Don Sowa's MoneyTalk

Great reward typically comes with an equal measure of risk, and this is especially true when it comes to investing. Nathan discusses the various forms of investment risk, including loss of principal, purchasing power, liquidity, geopolitical, currency risk, and more. In this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan tells the story of America’s rise to power through the le...

Giving is an essential part of a healthy society, and hey, if that generosity can save you a few bucks on your taxes, then all the better! Donna and Nathan discuss charitable giving strategies investors can use to maximize the tax deductibility of their donations. Also, on MoneyTalk, annuity basics, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan B...

One of the simplest and most impactful things you can do for your financial welfare is to keep an emergency fund. Donna discusses how to determine the appropriate size of your emergency fund, and what kind of needs it should be used for. Also MoneyTalk, adjusting your equity allocation in retirement, and a new retail scam with a surprising twist. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 4/6/...

You likely have heard of the three primary US stock indices, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P500 and the Nasdaq, but many people don't have a clear understanding of which they should be following, and when. Nathan discusses the differences between the Big Three, and why each one is uniquely important to the overall market. Also, on MoneyTalk, how to determine what should be included i...

Asset managers are always looking for creative ways to introduce safety into retirement portfolios without sacrificing growth, and some argue that the traditional 60/40 portfolio may be outdated. Donna and Nathan discuss diversification through alternative asset classes, and how to to find right mix for you. Also, on MoneyTalk, DIY investing tips, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Don...

Medicare and Social Security are the two government entitlement programs that just about all of us will have to deal with, and when that time comes, we want you to be prepared with the information you’ll need to make the right decision. Donna and Nathan discuss how to decide when it’s appropriate to file for Medicare and Social Security based on your personal circumstances. Also, on Mo...

It’s pretty common to insure your home and auto, but is that truly enough to leave you covered? Donna and Nathan discuss umbrella insurance, how it works, and why so many financial professionals today consider it a key layer of protection. Also, on MoneyTalk, lessons from Morgan Housel’s acclaimed book, The Psychology of Money, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa...

Social safety nets have existed in one form or another since the Middle Ages, but no government entitlement program has touched more people or enjoyed more longevity than Social Security. On this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan takes us through the events that led to the unlikely passing of the Social Security program, and why it’s been so critical to the ongoing welfa...

That 10 year stretch of time leading up to retirement is a critical period when your strategic retirement plan gets accelerated to get you past the goal line, and how you choose to focus your efforts and resources will make all the difference. Donna runs through 10 questions you should be asking yourself when planning for your final approach to retirement. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air...

Today, with less and less people using a CPA to file their taxes, mistakes are exceedingly common and can lead to delays and added costs. Donna and Nathan discuss some common tax filing mistakes that are simple to avoid to help you make this tax season a smooth one. Also on MoneyTalk, the complications that come with inheriting money, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allar...

Finding a new advisor is all about seeking compatibility, and as much as investment philosophy and personality matter, age tends to be one of the factors that weighs heavily on the decision-making process. Donna and Nathan discuss how experience and relatability impact peoples’ choice when selecting a financial advisor. Also, on MoneyTalk, planning for the risks you won’t see coming, r...

Many people hire an advisor because they feel that their investments are too important to risk going it alone, but for those who choose a more self-directed approach, it’s important to know the pitfalls to avoid. Nathan discusses DIY investor traps and how to be a smart money manager. Also on MoneyTalk, basics of workplace accounts, current yields and preferred stock, and the price of time....

One popular tool used by investors to project portfolio longevity is the Monte Carlo simulation, but good retirement planning is highly personalized, and simulations can take the process only so far. Donna and Nathan discuss how financial advisors take planning tools to the next level by interpreting the results and applying them strategically to your individual circumstances. Also on MoneyTalk, h...

There are few periods in the 20th century that were more impactful to the global economy than the Iranian oil crisis and the revolution that followed. On this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan and Daniel tell the story of how Iran seized control of their oil industry from the British, and the ripple effects that it caused across the globe. Host: Nathan Beauvais CFP®, CIM...

Ever since the advent of index funds and ETFs, the industry has debated the value provided by mutual fund managers, especially with passive alternatives available at lower cost to investors. Donna and Nathan consult the data and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of active and passive investments. Also, on MoneyTalk, Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®...

If you are within 10 years of retirement, you need to start planning more intentionally for the transition ahead of you, and the best place to start is figuring out what questions you will need answers to. Donna and Nathan cover some of the questions you’ll need to consider on the run up to retirement. Also on MoneyTalk, how AI is reshaping our daily lives, when is it too late to catch up on retir...

Estate planning can be complex, or as simple as naming beneficiaries on your IRA, so even if your situation seems straightforward, if you own assets, you need an estate plan. Nathan welcomes back estate attorney and longtime friend of the show, Andy Nault, to discuss the different ways wills, trusts, and other legal arrangements can be structured to ensure your assets end up in the right hands aft...

People often use commodities as a portfolio diversifier or a hedge against inflation, and while this can be true for some materials, commodities vary broadly so knowing what types to use can be a challenge. Nathan discusses how different commodities move in relation to the markets, and how to properly use them for diversification. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History we discuss one o...

AI has created a new frontier for identity theft and consumer fraud, and more and more people are finding unauthorized lines of credit opened in their name, which can be a credit killer and a nightmare to fix. Donna and Nathan discuss how freezing your credit as a preventative measure has become easier than ever, and a critical defense against these rapidly growing threats. Also, on MoneyTalk, wha...

Things happen that are out of our control, and the IRS has added new flexibility into retirement account withdrawal rules to better accommodate those situations. Donna and Nathan explain how the rise in hardship withdrawals may be a signal that IRA rule flexibility is working against our collective retirement goals. Also on MoneyTalk, avoiding investor hindsight, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a...

The year before retirement can bring a mix of anticipation and anxiety, but one way to harness those emotions is to focus on the action items that need your attention most before you take the big leap. Donna discusses some of the things that should be on your final approach to retirement checklist. Also on MoneyTalk, what to do with that old 401K. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 3/9...

Social Security is one of those universal retirement topics that touches just about everyone, and as such we like to give it its proper attention here on the MoneyTalk show. Nathan covers the information you need to know around Social Security rules, legislation, and the history of the program’s implementation. Also, on MoneyTalk, stress testing your retirement plan. Host: Nathan Beauvais, C...

Retirement planning is a life-long endeavor, and ruminating over the financial question marks that linger in the back of our minds can weigh on us over time. Donna and Nathan discuss retirement planning issues that keep people up at night, including whether or not their money will last, how to pay for long term care, sorting out financial clutter, and much more. Also, on MoneyTalk, Stock Trivia: T...

Cash gifting to family members in need is exceedingly common in our inflated economy, but if you are planning on offering monetary gifts to your loved ones, it is important that you do so as part of an overall gifting strategy. Donna and Nathan discussed annual and lifetime gift tax limits, and how to properly record your activity with the IRS. Also, on MoneyTalk, managing portfolio risk, and Stoc...

You may have heard of the 4% Rule, which suggests 4% as the maximum sustainable rate of withdrawal from your retirement accounts, but over recent years the goal posts have been shifting, leading some to question the validity of this classic rule of thumb. Donna offers insights from experts on what rate of withdrawal makes sense based on current and projected cost of living, and the importance of b...