Optimize Your Retirement

What does it really mean for an advisor to be a fiduciary? In this episode, Daniel and Raz break down the fiduciary standard, common misconceptions, and why compensation models don’t always tell the full story. They’ll also share practical tips on how to evaluate financial professionals and make informed decisions about your retirement strategy. Don’t fall for the buzzwords—get the facts!   Book a...

If you only listen to one episode of the show, it should be this one. Daniel and Raz highlight several ways they can help you reduce the three biggest killers in retirement: risk, fees and taxes. Learn how to optimize your investment portfolio, reduce tax burdens, and preserve more of your hard-earned money, all while preparing for a stress-free retirement.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and R...

This episode explores tax-efficient strategies for reducing capital gains and maximizing financial benefits when selling high-value assets like businesses or real estate. Daniel and Raz highlight the advantages of a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT), which can lower taxes, provide lifetime income, and support charitable causes.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Hi...

Several provisions of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 are set to expire at the end of the year, but the lower tax rates for businesses are here to stay. On this episode, Daniel and Raz discuss what further changes the new Trump administration could make to the business tax code – and how it could affect you.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial...

The IRS is now accepting tax returns for the 2024 tax year. As usual, the deadline to file is April 15th, but if you are thinking of procrastinating, think again! Matt McClure speaks with Mark Steber of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service about importance of filing soon, changes to tax law this year, and more things to consider.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground...

As Donald Trump returns to the White House, Daniel and Raz break down the president’s campaign promises when it comes to taxes and regulation. What could the new administration mean for your bottom line? Listen to find out. Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-888-263-4434 (888-263-HGFG) -- About the Show & Hosts: Hosted b...

This time around, Daniel and Raz discuss how they recently helped a client solve several financial issues to give them a stronger plan for retirement. It’s just one example of how they can help you navigate the often confusing path toward the retirement of your dreams. Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-888-263-4434 (888-263...

As retirement approaches, deciding how much risk to take with your investments can feel like walking a financial tightrope. In this episode, we explore strategies to balance growth and security, ensuring your nest egg lasts throughout your golden years. Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-888-263-4434 (888-263-HGFG) -- About...

During this episode, Daniel and Raz discuss a real-life scenario involving married clients Bob and Carol (not their real names). The couple came to Higher Ground Financial Group with several problems common to retirees and pre-retirees today. Listen up to hear how Daniel and Raz were able to help solve those issues. Chances are you can relate to Bob and Carol – and the solutions could help you, to...

With Guest:  Dr. Chris DeRienzo, Chief Physician Executive & Senior Vice President, American Hospital Association Hospital patients are even safer today than they were in 2019. That’s according to a new report by the American Hospital Association (AHA). Retirement. Radio ’s Matt McClure speaks with Dr. Chris DeRienzo with the AHA about the study, what led to the results, and how lessons learne...

Markets go up and down all the time. When the swings get wider, do you have protection for your assets? This time around, Daniel and Raz discuss the importance of having a volatility buffer as part of your investment strategy – and how you can put up some guardrails to protect your retirement.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us...

Should you become a landlord? It could be a great source of income during retirement, but it comes with its burdens, as well. During this episode, Daniel and Raz discuss the pros and cons of owning rental properties – and how charitable remainder unitrusts (CRUTs) fall into the picture.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-8...

If you have investments, you should be concerned about the possibility of paying capital gains taxes. On this episode, Daniel and Raz discuss ways to minimize your tax burden, while keeping Uncle Sam happy.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-888-263-4434 (888-263-HGFG) -- About the Show & Hosts: Hosted by Tax Attorney...

Inflation is the “silent tax,” and Social Security attempts to help retirees fight against it by implementing a cost of living adjustment (COLA) every year. The government recently announced the 2025 COLA will be 2.5%. But is that enough to keep up with rising costs? On this episode, Daniel and Raz break down the numbers.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Grou...

Personal Finance 101 says you should always have an emergency fund available for when the unexpected inevitably happens. But how much should be in your emergency fund? And what type of assets should you keep in case of an emergency? Daniel and Raz answer those questions and more on this episode of the show.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Gr...

If you are planning to retire in a few years – or if you are a few years into your retirement – you’re in what is known as the “Retirement Red Zone.” These are crucial times for your plan, and Daniel and Raz will tell you how to protect your hard-earned money from market losses on this week’s show.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Conta...

Now is probably not the best time to refinance your house, but it could be the perfect time to refinance your retirement. Daniel and Raz explain what that means on this week’s show – and give you some tips and tricks to make it happen.   Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-888-263-4434 (888-263-HGFG) -- About the Show & H...

The word “annuity” is scary to many people, but it shouldn’t be. On this week’s show, Daniel and Raz tell you why the naysayers are wrong – and how newer, innovative annuity products can be a crucial part of a successful retirement plan. Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-888-263-4434 (888-263-HGFG) -- About the Show & H...

Is now a good time to convert your traditional retirement accounts to a Roth IRA? Daniel and Raz tackle that topic on this edition of the show. From tax implications to what this election could mean for your future, you don’t want to miss this episode. Book a Free Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-888-263-4434 (888-263-HGFG) -- About t...

GUEST : Jenn Jones, VP of Government Affairs, AARP   TOPIC : Each year the Social Security Administration announces the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the upcoming year. Last week, leaders announced a 2.5% COLA for 2025. That is smaller than recent years – attributable to slowing inflation.   COLA increases are meant to offset rising prices including food, gas and living expenses. This year,...

This is an election year, and that brings a lot of uncertainty to our financial lives. This week, Daniel and Raz discuss some new tax proposals floating out there and how they could impact your plan for retirement.  Book a Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-888-263-4434 (888-263-HGFG)

Guest : Debra Whitman, PhD, AARP’s Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer and former staff director for the Senate Special Committee on Aging   In her groundbreaking new book, Debra Whitman provides a road map for navigating, and celebrating, the second half of life. A globally recognized expert on aging, Whitman shares insights on longevity, brain health, financial planning, wor...

Fraud, identity theft and data breaches have become part of our everyday lives. So far in 2024, there have been more than 1,300 data breaches. Last year consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud, the highest dollar amount ever reported, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Experian’s 2024 U.S. Identity and Fraud report reveals how consumers feel about cyber threats and t...

In this episode, Daniel and Raz revisit the topic of Charitable Remainder Unitrusts, also known as CRUTs. This type of tool is used by people who want to be sure their wishes are carried out after they pass away. Listen-in for all the details and to learn how you could benefit by having a CRUT in your legacy and estate plan. Book a Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground F...

Daniel and Raz discuss how inflation today could affect your retirement tomorrow. They also share some tips on how to plan for future inflation so you can retire with confidence. Book a Meeting  with Daniel and Raz For More Information: Higher Ground Financial Group Contact Us at 1-888-263-4434 (888-263-HGFG)