Your Life Your Wealth

Estate Taxes Are Likely to Increase: Defensive Moves You Can Make Today - Episode # 288

As the federal government looks for ways to increase revenue, estate tax laws will soon change. Senator Bernie Sanders has formally proposed a bill, supported by President Biden, called “For The 99.5% Act.” The changes will significantly increase the amount of tax due, based on the value of your estate.  Today, Steve presents a call-to-action.  He discusses the proposal and several planning moves you should consider prior to the new tax laws taking effect. Listening Time: 22 minutes

Should Your Company be Forced to Offer a Retirement Plan? - Episode 287

New Jersey recently enacted legislation that requires business owners, who do not offer employees a qualified retirement plan and who have 25 or more employees, to automatically enroll those employees in the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program. New Jersey is one of ten states to enact the legislation, more are sure to follow.  Steve is joined by Retirement Plan Specialist, Dennis Jablonoski, CRPS, to discuss the merits of this mandatory program and some deficiencies both employers and e...

How You Can Adapt to the Changing American Workplace - Episode 286

If you’re a business owner or employee, changes in the labor and job market will continue to have a direct impact on your financial wellbeing. Steve is joined by Rick Grimaldi, author of FLEX: A Leader's Guide to Staying Nimble and Mastering Transformative Change in the American Workplace. Rick is an attorney and partner with the firm Fisher Phillips, a management side labor and employment law firm. Topics discussed include the growing gig economy, the minimum wage debate, how and why the la...

8 Financial Lessons You Can Learn From Baseball - Episode 285

It’s the surest sign that spring has arrived, baseball season is here.  Cordasco Financial Network’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski team up for a winning podcast teaching us the many financial lessons that can be learned from the game of baseball. From the risk reward comparison, to knowing that you don’t always come away with a win, to understanding that there’s always another day to play, there is much to learn from America’s greatest pastime.      Listening Time: 24 minutes

Impact Investing: A Sustainable Trend or the Latest Fad - Episode 284

We invest to grow the money we’ve earned and secure our future. For some however, it now goes beyond that. There are investors who not only want to increase their wealth, but want to know that the companies they invest in will have a positive social impact and are aligned with the causes they support.  Today, Steve discusses all sides of the growing trend of impact investing including performance when compared to a more traditional approach, and whether or not direct contributions to a cause...

Inflation Fears: How Should You Prepare? - Episode 283

As a record amount of stimulus money enters our economy, concerns about inflation rise.  CFN's Founder and CEO Steve Cordasco presents this special in-depth discussion on ways inflation can affect your life and wealth. He discusses the root causes of inflation, how it can impact the future of your cash, bond and equity holdings, and details important defensive actions smart investors should consider if inflation worries persist.   Listening Time: 29 minutes

Tax Filing This Year: Reasons You Should Consider A Delay - Episode 282

The April 15, 2021, tax deadline is only a month away and the recently passed stimulus package contains federal legislation that may impact your 2020 tax return. Cordasco Financial Network CPA Tim Joseph joins Steve to discuss why you may want to consider delaying your tax filing this year, and the importance of putting a strategic tax plan into action with professional help beyond your tax preparer.  Listening Time: 28 minutes

Women and Investing: Helping You Secure Your Financial Future - Episode 281

Cordasco Financial Network’s Director of Business Development John Walker sits in for Steve today and is joined by CFN Relationship Manager and Financial Advisor Desiree Reil.  In commemorating International Women’s Day this week, they discuss the unique investing and retirement challenges faced by women and cover strategies to help female investors overcome some of the often significant disadvantages they encounter. Listening Time: 17 minutes 

The 401k Plan: A Benefit for the Employee & Employer - Episode 280

401k plans are the focus of today’s podcast.  Steve is joined by Cordasco Financial Network Retirement Plan Specialist Dennis Jablonoski.  They offer insight and guidance for employees who participate in a 401k plan and for business owners or managers responsible for overseeing their company’s plan.  They discuss contribution limits, permissible catch-up contributions, the value of an employer match, consumer protections, new 401k rules for 2021 and more. Listening Time: 30 minutes

Bitcoin’s Meteoric Rise: Should It Be in Your Portfolio? - Episode 279

The price of bitcoin has surged 350% in just the last six months as major investors and large companies have begun to adopt its use.  Average investors have taken notice and see it as a potential opportunity.  Today we discuss bitcoin, one specific form of cryptocurrency, grabbing the headlines. Steve is joined by Cordasco Financial Network’s Client Service Specialist Evan Salter and Steve Proffer, a member of CFN’s Investment Committee. Evan helps us understand what bitcoin actually is, how...

Keeping Your Investment Portfolio Aligned with Your Needs in Changing Economic Conditions - Episode 278

The current economic conditions have created the need to change some of the investments used to build portfolios at Cordasco Financial Network. Our new investment allocation will have a significant impact on our bond investing. We’re taking a proactive stance, and using a strategy that includes a more actively managed dynamic bond portfolio. Today, Steve is joined by CFN Financial Planner Ryan Flurer to discuss the reasons for change and detail much of the work that goes into architecting an...

Tax Year 2020: Filing Requirements You Need to Know - Episode 277

Cordasco Financial Network’s John Walker guides a discussion with CFN CPAs Tim Joseph and Jim Tate discussing important tax considerations for your 2020 IRS tax filing.  The COVID-19 pandemic has had a financial impact in several areas that will need special attention from you and your tax preparer this year to ensure the accuracy of your return. Listening Time: 21 minutes

Steve on MAS 020221

GameStop & Reddit: A Digital Age David & Goliath Story - Episode 276

This week, the story of the astronomical rise in share price of GameStop, as well as a handful of other companies in decline, caught nearly everyone’s attention.  As a good David vs. Goliath story usually does. Share prices were driven up by small individual investors using the social media platform called Reddit.  It was an organized effort that resulted in many large hedge fund managers, who had shorted these companies, to experience significant losses as their stock values skyrocketed.  C...

Your Social Security: A Strategy for Maximizing Your Benefits - Episode 275

For many Americans, social security will be an integral part of retirement cash flow. We’ve paid into the system all of our working lives and we expect to collect our benefits. In order to make that happen, a sound social security strategy is essential for all of us entering our retirement years.  Determining the best age to begin taking benefits, understanding the tax implications for your unique situation, and many other factors go into making the best social security decisions. Cordasco F...

Putting the Market In Perspective - Your 2021 Market Outlook: Poised for Growth - Episode 274

Today, Steve is joined by Chartered Financial Analyst and Market Strategist Stephen Proffer of the Investment Team at Cordasco Financial Network.  They discuss our recently released report 2021 Outlook: Poised for Growth. Their discussion is centered around the direction stocks and bonds may take during 2021 given our current and expected economic conditions. They also discuss the often-asked question about the appropriateness of cryptocurrencies in an average investor’s portfolio. To view t...

Financial Strategies For Dealing With Things You Can’t Control - Episode 273

In this week’s podcast, Steve discusses why it’s important to understand and embrace the reality that there are many aspects of our financial lives we simply cannot control. For example, the direction of the financial markets, or the degree to which we will be impacted by tax increases aren’t things we can influence. Therefore, our efforts and attention need to be focused on those things we can control. Steve explains several strategic financial moves to help us be prepared, and lessen any p...

PPP 2.0, What it Means to You. Plus, Helping You Get a Jump on Estate Tax Increases - Episode 272

Steve is joined by Financial Advisor and CPA Tim Joseph of the CFN team to discuss the latest information on the federal government’s next iteration of the Payroll Protection Program, known as PPP.  The program directly impacts business owners, but Steve also explains how PPP affects the overall economy and ultimately the wealth of all Americans.  Then, the discussion turns to estate tax planning, capital gains, the gift tax and more. With the Biden economic team undoubtedly seeking changes ...

Perspective on the Markets: Helping You Understand Where We Were, Where We Are and Where We’re Going - Episode 271

CFN Financial Planner, Retirement Plan and Investment Specialist Dennis Jabloloski is joined by Eric Green, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Senior Managing Partner at Penn Capital. They offer their perspective on the markets from the past year. They also take a look ahead at what we might expect for 2021 in the stock and bond markets, specific sectors within the markets and how politics and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may impact our economy over the next 12 mon...

Tax Strategies Used by Music Industry Billionaires Could Actually Help You - Episode 270

Many of the biggest stars in the music business, Bob Dylan among the most recent, are monetizing the immense value of their music by selling copyright or control of their life’s work.  We tackle this issue today because these purely financial transactions made by super-wealthy recording artists can have practical application to the financial and tax planning moves you may want to consider to protect your wealth. John Walker, today’s host, is joined by Tax Specialist Tim Joseph, CPA, and Inve...

Your 2020 Market Review & A Behind-The-Scenes View of Investment Selection

As 2020 comes to a close, Steve and Joe Cortese of the CFN Investment Team take a broad look at the financial markets, assessing where we are, and how we got here.  They discuss year end market strength, how the news cycle can impact the markets, the potential for a continuation of federal deficit spending, as well as the prognosis for interest rates. They also offer a look under the hood on the investment selection process at Cordasco Financial Network. Listening Time: 27 minutes

How You Can Save on Your Tax Bill While Helping Others This Holiday Season - Episode 268

We’re in the midst of giving season and your best intentions deserve to be rewarded.  Steve is joined by CPA Tim Joseph of the Cordasco Financial Network team to discuss ways you can reduce this year’s tax bill through tax efficient charitable giving.  Listening Time: 18 minutes

Thanksgiving 2020: Our Expression of Thanks to You - Episode 267

Cordasco Financial Network kicks off this holiday season with a special message.  John Walker, Jim Tate, and Deiree Reil on behalf of Steve Cordasco and the entire CFN team, share their appreciation for the many things in life we tend to take for granted.  Unlike any year in our memory, 2020 has created many challenges, but also helped us better appreciate the genuinely important things in our lives. The entire CFN Team offers you a bit of inspiration as we wish you and yours a very Happy Th...

Why Your 401k Should Not Be on Autopilot - Episode 266

CFN Retirement Plan Specialist Dennis Jablonoski and Financial Planner Ryan Flurer host a special edition of the Your Life Your Wealth podcast focusing on 401k plans. These employer-based plans need attention at regular intervals in order to be most effective for all involved. Dennis and Ryan discuss several year-end 401k plan issues and offer practical guidance for both employees participating in 401k plans and employers offering them. Listening Time: 24 minutes

Why Your 401k Should Not Be on Autopilot

CFN Retirement Plan Specialist Dennis Jablonoski and Financial Planner Ryan Flurer host a special edition of the Your Life Your Wealth podcast focusing on 401k plans. These employer-based plans need attention at regular intervals in order to be most effective for all involved. Dennis and Ryan discuss several year-end 401k plan issues and offer practical guidance for both employees participating in 401k plans and employers offering them. Listening Time: 24 minutes

Win, Lose or Draw: How Will Your Investments be Impacted by the Election - Episode 265

CFN presents highlights of our live post-election webcast from November 6th.  Steve, is joined by Joe Cortese, member of the CFN investment team from DiMeo Schneider and Associates. Before a virtual audience, they discuss ways the outcome of the presidential election may impact your investment strategies.  Also, CFN’s Jim Tate, CPA, offers his perspective on the potential tax implications of a new administration.  Please note: The full video webcast will be available soon.   Listening Time...

How Will the Election Impact Your Investment Strategy? - Episode 264

Tuesday is decision day and we’re approaching a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. In just a few days we’ll have a better read on the direction the nation will take politically.  In preparation for this event, listeners like you have been asking us questions, seeking answers to help you better prepare for any outcome. Today, I pose several of your investment questions to my guest, Joe Cortese from DiMeo Schneider & Associates, a member of the CFN Investment Team. Listening Time: 33 mi...

How Will the Election Impact Your Investment Strategy?

Tuesday is decision day and we’re approaching a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. In just a few days we’ll have a better read on the direction the nation will take politically.  In preparation for this event, listeners like you have been asking us questions, seeking answers to help you better prepare for any outcome. Today, I pose several of your investment questions to my guest, Joe Cortese from DiMeo Schneider & Associates, a member of the CFN Investment Team. Listening Time: 33 mi...

Planning Ahead: How the Election Results will Impact Your Next Financial Moves - Episode 263

As a follow-up to last week’s podcast comparing the tax plans of each candidate, today I talk financial planning. I detail several investment strategies you should consider if we were to enter a period of higher taxes and increased regulation likely to take place during a Biden presidency. Be ready for all eventualities as we wait for the results. Listening Time: 23 minutes

Special Edition: What The Biden Tax Plan Could Mean to You - Episode 262

Today, I take a deep dive into the Biden tax plan.  Should he win the Presidency and implement his plan with the help of a like-minded Congress, there are essential tax planning moves you need to consider in order to mitigate a potentially costly impact. I detail the likely changes, the pre-year end planning moves you need to consider, and illustrate ways you can keep more of what you earn by being proactive. Listening Time: 38 minutes

You Can Find Financial Opportunity Regardless of November’s Outcome - Episode 261

Change is constant and many things we anticipate with fear often end up nowhere nearly as bad as we imagined. It’s true in many aspects of our lives ranging from home and family, to work, and even what happens in the world around us. As we head toward the all-important first Tuesday in November, we’re receiving many “what if” questions here at CFN. I’m joined today by CPA Jim Tate, of the CFN Team to discuss how several of the “what if” scenarios could play out as they relate to your investm...

What Could President Trump’s COVID Diagnosis Mean for Your Money in the Markets? - Episode 260

The President’s diagnosis has created political fall-out and concern about the election. Our attention now turns toward our fragile COVID economy and our volatile stock markets.  For a wide ranging discussion on the impact of the President’s diagnosis, both economically and politically, Steve is joined by Peter Morici. He’s an expert on economic policy and international economics, and professor emeritus of International Business at the University of Maryland. Peter has authored 18 books and ...

What’s Next: How the Pandemic has Accelerated Change in Your Business and Ours - Episode 259

Steve discusses the new work environment many of us are experiencing as a result of the pandemic. He also shares strategies for dealing with the economic shift taking place, accelerating plans for businesses and careers, and how COVID may impact retirement.  Then, Steve shares an important announcement regarding Cordasco Financial Network and how the pandemic has impacted the pace of change at the firm. Steve explains how his 5-year plan for growth and expansion has been achieved in just 5 m...

The Trump and Biden Tax Plans: How will You be Affected? - Episode 258

Questions about tax planning and tax strategies are among the most frequently asked of the team at Cordasco Financial Network. Today, Steve is joined by CPA and Financial Advisor Tim Joseph for a head-to-head comparison on ways the Trump and Biden tax plans might affect you.  They discuss the candidates’ specific proposals for the estate tax, social security tax, capital gains tax and more. Listening Time: 22 minutes

Insights for Managing Your Investments in a Volatile Market - Episode 257

Dennis Jablonoski, financial planner on the Cordasco Team, sits in for Steve and is joined by fellow CFN Investment Team member Joe Cortese of DiMeo Schneider and Associates.  They discuss the markets as we head into the final quarter of this very volatile year.  With the tech sector continuing to whipsaw, the future of the pandemic still unknown and a looming Presidential election, Joe provides valuable perspectives for investors. Listening Time: 21 minutes

The Planning Doesn't Stop When You Retire - Episode 256

Getting to retirement takes years of thoughtful planning, but what happens once you reach retirement? So many of us have focused so carefully during the planning stage that we’ve either forgotten about, or spent little time thinking about, the many years we’ll actually spend in retirement. Dennis Jablonoski financial planner on the Cordasco Financial Network team hosts today’s podcast.  He’s joined by fellow CFN Team member Tim Joseph, CPA.  They discuss strategies to address the many challe...

What Can You Do to Take Advantage of the Fed’s New Approach to Inflation? - Episode 255

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell made a surprising economic policy announcement this week relating to inflation. On today’s podcast, I discuss details of the announcement and what it means to you and your money. I tell you about strategies you should consider regarding your investments in stocks, bonds, real estate, gold and cash. Program Length: 31 minutes

Tired of Living in a High Tax State? Here’s Something You Can do About it - Episode 254

Many listeners have asked about the financial implications of making the State of Florida their primary residence. I’ve recently discovered a very helpful book on the subject, and today I speak with E. Michael Kilbourn, co-author of The Florida Domicile Handbook.  Michael is a leading national authority on the complexities of domiciling in Florida. We discuss the many advantages of establishing a Florida domicile including savings on individual and corporate income taxes, estate planning and...

Do Bonds Still Have a Place in Your Portfolio with Interest Rates This Low?

Interest rates are at historic lows.  Today, we discuss managing the bond portion of a diversified portfolio in the current low interest rate environment, that may not have reached bottom yet.  Joining us is Joe Cortese, Senior Consultant at DiMeo Schneider & Associates and member of the Cordasco Financial Network Investment Team. We also analyze indicators to help us better understand the direction interest rates could be moving in the future. Program Length: 24 minutes

Is Your Pocket Change in Short Supply? Is it Time to Buy Gold? Fascinating Insights from a Former Director of the U.S. Mint - Episode 252

Listener questions about the current coin shortage lead us to today’s guest, Philip Diehl 35th Director of the United States Mint, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Treasury Secretary and current President of U.S. Money Reserve.  He helps us understand the reasons for the current shortage and offers insights into how U.S. coin demand and production are managed. In the second half of the podcast, we discuss why owning precious metals, either physical or paper investments, should be considered...

Secrets to Running a Successful Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Episode 251

COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on business operations. The restaurant industry continues to be particularly hard hit as requirements for social distancing and outright bans on indoor dining have taken a toll.  Joining me today is Pete Ciarrocchi, owner of the legendary Chickie’s & Pete’s. We discuss ways the pandemic has impacted his company and the restaurant business in general. Pete shares his key strategies for success that even apply under the most adverse business conditions. ...

Convenience Tax Rule: How Working From Home Could Cost You Money - Episode 250

Did you know that working from home could cost you money on your taxes? Our CEO, Steve Cordasco, is joined by Bob Brinker, Founder and Managing Partner of accounting firm Brinker Simpson to discuss this hot topic. Learn more about how you could be impacted by the “Convenience Rule.” Program Length: 9 minutes

Main Street Lending Program: New Federal Help for Your Small or Midsize Business - Episode 249

On today’s podcast, Steve covers Main Street Lending, a new federal program created to help businesses recover from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He speaks with Bob Simpson, CPA with the accounting firm of Brinker Simpson. They discuss details of the Main Street program and note the differences between this and previous government efforts to help small and midsize businesses through the current economic strain.  Program Length: 27 minutes

Jersey Shore Real Estate in the COVID Economy: Making Your Vacation House Your Home - Episode 248

The real estate market is a bright spot in the current pandemic economy. In response to several listener questions, I talk with Tommy LePera of the LaPera Team at Berkshire Hathaway - Fox Roach Realtors in Brigantine, NJ, about the strength of the current real estate market along the New Jersey coast.  We look at a very real paradigm shift in how buyers and sellers view today’s market, and why some part-time vacation homes in resort communities are becoming full-time family homes. Program ...

New IRS Surveillance Using Facebook, Spy Cams & Cell Phone Records & the Recent Ruling on the President’s Tax Returns - Episode 247

Today we focus on taxes and enforcement with my friend and frequent guest, Ian Comisky, attorney and partner at Fox Rothschild.  Ian has more than 35 years of experience representing corporations and individuals in civil and criminal tax litigation.  We discuss and clarify the just-released U.S. Supreme Court rulings involving President Trump’s efforts to keep his personal and business tax returns away from congressional and other governmental investigations. Ian also shares details of a new...

Facts: Your Antidote to Wild Economic Predictions - Episode 246

This week we’re addressing a listener’s question about one of the many recently publicized doom and gloom predictions concerning the equity market’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. One often quoted pundit says he sees a “1930’s-like market decline.” To help us sort through the dire predictions we so often hear, is Joe Cortese.  Joe is a principal and senior consultant at DiMeo Schneider and Associates, and a member of our investment team at CFN. Program Length: 26 minutes

How Will November’s Elections Effect Your Financial Future? - Episode 245

Many have been asking about how the outcome of November’s presidential and congressional elections will impact the future of our economy and the markets, and how recent government stimulus dollars will impact future tax policy. To get some answers, I’m joined by Chris Edwards, economist and director of tax policy studies at the Cato Institute. We discuss how the upcoming election results will impact our financial future. Program Length: 25 minutes

How Will November’s Elections Affect Your Financial Future? - Episode 245

Many have been asking about how the outcome of November’s presidential and congressional elections will impact the future of our economy and the markets, and how recent government stimulus dollars will impact future tax policy. To get some answers, I’m joined by Chris Edwards, economist and director of tax policy studies at the Cato Institute. We discuss how the upcoming election results will impact our financial future. Program Length: 25 minutes

3 Key Strategies Missed by the Do-It-Yourself Investor - Episode 244

Steve Cordasco is joined today by CFN’s John Walker to discuss findings released by Vanguard that make a solid case for the added value of working with a financial advisor when compared to do-it-yourself investing. We discuss the three primary quantifiable benefits you can realize by engaging the services of a professional. These key planning strategies can make a significant difference in the growth of your portfolio. Program Length: 24 minutes

How will the Pandemic’s Long-Term Impact on our Economy Effect You? - Episode 243

Nearly all investors have felt the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the equity and credit markets over the past several months.  Today, CFN’s Dennis Jablonoski hosts and is joined by Eric Green, Certified Financial Analyst and Senior Managing Partner at Penn Capital. They look ahead to the long-term impact of federal stimulus dollars on our economy and what the Federal Reserve’s recent moves have done to effect the markets. Also, with the November elections just a few months away, th...