Vital Strategies

What would happen if your business got hacked tomorrow, would you be ready? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, a high-level tax strategist and entrepreneur, sits down with Steven Saehrig, founder of Descent IT and a cybersecurity veteran with over 20 years of experience protecting small businesses. Together, they dive into the hidden risks entrepreneurs face in today’s digital world, from phishing emails and ransomware to employee access and outdated hardware. This is a must-listen for any business owner who wants to safeguard their operations, protect sensitive data, and avoid the massive financial and reputational costs of a cyberattack.  More than just fear-based warnings, this episode offers a roadmap for taking proactive steps, without needing to be “techy.” Steven breaks down exactly how to start thinking about cybersecurity and IT as a foundation for business continuity and growth. Plus, Patrick ties it all back to his core mission: helping entrepreneurs not just protect what they’ve built, but scale it with intention. Whether you are the IT department or have your own internal team, this conversation will leave you with practical tools, fresh perspective, and a clear next step forward.  Key takeaways from this episode:  Why small businesses are now a top target for cybercriminals  How a single click can lead to devastating data loss and how to prevent it  The importance of password managers, MFA, and backup strategies  What a "defense-in-depth" cybersecurity strategy looks like  Why reactive IT support is costing you more than you think  How cybersecurity connects to overall business growth and peace of mind Learn More About Steven: Company Website: Descent IT Contact: steven@descentit.com Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien  

Is the IRS your silent business partner, taking 30% or more of your hard-earned gains? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, founder of Vital Wealth, unpacks critical updates from the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act and breaks down powerful, legal tax strategies entrepreneurs can use to reduce or eliminate their capital gains tax. Whether you're selling a business, offloading real estate, or managing a growing estate, this episode provides real-world insights that could save you millions.  Patrick walks listeners through smart ways to leverage deferral techniques, reduction tools, and philanthropic giving, alongside commentary on what’s changed in the tax code and how business owners should respond. From bonus depreciation to Deferred Sales Trusts to tax-friendly entity structures, this episode delivers a blueprint for proactive planning. If you're a high-earning entrepreneur looking to protect your wealth, this is the one episode you can't afford to miss.  Key Takeaways:  Overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it affects entrepreneurs  Capital gains tax strategies for deferral, reduction, and elimination  How to use tools like 1031 exchanges, QSBS, and leveraged direct indexing  Estate planning tips to avoid the 40% “death tax”  Why where you live and when you move, can save you millions  How to use charitable trusts and donor-advised funds strategically  When and how to start building your custom tax strategy  Episode Resources:  Vital Walk Zoom Room Link   Brett Swarts episode: Apple Podcast YouTube Spotify Email: patrick@vitalwealth.com  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Are you prepared if the IRS comes knocking or worse, if you owe more than you can pay? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, a seasoned advisor to high-performing entrepreneurs, sits down with Stephen Weisberg, founder and lead attorney at the W Tax Group. With over a decade of experience navigating IRS disputes, audits, and tax debt resolution, Stephen shares real-world strategies to help business owners avoid costly mistakes and resolve tax issues with confidence.  This episode is packed with practical insights every entrepreneur should hear, from what to do if you can’t pay your tax bill, to the truth behind “pennies on the dollar” settlements, to how the IRS is using AI and automation to crack down on non-compliance. Whether you're already facing tax debt or you’re focused on staying ahead, this conversation delivers the tools and mindset needed to protect your business, preserve your cash flow, and gain peace of mind. Don’t miss this critical conversation and be sure to visit vitalstrategies.com/tax to start building your own custom tax strategy with Patrick and his team.  Key Takeaways:  Why filing your return, even if you can’t pay, is crucial to avoid massive penalties  How the IRS is becoming more efficient and aggressive with audits and collections  What to know before setting up a payment plan with the IRS  Common tax strategy traps, including ERC mills and fraudulent conservation easements  The truth about Offer in Compromise programs and who really qualifies  How to prepare your business in case of an audit, with a rock-solid paper trail  Why working with a tax resolution professional early is your best leverage  Learn More About Stephen:  Direct Phone: (248) 971-0885  Personal Site: WeisbergTax.com  Firm Site: W Tax Group  LinkedIn: Stephen Weisberg Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien  

Is it really possible to generate passive income, reduce your tax burden, and build long-term wealth, all through Bitcoin mining? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Beau Turner, founder of Abundant Mines, to unpack one of the most misunderstood and potentially lucrative opportunities in today’s financial landscape. Patrick and Beau go beyond the surface of crypto hype and dig into the real strategies, tax advantages, and business models behind profitable Bitcoin mining.  Listeners will gain insight into how crypto mining can function as a cash-flowing business, what kind of setup makes the most sense based on personal goals, and how to structure investments for long-term efficiency and tax benefit. Whether you’re new to crypto or looking for a smarter way to diversify your portfolio, this episode offers clarity, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on an emerging frontier in wealth-building.  Key Takeaways:  How Bitcoin mining works and why it’s more than just a tech trend  The unique tax advantages of mining, including depreciation and deductions  Why mining offers cash flow, not just asset accumulation  How to choose the right mining setup based on your goals  The long-term opportunity as Bitcoin supply diminishes  How to avoid common pitfalls and choose a trusted mining partner  Why business owners should consider this in their broader wealth strategy Learn More About Beau: Official Website Instagram Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien  

What if your retirement account could do more than just survive Wall Street, what if it could help you build real, tax-free wealth? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Adam Bergman, tax attorney, founder of IRA Financial, and author of nine books on self-directed retirement strategies. Together, they dive into the powerful, yet often misunderstood world of self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s and how entrepreneurs can use these tools to invest in real estate, private companies, crypto, and other high-growth opportunities completely outside of traditional stock and bond portfolios.  Adam pulls back the curtain on the exact tax code provisions that allow for these moves, explains the differences between self-directed IRAs, checkbook control IRAs, and ROBS plans, and shares how strategies like Roth conversions and discounted valuations can unlock massive long-term tax savings. Whether you're sitting on cash in a retirement account or looking for smarter ways to grow your wealth, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real examples that can help you shift from financial security to financial freedom.  Key Takeaways:  The difference between building wealth and just saving money in a brokerage account  What the IRS actually allows you to do inside a retirement account and what’s off limits  How to self-direct your IRA or 401(k) to invest in real estate, private equity, or crypto  Why Roth conversions (especially with valuation discounts) are a game-changer  The power of ROBS to start a business with retirement funds, tax and penalty free  Why every entrepreneur should consider diversifying outside of Wall Street  Learn More about Adam: Official Website   Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What if selling your business could be simple, profitable, and even… graceful?  In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with John Martinka, seasoned exit planning advisor and author of “Exit with Style and Grace and More Money.” Together, they break down what it really takes to prepare your business for a sale that leaves you in control and with more cash in your pocket. Whether your years away from exiting or just starting to consider the possibility, this episode will change the way you think about the value hidden inside your business.  Patrick and John unpack the most common pitfalls entrepreneurs make when it’s time to sell, like blending personal expenses, relying too heavily on key employees, or simply being too essential to the day-to-day. You'll walk away with a clearer picture of how to make your business more attractive, more scalable, and ultimately more sellable. If your goal is to grow your wealth, protect what you’ve built, and exit on your terms, this episode is a must-listen.  Key Takeaways:  Why owner dependency kills business value and how to fix it  The critical importance of clean, accurate financials  How to build a team that increases value and attracts buyers  What “growth potential” really means to investors and PE firms  How smart incentives and retention bonuses can protect your exit  Why systems, processes, and IP matter more than you think  How to avoid costly working capital mistakes at closing  Learn More About John:  Get John’s book: Exit with Style and Grace and More Money  Official Website  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Is your insurance policy building wealth or just a cost? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, founder of Vital Wealth, sits down with Wallis Wilkinson Tsai, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker, hedge fund investor, and co-founder of AboveBoard Financial. Together, they explore how insurance can become a powerful tool in your financial strategy, if it’s used correctly. Whether you're a high-level entrepreneur, CEO, or business owner, this conversation will show you how to turn insurance from a sunk cost into a high-leverage asset.  Wallis shares her expertise on everything from tax-optimized life insurance structures to often-overlooked tools like disability coverage and executive benefits. This episode will challenge what you’ve heard about “buy term and invest the rest,” and introduce you to strategies like Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs), Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI), and buy-sell agreements that can drastically improve your financial outcomes. If you’re looking to reduce taxes, preserve wealth, and make smarter decisions about your business and legacy, you’ll want to listen all the way through.  Key Takeaways:  Why most insurance sales are misaligned with client goals  How to use life insurance for tax-deferred and tax-free growth  The hidden importance of disability insurance for business owners  Estate planning strategies using Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) and survivorship policies  How executive benefit carve-outs can retain top talent and reduce tax liability  A breakdown of Whole Life, Indexed Universal Life (IUL), Variable Universal Life (VUL), and Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI), plus when to use each  Why now is the time to reevaluate your insurance strategy  Learn More About Wallis: Episode Exclusive Website Official Website Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Could AI your biggest untapped business partner? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan is joined by Jonathan Mast, an AI prompting pioneer and seasoned digital innovator who’s been leveraging emerging tech since the earliest days of the internet. Together, they unpack how AI is transforming the way entrepreneurs operate, making it easier to save time, increase profits, and deliver more value without burning out or hiring more people.  From marketing strategies and SOP creation to customer service automation and building your own virtual board of advisors, Jonathan breaks down real-world use cases that anyone can implement, regardless of tech experience. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AI or unsure where to begin, this episode gives you the roadmap. Tune in and discover how to start small, think smarter, and use AI to unlock next-level growth in your business.  Key Takeaways:  Why AI isn't the future. It's now, and how to start using it without feeling overwhelmed  The 3-part formula every entrepreneur needs: save time, make more money, add more value  How to prompt AI like a pro using a simple 4-step framework  The power of SOPs, customer support automation, and AI-generated marketing copy  How to create your own virtual board of advisors using AI personas  Why entrepreneurs who avoid AI risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving economy   Learn More About Jonathan: Official Website Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien  

Is your wealth strategy stuck on the ground floor? Learn how Lane Kawaoka went from a civil engineer to managing over $2.1 billion in real estate—and how you can use the same framework to create your own wealth elevator.  In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Lane Kawaoka, former civil engineer turned real estate powerhouse, bestselling author, and host of a top 50 investing podcast. Lane shares his journey from buying his first rental in Seattle to building a portfolio of over 10,000 units and founding The Wealth Elevator. If you're a high-income earner looking for scalable, tax-efficient ways to build passive income through real estate syndications and advanced private equity strategies, this conversation is packed with insights you can't afford to miss.  Lane breaks down the four key wealth drivers in real estate, demystifies syndications, and shares his powerful Wealth Elevator framework to help investors at every stage, from getting out of debt to leveraging alternative investments. You’ll also hear Lane’s candid take on current market conditions, what to watch out for in deal underwriting, and why multifamily remains a resilient asset class. Whether you're just getting started or navigating the complexities of accredited investing, this episode offers a roadmap to smarter, more strategic wealth-building.  Key Takeaways:  The two best paths to building long-term wealth: business ownership vs. real estate investing  How cash flow, appreciation, amortization, and depreciation work together in real estate  Why syndications are a scalable and tax-efficient alternative to direct ownership  Lane’s Wealth Elevator framework works for everyone  How to vet syndication deals with conservative underwriting metrics  Why Lane prefers single-asset deals over blind pool funds  Economic trends affecting real estate in 2025 and beyond  How private equity fits into a diversified, cash-flow-focused portfolio  Learn More About Lane:  Official Website Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien  

Are you building a legacy that lasts or leaving your wealth exposed to taxes, lawsuits, and family conflict?  In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Anthony Joffe, Chairman of Sterling Trustees, one of the nation’s top independent corporate trustees based in South Dakota. With nearly two decades of experience helping ultra-high-net-worth families structure their trusts, Anthony shares powerful insights into why trusts are more than estate tools, they're strategic wealth planning vehicles. Patrick and Anthony explore what makes South Dakota the gold standard for trust law, the dangers of choosing the wrong trustee, and how smart entrepreneurs are protecting their wealth for generations to come.  Whether you're just getting started with estate planning or you're already managing substantial assets, this episode is packed with practical strategies that can save millions in taxes, avoid probate, and create long-term clarity for your family and business. If you’re serious about protecting what you’ve built, this is one you don’t want to miss.  Key Takeaways:  Why South Dakota is the premier jurisdiction for trust planning  The difference between a corporate trustee, a family member, and a bank  How directed trusts and trust protectors create more control and flexibility  The dangers of poor trust drafting and outdated estate documents  Why flat-fee, independent trustees eliminate conflicts of interest  What to expect when working with a professional trustee like Sterling  How to start or transition your trust the right way  Learn More About Antony: Phone: 610-234-0626  Official Website Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien