iWealth Podcast

In this podcast, Brad Connors and his co-hosts discuss whether funding a child's education or saving for retirement is more important. The guest, Matt, has a daughter and believes that taking care of her education is the priority. However, Brad argues that it's important to prioritize retirement savings, and getting rid of debt first, before funding a child's education. They caution ag...

In this episode of the iWealth podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of saving for college education for children. They recommend that parents get on the same page with their spouse on whether they want to pay for college education or not, and if yes, to explore different savings options such as the 529 plan, gifts, or life insurance. Brad Connors also suggest that parents consider encouraging...

Retirement planning must include much more than just the financial aspect. There needs to be a focus on the importance of having a purpose in retirement. In this video, Brad discusses how part-time work, family, travel, and volunteering can provide retirees with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. He emphasizes that focusing on what's next, rather than getting away from work, is crucial when d...

In this podcast, the host interviews Mr. Brad Connors about the importance of being a disciplined investor. They discuss how irrational behavior can lead to poor investment decisions and why it's crucial to remain rational and disciplined during market downturns. They also touch on the impact of external factors like health, family, and news cycles on investment decisions. They conclude by emp...

When is the right time to retire? It's a question that depends on your personal needs and circumstances. The age at which you retire will affect your finances. Depending on your financial situation, determine what age makes the most sense to retire for you so that you may enjoy retirement comfortably. Brad discusses 401Ks and Social Security and Minimum Required Distribution. Talk to your financia...

In this quarterly update video, Brad Connors shares his thoughts on the 1st quarter market activity. The market had positive momentum, with stocks and bonds bouncing back. He discusses the possibility of the FED raising interest rates and the potential break it could cause, which happened with Silicon Valley Bank. Brad believes that the breakage helps the Fed pause raising the interest rates. Look...

Brad's two most crucial pieces of advice for 2023: Get out of debt as soon as you can. Decide that you're done with debt—right now. That means no more swiping that credit card, no more taking out personal loans for something you can't pay cash for. Get to 10% - If you consistently put away 10% of your income, the actual amount you contribute each month will grow as your salary rises, which can hel...

Most children, whether they are teenagers or younger, don't spend a lot of time worrying about retirement. After all, when you're juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and all the other challenges of adolescence, saving for retirement may not even register on your radar screen. Some young people will open individual retirement accounts (IRAs) when they receive paychecks from their first...

Strictly speaking, filling out the FAFSA is not required to attend college . However, the FAFSA is a requirement for most need-based financial aid and many scholarship programs. 83.8% of first-time, first-year undergraduate students receive financial aid in some form . Each student borrows an average of $11,836 annually to pay for school. Public university attendees borrow an average of $30,030 ea...

Spouse life insurance ensures that if something happens to either spouse, the other spouse will be okay financially. It doesn't matter if one spouse or partner earns an income. For most families, both spouses contribute differently by providing services or helping out with the children. If your spouse were no longer in the picture, you would have to pay for housekeeping, laundry, meals, and transp...

A stock split is a decision by a company's board to increase the number of outstanding shares in the company by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in a set proportion. While a split doesn't actually make your investment any more valuable in and of itself, a lower share price and the resulting increase in trading liquidity can certainly attract additional investors. iWealth  SUBSCRIBE...

Brad says that while only 30% of iWealth clients have a will made, he recommends 100% get one.  Brad discusses how trusts may set children up for success. Trusts can be especially beneficial for minor children, as they allow for more control of the assets, even after your death. By setting up a trust, you can communicate how you want the money you leave to your children to be managed, the cir...

Financially speaking, it's a tough time to be a parent. With economic turmoil reaching the boiling point and many companies freezing any extra spending, American families are more strapped than ever.  Families are making budgets, and children are watching. Show your child the family's cost of living, teach them how to save, and introduce them to the power of compounding interest.  iWealt...

"I keep hearing about dollar cost averaging and don't really understand it. How is it different from other investing strategies, and how will it help me in the long run?" Dollar-cost averaging is a strategy that takes advantage of the market by investing a set amount each month, regardless of the price of investments.  Go back and look at how many shares you had at the start of 2022 and where...

Even elite athletes need rest days to stay healthy. Sometimes financial markets need to reset from record-setting performance, too. Is the market behaving normally, or is it different this time?  Today on the iWealth Podcast, Brad talks about investment strategies in a bear market with Matt. Having a financial advisor, like the iWealth team, may help provide clarity through market changes. Sp...

Interest rate fluctuations can send ripple effects throughout the economy. While the most recent interest rate hikes are meant to help curb inflation, it’s possible these effects could have an impact on stocks, bonds and other investments. Learn more in today's podcast. iWealth SUBSCRIBE Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money...

Timeshares have great salesmen. In fact, they might have some of the  best around. But do they make a good investment?  Just because they tell  you that you are getting a great deal, it doesn't mean that you really  are. Before you buy, take some time to watch this podcast. Don't make  your decision in haste, and never let the salespeople rush you. iWealth SUBSCRIBE Educat...

Every year, millions of high school seniors apply to college, but a good fraction of these students may not feel that a four-year degree is right for them. Even if they end up going to a traditional university and landing a stable job, they may find themselves in a career that isn't personally fulfilling. The constant demand for trade skills keeps wages high, but the greatest value of learning a t...

Every time we look at our phones, it seems something terrible has happened. Here’s how to monitor current events in a healthy way.    Rather than clicking automatically on the dramatic headline, try following more outlets that focus on stories of progress, hope and kindness – share those stories, too. And when the inevitable bad news does hit the headlines, try to see whether it’s really...

You decided you should buy a life insurance policy, but now you have one all too common question: How much life insurance do I really need? It's important not to underestimate your ideal amount of life insurance. A recent study found that one in three people say they don't have enough coverage. Remember to calculate for future expenses as well. J.P. gives us insight in today's podcast. The sweet a...

Setting short-term financial goals, as well as mid-term and long-term, is an important step toward becoming financially secure. If you aren’t working toward anything specific, you’re likely to spend more than you should. You’ll then come up short when you need money for unexpected bills, not to mention when you want to retire. J.P. shares his plans and tips for a great retirement. iWealth SUBSCRIB...

Landing a raise at work is a big achievement. Major kudos. It helps justify the job you are doing and makes you feel like a valuable part of your company. But salary increases are never guaranteed. They tend to be directly correlated to the success of the business and the economy.  And let’s face it: It can be easy to get a raise at work and then continue living your life business as usual wi...

The need for food assistance is greater than ever this year. Please consider donating to help fund the Holiday Food Baskets, distributed by the Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center! https://iwealth4me.com/giving-back/holiday-food-drive/

Regardless of good health and well-being in the present, aging brings the ever-present possibility for a change in well-being and the need for new care.   While planning for unpleasant events may not be the most pleasant topic,  doing so will ensure that your loved ones are prepared and protected in case of emergencies. Planning ahead lays a foundation for peace of  mind and re...

People often put more thought into preparing for the family vacation—the transportation, the timing, the meals—than planning for the end-of-life experience we’ll all have.  You can leave your family scrambling to make arrangements—or calmly execute your wishes. Here's what you need to know about planning for  the end of life, whether it's happening in months, years, or decades. iWealth S...