The Wealth Wise Show

Balance Sheets Explained: Assets, Liabilities & Equity (And What They Really Mean)

Balance sheets can look intimidating — but once you know what you’re looking for, they tell a powerful story about a company’s financial strength (or hidden risk).In this episode of The WealthWise Show, I break down how to read a balance sheet in plain English and how to use it to understand what a company owns, what it owes, and how stable it really is. Whether you’re a DIY investor, business owner, or just trying to get financially sharper, this episode will help you make sense of the numbers without getting lost in accounting jargon.We cover:What a balance sheet is and why it mattersAssets: cash, inventory, receivables, property, and what “liquidity” really meansLiabilities: short-term vs. long-term debt and why timelines matterShareholders’ equity: what it represents and what it doesn’tKey things I look for: current ratio, debt levels, working capital, and red flagsHow to spot strength vs. stress before you ever look at the stock price🎧 If you’ve ever said, “I don’t really understand financial statements,” this is your starting pointThe WealthWise Show is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Benowitz Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Adviser registered in the State of Florida. Advisory services are offered only to clients or prospective clients where the firm is properly registered or exempt from registration. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Any examples referenced are for illustration and educational purposes only and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their individual financial situation.

How to Analyze a Company: Fundamentals, Risk, and Long-Term Thinking

Everyone talks about investing — but how do you actually research a company before putting money at risk?In this episode of The WealthWise Show, I walk you through how I personally research and evaluate companies, from a long-term, fundamentals-driven perspective. This is not about hype, hot tips, or trying to time the market. It’s about understanding businesses, managing risk, and making informed decisions.We cover:Where I start when analyzing a companyHow I look at financial statements and business fundamentalsWhy cash flow, debt, and margins matterHow management quality and business models factor into decisionsThe role of risk, valuation, and long-term trendsWhy not every good company is a good investmentAnd how research fits into a diversified portfolioThis episode is designed to help listeners better understand how professional research thinking works, whether you invest on your own or work with an advisor. My goal is to give you clarity, not complexity — and to help you think more critically about the companies behind the investments you own.🎧 If you’ve ever wondered what actually goes into real investment research, this episode pulls back the curtain.The WealthWise Show is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Benowitz Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Adviser registered with the State of Florida. Advisory services are offered only to clients or prospective clients where the firm is properly registered or exempt from registration. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Any examples discussed are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual investments or recommendations. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Listeners should consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

FRS Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS) Explained: How Retirees Reduce Healthcare Costs

Healthcare is one of the biggest expenses retirees face — and for members of the Florida Retirement System, the Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS) can play an important role in helping offset those costs.In this episode of The WealthWise Show, we break down the FRS HIS in plain English so you can clearly understand:What the Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS) isWho qualifies for the subsidyHow the monthly benefit is calculatedWhen the benefit startsHow HIS works alongside MedicareCommon misunderstandings that could cost retirees moneyWhether you’re planning to retire soon or already receiving FRS benefits, understanding how the HIS fits into your overall retirement income and healthcare strategy is essential. This episode is designed to help you make more informed decisions and avoid surprises when it comes to healthcare costs in retirement.🎧 If you’re an FRS member, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.📌 SEC & Florida DisclosureThe WealthWise Show is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Benowitz Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Adviser registered in the State of Florida. Advisory services are offered only to clients or prospective clients where the firm is properly registered or exempt from registration. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Any references to the Florida Retirement System or its benefits are general in nature and may not apply to every individual situation. Listeners should consult with a qualified financial professional regarding their specific financial circumstances.

FRS Investment Plan Explained: Smart Strategies for a Secure Retirement

In this episode of The WealthWise Show, we take a clear, simple, and practical look at the FRS Investment Plan — what it is, how it works, and how you can make smarter retirement decisions based on your goals, timeline, and long-term needs.If you’re a member of the Florida Retirement System, understanding the Investment Plan can be a major key to building retirement income. We break down:How contributions workInvestment fund optionsRisk levels and allocation decisionsVestingFeesWhat happens when you leave employmentAnd how the Investment Plan compares to the FRS Pension PlanWhether you’re early in your career or close to retirement, knowing how to align your investment choices with your goals may be one of the most important financial steps you ever take.🎧 Tune in for real education, clear guidance, and a deeper understanding of howThe WealthWise Show is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Benowitz Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Florida. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where the firm is properly registered or exempt from registration. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Listeners should consider their unique financial needs and consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions related to the FRS or other retirement plans.

What Is DROP? How the Deferred Retirement Option Program Really Works

In this episode of The WealthWise Show, we break down one of the most misunderstood retirement benefits available to eligible employees: DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program).I explain, in plain language, what DROP actually is, how it works, and why the decisions you make during your DROP period can have a lasting impact on your retirement. From how your pension is calculated to what happens to your DROP balance, we walk through the key details many people overlook.More importantly, we talk about strategies to help maximize your DROP—not just during the DROP years, but when you exit and transition into retirement. This includes how DROP fits into your overall retirement plan, common mistakes to avoid, and why having a coordinated investment, tax, and income strategy matters.Whether you’re thinking about entering DROP, already in it, or approaching your exit date, this episode will help you better understand your options and make more informed decisions about your future.For educational purposes only. This podcast does not constitute financial or investment advice.