Built For Life, Not Just Wealth

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss essential questions to ask when searching for a financial advisor, particularly from the perspective of their mothers. They explore the importance of understanding the advisor's process, compensation models, and the need for coordination with other professionals. The conversation emphasizes trust, transparency, and the fiducia...

In this episode, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the essential elements of prioritizing a financial plan. They emphasize the importance of cash flow, income protection, and the balance between savings rate and rate of return. The conversation also covers debt management strategies, the significance of estate planning, and the implications of asset location on taxes. The hosts provide actionab...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the essential components of financial planning, focusing on the question many people ask: 'When can I be done working?' They emphasize the importance of understanding cash flow, income planning, protection strategies, asset management, and managing liabilities and taxes. The conversation highlights the need for a comprehensive...

In this episode, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the implications of overpaying a mortgage and explore alternative strategies for managing cash flow and financial planning in retirement. They emphasize the importance of flexibility in financial decisions, particularly regarding mortgage payments, and the role of life insurance in providing additional security and cash flow. The conversation h...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the common financial question of whether individuals should overpay on their mortgages. They explore the implications of mortgage overpayment on cash flow, financial stress, and overall financial planning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of liquidity and how having access to cash can alleviate financial worries, esp...

In this episode, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the impending changes to the Washington State estate tax, including updates to the exemption limits and tax rates. They emphasize the importance of proper estate planning to navigate these changes effectively and ensure that individuals and families can protect their assets and minimize tax liabilities. The conversation highlights the need for...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins delve into the intricacies of index investing, particularly focusing on the S&P 500. They discuss common misconceptions about index investing, the importance of diversification, and the risks associated with over-concentration in large-cap stocks. The conversation also touches on the differences between active and passive investing st...

In this week's episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo explains the concept of mortgage recasting — a lesser-known alternative to refinancing. He walks listeners through a scenario in how this process works. While not available through all lenders (especially federal loans), mortgage recasting can be a valuable strategy for those looking to improve cash flow or prepare for retirement without refina...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the valuable lessons learned from their experiences with clients over the years. They explore the importance of maintaining emotional balance, planning for both success and worst-case scenarios, and the significance of taking time for family and personal health. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in financial...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the role of buffered ETFs in financial planning. They explore the mechanics of buffered products, including their potential for equity exposure and downside protection. The conversation delves into how these products can be integrated into financial strategies, particularly for individuals nearing retirement or already retired...

In this episode, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss effective retirement planning strategies that ensure individuals are not solely dependent on market performance for their retirement income. They emphasize the importance of liquidity, market risks, and the need for a diversified approach to asset allocation. The conversation highlights various withdrawal strategies and the impact of market vol...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Alex Collins discusses the intricacies of converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs, including the types of conversions, strategies for implementation, and the tax implications involved. He emphasizes the importance of consulting with tax advisors and financial planners to navigate these decisions effectively. The conversation also covers the timing of conversions...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Alex Collins discusses various strategies for contributing to Roth accounts, including Roth IRAs, Roth 401ks, backdoor Roths, municipal bonds, and permanent life insurance. He emphasizes the importance of consulting with tax professionals and understanding individual circumstances when choosing the best strategy for tax-free growth and withdrawals. Check out our...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the nuances of Roth accounts, focusing on when to contribute to them and the importance of understanding tax brackets. They explore the differences between marginal and effective tax rates, the significance of tax diversification, and strategies for funding Roth accounts. The conversation emphasizes the need for personalized f...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo discusses essential aspects of retirement planning, focusing on cash flow, taxation, and the risks associated with relying solely on market returns. He emphasizes the importance of setting up a flexible balance sheet to ensure financial security in retirement, while also addressing legacy objectives and minimizing tax liabilities. Check out our websit...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo discusses the essential elements of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions today to secure a successful retirement in the future. He outlines key factors that individuals should consider when saving for retirement, including income needs, tax implications, and the desire to leave a legacy. The episode also delves...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Alex Collins shares his personal journey in the finance industry, discussing his background, the importance of financial planning, and the impact of partnerships in his career. He emphasizes the significance of helping clients achieve their financial goals and the emotional aspects of financial planning, particularly in times of loss. Check out our website:  beer...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo shares his personal journey and professional evolution into financial advising. He discusses his background, the importance of understanding client goals, and the role of effective communication in financial planning. Ryan emphasizes that financial planning is not just about money, but about helping clients achieve their desired lifestyles and goals....

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the importance of umbrella policies in personal finance. They explain what an umbrella policy is, how it provides an extra layer of liability insurance beyond standard policies, and why it is crucial for protecting assets and income. The conversation also covers the cost-effectiveness of these policies and how to determine the...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the concept of exchange funds, particularly for individuals with concentrated stock positions. They explore the implications of holding large amounts of stock in a single company, the tax ramifications of diversifying, and various strategies to manage risk and enhance portfolio diversification. The conversation emphasizes the...

In this episode of Beer & Money, Ryan Burklo discusses two common misunderstandings about dividends. He explains what dividends are, how they affect stock prices, and the tax implications associated with them. The episode aims to educate listeners on the nuances of dividends, emphasizing the importance of understanding their impact on investments and taxes. Check out our website:  beerandmoney.net...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo discusses the recent changes to the rules governing inherited IRAs, particularly focusing on the new 10-year rule that requires non-spouse beneficiaries to deplete inherited accounts within a decade. He explains the implications of this rule, exceptions for certain beneficiaries, and the importance of tax strategies when managing inherited funds. The...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo discusses the importance and benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). He explains the qualifications for opening an HSA, the contribution limits, and the unique triple tax advantage that HSAs offer. Ryan emphasizes the potential for long-term growth and the importance of investing the funds within an HSA for future medical expenses, especially in r...

In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins delve into the complex topic of tariffs, exploring their definition, implications, and effects on businesses and the economy. They discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of tariffs, including their impact on consumer prices and the risk of trade wars. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics an...

In this episode, Ryan Burklo discusses the five essential principles of investing, emphasizing the importance of having a well-structured balance sheet, understanding risk, diversifying investments, rebalancing portfolios, and maintaining good behavioral finance practices. He highlights how these principles can help investors navigate market fluctuations and achieve long-term financial success. Ch...