BCSWM’s The Benchmark

For investors with significant wealth, traditional index funds may not provide the customization or tax efficiency needed to optimize outcomes. In this episode, Scott and Nick explain how direct indexing can help investors achieve greater tax alpha, manage concentrated stock positions, and align portfolios with personal values. They also discuss key pitfalls to watch for and whether this innovativ...

We all have organizations and causes that are near and dear to us. Being able to contribute to these is one of the things that brings fulfillment in life.  In this episode, Nathan and John discuss various ways to donate using investment accounts. Before you write that check, make sure these options aren’t better for you!  

Wondering if it’s finally safe to toss that old tax return or stack of receipts? In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how long you should keep different types of tax records, from basic returns and W-2s to documents related to property, investments, and unreported income.   We’ll walk you through the official IRS guidelines and explain why it sometimes pays to hold on to records even longe...

What if wealth isn't just about money? In this powerful episode of The Benchmark, Nick Clay sits down with a special guest you should recognize, Philip Bachman, and they explore book, “The 5 Types of Wealth”, holistic framework by author Sahil Bloom that challenges how we define wealth. Through a personal conversation, we discuss: The surprising truths about financial freedom How caregiving, grief...

Making the shift from saving to spending in retirement can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of The Benchmark, Scott Linn and Nick Clay break down how to convert your nest egg into steady, tax-efficient income.   Tune in to learn about: Smart Social Security claiming strategies How to structure withdrawals across taxable, pre-tax, and Roth accounts Managing market volati...

You might be wondering, “Do I need a trust?” When it comes to estate planning this is one of the most asked questions we get. In our latest episode of The Benchmark, Nick Clay and Scott Linn unpack this important question and walk through who really benefits from having a trust—and why it’s not just for the wealthy. Whether you’re trying to avoid probate, protect your children, or simplify things...

Equity markets inherently experience periods of growth and decline. During downturns, investors often feel a strong urge to take action. In this segment, John Brandon and Scott Linn examine proactive strategies that can be employed in challenging market environments. At times, however, the most prudent course may simply be to hold steady and refrain from making changes.

The market can be intimidating, but a little knowledge and perspective go a long way! In our latest podcast episode, we share 10 key ideas to help you navigate today’s market with confidence. Here’s a sneak peek: 1️⃣ Volatility is Normal – Market corrections happen, but recoveries are quick. 2️⃣ Diversification Works – Bonds are back to balancing portfolios in 2025. 3️⃣ Policy Uncertainty? Don’t P...

In this episode of The Benchmark by BCS Wealth Management, Myra O’Dell is joined by advisors Andrew Farmer and Nathan Goodwin to explore why high earners often feel financially stuck. Learn how to avoid lifestyle creep, implement smart tax strategies, and build long-term wealth through intentional investing and protection planning.

In this episode of The Benchmark, Nick sits down with Nathan and Myra to provide 10 practical steps you can take today to simplify your estate for your heirs. Estate planning isn’t just about having a will—it’s about creating a clear, thoughtful plan that makes things easier for your loved ones when it matters most. From organizing key documents and updating beneficiaries to considering trusts and...

Are you keeping up with the markets? Understanding financial trends can make all the difference in your investment strategy. In this episode of the The Benchmark Podcast, advisors—Scott Linn, Nick Clay, and Nathan Goodwin—break down the key factors shaping the financial landscape. What moves the markets and the S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones, and international indexes. How do interest rates and ec...

In this episode of The Benchmark, John and Eliza dive into forgotten 401(k)s. Did you know there are over 29 million missing 401(k) accounts in the U.S. worth almost $1.65 trillion? Listen in to learn how to track down your lost retirement funds and why it’s crucial for securing your financial future. Don’t let your hard-earned money slip through the cracks!

In this episode, Nathan and John discuss some of the more frequently asked questions surrounding social security. Is it taxable? When should I start? What about survivor benefits? Get the answers to these and other popular questions on your morning or evening commute!

In this episode of The Benchmark by BCS Wealth Management, Myra, Scott, and Andrew explore the key financial and economic events of 2024. They discuss market performance, with a spotlight on AI-driven tech growth and crypto milestones, including Bitcoin ETFs and the $100K milestone. Key economic themes include inflation control, Federal Reserve rate cuts, and real estate trends. The hosts also sha...

Philip and Scott talk about how to be a good steward of a windfall. To begin, they share perspectives about how to handle your emotions in light of a sudden boost to wealth. They next discuss the financial best practices to follow after receiving a windfall. This episode touches on many areas of financial planning to consider or revisit. Perhaps most importantly, it also reminds us to be true to w...

Philip shares his thoughts about The Wealth Money Can’t Buy: The 8 Hidden Habits to Live Your Richest Life, a book that impacted him this year for the better. Full of timeless wisdom, it’s a 2024 publication by acclaimed leadership coach Robin Sharma. The book reminds us that true wealth is so much more than cash in the bank. The book follows the structure of Sharma’s Eight Forms of Wealth model,...

As the end of the year approaches, many folks have charitable giving on the mind. In this episode, Scott and Philip discuss how you might be able to use your IRA when making contributions to your preferred charities by utilizing qualified charitable distributions, or QCDs. Scott and Philip discuss what a QCD is, the requirements and limits around QCDs, and the financial advantages of utilizing QCD...

John and Philip provide insight into the how the investment advisory industry is regulated and the standards of care that its professionals abide by. They discuss what it means to be a fiduciary financial advisor. Additionally, they chat about the two distinct regulatory frameworks that cover Registered Investment Advisory firms and Broker-Dealer firms. As more firms and professionals move into th...

With the year drawing to a close, it’s a great time to evaluate your tax situation, investments, retirement plans, and estate strategies. Join Nick, Scott, and Nathan in this insightful episode as they dive into year-end planning strategies that can help you make the most of your financial situation. In this episode, we cover: Key income and tax considerations to optimize your financial position I...

Nathan and Philip offer tips about safeguarding your identity and credit report information in today’s digital age. They discuss common cybersecurity threats and what to look out for. They review cybersecurity best practices. Lastly, Nathan and Philip share the names of five companies that provide identity theft protection and monitoring.

Nick and Philip share viewpoints on October 3, 2024 about the upcoming U.S. elections. They offer historical perspective about presidential leadership and the stock market’s long-term performance. Moving beyond the president, they also discuss the significance that Congress has in policymaking. They summarize how the stock market has responded historically to different mixes of political parties a...

Join Nick and Scott as they discuss safeguarding your most important financial asset during your working years, your ability to earn and collect an income. Tap in for a high level overview of income protection with a handful of realistic case study examples at the end.

Humanity has revered gold throughout history for its beauty, durability, and utility as money. But what is gold like as an investment in the modern age? How might gold fit into a diversified investment portfolio? In this episode, Philip and Nathan present historical perspective and discuss gold from an impartial standpoint. They chat about gold as a portfolio diversifier, the gold’s price volatili...

In this episode, Scott and John discuss a popular question we often hear at BCS Wealth Management. They dive into the four options one likely has with their retirement plan once they leave a job, and discuss the pros and cons of each option.

John and Scott discuss the probabilities of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve and how their actions may affect an investor’s bond portfolio.  They explain that bonds and bond funds can be vastly different, with various returns, and may have a unique position in a portfolio.