How Money Works

We all seem to have a renewed focus on our health as the new year rolls around so let's take some time to talk about your financial health and a few of the key indicators that show you're in good health. Each of the things we'll discuss today might seem pretty straightforward or even obvious, but they are often overlooked or ignored. So let's lay out some easy steps you can take in the new year to...

Having certainty in retirement is always the goal, but life just doesn't allow for that. There are unforeseen circumstances that will undoubtedly arise in each of our lives, so how do you prepare for questions that don't have answers yet? We'll dive into the unpredictable world of financial planning and talk about how to stay informed and adaptable in retirement.   Here's some of what we discuss i...

In this episode, we'll weigh the pros and cons of different accounts, starting with tax-deferred accounts like 401(K)s and IRAs. Then we'll shift to the tax-free options and the benefits that Roth IRAs can provide over time. Tax planning might not be the most exciting thing to dive into, but understanding the different tax strategies can help you keep more money in your pocket.   Here's some of wh...

In this episode, Craig and Jennifer unpack the common pitfalls people encounter when cutting corners in retirement planning. From taking excessive investment risks to neglecting legal documents and estate planning, this episode sheds light on some crucial aspects of financial preparedness. Stay tuned to see why thorough, proactive planning and informed decision making are so important in the world...

Everyone we work with will have a different comfort level when it comes to risk, which we account for when building a plan. But what does it mean when someone tells us they are risk averse? So how do we determine someone's true capacity for risk? In this episode, we'll tell you about an online tool we use with people to find out which range of outcomes they're comfortable with and explore the idea...

It's pretty hard to believe that it's been nearly 30 years since the movie Forrest Gump hit theaters. In case you needed another reminder of your age, there you go. That was one of the great movies of all time, winning multiple Oscars and grossing more than $600 million at the box office, and it still holds up today with its memorable quotes. Today we're going to share some of our favorites but ap...

If you're someone who likes to procrastinate, especially when it comes to your finances, then this episode might be just what you need. We're going to ask Craig and Jennifer about some planning items and find out whether it's okay to put things off for later or whether they need our attention now.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Why you may or may not want to defer taxes until a...

Are you considering incorporating annuities into your financial planning but find them too complex to comprehend? You're not alone. Annuities are often misunderstood, and this lack of understanding can deter people from utilizing this financial tool. In this episode of our podcast, we delve deep into the world of annuities, exploring their complexities, benefits, risks, and real-world applications...

All the statements we're going to talk about on the show today are all commonsense items that pretty much no one would disagree with on the surface. But for some reason, our actions often don't line up with the obvious strategies. Let's talk about why that is and what we need to do to stay on track.   Here is some of what we'll discuss on today's show: Why is it so difficult for investors to follo...

What we want to do today is think about the clients we work with, the styles of people that we see, and determine if there are any investing similarities between people in the same industry.  The mindset and the skillset that drove them into the profession might also affect how they plan – or don't – for retirement. It's an interesting exercise but one that will be fun to talk through and discuss....

Today we're talking about retirement statistics. For example, did you know that 56% of Americans lose sleep when they think about retirement? That's no way to live your life. That's why we're here to help you plan.   We'll share some more stats that will make you think and might even change your mind on some topics. As always, if you have questions about retirement or investing, feel free to reach...

Let's talk about some of the areas of your financial life where disaster might be right around the corner.  Too many people are walking around with no documents, or documents that are in desperate need of an update. Don't let this be you. As always, if you have questions about retirement or investing, feel free to reach out to us for help.   Here is some of what we'll discuss on today's show: Out...

On the list of dozens of retirement-related concerns, how high on the list does the potential need for long-term care rank for you? If you live long enough, chances are you will need extra medical help, and those expenses can add up quickly. On today's show, we'll share some questions you should consider when deciding whether you need long-term care insurance.   Here is some of what we'll discuss...

Just like the law of gravity in physics, there are financial laws that we need to consider. We'll share several important ones today, including the laws of behemoths, rising taxes, market movement and expectations. Do you know what the behemoths are? Tune in to today's show to find out more!  As always, if you have questions about retirement or investing, feel free to reach out to us for help.   H...

For many people, a 401(k) is their most powerful retirement savings vehicle. That's because they're able to contribute so much to it and their employer is often contributing as well with a company match up to a certain percentage. Since a 401(k) is so easy to use, there may be some things you're overlooking with it. Tune in as we cover some important 401(k) considerations in this episode.    Here...

When was the last time you took a test? It's probably been a while, right? On today's show, we'll invite you to grade your own financial competency by seeing how many of these questions you can answer confidently. We'll explain why it's so important for your financial future that you know the ins and outs of these questions.    Here is some of what we'll discuss on today's show: Do you know your n...

For some people, the idea of putting together a financial plan doesn't sound like much fun. But the idea of building a home sounds like a lot of fun. Much like a home needs a strong foundation, walls, and roof to withstand the elements, a comprehensive financial plan requires various components to weather any financial storms. Today we'll share some similarities in building a strong financial plan...

Getting lost while driving your car or hiking in the woods is kind of like getting lost in retirement planning. The good news is there are ways to get back on track financially, and we are here to help you do that. In this episode, we'll point you to the tools you'll need to help your financial plan recover and thrive.    What we discuss on this episode:  Bad tools might be to blame.  (0:50) These...

It's easy to look back in hindsight and say "Knowing what we know now…" but unfortunately, we can't predict the future. And since we can't, the next best thing is to learn from others' experiences. Today we'll share some situations where folks probably wish they'd made different decisions in their finances and how we can learn from it.   In this episode, we'll share: The guy who got too scared aft...

For some people, it's time for spring cleaning, and that often means diving into a cluttered closet and getting it cleaned out and organized. Today we'll share what principles we can take from a closet clean out that we can apply to our financial lives. On this episode, we'll share: Why you need to move 401ks when you leave a company.  (0:34) Why you need to dust off your life insurance. (2:10) Wh...

Yogi Berra was a sports icon and one of the most quotable people to ever live. And when we look at some of his quotes through the right prism, they can teach us some lessons about financial planning.   Yogi loved to state the obvious in a funny, quirky way. From "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore," to "When you come to a fork in the road, take it," we'll explain what these sayings have to do wit...

During the height of the pandemic, the stock market did really well. Now that the pandemic has slowed down, the stock market is struggling. That doesn't make sense and confuses a lot of people.    On today's show, we'll explain how the market, finances, real estate and more have changed over the past couple years.     On this episode, here's some of what we'll discuss: Why did the market go up dur...

When it comes to financial planning, it's OK to admit that you don't know the answer to something. The real danger is thinking you know the answer to something when you actually have it all wrong. Today we're discussing some of the things people think they know, but in reality they really don't. On this episode, we'll share: How much income you'll need in retirement. (0:46) How much investment ris...

Today we're sharing some financial truths that we can state with confidence. For example, did you know that the market moves in cycles? Or how about the fact that you probably aren't as risk tolerant as you think you are? We'll discuss everything from the media to "magic bullets" and what you need to know about money to get your financial knowledge in order. On this episode, we'll share: Why the m...

Different people have different levels of desire when it comes to finding their retirement date. Today we're exploring these different levels of desire. Which of these statements below sounds most like you and your retirement plan? On this episode, we'll share: I never see myself retiring. I love what I do. (0:50) I can probably retire, but the job pays pretty well and I don't hate it. (2:28) I'd...