Real Personal Finance
205 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 384 ratingsYour REAL personal finance questions answered by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, Scott Frank and Meg Bartelt. With all of the misinformation and jargon in the financial industry, it's no wonder most people are confused about how to best manage their money. James and Meg are here to give clear answers to the important questions they hear most often. If you're ready to use your finances to create a more secure financial future, this show is for you.
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Episodes
What Should You Do With Your Stock Portfolio?
May 14, 2024 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBDeciding what to do with your stocks can prove to be a problem, challenge, and opportunity all at once. With a huge portfolio in front of you, what can you do to slim it down? This week, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, provide insights on how to cut down on your stocks to achieve the life you’ve dreamed of. We have emotional ties to our investments—but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a more financially sound fut...
What Should You Do With Your Pile of Cash?
May 13, 2024 15:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBIs your cash currently sitting under your mattress, withering away with inflation? While stashing your cash seems like a safe bet, it limits your access to investment opportunities. With inflation rising, the value of your cash may not have the longevity you hoped for. If you currently have a pile of cash and are asking yourself, “Well…what now?” this week’s episode of “Real Personal Finance” guides you through aligning your resources with the life you want to lead. Scott Frank, founder of S...
Is It Possible To Actually Reach FIRE?
May 10, 2024 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBWhat does being financially independent mean to you? Those chasing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) are choosing to live frugally now to achieve early retirement. FIRE is a means to unlock a life where work is optional and the freedom of choice reigns supreme. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, discuss the movement's evolution and how people are applying FIRE principles to their daily lives. With the concept o...
How Can You Avoid Surprises Next Tax Season?
May 09, 2024 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBDoes your anxiety spike every time tax season rolls around? The possibility of receiving an unexpected tax bill can bring a sense of dread to the entire month of April. We all have to pay taxes, but we don’t have to stress about them. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, is joined by Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, to simplify conversations around money and tax planning. Conquer your tax season anxiety and avoid the shock of unexpected tax bills through Scot...
Final Episode - How To Stay In Touch With Us!
March 01, 2023 11:00 - 6 minutes - 4.25 MBScott and James thank all of the fans for years of support for listening to the podcast and review where you can find them if you're looking for customized advice when it comes to maximizing your finances. LET'S CONNECT! James YouTube | Website | Podcast Scott Facebook | Twitter | Website
How to Balance a Home Purchase with Saving for Retirement?
February 22, 2023 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBScott and James discuss how to balance a home purchase with saving for retirement. Listener Question: We want to stay in manhattan and want to be home owners but can’t make the math work. Our current rental 2 bed 2 bath just went up to $4400/mo. A comparable condo would sell around $1.3-$1.5m. That would put the mortgage at around $7,000 with another $2,000-$3,000 in maintainable and taxes a month. Rent does keep increasing and I don’t want to keep getting squeezed but does buying in Manha...
What Should You Do If You Make Too Much To Contribute To a Roth IRA?
February 15, 2023 11:00 - 12 minutes - 8.96 MBScott and James discuss what to do if you make too much to contribute to a Roth IRA. Listener Question: I am currently 33 years old, single, and am nearing a $129,000 annual salary. I have been investing in a Roth IRA and realize the phaseout limits for single taxpayers are from $129k - $144k. My question is, how do I lower my income, besides contributing to my traditional 401k, so I can keep contributing the max $6000/year into my Roth IRA as my income rises over the years? Planning Poin...
The Truth About an MBA - Is It Worth It?
February 08, 2023 11:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBScott and James discuss whether or not an MBA is worth it. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - Listener Quesiton 5:30 - Why MBA? 7:46 - Pros/Cons of MBAs 8:30 - Debt v. Investing 16:05 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James YouTube LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website
How Are Different Types of Investment Withdrawals Taxed?
February 01, 2023 11:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBScott and James discuss the tax implications of withdrawing income from various accounts in retirement. Listener Question: Can you talk about how some of the main retirement accounts are taxed upon withdrawal? Example topic: Are withdrawals just subject to Federal taxes, or FICA taxes as well? And how / if withdrawing from retirement accounts affects eligibility / taxes you have to pay on social security? Can you talk about how after tax brokerage accounts are taxed both while investin...
How Can I Reduce Costs Inside Of My Company's 401(k)?
January 25, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBScott and James discuss how to reduce costs inside of your company's 401(k). Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: What is a good expense ratio for a retirement account? Is this something you can control with an employer sponsored plan? I want to make sure my money is working for me and I am maximizing my returns Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issu...
How Should Real Estate Factor In My Retirement Plan?
January 18, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBScott and James discuss how real estate should factor into your retirement plan. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: Me and my wife enjoy doing live and flip rentals and are planning on the cash flow to be part of our retirement funds. We are planning to move in a year and would like to pick up a third house to add to our portfolio when we do. How would you run the numbers to see if this is a safe investment for us....
How to Best Diversify a Concentrated Stock Holding
January 11, 2023 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBScott and James discuss how to best diversify a concentrated stock holding. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: How do I exit a concentrated stock position? I’m an employee at a large tech company and I’ve vested RSUs over the last 4 years. Some of my stock has appreciated 4x since I was granted it. My non-company stock brokerage account value is around $700k, and on top of that my vested company stock (APPL) is wo...
5 Steps to Get Your Finances Right in the New Year
January 04, 2023 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBScott and James discuss how 5 things to start the new year right with your finances. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on YouTube HERE! 6:17 - Financial Goals 11:15 - Priorities in Money 24:46 - Individual Choices 30:46 - Customization is Key 33:00 - Align...
How Should You Choose Survivor Benefits Options For Your Pension?
December 28, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBScott and James discuss how you should choose your survivor benefits options for your pension. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I'm not sure if this can be a whole show but I was wondering if you guys can go over how to think about choosing between the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and whole or term insurance. I'm in the military and will be retiring soon. I work with a lot of members that are retiring and this ch...
Misleading Financial Rules That You Should Avoid
December 21, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MBScott and James discuss misleading financial rules to avoid. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: How do you both think about the common wisdom that you should have a certain multiple of your income saved by a specific age (e.g. save at least 1x your salary by 30, 3x by 40, 6x by 50, 8x by 60, and 10x by 67)? I am in a situation where my income has tripled between ages 30 and 35. As an example, let's say I had 100K ...
[BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!] How to Find the Right Solution For Your Financial Needs
December 14, 2022 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBScott and James discuss annuities and announce Real Personal Finance NATION! Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I've met with multiple financial advisors and all of them have 2 things in common. 1. They all say they are Fiduciary. 2. They all try and pitch me on various types of annuities to supplement or augment my portfolio. Can you please address annuities on a show? Everything I have read online says to stay aw...
What's the Best Way for a Career Changer to Get Into the Financial Planning Industry?
December 07, 2022 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBScott and James discuss the best way to enter the financial planning industry as a career changer. Wilson Liu Financial Resources We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I really enjoy your podcast. I've had a 10-year career in nonprofit development, but I've had a passion for investing and personal finance since I was a little kid. I'm trying to pivot into wealth management. I know in a recent episode you addressed the path into the industry for someone coming out of college. I'd love...
How Do You Know When You're on Track to be Financially Free?
November 30, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBScott and James discuss how you can know when you're financially free. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: If you think we can step away from work when I hit "my number" whether it be at age 49 or 54 - knowing that I would only pull approx 3% from my brokerage until I reach 59.5. My goal would be to leave FT work at age 50, and have my wife and I only work PT or consulting to cover expenses and carry healthcare - w/o withdrawing from the portfolio until we hit our number (BTW w...
How do Individual Stocks Compare to Investing in Funds?
November 23, 2022 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBScott and James discuss the most how individual stocks compare to investing in funds. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I listen to your podcast and it has inspired me to invest however, I have invested into individual stocks and it has lost around 50% of its value so I invested money into VOO because I thought it was safer and I continue to invest $55 every two weeks im 18 and this is what I can comfortably afford how do I build my wealth for the long term should I continue ...
What's the Most Effective Way to Incorporate Giving Into Your Financial Plan?
November 16, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBScott and James discuss the most effective way to incorporate giving into your financial plan. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: Am I on track to retire at 52? Am I over-investing in retirement at the expense of more freedom now? How would you recommend incorporating pension plans into overall retirement planning (ideal year:pension percentage break-even point?)? Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRA...
Does it Ever Make Sense to Purchase a Home with All Cash Down?
November 09, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MBScott and James discuss if you should ever purchase your home fully in cash. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I’m 27 and my goal is to have a paid for house by the time I'm 45. In the next 18 years, if I save and invest aggressively will I have potentially have enough to pay in cash or is it better to get the mortgage when I'm able to and pay the interest because house prices will go up more than what I could earn in interest in the stock market? To me, it seems that any app...
How Does A Pension Fit In Your Overall Retirement Plan?
November 02, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBScott and James discuss how a pension fits into your overall retirement plan. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: Am I on track to retire at 52? Am I over-investing in retirement at the expense of more freedom now? How would you recommend incorporating pension plans into overall retirement planning (ideal year:pension percentage break-even point?)? Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Fin...
175 - 5 Employee Benefits To Get Right During Annual Enrollment
October 27, 2022 15:19 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBScott and James discuss the 5 employee benefits to get right during annual enrollment! NEW: We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on YouTube HERE! 4:25 - Retirement Contributions 10:59 - Credit Card Interest Rates 16:26 - Healthcare Considerations 23:05 - Life Insurance Coverage 29:12 - Savings Rates 33:39 - Defer...
174 - Is Roth or Traditional Better for FIRE?
October 19, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MBScott and James discuss if Roth or Traditional is better for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I’m wondering if I should change my 401k strategy from traditional to roth? I’m a 35 year old high earner making around $175k a year plus bonus. I’m currently maxing my traditional 401k plus a 5% match from my employer. I need to work another 7 year to hit my FI number ($2.5M) and I have $160k in my traditional 401k right now. When ...
173 - Should I Dip into My Retirement Accounts to Purchase a Home?
October 12, 2022 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBScott and James discuss if you should dip into your retirement accounts to purchase a home. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: Should I max out all of our retirement accounts and consider taking a loan against my 457b or take out contributions from my Roth IRA in order to make a sizeable down payment for this second home in the future? Or should I allocate a portion of that savings money into a brokerage account instead for 10 years to save for this down payment? I am leani...
172 - What Should I Do When I I Receive a Significant Bump in Income?
October 05, 2022 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBScott and James discuss what to do when you receive a significant bump in income. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I would like to do the more in-depth analysis you mentioned on today’s podcast if you are willing. We hope to retire in the next 5 years, at age 55/56. I am eligible to begin receiving a pension after this year, but plan to "double-dip" for the next 4-5. I have questions about 403(b) and 457 accounts, rollovers, and distributions. Planning Points Discussed ...
171 - Should I Save My Money For The Future Or Spend it Today?
September 28, 2022 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBScott and James discuss if you should save your money for the future or spend it today. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I am 40 years old and want to know how I am doing. I have been through a divorce and a major job change and have been saving as much as possible, but it seems like I may have gotten to a place where I may be able to save less aggressively. I would really love to be able to retire comfortably at 60 but also live my best life now without over-saving and m...
170 - Where Should I Invest My Excess Income?
September 21, 2022 07:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBScott and James discuss where to invest excess income. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on YouTube HERE! 4:19 - Anonymous Example 10:02 - Cash Flow 17:38 - Roth Contributions 22:41 - Risk Tolerance & Income Needs 25:37 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James YouTube LinkedIn Website S...
169 - [New Format!] Are Your Investments Too Concentrated?
September 14, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBScott and James discuss if your investments are too concentrated. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on YouTube HERE! 5:03 - Individual Context 7:32 - Budgeting 13:45 - Importance of Tracking Efficiently 19:32 - Index Fund Advantages 25:11 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James YouTube Li...
168 - How to Understand the Stock Market
September 07, 2022 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBScott and James discuss how to understand the stock market. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on YouTube HERE! 6:31 - What is the "market"? 10:28 - Investing in the "winners" 18:09 - What % Are The Major Companies? 23:11 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James YouTube LinkedIn Website Sco...
167 - What Insurances Do I Need?
August 31, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBScott and James discuss what insurances you need (and don't need). Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - Insurance 7:01 - Proper Protection 10:41 - What Insurances To Avoid? 17:36 - Long-Term Care Needs 16:57 - Debt & Real Estate 25:31 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James YouTube LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter W...
166 - How Does This Market Impact How We Pull Funds from 529 Plans?
August 24, 2022 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBScott and James discuss how this market impacts how we pull funds from 529 plans. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 5:49 - Stocks & Bonds Correlation 9:58 - Cash Flow & Risk Level 14:49 - What Is A Good Rate? 18:50 - Additional Expenses 16:57 - Debt & Real Estate 21:27 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James YouTube LinkedIn Websi...
165 - How to Invest in Stocks For Beginners
August 17, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBScott and James discuss how to invest in stocks for beginners. Listener Question Sometimes I can tend to pull the trigger on things before doing enough due diligence. If I make a stock purchase and later am not sure it was the best decision, how long should I wait before selling the shares and moving on from that company.I'm not talking about buying a company and then a week later the stock price dips a little bit and that being reason to dump shares but more fundamentally if I no longer...
164 - How To Understand Your Cash Flow
August 10, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBScott and James discuss how to understand your cash flow. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 4:16 - Income 6:26 - Fundamentals 10:46 - Spending Isn't Negative 14:27 - Rules of Thumb 16:57 - Debt & Real Estate 21:12 - Tax Rates 25:45 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter We...
163 - Pros & Cons of Using Dividend Investing to Create Passive Income
August 03, 2022 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBScott and James discuss the pros and cons of using dividend investing to create passive income. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: What is your stance on dividend investing, with the goal of reaching a point where one can live off of "passive" income from dividend ETFs? I have been reading a lot on the dividend subreddit where people are sharing their s...
162 - How To Understand Your Balance Sheet
July 27, 2022 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBScott and James discuss how to understand your balance sheet. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 6:17 - Having Multiple Accounts For Organization 10:08 - Goal-Based Investing Accounts 15:33 - Debt 20:25 - Net Worth Allocation 24:29 - Restrucutre Debt 26:48 - Aligning Your Financial Goals With Your Life LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Web...
161 - How to Invest During a Bear Market
July 20, 2022 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBScott and James discuss how to invest during a bear market. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 3:27 - What To Do As Investors Now 6:52 - Prices Are Reflected Today 11:03 - Averages Are In Your Favor 14:27 - Recovery Statistics 17:06 - Relatively "Normal" 17:44 - Aligning Your Financial Goals With Your Life LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn...
160 - How to Retire Early
July 13, 2022 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBScott and James discuss how to retire early. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:05 - FIRE Movement 5:05 - Non-Traditional Retirement 7:25 - Social Security 10:09 - Additional Considerations 11:25 - Military Considerations 13:40 - Gap Fund 15:50 - What Will You Really Enjoy? 17:44 - Aligning Your Financial Goals With Your Life LET'S CONNECT! ...
159 - How Much Company Stock Ownership Is Too Much?
July 06, 2022 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBScott and James discuss how much company stock ownership is too much. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: I'm a manager at a blue chip company and they offer up to 20% of their stock in your 401K. Right now I have 8% of my 401K invested in company stock with the rest in target date funds. I'm wondering your thoughts on if 8% is too much or too little....
158 - Where To Invest Cash Earmarked for a Down Payment?
June 29, 2022 07:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBScott and James discuss where to invest cash earmarked for a down payment. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: My wife and I have money (in cash, ~ $150k) earmarked for a down payment on a home. There is no real urgency to buy a home other than setting down roots as our family grows as our current rental meets our needs. However, with the housing marke...
157 - How to Best Mitigate Risk in Your Investment Strategy
June 22, 2022 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBScott and James discuss how to best mitigate risk in your investment strategy. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: I'm really enjoying your podcast and generally agree with your advice. I'm 37 and a personal investor who is focused on long term investments for retirement. I have generally leveraged a higher risk strategy based on my age with index funds....
156 - Benefits of Health Savings Accounts and How to Maximize Their Impact
June 15, 2022 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBScott and James discuss the benefits of Health Savings Accounts and how to maximize their impact. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: My question is around HSA's. Am I really missing out by not investing in this? I understand the power of tax advantage accounts, but to me having all that money that can only be used for specific things feels very limiting...
155 - Should I Use an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
June 08, 2022 07:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBScott and James discuss if you should use an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)? Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 1:10 - Mortgage Rate Options 4:17 - Mortgage Risk 6:38 - Payment Differences 10:27 - Additional Options 11:23 - Don't Push Debt Forward 13:45 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Fac...
154 - How Can I Reduce Taxes on Side Hustle Income?
June 01, 2022 07:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBScott and James discuss how you can reduce taxes on side hustle income. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 1:10 - Listener Question 3:25 - Taxes 5:50 - Retirement Contributions 7:43 - Retirement Contribution Maximums 9:14 - Solo 401(k) v. SEP IRA 11:35 - Can My Spouse Contribute? 14:27 - Target Income & Timeframe 16:11 - Aligning Your Financial G...
153 - What Planning Points Should You Consider During a Recession?
May 25, 2022 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBScott and James discuss what planning points to consider during a recession. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 1:10 - What Can We Control 3:25 - Cash Flow 8:12 - Unemployment 10:13 - How To Withdraw in Retirement 14:42 - Roth Conversion 16:51 - Loss Carryover 19:33 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Websit...
152 - How to Invest In Down Markets
May 18, 2022 07:00 - 21 minutes - 15.2 MBScott and James discuss how to invest in down markets. Listener Question With the markets increased volatiltiy in the past few weeks, we wanted to address how you can be investing amidst current market conditions. Thank you for submitting your questions and please continue to do so and we'll look to answer them in a future episode. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) ...
151 - How to Account For Matching Contributions in Retirement Saving Rates
May 11, 2022 07:00 - 12 minutes - 8.85 MBScott and James discuss how to account for matching contributions in retirement savings rates. Listener Question Wanted to find what both of yours opinions are on savings rate as it relates to employer match. I am currently saving 25% of my gross income between maxing out 401k, IRA and the rest to a brokerage, I bonds and ESPP. My employer matches 15% NEC on 100% income. I have a mandatory retirement age from this career (commercial aviation) If I fall short on my 25% personal savings ra...
150 - How to Give More Effectively Using Donor Advised Funds
May 04, 2022 15:54 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBScott and James discuss how to give more effectively using Donor-Advised Funds. Listener Question Hello! I love the show. I think I’ve had a chance listened to over 100 episodes. Have y’all considered an episode on giving? I recently started use using a donor advised fund, giving away some highly appreciated assets instead of cash. Are there any more strategies that I can use to be generous? Anything out of the box? Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Apprecia...
149 - How to Find a Financial Professional That's Right For You
April 27, 2022 07:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBScott and James discuss how to find a financial professional that's right for you. Listener Question My husband and I are both high earners. He owns his own business and I am employed full time in the health tech sector. We are in a great position where we are debt free, own our home and a rental property and have close to a million in investments. We manage our finances and taxes on our own today but are getting to the point where we'd like some advice around how to make the most of our...
148 - Annuity vs Lump Sum - Which Pension Option Should I Select?
April 20, 2022 07:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBScott and James discuss which pension option they should select, annuity or lump sum? Listener Question Hey guys! Thank you so much for the amazing podcast! I have a pension question. I am a teacher, and I am eligible to retire and begin taking my pension payments in July 2023. I have heard some people say to take the lump sum distribution, and create your own pension/annuity, but the math doesn't seem to work out right for me. I will be 51 at that point, and likely moving to a different...