figure business while working just three days a week? In our latest Only Fee-Only Podcast episode, Libby Greiwe, host of the Efficient Advisor podcast, shares how she built a thriving practice by focusing on underserved clients and creating systems that align with her values and lifestyle.

We dive into her “systems to scale” framework—a proven method to refine your niche, attract ideal clients, and streamline operations. Whether you’re looking for quick wins or a full business overhaul, Libby offers actionable strategies to help you build a balanced, successful practice.

Apple Podcasts:

https://t.co/2E5TPXOZnv

Spotify:

https://t.co/yDa7SgBRGQ

Connect with Libby on LinkedIn or visit https://t.co/dWPoxoZDcf for more insights!

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Transitioning out of the military comes with a lot of decisions, and life insurance is one of them.

If you’re leaving the service and can’t secure private coverage due to insurability issues, Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) can be a solid option. It ensures you have coverage, but it’s worth noting that private policies are often the better choice if you can qualify—offering level premiums and more flexibility over time.

Credit to Matt Quick for the chart in the video.

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Curtis Ray got hit with a cease-and-desist—but why?

In this video, I break down how marketing a product as “proprietary” and exclusive when it wasn’t led to major trouble. The product, widely available through Mutual of Omaha, wasn’t the real problem—it was the misleading advertising that caused regulators to step in.

To be honest, I don’t agree with these products most of the time, but this situation highlights a bigger issue: the importance of clear, honest communication.

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

Self talk is everything.

[Broc Buckles @Broc_Buckles]

When should consider buying life insurance or more life insurance?

Watch this video to find out!

[Peter Ciravolo @PeterCiravolo]

So glad Dr. Rodney Mogen and I were able to catch up over some BBQ as he passed through Miami last week!

Rodney has helped me become the insurance agent that I am today

BC Brokerage wouldn't be where we are at today without you!

Thank you for your patience and expertise!

[Peter Ciravolo @PeterCiravolo]

Beautiful Miami Friday off my balcony this morning!

Love being in a city that provides an environment to GROW and THRIVE in!!!