When it comes to managing your money, the smallest decisions can have the biggest impact on your long-term financial health. Small choices, like reaching for your debit card first, making a monthly spending plan, and defining exactly what ‘enough’ means to your family can add up to quite a bit of added savings—without significantly impacting your lifestyle. 

In the last episode of our 5-part Uses of Money series, Jason talks about the intentional spending choices each of us can make to enjoy what we have now while securing a comfortable future. From smart spending plans to using credit cards responsibly, Jason explains how the right plan and tools can help your family live life empowered. 

Listen now to learn: 

• The power of micro-money choices
• Why spending is one of your most crucial lifestyle tools
• What ‘enough’ looks like as your income increases
• How budget tracking apps can help your family use credit cards to your advantage
• And more

Resources:

• Linkedin: Cook Wealth 
• Cook Wealth 

Connect with Jason: 

• Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

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The first step towards growing your wealth is a fairly straightforward one: Establish an adequate emergency fund. But it’s the steps to follow that can make managing and increasing your wealth complicated. Intentionally building your wealth requires careful financial planning and smart tax strategies—skills that may not come naturally to everyday savers.  

From putting all your savings in one risky basket, to keeping too much cash on hand, in this episode, Jason reveals a few surprising truths about maximizing the growth potential in every dollar. 

Listen now to learn:

• Why your emergency fund may not look like your neighbor’s
• How excess cash can limit your wealth growth
• 3 tax-smart options to build your savings
• The role your financial advisor plays in optimizing your portfolio

Resources:

• Linkedin: Cook Wealth 
• Cook Wealth 

Connect with Jason: 

• Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

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Ever wondered how to make a real impact with your money? It’s not just about saving or spending but also about giving back to your community in a meaningful way.

When you hear the word “generosity,” what comes to mind? Most people equate generosity with financial giving. But in practice, the true essence of generosity goes far beyond money—encompassing your time, talent, and treasures. 

In this episode, host Jason and special guest Richard Newton, the Regional Director of the National Christian Foundation’s Carolinas office, take a closer look at what it means to “do good with what we have.” From simple first steps any new giver can take, to advanced strategies for generous business owners and high-income individuals, this conversation underscores the transformational power of generous living.

Listen now for:

• Smart ways to systematize your giving with a donor-advised fund
• How to increase the intentionality and impact of large gifts
• Why non-cash assets can be just as valuable as cash donations
• The tax advantages of strategic giving
• And more

Connect with Richard:

• LinkedIn: Richard Newton
• National Christian Foundation

Resources:

• Linkedin: Cook Wealth 
• Cook Wealth 

Connect with Jason: 

• Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

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You’re looking for an advisor – that perfect fit: someone who gets you and your communication style, someone who will carry out your wishes and meet your family’s needs after you pass, and someone who keeps an eye on your portfolio, so you feel comfortable and confident in your investment approach quarter to quarter. Now picture this advisor. Is it someone who takes the time to understand your financial situation, goals and the returns you want to achieve? Or is it a robo-advisor offering a one-size-fits-all plan with no context or window into your life?

In this episode, Jason Deshayes is joined by financial advisor Derek Williams from Cook Wealth to discuss the pros and cons of trusting online financial advisors. They caution the lack of personal experience that’s often concealed and discuss what you really need when the market shifts unpredictably – a trusted person one phone call away, or a virtual chat with a bot? 

Derek discusses: 

• How online influencers can reel you into buying certain stocks that might not fit your objective
• The personal ties that an in-person financial advisor can offer you 
• Some reasons why people gravitate towards trusting online resources to help them invest
• And more

Resources:

• Linkedin: Cook Wealth 
• Cook Wealth 

Connect with Jason: 

• Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

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Understanding the professional designations of your advice team can help truly identify how all the individual puzzle pieces work in unison to create your ideal portfolio.

In this episode, Jason brings along his colleague – financial advisor Derek Williams from Cook Wealth. They talk about investment approach, specialized services, and how navigating a portfolio is not to be done solo. 

Jason and Derek discuss: 

• Common questions clients ask when investing with Cook Wealth
• The difference between a financial planner and a financial advisor
• Some important investing tips
• And more

Resources:

• Linkedin: Cook Wealth 
• Cook Wealth 

• Connect with Jason: 

• Linkedin: Jason Deshayes

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