Unlocking Your Financial Future

In this episode of Unlocking Your Financial Future, Ben is joined by Chief Investment Officer, Keith Lockwood. He’s here to help dive into some of the market volatility we have seen lately and what it could mean for your investments. Tune in as Ben and Keith look at how geopolitical factors can impact the market, how recent recession talk could be a little overblown, and what investors should expe...

In today’s episode, we’re continuing our conversation on the annual Social Security Trustees Report. In this half of the conversation, we’ll cover some interesting statistics from the report, including the impact of declining birth rates and immigration on Social Security's future. We'll also explore how life expectancy trends and recent events like COVID-19 are influencing projections.   Here’s s...

In today’s episode, we’re going to share some updates from the annual Social Security Trustees Report. With Social Security serving as a cornerstone for countless retirees, understanding its current state and future projections is important. Listen in as Ben highlights the key takeaways from the 277-page report that you need to know about.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The proj...

We’re back to finish up our conversation with Deborah and Hannah Wasylko, the dynamic duo behind Baskets Galore. This business specializes in customized corporate gift designs, from branded items to gift baskets featuring local and gourmet selections. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here!   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How Deborah and Hannah operate the business side...

We’re excited to sit down with Deborah and Hannah Wasylko, the dynamic duo behind Baskets Galore. This business specializes in customized corporate gift designs, from branded items to gift baskets featuring local and gourmet selections. Join us as they share the story behind starting this business and their passion for creatively assisting business owners with thoughtful gifting.   Here’s some of...

We’re excited to welcome back Mike and Mandy Hamlin for today’s episode. Mike and Mandy are the owners of the successful food truck and catering business, Kitchen 212. From losing their jobs during the pandemic to taking the leap to start their own business, their story is incredibly inspiring. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here!   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How M...

We’re excited to have some special guests on the podcast for a fun two-part episode. Mike and Mandy Hamlin are the owners of the successful food truck and catering business, Kitchen 212. From losing their jobs during the pandemic to taking the leap to start their own business, Mike and Mandy have an inspiring story to share. Join us as we chat about some common misconceptions of entrepreneurship,...

As we wrap up the year, we are joined by Keith Lockwood (CIO) for a two-part discussion, exploring the financial dynamics of 2023 and providing insights into what lies ahead in 2024. Listen in as we chat about this rollercoaster of a year, focusing on the unprecedented market gains in November and December, the dominance of the “Magnificent Seven” and the Federal Reserve's role in shaping the mark...

In case you missed it, we recently released a podcast episode with Keith Lockwood (CIO), where we reflected on this year’s financial landscape. Coming off a pretty good year in the market, what can we expect to see in 2024? Listen in as we discuss the anticipated trends and challenges that the new year might bring.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Potential pullbacks in the first...

If you’re hoping to start your retirement journey in 2024, there are some key things you need to start thinking about in order to properly prepare. In today’s episode, Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA® is back to share some advice for those who plan on retiring in the new year.  After discussing key year-end planning strategies for 2023 in our last episode, today’s conversation is all about the crucial st...

It’s that time of year! Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack some key year-end planning strategies for 2023. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Making the most of your year-end bonus Tax planning: tax-loss harvestin...

We’re back with Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA® to continue our conversation about Roth IRAs. If you missed part one, be sure to check that out here . In it, we break down the fundamentals of Roth IRAs and discuss the contribution rules for 2023, contribution limits, and much more. For part two of this series, we’re going to dive a bit deeper into this conversation. Dan will discuss the signs that might...

Today we’re joined by the one and only Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA® to dive into the world of Roth IRAs. As we enter the fourth quarter, we have a lot of conversations about Roth IRAs and conversions this time of year. We thought it’d be the perfect time to break down key differences between the two and answer some common questions in a two-part episode.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episo...

In the month of August, Ben and Kaitlin celebrated 10 years of marriage and 11 years of BA Schrock Financial Group being open. It’s easy to say that it was a month of celebration! Listen in as they reflect on a decade of marriage and over 11 years in business.   Here are some key takeaways from this episode: Embracing Risk: Ben and Kaitlin share how the early days of starting their business were m...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the impending transition from TD Ameritrade to Charles Schwab and what it means for our clients. As the big announcement of the acquisition/merger can feel overwhelming, we are here to provide clarity, answer your questions, and provide guidance on what to anticipate.   Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: Despite the change in custodian from TD A...

Today, we have Amanda Ondrey from M.C. Real Estate joining us once again. In our previous segment , we delved into Amanda's real estate career and her journey as a business owner. In this episode, Amanda talks with us about the current real estate market and addresses some common concerns and questions about buying and selling in this environment.    Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episod...

Today we have the pleasure of sitting down with Amanda Ondrey of M.C. Real Estate . In part one of this two-part episode, Amanda, renowned for her all-female team, shares her real estate journey with us- from being mentored herself and surviving the 2008 market crash to establishing herself as a successful realtor. She also shares invaluable insights about her business operations, the importance o...

We are back with Joel Cavanaugh, partner at Hanna Rasnick Evanchan Palmisano Hobson & Fox LLC, for this episode. Joel handles a wide array of cases in estate planning and has a wealth of knowledge to share with us today. In part one of this two-part episode, we got to know more about Joel and talked about the ins and outs of running a business. In part two, Joel will answer your estate planning qu...

Today we are glad to welcome Joel Cavanaugh to the podcast. Joel is a partner at Hanna Rasnick Evanchan Palmisano Hobson & Fox LLC and handles a wide array of cases in estate planning. In this two-part episode, Joel will discuss his journey as an attorney and business owner and will answer your questions about estate planning.   Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: Joel shares how he...

Today we are excited to be back with Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA, one of our experienced advisors at BA Schrock Financial Group. For the past three years, Dan has been hosting informative webinars to educate clients on taxes, retirement, and social security planning. In part two of this two-part episode, we’ll talk about the impact of the current market on retirement planning and touch on some financ...

Today we are excited to be joined by Dan Oaklief, one of our experienced advisors at BA Schrock Financial Group. For the past three years, Dan has been hosting informative webinars to educate clients on taxes, retirement, and social security planning. In part one of this two-part episode, we’ll unpack some of the common questions Dan receives from clients about financial planning.   Here’s some of...

In this episode, we’re spending some time with BA Schrock’s Colleen LeMasters, CFP® to share our process for helping and assisting clients when the face these significant changes that disrupt life and retirement. This is a conversation that we can approach from multiple angles so we’ve broken it out into two parts. In part one we talked about these life changes from a non-retirement perspective. N...

The only certainty in life is that we have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Even the best laid plans can change in an instant, but a well-constructed financial plan will ease the burden during these life events. In this episode, we’re spending some time with BA Schrock’s Colleen LeMasters, CFP® to share our process for helping and assisting clients when the face these significant changes that dis...

Anyone that’s looking for a financial advisor has probably see all the different designations people might have, but it’s tough for anyone outside of the industry to know what everything means. If there’s one you want to pay attention to when it comes to building a plan, it’s going to be the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.   Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode: What wa...

Another round of retirement changes are on the way after President Biden signed a spending bill in December 2022 that included the SECURE Act 2.0 . Retirees and pre-retirees need to understand what this legislation means, how it might impact you, and what planning opportunities this could open up.   Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode: The key differences in SECURE Act and SECURE Act...