Guarding Your Nest Egg
134 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsToo many financial salespeople are masquerading as fiduciaries trying to make a dollar off your hard-earned money. We’re on a mission to cut through the noise and provide level-headed, unbiased insights to help you retire better. Our show is unfiltered, unbiased, and real-talk about retirement planning to help you maximize your wealth and lifestyle. Join fee-only fiduciary Mike Lester, along with Kristen Charles to cut through the noise of retirement planning gossip.
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Mike Lester
Kristen Charles
© 2023 Talon Wealth. All rights reserved.
Mike Lester is an investment adviser representative of Talon Private Wealth, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Talon Private Wealth and this podcast network are not affiliated. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. This information should not be considered tax or legal advice. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. The information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or advisory services. Be sure to consult with a tax professional before implementing any investment strategy. Florida license D056341. California License 0N00828.
🐊 Talon Wealth is The Official Wealth Management Team of the Florida Gators. Compensation was paid to Learfield for partnership with the Gators as of January 2023.
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Episodes
Should I Buy Gold at Costco? 🤔
October 17, 2023 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBAn unexpected item has made its way into Costco 🛒. Gold bars! Yep. You can now find one-ounce gold bars for sale online at Costco. Mike and Kristen discuss whether or not it’s a wise move to hedge against economic uncertainty and explore the pros and cons of investing in physical gold. The rush to buy gold bars at Costco may be a sign of growing economic anxiety and distrust in the government, but it's essential to weigh the practicality of such an investment. Physical gold can be chall...
BETTER (Not Scarier) Alternatives to Annuities
October 03, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 9.14 MB🎃 After some fall 🍂 and creepy Halloween chat 👻 (courtesy of Mike's kids), we discuss various “safe” money options that may be on your radar, and which might be best for YOU! Retirement planning can feel like a daunting task, especially when the economic landscape seems uncertain. With interest rates on CDs, money market accounts, and Treasury yields showing promise, the question arises: Should you consider annuities or explore alternative options? Mike and Kristen dive into the pros and c...
Why a Roth Conversion Is NOT For Everyone
September 12, 2023 10:00 - 9 minutes - 8.46 MBAs we approach retirement, financial decisions become increasingly crucial. One is whether to convert your traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth IRA. Based on a recent live event attendee's question, Mike and Kristen discuss the complexities of Roth conversions and help you understand whether it's the right choice for your unique financial situation. ➡️ The Allure of Tax-Free Retirement Income: Roth IRA conversions have gained popularity due to the promise of tax-free income during reti...
How a Written Financial Plan Helps You RETIRE BETTER
September 05, 2023 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.45 MBDid you know that writing out your goals makes you 42% more likely to achieve them? 🤔 This week Mike explains the significance a written financial plan can have on your future. Whether a physical document or digital, a written plan helps you analyze thoughts, set clear goals, and outline solutions for the most secure retirement possible. ===================== 🔔Subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform to learn more about all things portfolio management. 📺 Watch our we...
Soaring Mortgage Rates & Your Advisors Role
August 22, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.94 MBIt’s no secret that mortgage rates have surged to the highest levels they’ve been in more than 20 years. Mike explains the impact this could have on soon-to-be and current retirees AND the role a financial advisor should play in your life if you’re thinking about taking out a loan for a new 🏠 or vacation home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Mechanics of Your Retirement Money
August 08, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBThis week Mike explains the transition from receiving a regular paycheck from your job to begin tapping into your retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions when you stop working. Listen to find out how money flows from these accounts to your bank, what role taxes play, and if you can pull it off as a DIY investor… 🧐 Or do you need a financial advisor? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Areas a Financial Advisor Should Bring Value (Besides The Obvious)
August 01, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MBIf you’re paying a financial advisor a fee to manage your money, what else should they be able to help you with? Mike shares his ✅-list based on the countless questions he’s been asked about investing and retirement in general during the last 2-plus decades as an advisor. 🚨Spoiler alert: Income Planning is simply one component of many that is key. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finding The Right Financial Advisor & Not a Crook
July 18, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBAfter Mike straightens Kristen out on a “fun fact” that he thinks is a “false fact” about the summer heat ☀️, we discuss a concern many Americans ponder: ❓How do we make sure we’re not going to be taken advantage of when it comes to our money for retirement? After Bernie Madoff became a household name in 2008, stories of investment advisors NOT being good stewards of their client’s assets have heightened that concern. After discussing a recent ruling against a major bank, Mike shares act...
The “Talonomics” of “Bidenomics” & Your Money
July 13, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBThis week Mike’s degree in economics from 🐊The University of Florida and being a fiduciary pay off, because some of the “nomics” we’re hearing don’t make sense. If you’ve been scratching your head lately about America's numbers, wall street, and things just feeling off… It’s not just you. Mike explains why all of the options are worth you looking into for your investments for retirement, including possibly using structured notes as part of your portfolio… Depending on your situation. See om...
“Deal Days” 📦 Marketing vs. Real Value
July 10, 2023 10:36 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBRegardless of the tax bracket, many Americans seek ways to save money and not pay full price. Made-up marketing holidays such as Amazon Prime Day 📦 on July 11th & 12th (along with competitors such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target following suit in some fashion) seem to make that desire to save “easier.” This week Mike and Kristen discuss the difference between getting a deal, versus getting a deal on something you need, and how the same hype can be found in some of the marketing of various f...
Summer 2023 Stock Market Sustainability
July 04, 2023 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBAfter a reasonably strong first half of the year on wall street and decent economic data... Does this mean "Bidenomics" is a real thing and working? Mike shares his summer ☀️ outlook. And even though each situation is different, you'll hear an idea to consider for your portfolio if you don’t think the market will be up more than 5% between now and next year. 🎬 Plus, what’s old is new again this summer (and in Kristen’s parent's attic) thanks to Barbie and the nostalgia she’s bringing to th...
Managing Market Rallies & Recession Risks
June 20, 2023 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.85 MBYour workplace retirement plan may look pretty decent right now, and that’s wonderful news! But if you (like Mike) feel the market is likely to not perform as well in the future, listen to find out what options you might possibly have for your 401(k), 403(b), or TSP accounts. This week Mike also shares his opinion of why a recession COULD be helpful for inflation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Considering Recession Risk & Fixed Rates, What’s The Number To Beat?
May 09, 2023 10:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBThe American economy has many perplexed. 🤔 👎 A 3rd bank failed within the last 2 months and consumer confidence is low. 👍 However, unemployment is low, and the stock market is doing pretty well despite the Fed raising interest rates for the 10th time in a row, and inflation still being a key concern. Plus, Uncle Sam’s spending doesn’t seem to be slowing down! Like you, Mike knows these issues need to be addressed in order to ensure a strong and sustainable economy. Since we can’t fix t...
Aloha (Hello or Goodbye?) To A Recessionary Period
April 25, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB🌺 Mike’s family vacation reminds him how lucky he is to help encourage retirees to create new lifetime memories while helping them manage their retirement income and spending. After some family stories, he discusses how the economy is slowing as the fed raises rates, and why it feels odd the market isn’t responding. Obviously, he (and everyone) wants the economy and market to do well. He spotlights what the team is watching while actively managing portfolios. And with some economists predict...
Should Precious Metals Be In Your Portfolio AT ALL? And If So, How?
April 18, 2023 10:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MB☎ A listener left a voicemail asking if gold and silver coins are a good idea to buy during concerning economic times. Mike gives a very direct answer, along with what he believes investors should consider if they do want to include precious metals as part of their portfolio. Then he accidentally shows how much he doesn’t know about football 🏈, but clarifies what he DOES know very well about finance & investing, along with ETFs and mutual funds and which one is most efficient. Then we discu...
Layoffs Are Expanding. Is It All Biden’s Fault?
April 11, 2023 10:00 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBUnfortunately, corporate layoffs are ramping up beyond the tech sector. Obviously, this impacts the livelihoods of many Americans, but it’s also making investing more difficult to navigate. Mike passes along ideas to consider, especially if your upside isn’t over 4% and your money is at risk (depending on the day & institution). Then… Is President Biden to blame for retirement accounts and wall street being down? You might be surprised by Mike’s insight. ⛳️ Plus, we celebrate the Master’s ...
Finding Some Fun & Not Giving into Income Fear
April 04, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBMike & Kristen revisit the “be, kind rewind” movie era and the different experiences they had. However, they agree that 📼 + 🍕 always made family time perfect! Then we share two different (yet similar) questions the Talon fiduciaries addressed from listeners in recent days about planning for income in retirement, especially during precarious economic times. At the end of this episode, Mike becomes the most HACKED-OFF he’s been about annuity advertising… At least to date. See omnystudio.com/...
Is Rushing To Gold & Silver a Good Idea?
March 28, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBThis week Mike shares a question he hasn’t been asked about money since 2008, along with the personal risks and planning investors should consider during this troubling time for the banking sector. We also dive into new data from Fidelity that shows the number of 401(k) millionaires have fallen. Listen to find out how much that group NOW feels they need to retire comfortably, and what Mike believes they should focus on for their portfolio instead. And since Mike is a fee-only fiduciary, K...
The Banking Crisis & Why Mike’s Hacked Off
March 21, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBMarch has been mind-boggling when it comes to economic updates! 🤯 The sudden failure of Silicon Valley Bank panicked the markets and investors, and Mike “Silver Lining” Lester is here to translate how the banking crisis does and does not impact consumers. March is also a very exciting month for NCAA 🏀. But if you’ve listened to previous episodes, you likely know Mike isn’t a huge sports fan. He’s also not a CPA. However, he is a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor that keeps an eye on tax...
Fish Falling From The Sky & Bulls In Traps
March 14, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBMike starts this week by sharing how a fish fell out of the sky at his home. 🧐 Oddly, that strange moment matches the tone of our economy during this confusing (and overwhelming for many) financial time. 2023 was off to a good start on wall street, but volatility returned in February, and inflation isn’t coming down despite the rate hikes... And we just witnessed the 2nd largest bank failure in American history! Mike shares his stock market insight so that you have more perspective to draw f...
Managing Market Concerns & Finding Some Fun Along The Way
March 07, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBAre you trying to navigate what’s best for your portfolio during the crazy volatility of the stock market, AND looking back on the losses of 2022? Are you an investor near or in retirement wondering if you should ride this volatility out, or move to cash, a money market account, or an alternative investment? If so, this episode is a must-listen! After Mike shares some of his ideas, he and Kristen discuss how those who spend money on experiences rather than “stuff” tend to be happier. Plus...
Handling The Stress of Retiring During a Bizarre Economic Time
February 28, 2023 10:35 - 22 minutes - 21 MBAfter sharing a sweet story about one of Talon's clients and Mike’s youngest child, we dial in on the latest financial news and what it means for your portfolio. In fact, a new survey revealed that 4 in 10 Americans are putting retirement off due to challenging economic conditions, and part of that reason is inflation. He addresses these concerns along with how many retirees are still having to fill an income gap despite the historic 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment from social security. Plus,...
Seinfeld Said To NOT Double-Dip a Chip, But Is a Double-Dip Recession Coming?
February 21, 2023 10:39 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBMike and Kristen discuss the influx of discount grocery shopping as consumers search for ways to save money in this inflated economy. Then Mike examines if we already experienced a recession last year AND if another is soon approaching, plus how to best prepare for a possible market pullback. He also talks about forgotten 401(k)s, inverse options, and other strategies (NOT annuities) he and the other Talon fiduciaries are eying for the right situations. Also, Mike points out that Kristen acc...
Is What’s Good For The Environment Good For Your 401(k) Too?
February 14, 2023 10:26 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBThankfully wall street closed out January with a stellar start! We’ll find out from Mike if this is a signal that we can let our guard down a little regarding our retirement accounts. He also explains the hot-button investment rule change that just happened under the Biden administration called ESG investment priorities, how it could impact your 401(k), and why YOUR investment goals should be the focus of any fiduciary financial advisor you work with. Plus, we share a relatable story about m...
Ex-Pat Retirement Chat
February 07, 2023 10:31 - 10 minutes - 9.55 MBFinancial planning is about a lot more than money. This week Mike shares how he’s helped a few clients create personalized financial plans based on their goal of retiring out of the country as an ex-pat for whatever reason. 🌎 The stories are fun! But also a great reminder that your advisor should focus on helping you plan specifically for on YOUR goals. Plus, Are we in a market downturn or is this the new normal for wall street and the economy? After settling into the new year, many have l...
Mike “Silver Lining” Lester’s 2023 Economic Outlook
January 31, 2023 10:46 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBMike “Silverling” Lester will help us find the positives in all things financial this week: Inflation is sloooowwwly lowering from its 40-year high while many investors found their portfolios were down about 20% for 2022. And to truly bring inflation down, Jerome Powell says they may have to take some “unpopular measures." Mike explains the disconnect between the stock market, the Fed, and our economy. Plus, he passes along tips to help you know when it may be time to start interviewing fo...
Why Mike Doesn’t Like Annuities... But Has He EVER Sold One?
January 24, 2023 10:15 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBRecession fears are growing, and new layoff announcements and Wall Street’s volatility aren’t helping ease the angst of investors. Mike’s shares his perspective on various alternative investments you may want to learn more about. And if you've listened before, you’re likely aware that Mike isn’t a big fan of annuities. Since he’s been working in the investing world for over 20 years, Kristen asks him what could be an awkward question: Has Mike EVER suggested or sold an annuity to someone⁉️...
What We’re Eying in 2023 Including Changes to RMDs… But NOT Annuities
January 10, 2023 10:29 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBMike takes a look back at Wall Street in 2022 and shares what he’s eying for clients this year considering recession concerns. If you aren’t familiar with I Bonds, you’ll hear the pros and cons of how they could possibly be a helpful option to help fight inflation… But NOT annuities. Kristen also shares an interesting travel stat that spotlights Talon’s ability and passion for helping clients with active portfolio management across the country. Plus, we discuss the details of the $1.7 tril...
Christmas Fun & The “Earnings Forecast on the Shelf” for 2023
December 20, 2022 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBTo celebrate this Christmas season, we learn about the Elf on the Shelf in Mike's home along with his youngest son losing his 2 front teeth at the perfect time. Plus, Kristen tries to stump Mike with some fun Christmas trivia later in the show! But since the Fed ticked up interest rates again, we'll also unpack the optimistic earnings forecast many economic analysts have for 2023. Mike answers the questions many are wondering: Does this mean a recession isn’t as likely and a soft landing c...
Being Thankful & Finding Value
November 22, 2022 11:49 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBAs we embrace the holiday season, we’ll remind you to save a place at the Thanksgiving table for someone you may not have been planning for… Inflation gobbling up part of your budget! Mike goes through the numbers and explains how this isn’t simply annoying. It impacts the big picture of our economy (including future taxes), all thanks to the Fed and their interest rates antics. With most Americans looking for ways to save a few bucks where they can, we share tips that might help reduce you...
When Should You Hire or Fire an Advisor?
November 15, 2022 11:34 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBAfter highlighting one of our Talon Wealth team members' skills, we share how one listener recently reached out for a second opinion because he’s concerned about his portfolio being down lower than he'd like. But he's conflicted about what to do because he really likes who his advisor is. Mike talks about what to consider when faced with the tough decision of hiring or firing an advisor. Then we shift the conversation to Social Security. Most of us have heard we should wait as long as we can...
What is a Bear Market Portfolio?
November 08, 2022 11:52 - 9 minutes - 8.37 MBThe Fed continues increasing rates to fight inflation, but the latest CPI data shows that we're not much better off than we were in March when the aggressive monetary tightening began. Listen to hear Mike’s opinion as to what he believes the central bank’s goal is now that ISN’T being talked about, and how it could impact your retirement money in the future. He also explains how Talon Wealth is working to help clients protect and hopefully make money in a down market with a bear market portf...
I Like My Advisor But Not My Portfolio’s Performance & Are I Bonds a Good Idea?
November 01, 2022 09:41 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBAre you frustrated with the performance (or lack thereof) of your investment accounts? This is unfortunately more common than you may realize. That doesn’t mean you should accept being told to just “hang in there.” Plus, we discuss one of the wealthiest men in the world, Jeff Bezos saying it’s time to “batten down the hatches” economically. Mike also simplifies the pros and cons of a trendy option many have been researching to combat inflation in retirement… I bonds. Especially now that the ...
Managing Market & Medicare Capitulation
October 25, 2022 11:04 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBThe Fed has obviously been very aggressive with interest rate hikes, and many are concerned about the short & long-term impact this will have on our economy and individual retirement accounts. Mike shares his opinion about the recent wall street swings and the pain the Fed is inflicting with their goal of reducing inflation. Also, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of calls and commercials regarding Medicare open enrollment (now through December 7th), Mike explains how you can possi...
Seeking Safety During a Scary Economic Time
October 18, 2022 12:37 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBAfter checking in with a few kids about their Halloween costume plans, we focus on how this fall has been a spooky time for the market. With stocks down an average of 20% and bonds down about 14% for the year, many are unfortunately finding out their portfolio isn’t as diversified as they thought for their retirement timeline. Plus, Mike discusses Jamie Dimon’s latest comments about a recession looming and possible future S&P 500 drops. Most importantly Mike shares what you should consider i...
Inflation & Your Portfolios Performance
October 11, 2022 09:22 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBMortgage rates recently reached their highest level since July of 2007. Instead of focusing on a 2008 flashback, Mike explains why it’s more important for you (or you and your advisor) to focus on where the economy is likely to go and how the stock market might react. He also dives into how Fed’s inflation plan is not only impacting household expenses… but the performance of your retirement accounts. If you’re tired of “hanging in there,” this episode is for you. See omnystudio.com/listen...
Should You Postpone Retirement Because of Volatile Markets?
October 04, 2022 15:40 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBThe Federal Reserve made history by approving its 3rd consecutive 75-basis-point interest rate hike on September 21st, and wall street didn’t take the news well… Neither did many 401(k)’s. Mike talks about why these fluctuating numbers shouldn’t change your lifestyle, especially if you have a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor actively managing your investment accounts. If you’re part of the growing trend of Americans feeling you might need to postpone your retirement, Mike simplifies how ...
Navigating Economic Pullbacks
September 13, 2022 17:08 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBHistorically, September is a rough month on wall street. With recent stock market pullbacks, investors close to and already in retirement have valid concerns about protecting their portfolios. This week Mike spotlights some of the inverse options for income and growth that Talon’s fiduciaries are explaining to listeners like you. Every situation is different, but this could possibly be a good option for your family if you explored all of the details. So, if you’re looking for a more conserva...
Doing the Math on Economic Data That Doesn’t Seem to Add Up
September 06, 2022 13:03 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBWith so much heightened economic news on the agenda, Kristen starts this episode with a little fun by revealing the latest endeavor by Snoop Dogg the entrepreneur. Then it’s back to Biden and his latest proposal. This time for his student loan forgiveness program. Mike explains how this adds to the instability of our economy, the stock market, and the likelihood of higher taxes in the future. He also points out what options to be aware of that are being promoted as solutions for uncertain ti...
Inflation, Interest Rates, Target Date Funds & Your Financial Outlook
August 30, 2022 13:34 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBAfter a fun discussion about renting goats to maintain some property, we dial in on what many Americans are concerned about: After a good July, what’s to come for wall street, inflation, interest rates, and our overall economy? Mike weighs in on the Fed’s rate decision, the recession debate, and the paralysis many are feeling about making changes to their retirement accounts. We also discuss target date funds and if they are leading baby boomers to the right target these days, and if iBonds ...
Does Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act Help Inflation?
August 23, 2022 08:37 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBFollowing a conversation about how inflation is impacting the spending behavior of higher-income Americans, Mike walks us through his analysis of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and how it could impact your family. Also, despite July being a good month on wall street, he explains why he believes we are still technically in a recession and why it could get worse. And if you saw the movie “The Big Short,” you’ll want to hear why the guy who (in real life) bet on the collapse of subpr...
Don’t Just "Hang In There" Through The Recession
August 09, 2022 09:34 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBAfter chatting about someone breaking the world record for holes-in-one for a good cause, we flashback to when Mike first forecasted that we were already in a recession on his weekly radio show on May 7th of 2022. He also discusses the politicization of redefining the word “recession,” and why not focusing on the actual numbers could negatively impact your retirement portfolio. He explains how he and the other Talon Wealth fiduciary financial advisors are looking into inverse options along w...
Consumer Confidence is Down. But How’s Your Retirement Confidence?
August 02, 2022 12:56 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBHomebuilders are tapping the brakes and consumer confidence is down overall. Plus, with the administration trying to change the definition of a recession, confidence is declining even further for many. Mike explains why he thinks it is possible that we could have another pullback, and what you can do to better protect your investments for retirement during the recession debate... regardless of the definition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra Spending & Wall Street Records
July 26, 2022 15:29 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBThis week we discuss the fun way a new retiree is spending her time on screen, and how Mike can ironically relate! Plus, he explains how the significant 2nd quarter drop of copper should be taken into consideration when it comes to your retirement accounts. And with inflation up to 9.1%, the average American family is spending almost $500 a month more than this time last year. Find out how all of this is impacting spending behavior, but how it doesn’t necessarily have to change yours… If you...
Market Opportunities for Millionaires & The Middle Class
July 20, 2022 14:40 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBWith wall street down and inflation up 9.1% from last year, we’ll discuss why consumers are now likely driving the recession many are predicting. We’ll also reveal what a new survey says about how millionaires are preparing for the possibility of more downturns, and what proactive steps Mike took for his clients in January and in March to help protect his client's portfolios. Plus, we’ll embrace rock ‘n’ roll and entrepreneurs making money in interesting ways! See omnystudio.com/listener fo...
The Copper Indicator & Your Retirement Money
July 12, 2022 12:43 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBIt’s no secret that the market has been down for the first 6 months of 2022. As we wait on 2nd quarter GDP numbers to confirm if we’re in a recession or not, listen to find out the consumer behaviors that gives Mike reason to believe we may already be in a recession. He also discusses interest rates and the Fed’s hope of a “soft landing” in this economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should I go to Cash? And Can I Still Retire This Year?
June 28, 2022 13:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBThe market is volatile, and energy prices and interest rates are on the rise. Mike explains why he believes economic issues like this will create a slowdown in our economy. He also addresses a common question we’re hearing from listeners: Is going to cash now a good idea in our current climate? Or is it too late? -Plus, if you planned to retire this year and are now wondering if you can still pull it off, Mike shares a key perspective for you to consider. If you’re feeling overwhelmed t...
Dealing with Wall Street & Annuity Slingers
June 21, 2022 12:58 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBWall Street remains rocky, and many near and in retirement are seeking more conservative investment options. Mike explains how he and his team of fiduciaries have been proactively helping their clients navigate this unsettled time by going to cash months ago (depending on the client’s situation). Plus, he explains why an annuity doesn’t make sense for most people… despite being heavily promoted in our current economic environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Be a Maverick During Market Mayhem
June 14, 2022 19:20 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBAfter discussing Top Gun: Maverick, Mike explains why now more than ever investors near and in retirement should embrace being a maverick by NOT giving in to generic "hang in there" advice, especially with the most recent stock market plunge. We’ll also discuss how bell-bottom jeans, 70’s style stagflation and oil prices are back, and what you and your family can do to combat these economic obstacles. If you’re feeling paralyzed by the fear of what could happen next on wall street and with o...
Recession & Bear Market Concerns
May 31, 2022 15:13 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBAre we heading into a recession? For the first time in over 2 years, the S&P 500 recently entered bear-market territory, and inflation isn’t slowing down. Mike simplifies why he believes we may already be in a recession. He also explains what people near and in retirement need to take into account regarding their 401(k)s and other investments earmarked for their future. He also discusses inverse investments, COLA (cost of living adjustments), and how the economic uncertainty is impacting sma...