The words in your contract matter more than your intentions.

In this episode of True Wealth with Joel Baker, Joel discusses real estate with attorney and broker Jerry Larkowski. Jerry explains why precise contract language can make or break a deal. He shares pricing strategies for sellers and what investors should know about Arkansas. They also talk about staying active and never retiring.

Key Takeaways:

→ What you put in writing controls the outcome if a deal ends up in court.

→ "Shall" is declaratory while "will" is only predictive, so choose your verbs carefully.

→ Pricing a hot listing slightly under value can spark competing offers.

→ Raising the price and offering seller concessions helps buyers cover closing costs at the same net.

→ Arkansas offers lower prices and landlord-friendly laws for long-term investors.

A native of Chicago, Jerry has resided continuously in Central Arkansas for 50 years, He has a bachelors in history and a law degree and is admitted to the bar in both Arkansas and Illinois. In 2019, just for fun, he obtained his real estate license. It came in handy a year later when COVID hit, and he lost his two primary sources of income. He built a real estate practice, moved the Little Rock office into a storefront in 2025, still practices law, owns and runs an Airbnb, and remodels and re-constructs dilapidated houses waiting to be demolished with his wife of 14 years.

Connect With Jerry Larkowski:

Website: jerry@esqbrokers.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-larkowski-35324960

The most important estate planning document is not a will or a trust.

In this episode of True Wealth with Joel Baker, Joel discusses estate planning with Florida attorney Andrew Rosenberg. Andy explains why a durable power of attorney matters more than a will or a trust. He shares wild client stories that show the price of waiting. You will learn why everyone, even a new 18-year-old adult, needs a plan.

Key Takeaways:

→ A durable power of attorney is the most important document in your estate plan.

→ The four essentials are a durable power of attorney, healthcare surrogate, living will and HIPAA document.

→ Planning is not just about death, it also protects you if you become disabled or incapacitated.

→ You do not need millions of dollars to need an estate plan.

→ Procrastinating can leave your family stuck in probate, and 18-year-olds need basic documents too.

For over 30 years, Andrew "Andy" Rosenberg has practiced law with a deeply personal purpose. Growing up in the Midwest, Andy watched his younger sister battle a brain tumor for ten years—an experience that opened his eyes to the failures of the medical and legal systems and inspired him to help families navigate life’s hardest moments with compassion and clarity.

Specializing in elder law and estate planning, Andy provides peace of mind to clients facing uncertainty. Whether it’s a client thanking him from her hospital bed for putting her affairs in order or a family relieved to have a clear plan, Andy’s work is defined by real, human impact.

His approach is grounded in the following values: respect, empathy, and integrity. Following the golden rule, he treats every client like family. Unlike larger firms, Andy personally handles every case, offering direct communication, attentive service, and straightforward guidance. His dedication has earned his firm over 600 5-star reviews on Google and a reputation for excellence.

Guided by the philosophy, “It Is What It Is,” Andy focuses on what can be controlled and moves forward with purpose. If you’re looking for an experienced attorney who combines decades of knowledge with a caring, personal touch, Andy is here to help!

Connect With Andrew Rosenberg:

Website: www.rosenberglawfirm.net

X: https://x.com/rlawfirm1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rosenberg-florida/

Billionaires pay taxes, but they refuse to overpay them.

In this episode of True Wealth with Joel Baker, Joel discusses tax strategy and wealth protection with CFA and CPA Douglas Carpenter. Doug explains why most high net worth families leave real money on the table. He reveals where business problems hide and why every owner needs an exit strategy. You will also learn the simple monthly habit that keeps you in control of your assets.

Key Takeaways:

→ Billionaires pay taxes, but they refuse to overpay them.

→ Small missed tax strategies can add up to around $50,000 in savings every year.

→ Hidden business problems live on the balance sheet, not the P&L.

→ Every owner needs an exit strategy planned in advance, or the family pays more tax than it should.

→ A disciplined monthly review of every account keeps you in control of your wealth.

Douglas Carpenter is President of Comprehensive Hospitality Solutions (CHS), an accounting firm in Melville, NY built specifically for hotels, restaurants, and hospitality businesses. A CFA and CPA and Hofstra University alum, Doug takes accounting beyond compliance — helping clients plan for growth, uncover hidden capital, and even recruit, using tools like Toast, Xtra Chef, and Plate IQ.

The results speak for themselves: one client grew from 3 to 13 locations in two years; another cleared $58K in back taxes through smart tax-credit use; a third uncovered $2MM in uncashed checks and has since doubled to 15 locations. And through the pandemic, all ~160 of CHS's client locations stayed in business.

Doug's specialties include hotel and restaurant bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll support, COVID-era relief credits, and growth strategy.

Connect With Douglas Carpenter:

Website: https://www.books4hospitality.com/