Check out your Company Bowl for anonymous work chats.
Planning for a successful future often takes years. And even the most forward-thinking plans can run into unexpected obstacles that can add more time to achieving your goals—perhaps more time than you're comfortable with. How can you minimize the time you need to achieve success while still maintaining control of a successful future on your terms? Let's look at a fictional but representative account of how a business owner successfully moved toward her business goals on her timeline and how you can implement the same concepts to overcome time crunches. Approaching the River Dr. Bernice Stanopolis was a successful bariatric surgeon. Demand for her skills had allowed her to grow her practice by leaps and bounds, but it also forced her patients onto an ever-expanding waiting list for her services. Bernice realized that she had two obstacles to achieving success on her terms. She needed more help so she could focus on the hardest-to-manage cases. She needed to assure that her practice could thrive if something were to happen to her. As a diabetic cancer survivor, Bernice was always careful to have a backup plan. She refused to let something unexpected destroy all the hard work she'd done to build her practice over the last 20 years. But she wasn't sure what the best route to take would be. She shared her concerns with her longtime business consultant and Exit Planner Craig Brunell.

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/building-a-bridge-to-your-success
We are thrilled to announce that Fortune Magazine has once again recognized WestPac® Wealth Partners as the #1 Best Workplace in Financial Services & Insurance for small and medium-sized companies in the United States. Being featured in Fortune Magazine is a tremendous honor, and we attribute our success to our core values, outstanding leadership, dedicated team members, and our organization's mission. We have fostered a work environment where our team members can thrive by providing them with continuous daily training, access to leadership guidance, and a strong sense of camaraderie, which is often rare in the financial industry. This supportive atmosphere has empowered our associates to excel both personally and professionally. Our goal is to equip clients with the knowledge they need to make smart decisions about building, protecting, and enjoying their wealth, in alignment with their values, family commitments, and community involvement. We are convinced that client-focused excellence can only be achieved by nurturing a workplace that prioritizes the growth, achievement, and well-being of its team members. We are committed to continuous improvement and regularly seek feedback from our employees to refine our work environment. As our CEO, Nash Subotic, frequently says, "Culture takes precedence over strategy." We firmly believe in the potential of our associates and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Our dedication to ongoing improvement fuels our...

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/westpac-named-2024-fortune-best-workplaces-in-financial-services-insuranc
We are proud to announce the opening of our new office in Scottsdale, Arizona! This exciting development reflects our significant growth and our deepened commitment to making an even bigger impact in the communities we serve. With this new building, we are better equipped than ever to provide valuable financial strategies and support to individuals, families, and businesses. Our Scottsdale team is growing, and we’re thrilled to expand our presence in this thriving area. The conversations we have within these walls will lead to meaningful change and financial clarity beyond them, empowering our clients to achieve their goals and stabilize their futures. We’re excited to invite you to our ribbon-cutting ceremony this November (details to come) to celebrate this next chapter together. Join us for a tour, meet our growing team, and learn more about how we can help you reach your financial aspirations. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/exciting-news-westpac-opens-new-office-in-scottsdale
As September rolls in, kids are back in school, football is in full swing and our calendars land normalcy again. September is also recognized as Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) — this lends to a perfect opportunity to evaluate and enhance your life insurance coverage. This annual observance is a timely reminder for every American to ensure they have adequate life insurance to protect their family and extended families and their businesses from the financial fallout of an unexpected passing. While life insurance can't ease the pain of losing a loved one or replace the emotional void, it plays a crucial role in providing financial protection during such challenging times. The loss of an income earner can create significant economic uncertainty, but having the right life insurance in place can help alleviate some of these financial pressures. It offers reassurance and stability, providing a financial cushion that helps families navigate the difficult transition. At WestPac Wealth Partners, we understand that life insurance needs can vary widely. That’s why we offer a range of insurance and hybrid products that may be tailored to fit your unique financial structure. No matter how unique your circumstances may be our goal is to ensure that you have the coverage you need to protect your financial situation for what you have today and what you are building for tomorrow. This September, take a moment to review your life insurance policy with a professional...

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/september-is-life-insurance-awareness-month-why-its-time-to-think-about-y
I am excited to share that Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine have honored WestPac® Wealth Partners by selecting us for the prestigious 2024 Fortune Best Medium Workplaces™ List, ranking us number 1 this year. This recognition reaffirms our belief that WestPac is truly one of the best companies to work for across the nation. At WestPac, we attribute our success to our commitment to authentic leadership and genuine care for our team members. Our philosophy centers on fostering a supportive atmosphere that is essential for our team's growth and well-being. Being recognized as the top medium-sized workplace for 2024 underscores the dedication and hard work of every member of our team. Earning the number 1 position on the 2024 Fortune Best Medium Workplaces list validates our approach and reflects the trust and commitment of our advisors, clients, and communities. We are deeply grateful for this honor and extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to making WestPac a truly outstanding place to work. The selection criteria for this prestigious list are rigorous, focusing on companies' abilities to provide positive outcomes for employees across various demographics and job roles. This accolade not only recognizes our leadership in financial services but also celebrates our commitment to inclusivity and employee satisfaction. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain dedicated to maintaining and enhancing our workplace culture.

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/reflecting-on-our-success-westpac-tops-the-2024-fortune-best-medium-workpl
We are pleased to announce that Vladi Sasic, a highly esteemed member of our WestPac team, has been recognized by Forbes as a Top Best-In-State Financial Security Professional in Arizona. This prestigious accolade reflects Vladi's outstanding experience and dedication to his clients' needs. In his role at WestPac, he leads the team known internally as the WestPac Business Resource Center. The team's mission is to equip advisors with the resources they need to maximize their effectiveness in assisting owners of closely held businesses. He describes his role as akin to being a personal chief financial officer for his clients, guiding them through the complexities of today's financial landscape to help them make smart decisions. Vladi’s professional journey started in Serbia, where he earned a tennis scholarship to BYU-Hawaii and graduated with a degree in Mathematics. Although he briefly considered alternative career paths such as becoming an actuary, he discovered his true passion lies in educating others about the intricacies of financial management. Vladi thrives on the challenges of mathematics and finance, finding joy in sharing his experience to help others navigate complex estate and tax planning scenarios. His commitment to clients has earned recognition, including the prestigious Guardian Presidential Citation Award multiple times, and membership in Guardian’s President's Council on two occasions. Beyond professional achievements...

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/forbes-acknowledges-vladi-sasic-as-one-of-arizonas-top-financial-security
College tuition costs are high enough that even families with high incomes can qualify for financial aid. Your first step should be completing federal forms, followed by reaching out directly to the school to discuss and potentially enhance your financial aid package. Every year, the College Board faces the challenge of accurately reporting college pricing trends without discouraging high school students from pursuing higher education. In addition to its yearly publication "Trends in College Pricing," the College Board releases "Trends in Student Aid," which highlights the availability of financial assistance for college-goers. Both reports are extensive, spanning over 40 pages each. To underscore the value of investing in higher education, the College Board also publishes "Education Pays," a comprehensive 50-page report offering a cost-benefit analysis. A bachelor’s degree holder can expect to earn about 60% more annually than a high school graduate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This enhancement in earnings justifies the investment in a college education. Cost of College Education The average cost of attending college in 2024—including tuition, fees, room, and board—was approximately $27,146 for in-state public schools and $45,708 for private universities, as reported by the College Board. These figures are yearly averages, and planning accurately requires multiplying by four or five years and factoring in inflation. Applying for Student Aid

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/maximize-your-financial-aid-10-helpful-tips
We are thrilled to announce that Senior Partner Liang Lee has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Top Financial Security Professional for New Jersey. This prestigious award is a testament to Liang's exceptional experience and dedication in the field of financial advising. Liang is a well-respected, highly knowledgeable financial advisor who provides comprehensive planning to his clients, focusing on risk management, investments, and long-term financial confidence. His approach is thorough and tailored, helping to ensure each client receives the best possible guidance and support for their unique financial journey. Liang's career is marked by a rich history of success and passion. After a long and successful tenure on Wall Street, he fell in love with Hawaii and moved there in 2005. It was in Hawaii that he began his journey with WestPac Wealth Partners in 2011, bringing his vast experience and deep financial knowledge to the firm. In 2023, Liang and his wife Jennifer made the heartfelt decision to return to the east coast. Despite this move, Liang and his dedicated team continue to serve clients across the nation, working closely with families and businesses in over 15 states. His commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond his local community, reaching clients from coast to coast. Liang's recognition by Forbes is a reflection of his unwavering dedication to his clients and his field. WestPac Wealth Partners is proud to celebrate this achievement...

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/forbes-honors-liang-lee-as-one-of-new-jerseys-top-financial-security-profe
Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine have honored WestPac® Wealth partners as one of the 2024 Best Workplaces for Millennials, ranking #1 in small and midsize companies! This honor signifies that WestPac has surpassed rigorous benchmarks, establishing itself as one of the best companies to work for in the country. Our team believes that the culture, characterized by abundance and teamwork, significantly enhances value for our clients compared to other financial services firms. The extensive training and development opportunities provided are invaluable, ensuring ample resources to simplify both business and personal aspects of life. Management's ongoing reinvestment in the company further supports our commitment to excellence. We are so grateful for our dedicated team whose efforts have earned us this prestigious recognition and contributions make every day at WestPac a truly exceptional experience. We celebrate and thank them for all they do to earn this incredible honor. We are committed to fostering a workplace and environment that continues to attract this vital generation of business talent, driving our ongoing success.

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/westpac-ranked-1-on-2024-fortune-best-workplaces-for-millennials-list
We are thrilled to announce that Michael Olivia, Senior Partner at WestPac Wealth Partners, has been awarded the prestigious title of Forbes Top Financial Securities Professionals Best-In-State for Florida. Ranking #8 in the state and securing a spot in the Top 100 Financial Security Professionals nationwide, Michael’s dedication and experience have earned him this well-deserved recognition. Michael is instrumental in crafting financial strategies that align with WestPac’s vision of abundance for clients. His innovative approach and strategic foresight have made him a trusted advisor and a pillar of excellence within our organization. He is renowned for his mastery of the Seven Step Exit Planning Process™. His experience includes building business value, identifying exit objectives, planning key employee incentives, ensuring business continuity, and preserving wealth. He has established a Virtual Family Office, where clients and their advisors collaborate seamlessly on achieving financial goals. Michael’s integrity and his experience have earned him a place in the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), enabling him to work with successful NFL players. The techniques he uses with professional athletes are the same strategies he employs to help all his clients reach their financial goals. Beyond his professional achievements, Michael is celebrated for his warm personality and genuine care for his clients. He advises wealth holders and their families on critical business...

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/michael-olivia-among-2024-forbes-top-100-financial-security-professionals