Empower Your Retirement

In this episode, Frank and Frankie address the recent controversial statement made by personal finance guru, Dave Ramsey, recommending that retirees can stay 100% invested in stocks and withdraw 8% annually, with no worries.   We address the flaws in this suggestion and urge caution against relying on high average returns without accounting for market volatility.   If you're navigating the complex...

Retiring early can be alluring, but it comes with its unique set of challenges.   On this episode, Frank and Frankie explore the nuances of early retirement and why it requires meticulous planning and strategic financial decisions. They point out challenges faced by those contemplating early retirement, from choosing the right pension option to making informed decisions about Social Security.   Br...

Recently, The Wall Street Journal  echoed what many have been feeling: the 60-40 portfolio mix is  failing , not just because of the " riskier " stocks…but because  bonds  have taken serious hits in the last few years.   In this episode, Frank and Frankie challenge traditional financial wisdom and delve into the pitfalls of “old financial rules.” There are many  different investment blend opportun...

New inflation numbers came in lower than expected. October's Consumer Price Index was 3.2%, down from September’s 3.7% and the core CPI (which excludes food and energy prices) dropped one-tenth to 4.0%. Still, the numbers are higher than the Fed’s goal of 2%. And even though it recently passed  on raising interest rates  again , the Fed vows to continue its fight.   On this episode Frank and Frank...

On this episode of A Better Way Financial, we discuss the lessons you can learn from  Gen Z.  Often underestimated, this group of young workers is already excelling in retirement savings, reiterating the importance of longevity planning.   Frank and Frankie also discuss other misconceptions around retirement expenses, revealing how taxes usually top the list, and the common mistake of miscalculati...

It’s time to start taking your RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) but you don’t need the money…In this episode, Frank and Frankie Guida explore the strategies you may be able to utilize.   Charitable giving through QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions), Roth conversions, or using the funds for long term care may all be options within your plan.   Additionally, Frank and Frankie stress the s...

Recent history has shown that markets have a track record of mostly absorbing geopolitical conflicts. But there could be another impact when it comes to interest rates .   In this episode, Frank and Frankie dive into the financial implications of these kinds of events, bond market turbulence, and tax planning for the upcoming year emphasizing the importance of balancing added safety and reasonable...

You may have a financial advisor whom you love…but are you getting the service you need for retirement ?   In this episode, Frank and Frankie share their experience in handling the delicate conversations involved with financial and retirement planning, and why you may need a second opinion on your retirement plan.   Many individuals work with financial advisors during their accumulation years, but...

There’s speculation that Alabama’s head football coach, Nick Saban, may be thinking about retiring. But no matter what your occupation, knowing  when  to retire is a significant, and often challenging, decision.    With 38 years of experience in his field, financial advisor and retirement planner, Frank Guida, understands the importance of working because you want to, not because you have to… In t...

The stock market can be a great place to grow your wealth, but it comes with volatility and a big market crash could wipe out a significant portion of your retirement savings. Meanwhile, the threat of future tax hikes could have a big effect on your tax-deferred IRA and 401(k).   In this episode, Frank and Frankie delve into the downsides of relying solely on your 401(k) while exploring options yo...

Americans are retiring  earlier  than they had expected. On average, they initially thought they’d retire at age 63, but instead have left the workforce at 61 and a half.    While it should be a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor, if you're not careful you could run out of money.   In this episode, Frank and Frankie share ideas on how to retire early without running out of money. The...

Ten years ago, 60 Minutes interviewed financial planner Brooks Hamilton who raised concerns about the quality of mutual funds in 401(k) plans. Recently the clip has seen new life online with many asking, “Have things improved since then?”   In this episode, Frank and Frankie break down some key changes in 401(k) plans, including the rise of Roth 401(k) options and their potential benefits for tax-...

Baby boomers have an enduring love affair with the stock market. While the allure of double-digit returns is undeniable, is it wise to remain heavily invested in stocks as retirement approaches?   On this episode of A Better Way Financial, financial advisors and father-son team Frank and Frankie Guida discuss the importance of finding a balance between market exposure and financial security in you...

On this episode, financial advisors and retirement planners Frank and Frankie Guida discuss the importance of having the right attitude when it comes to retirement planning. They share the story of a 100-year-old woman who credits her positivity for her long life and explain how a positive attitude can help you overcome challenges and achieve your financial goals. Discover secrets to preparing for...

A recent survey found that more than half of retirees said they’d go back and plan their retirement  differently  if they could. 63% regretted  not  including investments that provided a steady  income  stream, saying they’d like to receive an ‘automatic paycheck.’   On this episode, financial advisors and retirement planners Frank and Frankie Guida share their ideas and ways they help clients  av...

On this episode Frankie Guida shares the strategies they use at  A Better Way Financial  to help clients add more security into their financial futures.   With fall marking a critical time for financial planning, they delve into the challenges of an aging advisor landscape and the need for generational expertise. Learn the importance of having a financial advisor who will be with you through retir...

Many people dream and plan for the perfect wedding day. Still, disasters can and do happen… as proven by the laundry list of wedding day errors  for this one bride . But a wedding is usually just one day in life. Your retirement might also  not go as planned. Unexpected events or changes in circumstances can happen, and without a proper plan, cause much financial strife.   On this episode, financi...

During his recent trip to Nashville, financial advisor & retirement planner Frank Guida sat down for a great conversation with Candace Owens, American conservative political commentator, author, activist, and television presenter. Connect with the team at A Better Way Financial  for a comprehensive retirement and tax plan review. Be sure  to read our book , Amazon Best Seller,  “ The Book on Retir...

A recent Gallup poll found that 51% of respondents feel their income taxes were  not  fair.  That’s the  highest  number in two decades and this survey  doesn’t  take into account that the  Trump Tax Cuts  will  expire  at the end of 2025.   Very often,  taxes are the biggest expense in someone’s retirement . Without a written tax plan,  within  your overall retirement plan, you could pay thousand...

This week we revisit Frankie’s conversation with Country Music Superstar Jason Aldean about life on the road, staying motivated, and what Jason loves about Country Music. Connect at  ABetterWayFinancial.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 90% of financial advisors  last only 3 years  in the business. Some common reasons for quitting include a lack of fulfillment, difficulty finding clients, and burnout.   But financial advisor and retirement planner Frank Guida has been in the business for almost 4 decades!   On this episode, he shares his thoughts on why so many fail as an advisor due to the high demands of working at big fin...

Your family’s health history is just one factor in your  longevity  risk, but how can you calculate and plan for it?   On this episode, we hear comedian Nate Bargatze’s thoughts on getting his own family health history which reminds us that it’s  not so simple.   Financial advisors and retirement planners Frank and Frankie Guida have a unique perspective on the family dynamic since they are a fart...

It’s the question most retirees ponder. For a long time, many have subscribed to the “4% Rule” but a columnist in the  Wall Street Journal  has his own that he calls the “$400 Rule.” He says you’ll spend about $400 each month in retirement  above  and  beyond  what you  think  you’ll spend.    On this episode, financial advisor and retirement planner Frankie Guida explains how at  A Better Way Fin...

The Federal Reserve has  paused  interest rate hikes for now but hasn’t ruled out  another  increase down the road if inflation remains stubborn. Still, economist Paul McCully remains optimistic that we won’t see a recession.   Financial advisors and retirement planners, Frank and Frankie Guida point out that there will always be people on both sides of the spectrum when forecasting our economic f...

You think that when you’re boarding a plane it’s been thoroughly cleaned, but one former flight attendant says to think again! Financial advisors and retirement planners, Frank and Frankie Guida point out how the same could be said for your retirement savings. It’s a matter of looking for the dirt where you didn’t know it hides in places like: Low returns Unnecessary risk Exorbitant fees Paying to...