Jake Of All Trades

On the show we have discussed the growth in work from home but we have neglected to exam the harms this may cause for younger workers. As a new worker in the workforce, there are many unseen benefits to working in an office environment around co-workers. How can new workers navigate this new world and how can companies help them? *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuat...

Americans got richer in the second quarter of 2021. How does this happen given a slowing economic growth? We discuss what a net worth is and what a household is. Why are these important for you in your planning? Jake breaks down different ways of evaluating your wealth. Jake and Kirk also discuss the federal debt and how this is related to household net worth. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS repr...

CNBC reported on a survey done by a large investment firm, where they found “ideal” saving benchmarks to aim for based on your age. How much should you have in investments by the time you are 30? 40? And so on? These benchmarks are quite lofty and neither Jake nor Kirk hit them! Is it all over for the financial duo? Not necessarily. Join us for a discussion of these interesting benchmarks and how...

This is a common question that Jake Rivas gets from his clients. In this episode Jake and Kirk discuss College Savings Accounts pros and cons and how to navigate them in a world where higher education (and its value to your young students) is ever changing. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through iFile Tax Planning and Preparation Services a...

As incomes and net worth may rise in your life, this is a common question. How much actual cash to keep in the bank? What percentage should one keep in the bank versus paying off debt versus using it for investments? Of course this is a very personal question but Jake and Kirk discuss some ways to approach this question and provide some tips. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and bu...

Both Jake and Kirk are going on trips and are considering whether or not to get the car rental insurance. Of course the rental agencies will be insisting upon this. But is it superfluous? Jake provides some alternatives you may not be aware of. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through iFile Tax Planning and Preparation Services are separate a...

You may have been offered a Health Savings Account (HSA) from your employer. Although there are similarities with more traditional health plans provided by your employer, there are important differences. Many people believe HSAs are a non-starter, due to their higher deductibles. While each case is different, there are times when an HSA may be the right move for you.  *“Tax preparation, planning,...

In this episode Jake and Kirk discuss the idea of taking money from your paycheck and buying stock in the company that provides your paycheck. Is that too risky? How can you ensure you don’t lose on big upsides if your company is a hot stock item right now? What do you think? Do you invest in the company you work for?   *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation servic...

On this episode Jake and Kirk discuss a new way some governments are taxing those who use the roads: Tolls that use GPS. Kirk goes on an epic rant about government roads, while Jake takes a more measured view. Is this the future of roads? Can the government charge everyone who uses the roads based on how many miles they drove? Will this encourage people to stay home in the future? And, most import...

You may have noticed some extra fees on your credit cards lately. What are those and why are they occurring? Banks are finding new ways to charge their customers, and you should be aware of them. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through iFile Tax Planning and Preparation Services are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.” Have questions abo...

If you are under the age of 40, there is a good chance that you have no idea what life would be like if the Federal Reserve raised the interest rates. In the past, the interest rates have been as high as 18%! On this show we will talk with economist Kevin Moore about what interest rates are, how they are set, and what indicators we should look out for that they will be increasing. Also, we will do...

The wealthy are borrowing more than ever. With the stock market still on the rise, many of the wealthy have utilized borrowing techniques to fund their lifestyles. While this technique often requires a large investment portfolio, there are lessons that everyone of any wealth status can learn. https://www.wsj.com/articles/buy-borrow-die-how-rich-americans-live-off-their-paper-wealth-11625909583 *“T...

On this episode we have special guest, iFinancial’s Kevin Moore, come on the show to update us on what is occurring in the housing  market. Of course, we all know that housing prices are going up. Knowing that prices are going up and knowing what are the causing are two different things. On the show we discuss the various causes, and how knowing what is going on can help you plan for the future. *...

Michael Scott from the TV Show “The Office” is having money problems, and everyone in his world has advice—bad advice! So Jake Rivas and Kirk Barbera are here to help. They will watch a clip from The Office episode “Money Problems” and give some thoughts and advice on what can be learned from this episode. For fans of the show, it is the famous “I. Declare. BANKRUPTCY!” scene. Watch the show on ou...

On the show Jake and Kirk discuss a “secret” back-door trick to boost your contributions. Jake explains the benefits of an IRA and why boosting it can be beneficial. They also describe scenarios where this secret method might be useful for different people. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through iFile Tax Planning and Preparation Services a...

We all know that biases exist—”but not me! I’m never biased.” Even if you don’t think that to yourself, you may act that way without know it. Many biases are subtle and hidden. In this episode Jake and Kirk discuss four big hidden biases that most Americans suffer from, and how to become aware of them. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/25/some-of-your-biases-could-cause-you-financial-harm-study-suggest...

In the world of algorithms and AI is it still necessary to hire a CFP? Can’t robots do it all for us? Jake and Kirk discuss various online programs that can do a good job at helping you to manage and invest your finances. But is it sufficient? Also, at what point can robots not do what a human is able to do? These are some questions that Jake and Kirk discuss, as well as give some tips on when to...

Now that the pandemic is (mostly) over, people are ready to go out and spend money again! On this episode, Jake and Kirk share some thrifty ways to spend your money. While it is true you get the quality you pay for, it is also true that there are a ton of money wasters out there. If you are purchasing anything from a small home appliance to a car, this is a good episode to learn from. *“Tax prepar...

Pop Star Britney Spears has been in the news once again, not for making another album, but for a desire to gain her independence back. The 39 year old pop star has what is called a “conservatorship” applied by law on her life. This law, reserved for the very elderly or the mentally ill, allows a guardian control over a person's finances, and in some cases their daily lives. Ms. Spears’ now fa...

We tend to think that when dealing with money and investments we should completely shut off our emotional valve. And, often, this can be good advice—especially if you are making an “emotional” decision rather than an “intelligent” one. However, your emotions are important pieces of your financial puzzle, and without them you may find yourself going down the wrong path. On this episode Jake and Kir...

Numbers are rational and humans are irrational. Right? In this episode Jake and Kirk talk about how using a numbers only approach to your finances can be just as bad as using an emotions only approach to your finances. So how do you navigate through this maze? Tune into the show to hear Jake and Kirk give you some tips and advice. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valua...

Jake and Kirk discuss the new trends in Texas Real Estate, with a focus on San Antonio. You may have heard about the outrageous bids on houses, many times over the asking price. What is causing this? How long can it last? And what long-term effects might it have on the market?   *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through iFile Tax Planning and...

Americans have recently paid off big chunks of their credit card bills, and it seems as though this trend may continue. Banks are starting to lose revenue. This means that banks are searching for ways to actively increase your credit card maximum. The more you have and the more you spend, the more likely you will hold a balance, and thus have interest rates. Jake Rivas gives advice on dealing with...

To talk more in-depth at some of the trends that mutual fund managers are considering for the future, we brought on Kevin Moore, principal advisor at I*financial (Jake’s CFP firm). Kevin has also worked as a mutual fund manager, so he provides unique insights into how the investing world considers these trends and why you should too.   *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business...

Jake and Kirk have done multiple shows discussing what they think the future of the hybrid workplace will look like. In this episode, they discuss how this is actually starting to take place. In a recent Financial Times article, author Emma Jacobs, explains how businesses today are starting to change their policies and structure based on a hybrid model. Most interesting, she describes the four typ...