Shotwell Rutter Baer

Welcome to another episode of Kitchen Table Finance! Today, we have a very special guest, Scott de Varona, Division Director at Mi ABLE 529(a) Disability Savings Program & Student Loan Repayment Division. We discuss the groundbreaking MiABLE 529 disability savings program. If you’re curious about how this program can help individuals with disabilities achieve a better life experience, you’re i...

Join Dave and Nick as they explore strategies to manage market volatility during retirement. Drawing on behavioral finance principles, they provide practical advice to help you stay the course in turbulent times. Key Topics Discussed Market Volatility : The episode begins by discussing recent shifts in market sentiment, highlighting a 6.5% drop in the S&P 500. The hosts explain how quickly inv...

Welcome back to our much-anticipated June 2024 edition of “Retirement Planning Headlines,” where we save you the hassle of combing through endless financial articles. Sometimes even our listeners chime in with topics for our deep-dive discussions. https://youtu.be/v182Ah4aRPA Articles Discussed in this Episode Lessons From Another ‘Faux-tirement’ Christine Benz on using her sabbatical six weeks to...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of target date funds—a topic we’ve touched on before but never explored in-depth. Inspired by a recent article that sparked some frustration, we discuss the pros and cons of these investment tools. https://youtu.be/SY1rkeJxeK0 Here are the main points we cover: Overview of Target Date Funds : Target date funds are investment tools designed to opt...

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the market trends and economic indicators of Q2 2024, along with our outlook for Q3. We discuss the overall market performance, the impact of tech stocks, bond market stability, and the intriguing dynamics of the international stock market. Additionally, we explore the implications of unemployment rates, inflation, and consumer behavior on the economy....

In this insightful episode, we explore the four fundamental principles to consider when planning your retirement investments. We break down the essential steps to ensure your financial security and peace of mind as you approach retirement. You can survive when the market twists and turns and throws you loose and you think that things are coming apart. Watch on YouTube HERE Key Highlights 1. Expect...

Maximizing College Savings with Diane Brewer of Michigan Education Trust Episode Summary In this episode, we sit down with Diane Brewer, the Executive Director of the Michigan Education Trust (MET), to discuss the ins and outs of Michigan’s prepaid 529 college savings plan. Diane shares her invaluable insights from over two decades of experience helping families prepare for the financial challenge...

In this episode, we explore various strategies to create a steady income stream in retirement, tailored to your unique financial situation and goals. We discuss when to take Social Security and dive into investment strategies that can help you maintain financial stability during your retirement years. Watch on YouTube HERE Key Points Social Security Timing Varied Advice : There is widespread advic...

Welcome back to our much-anticipated May 2024 edition of “Retirement Planning Headlines,” where we save you the hassle of combing through endless financial articles. This month, we’ve even had listeners chime in with topics for our deep-dive discussions. Watch on YouTube  HERE Articles Discussed in this Episode How Much Should You Spend on Vacation? 5-10% of take-home pay on Vacations Never go int...

Episode Summary In this episode, we tackle the pressing issue of rising insurance rates with our special guest, Ben Rathbun. Ben is the President and CEO of Rathbun Insurance Agency, an independent agency with over 68 years of history. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help us understand what’s happening in the insurance market and why rates are going up. Watch on YouTube HERE Key...

Welcome to another episode of Kitchen Table Finance, where we dive deep into financial strategies to help you make the most out of your retirement. In today’s episode, we’re tackling a common question: “Should I put everything into CDs or bonds when I retire?” Watch on YouTube Episode Highlights The Common Misconception Many retirees think, “I’m retiring, so I should put everything in CDs or bonds...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Kitchen Table Finance podcast! In this episode, Dave and Nick dive deep into the intricate world of relocating during retirement, examining how recent economic shifts have impacted this significant life decision. Key Discussion Points: Changing Landscape of Real Estate : Nick and Dave discuss how the real estate market has evolved post-pandemic. While...

Welcome back to our much-anticipated April 2024 edition of “Retirement Planning Headlines,” where we save you the hassle of combing through endless financial articles. This month, we’ve even had listeners chime in with topics for our deep-dive discussions. Watch on YouTube  HERE Articles Discussed in this Episode 5 Investing Mistakes Anyone Can Make | Morningstar “Do as I say Not as I do” by Chris...

Join Nick and Dave as they discuss concerns around geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, inflation, corporate earnings, and other issues that have led to a market decline, pushing the VIX index of stock market volatility to its highest level in six months. Watch on YouTube HERE After a historically strong start to the year, markets have now pulled back 2.5% to begin the second quarter. In time...

In this episode, we kick off with a warm welcome and jump straight into our Q1 quarterly review followed by the Q2 outlook. Despite entering the year on a shaky start, Q1 turned out exceptionally well, building on the achievements of a strong 2023. Watch on YouTube HERE Q1 Highlights: The beginning of January began forgettable, raising concerns given the adage “as January goes in the market, so go...

Welcome to our latest episode where we explore the complexities and considerations behind diversification of investment portfolios, particularly during retirement. In this in-depth discussion, we lay out compelling market analyses, historical comparisons, and thought-provoking strategies for investors looking to optimize their financial planning. Watch on YouTube HERE Whether you’re just starting...

Welcome to this episode of Kitchen Table Finance where we’re joined by our energetic and insightful spring 2024 intern, Cole Williams. With a few weeks under his belt, Cole shares his experience and lessons learned while working with our very own David. And surprise, Cole – today’s chat is doubling as your extended interview for the rest of the spring season! Watch on YouTube HERE In This Episode...

In today’s episode, we dissect the often-debated topic of whether you need an annuity for retirement. With a straightforward approach, we explore annuities with both a small “a” and a capital “A”, debunking common misconceptions and laying bare the good, the bad, and the frequently misunderstood facets of these financial products. Watch on YouTube HERE Main Topics Discussed Annuities and Retiremen...

Episode Overview In this pivotal episode of the “Kitchen Table Finance” podcast, Dave and Nick explore the concept of a “Strategic Reliable Blueprint” and how to effectively identify and tackle obstacles in planning. The episode uncovers the importance of recognizing unseen solutions, re-envisioning goals to surmount challenges, and the crucial steps taken behind the scenes to prepare for strategi...

Welcome back to our much-anticipated March 2024 edition of “Retirement Planning Headlines,” where we save you the hassle of combing through endless financial articles. This month, we’ve even had listeners chime in with topics for our deep-dive discussions. Watch on YouTube HERE Key Takeaways from this episode: The financial terrain is constantly shifting, and this episode explores the provocative...

Today we’re braving the waters of politics and markets—a conversation that’s becoming more pressing as we advance into March. Watch on YouTube HERE Main Points of Discussion: The Premature Arrival of Election Talks : It feels like we just talked about elections, but here we are, already in the thick of it, even in client meetings since last fall. A Non-Political Look at a Political Event : Steerin...

The podcast episode focuses on practical strategies for retirees to protect their credit from fraud and identity theft. Watch on YouTube HERE Episode Highlights: Dave and Nic kick off the episode by emphasizing the significance of credit protection, especially during retirement. It is common for retirees to neglect their credit standing which can increase their vulnerability to credit fraud. There...

Hey there! Curious about the latest buzz in retirement, planning, and news? Let’s dive in and break it down for you. Watch it on YouTube HERE As we kick off the year, we’re seeing a flood of self-help articles on fixing your life. It’s a good time to check them out, especially when it comes to health and finances – two big topics for January, right? One interesting piece from The New York Times ca...

Join Dave and Nick as they discuss an article at DFA Dimensional Fund Advisors about some ETFs , some exchange-traded funds that were created and didn’t fare very well. When a fund company creates a new exchange-traded fund or mutual fund, they’re responding to what they expect the market is going to do.  They’re trying to be creative and find things that they think are going to attract attention....

Join Dave and Nick as they discuss the important question of when should you make changes to your retirement portfolio.  Or should you?  Do you need to? How do you think about your retirement portfolio?   Watch on YouTube HERE On this podcast,  we’ve talked a lot about our investment philosophy of being long-term investors, not market timing, but are there times or reasons that you should be chang...