Check Your Balances

We kick off 2025 with an update on a few of the key things you might want to update heading into the new year and then move into a discussion about asset location. Are your growth assets in the right buckets? Are your safe assets in the right buckets? We give our current thoughts on how to think about it. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @chec...

If you had the money to buy a home outright, would you still take a mortgage at our current rates? This week's episode dives into the pros and cons of whether it makes sense to borrow money or invest based on the current landscape. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram

This time of year we think a lot about gift giving. But what about the gifts you truly don't want? We don't mean a bad neck tie or macaroni art, but maybe one that costs you thousands of dollars just to maintain... tune in this week for our discussion about how to avoid inheriting a timeshare. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checky...

This month's mailbag episode is a super-sized catch-up! We're diving deep into your burning questions about personal finance. From the ins and outs of taxes on gifts to strategies for supercharging your retirement savings, we've got you covered. Tune in to hear our expert insights and practical advice. This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Atb7blHB7wY Send us Fan Mail Send yo...

Confused about capital gains tax and whether you should be selling stocks before the end of the year? In this episode, we break down the basics of capital gains tax and discuss the factors to consider when deciding whether to sell your stocks before year end.  This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5ME5uG-Ny0 Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outloo...

This week Ross and Dan celebrate their 200th episode of Check Your Balances with a lighthearted reflective episode of the journey up to this point. We appreciate each and every one of you, whether you've listened to a single segment or every single episode of the show up to this point. Happy Thanksgiving! Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com...

When financial decisions matter most, you need strong arguments to consider. This week episode brings you a lighthearted debate on 5 financial topics: - How relevant is net worth as a metric?  - Should I just invest in the S&P 500 and stop overthinking it? - Do you really need an emergency fund before investing? - Is the FIRE movement good for personal finance? - Should you have a side hustle...

As we celebrate our Veterans this week, we got a great listener questions about what unique benefits our Veterans have access to. We also answer questions about whether high earners should consider a 529 for themselves to gain access to a Roth IRA.  Our apologies for the late post, we were having technical difficulties! This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IP_b-5Ea5VY Send us Fan Mail Send...

Elections can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and it's easy to get caught up in the hype and fear-mongering. But as investors, it's crucial to stay calm and focused on our long-term financial goals. In this episode, we'll discuss how to avoid making big mistakes with your investing regardless of the election outcome. This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-YTCVeVV_70 Send us F...

In this episode, we dissect the iconic personal finance book, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" at the request of our listeners. We'll delve into the core principles, analyze their effectiveness, and challenge some of the controversial claims. While acknowledging the book's influence on millions, we'll explore its limitations and discuss why a more nuanced approach to wealth building i...

Ever wondered how the couples on Love is Blind discuss their finances? Join us for a look into the financial decisions made by the contestants, and how we might treat the same questions. We'll analyze their choices through a financial lens and discuss how their financial literacy (or lack thereof) could impact their relationships and future. Will their love stand the test of money?  This epis...

Ever wondered how your taxes change after you retire? In this episode, we'll break down the key tax implications of retirement, and what sources you can still have withholding versus the ones where you'll have to take care of it yourself. Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WFBaNImVUpM Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @che...

Join us for the October edition of our personal finance mailbag podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into listener questions and provide insights on: Safe Withdrawal Rate: How much can you safely withdraw from your retirement savings without depleting your funds? Can you safely adjust up after a good year? Investing $500K: Do your portfolio options need to change as your capital grows? Find this...

The final chapter (we hope) in the Ross' house saga. Drew McKenzie from Long and Foster joins the show to talk about what it's like trying to give advice to a guy that gives advice for a living. Find this episode on YouTube (to see the inside of the actual home): https://youtu.be/GpjBZlu_r68 We're @checkyourbalances on Instagram Send us questions you want answered about your finance...

It finally happened, the Fed has cut rates... so now what? We talk about the impact of the new interest rate environment and what it means for you. Send your questions for the show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com ! This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vLpQz4b6y0k We're @checkyourbalances on Instagram  Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook...

Prominent financial pundits and, like Robert Kiyosaki, will tell you the 401(k) is a 'Horrible' retirement plan. Why is that the case, and are they really right? Tune in this week for our take. Send your personal finance questions to checkyourbalances@outlook.com This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J0wkYS_MBsY @checkyourbalances on Instagram Send us Fan Mail Send your questions...

Mortgage rates have already have already dropped more than a full percent from their recent highs. Is it too soon to talk about refinancing your mortgage? Why don't financial podcasters talk about the real costs associated with a refinance? Tune in this week to hear our take. Send your questions for the show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com ! We're @checkyourbalanes on Instagram This sho...

Perhaps not the most romantic reason, but does it make sense to get married for the tax benfits? Also how do you invest if you've got a windfall of cash to deal with? That and more in this week's mailbag episode. Send your questions to checkyourbalances@outlook.com to be featured on an upcoming show! We're @checkyourbalances on Instagram This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/...

We commonly talk with people that underestimate the impact of Social Security (and pensions) and how big of a deal it can for building their retirement plan. This week we have a philosophical question about how to think about it and how it relates to your own plans. Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5NcTxmt0Xf4 We're @checkyourbalances on Instagram Email checkyourbalances@outlook...

How do the taxes actually work on a non-Roth IRA? Should you prioritize Long-Term Care Insurance or Disability Insurance? If you're like our listeners, these questions may be on your mind too. Send your financial planning questions to checkyourbalances@outlook.com to be featured on upcoming episodes! You can also find us @checkyourbalances on Instagram This episode is on YouTube: https://yout...

The past couple of weeks have shown an interruption in what has otherwise been a very comfy ride in the markets so far in 2024. With some major investors unloading big chunks of stock we look at the recent volatility and talk about whether it should affect positioning moving forward. Send your questions for the show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com Find each episode on YouTube We're @checkyou...

This week we are joined by Meredith Hill, the founder and principal attorney, of the Hill Law Group. Meredith joins the show to discuss who needs estate plans and the pitfalls that families can fall into without having the proper documents in place. Send your questions for the show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com to be featured on upcoming mailbag episodes! Find this episode on YouTube We're...

This week we celebrate that the IRS has finally clarified guidance for Inherited IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules. And also an update on the ongoing housing drama for Ross. Send your questions for an upcoming mailbag to checkyourbalances@outlook.com This, and all new episodes, are on YouTube Find us @checkyourbalances on Instagram Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show...

This week Ross and Dan welcome tax attorney and expert, Jasmine DiLucci to the show to talk about how you can use the tax code to your advantage, and avoid silly scams that originate online. Send your questions to the show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com Find this episode on YouTube We're also @checkyourbalances on Instagram Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyour...

This week Ross and Dan break down what they look for when evaluating a clients' 401(k) plan and whether it's actually any good. Some a great, and some not be the best home for your funds. Tune in this week to find out! Email checkyourbalances@outlook.com to submit questions to the show! This episode is on YouTube ! We're also on Instagram ! Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for u...