Jake Of All Trades

There is a new trend where investors are desiring more than mere "financial returns" from the companies that they invest in. Now, some investors want a good return and that these companies are held up to their values. These are ESG investments (Environment, Social, Governance). Is this new movement a true change in the way companies operate or is it mostly for show? Jake, Kevin and Kirk...

On this episode Jake and Kirk discuss some of the ways that mutual fund investors think the world will look like in 2030. A major part of investing is looking to the future. Often we can be completely wrong about the future, particularly when we are viewing it too specifically (e.g., what specific companies will succeed or fail). But from a broad perspective we can see trends today that are very l...

In this episode Jake and Kirk discuss three methods of giving away your money to charity. Obviously, you can just hand over cash or a check, but there are smarter ways where both you and your charity of choice can benefit even more! Tune in to learn all about Donor Advised Funds, Charitable Lead and Charitable Remainder Trusts.  *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuati...

Although the old art of pickpocketing has been dying down, new methods for stealing people’s identity have risen. There are things in your wallet that may increase your chances of having your identity stolen. In this episode Jake and Kirk discuss what’s in their wallet, and some of the items to be wary of carrying around with you. They also discuss some alternatives to the traditional “fat wallet....

On this episode Jake and Kirk discuss some tips and considerations for this important question. Many people think that simply due to the low interest rates they must refinance their homes. You may be right. However, there are some things to keep in mind while you are doing your shopping (for instance you can do too much shopping and this can be very harmful!) Tune in to learn more *“Tax preparatio...

In this episode Kirk discusses a new financial situation where he is in a position to consider hiring a CFP. Jake discusses the ins and outs of hiring a CFP as well as when you should and when you should not hire a CFP. He also discusses various aspects of financial advisors that are important for people at various parts of their career. When does an employee need a CFP versus when does an entrepr...

President Joe Biden has made his proposed tax hike. What is in his proposal? How much of it will likely pass? What could this mean for your wallet? Jake and Kirk will take a look at each proposal and discuss its implications for those directly and indirectly impacted by the tax change. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through iFile Tax Planni...

Today Jake Rivas and Kirk Barbera are joined by guest Jake Cousineau to discuss his book “How to Adult.” Jake is the author of a book for young adults titled How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World. You might even recognize Jake from his $50k Wheel of Fortune payday! In this episode we delve into Jake Cousineau’s financial advice and his philosophy for young adults. And, as always, we tr...

We have all heard the phrase “buy American,” from both Republicans and Democrats. President Biden is again proposing measures to ensure a buy American program. Jake and Kirk discuss the economics of buy American, how it may affect your wallet, and why a global economy is a really good thing for everyone who participates. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation servi...

DEBATE NIGHT! With Jake and Kirk. On this special edition of Jake of All Trades, Jake and Kirk debate the question of whether or not billionaire’s should exist. Jake takes the negative and Kirk takes the positive. Of course, they don’t mean whether we should jail or deport billionaires, but rather should billionaires be subject to extra taxes or limits? What do you think? Do you think Billionaires...

A little bit of snow and the whole world (or Texas) loses its mind! Jake and Kirk discuss their experiences during the power and water outages in central texas. Many people of course were much more negatively affected than Jake and Kirk. There are, however, lessons we can all learn from this fiasco. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through iF...

On this episode Jake and Kirk discuss Biden’s proposed changes to 401ks. We also discuss, once again, the difference between political rhetoric and political action. If these changes take place we will create another episode explaining them. For this episode, we discuss what those changes would look like if implemented as Biden proposes. We also discuss a history of this “tinkering” with the tax c...

As we have mentioned on previous shows, even with a democrat controlled House and Senate Biden cannot accomplish everything he wants. Though, it may feel like he will with this new, almost 2 Trillion dollar stimulus proposal. Jake and Kirk take a look at the major proposals and how they believe they will be impactful, or, maybe not as much. Also, they discuss what they believe has a chance of actu...

Though the investment app boasts no commissions, there are several strategies the company uses to make money. Some of these strategies seem familiar to us and some may be unique. One of them, Jake and Kirk believe, is actually quite dangerous! *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through iFile Tax Planning and Preparation Services are separate an...

There are a lot of myths and misinformation about what was going on with Gamestop. Jake and Kirk set the record straight with some of the facts regarding the strange case of Gamestop and the cliff that hasn’t happened (yet!). On this show you will learn about short selling, the value of investors, and why the market operates based on sound principles of reality. Not a show to miss!   *“Tax prepara...

Laws passed in 2020 are beginning to take effect. Some of these laws will affect your wallet. Namely, alterations to 401k, social security and laws governing subscription services. On this episode Jake and Kirk go through the ones that are most likely going to affect you and discuss how to navigate them.   *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered thr...

Jake and Kirk discuss the ever prevalent issue of inflation. This time with an eye toward how 2021 will likely see a large jump in inflation. Inflation can seem like a simple idea but it can get quite confusing. Jake explains the mindset you need to have when thinking about inflation in 2021 and beyond.  *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered throu...

President Biden now has a Democrat controlled House and Senate. Does this mean he can rule with dictatorial power? Absolutely not. In this episode we discuss the main barriers to Biden’s agenda and what he will be able to do during his term. We also talk about an important avenue the democratic party will likely take, something called “Budget Reconciliation.”   *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS rep...

We would all like to think that 2021 will be all sunshine and roses. While Jake and Kirk are mostly optimistic about the future (especially in comparison to 2020!) there are some important financial challenges to prepare for in 2021. On this episode, Jake will break down some important technical jargon regarding central banking policy, and how a change may be coming that will affect your investmen...

Jake and Kirk discuss a WSJ article written by a city planner who proposes some interesting new ways that big cities like London, NYC and San Francisco might develop in a post covid world. They also discuss some of the ways rural and urban areas might change, with big companies helping to build out “zoom towns” from existing places like Jackson, Wyoming. It can be a time when human truly become in...

For those who have made plans based on past projections of the future, you may be in for a shock. On this episode, Certified Financial Planner Jake Rivas discusses some of the mistakes people are making when planning for their future. Jake and Kirk also discuss the larger economic and political meaning of our current situation, and what it could mean for your wallets. *“Tax preparation, planning,...

After High School Kirk worked for an MLM (Multi-level-marketing) company called “Vector Marketing.” Often, legitimate MLMs like Vector (they sold Cutco Knives) and Mary Kay are presumed to be pyramid schemes. In this episode Jake and Kirk discuss how to tell these different “money making” methods, and how to know if someone is asking you to do something wrong. Many of us are looking for ways to ma...

During the Holiday season there are always a spike in scamming. The most common scams are sometimes hard to spot, and we sometimes let them happen to ourselves. Often, it is our good natures which is our biggest foil. Check out these common scams and how to avoid them. This is a particularly good episode to share with our parents, as retirees are the most common victims. *“Tax preparation, plannin...

On this fun episode Jake and Kirk react to a clip of Kevin Hart on the Joe Rogan podcast, where the two comedians talk about achieving financial freedom. How does Hart’s advice apply to someone working at a 9-5 job? What is his best advice? Listen in to hear our thoughts. *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through iFile Tax Planning and Prepara...

Kirk is moving (Again!) and it turns out so is a large portion of America. On this episode Jake and Kirk discuss pew research showing that 22% of adults have moved due to covid19. There is a time-honored tradition of “Go-West Young Man” to find the opportunity elsewhere. That is America on the Move.   *“Tax preparation, planning, IRS representation, and business valuation services offered through...