How Money Works

We live in a world where truth, half-truths, and lies are seemingly getting harder and harder to distinguish in our day-to-day lives. Whether you're scrolling a social media feed or watching a financial show, what's fully true and what isn't can seem to be all over the place. Today we're going to help provide context to those half-truths so that you can understand why these financial statements do...

Retirement can be more stressful than it seems. After working your entire adult life, the lifestyle changes that come with retiring can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, your "dream retirement" isn't quite what you expected. Today, Craig and Jennifer will cover some unique challenges that come with retirement and share strategies to manage the stress that comes with it. They'll discuss setting meaning...

Retirement doesn't always turn out like you see in commercials and movies. We'd love to be laid back on a tropical island, but we want to manage expectations. It's essential to have a realistic view of your financial capabilities and lifestyle desires. Today, Craig and Jennifer discuss the importance of managing retirement expectations, adjusting to changing expenses, and the necessity of a compre...

As we journey through life, certain questions about retirement and financial planning often go unasked until it's too late. On this episode, Craig is joined by Cameron Moser to shed light on these critical issues, offering perspective on the financial challenges that come with aging. The discussion will cover the realities of downsizing, tax implications after the loss of a spouse, and the importa...

Planning for retirement now is not what it used to be. Gone are the days when a pension, Social Security, and personal savings—the three-legged stool—were enough to secure a comfortable retirement. Today, individuals must navigate the intricacies of 401(k)s, IRAs, and other investment accounts that lack the guaranteed income of traditional pensions. While retirement success might be falling more a...

Financial planning is much more than investing and constructing a portfolio. You have to take your entire picture into account, which isn't easy to do on your own. That's why you want to surround yourself with a trusted group of professionals who can guide you through each aspect of planning.     In this episode, we're going to talk about the best approach to building an advisory team. We'll discu...

When it comes to investing for your retirement, there are some simple mistakes to avoid that can help make you look like a true financial wizard. The benefit of working with a financial advisor is tapping into the experience they have to identify those missteps before they happen. Let's talk about what it takes to navigate the complexities of financial planning and set yourself up for long-term su...

As you approach retirement, it's important to ask the right questions. That's why we're taking some time today to answer questions you might not have considered. Do you still need life insurance in retirement? What additional medical coverage should you have beyond Medicare? Craig and Jennifer are here to guide you through these important topics. Tune in as they break down the big questions and ex...

There are a few common retirement planning mistakes that can happen and set you back as you work to get to and through retirement. With more than 30 years of experience, Craig and Jennifer Moser have seen it all, and in this episode, offer up their best advice to avoid some common retirement planning mistakes. For example, as you approach your retirement years, there needs to be a shift from merel...

As we begin to move into the final months of the year, there's plenty to keep an eye on as it relates to our money and retirement. In this episode, Craig and Jennifer discuss the current financial trends as we approach Labor Day and what they mean to planning. We'll give our thoughts on the volatility in the market, touching on the all-time high of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the shift in le...

In the ever-changing world of finance, preparing for the unexpected is not just wise—it's essential. In this episode, Craig and Jennifer will explore this very topic, using the timeless story of Noah's Ark as a metaphor for financial planning. We'll cover financial planning items like investing, diversification, long-term planning, and the role annuities can play in your portfolio. Retirement plan...

Retirement is a significant milestone, and with it comes the need to understand Medicare. For many, the transition from employer-provided health insurance to Medicare can be daunting. In this episode of the podcast, Craig and Jennifer dive into the essentials of Medicare to help you get a better understanding of this key piece of retirement planning. They break down the different parts of Medicare...

Are you curious about the current state of the real estate market in North Carolina? In today's episode, special guest Nick Gonzalez, CCIM, the co-owner of Linville Team Partners in Winston-Salem, joins Craig on the show to talk all about the world of investing in real estate with a special focus on real estate investing in the Triad. Join Craig and Nick as they dive into the current real estate m...

Ever wondered how the timeless wisdom of Mark Twain applies to finance? Known for his wit and profound observations on life, Twain's words offer more than just entertainment—they provide valuable lessons for managing your finances. Join us as we discuss financial tips through the lens of some classic Mark Twain quotes.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Planning and preparing for th...

Investing can be a daunting task, especially for those who are just starting out. Even seasoned investors can fall into common traps that can derail their financial goals. In this episode, we'll share our experience on how to avoid rookie investing mistakes and build a solid financial plan.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Making sure that you make investments with a purpose. Avoi...

The 401(k) ​is ​a ​great ​tool. ​It's ​easy ​and ​painless, ​which makes it a ​great ​way ​to ​build ​our ​savings. But ​it's ​also ​easy ​and ​painless, ​which also ​means ​we ​ ​tend ​to ​forget ​about it ​for ​long ​periods ​of ​time. Today we're going to talk about a few of the places where people make mistakes with their 401(k).   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Why it's usual...

Have you ever felt a rush of excitement when your investments soared, or a pang of fear when they plummeted? You're not alone. Emotions can play a powerful role in our financial decisions, sometimes leading us astray from our long-term goals. In this episode, we'll dissect the emotional undercurrents that can influence our investing behavior.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Too m...

As the baby boomer generation begins reaching the later stages of life, a staggering amount of wealth is set to change hands. Experts estimate that between $40 trillion to $100 trillion will be transferred to younger generations over the next two decades. This seismic financial shift is not just about numbers; it's about families, legacies, and the future of personal wealth. On this episode, Craig...

Today we're going to have a little fun weighing in with a spirited game of 'Agree or Disagree,' where Craig and Jennifer dissect and debate some of the most pressing financial questions facing individuals today.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Whether you should pay off your mortgage as soon as you can. Are individual bonds better than bond funds? Should you get rid of your life...

The journey to retirement is rarely a straight path, and sometimes it comes with a few surprises. So, when the rug is pulled out from under you with an unexpected retirement offer, do you take the money and retire, or get back on the job hunt? Join Craig and Jennifer as they discuss the complex decisions that come with retiring early in this episode.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episod...

Most people think about life insurance as a safety net for their loved ones in case of unexpected tragedy. While this is undoubtedly a crucial aspect, there is more to life insurance than many people are aware of. In this insightful episode, we're focusing on the multifaceted world of life insurance and its often-overlooked benefits.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Considering li...

Being in between jobs can be frustrating. If you find yourself in this season, it's important to have a clear plan of action to keep your finances in order. Stay tuned as Craig and Jennifer discuss some areas to consider for those facing job changes, layoffs, or contemplating early retirement.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Do you have enough time and resources to start over in...

The decade leading up to retirement comes with many things to think about. Not only are there some financial shifts and opportunities to navigate, but it's important to keep your physical health and goals for retirement in focus too. In this episode, we'll unpack the key elements that matter most during the home stretch of retirement planning.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Stay...

It's easy for business owners to get so focused on their work that they overlook some of the long-term planning areas that need to be addressed. Today we want to highlight a few of the items that need your attention and explain why it's necessary to have a sense of urgency with these things.     Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Business owners need to be thinking about the what ifs...

Everyone wants to get the year started on the right foot so today we're going to run through a checklist of financial items you need to address in 2024. We'll explore the nuances tax planning, share some tips for staying organized, and make sure you're making the most out of your retirement contributions in the coming year. Staying on top of your overall financial health will give you the opportun...