Our 2 Cents

Wages are no longer keeping up with the high cost of living. With the costs of home, healthcare and childcare expenses, how can you stay ahead of the curve while maintaining your standard of living? The national debt certainly plays a large part in your cost of living so we can’t underestimate how interest on debt, is a silent killer. Tune in now to join us for this discussion! The Great Affordabi...

Do you like to make money? Because if you do, it all starts with a budget. On today’s episode we’re back with another ‘Deep Dive’ into the world of budgeting and how it can protect you from losing more than you think. Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy this one, even if you don’t enjoy budgeting! Here’s what was covered in this episode: 1) Budgeting basics 2) Budget Types / Funding Goals 3) Biggest budget...

Everyone is curious or concerned about how well the stock market will perform this year. But can you really believe everything you hear? After we discuss the market forecasting myths and mysteries, we revisit the list of tax deductions that have disappeared in preparation for the upcoming tax season! Tune in now! Forget Stock Market Forecasts. They’re Less Than Worthless (The New York Times) 12 Ta...

The New Year and new updates to your retirement plan! Today we discuss how the SECURE Act is changing the way you can contribute to your retirement accounts and the new start date to take your RMDs. After that, we converse about all the tax dollars that state of Illinois received after the first day of Marijuana being legalized! Tune in now! 2019 Stock Market Review: Quick Hits – SGL Financial How...

In honor of our 30th episode today, we take a ‘deep dive’ into reviewing what a retirement income plan really is and how to build one. After our ‘deep dive’, we come up to the surface to see what new technology Elon Musk and Ford have in store for us. Tune in now! Special Podcast Deep-Dive Reviewing Your Retirement Income Plan What is a retirement income plan? Do you have a plan? What should you b...

Trump’s impeachment trial is leaving everyone with one big question; how is this effecting the markets? Then we jump into spending and saving this holiday and why you need to stay disciplined with your budget. Concluding with a ‘course correction’, we review today’s top ten most expensive cars in the world! Tune in now! The stock market heads to record heights even as the Trump impeachment hearing...

It’s a cold brisk morning so the heat is on! Callers questions are discussed and answered on investment fees and Medicare options. Then as Gabriel steals the ball back, we get right down to the paint on the court; should students get paid to play. Tune in now! Daylight savings time: These states want to make DST permanent (Yahoo) Caller Question "It’s open enrollment time, should I explore ot...

Today Steve takes the wheel and steals the show! We discuss the big economic, “What-If?” and how the herding mentality of investors can really pull the markets in one direction. After the heat is over, it’s all about Food! Tune in now! US. Recession Chances Hit 27% Within Next 12 Months: Tracker (Bloomberg) Behavioral Finance: Concepts, Examples and Why It’s Important (The Street) The Best Dog Foo...

On today’s “shoe”, GE’s pensions follow United Airlines suit into a deep freeze. Next up is our Monthly Stock Market Review and finally, we talk about the elephant in the room: Saving for your retirement or college tuition. Tune in now! GE freezes worker pensions – what to do if your employer changes the terms of your retirement plan (MarketWatch) The No. 1 highest paid, most in-demand job in ever...

This week’s episode we discuss what FSAs and HSAs are; (Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts) and which one could be a better option for you. Then we dive into another one of our Listener’s Questions on after tax contributions and converting to a Roth. Is it quite that simple? Tune in now! · FSAs Vs. HSAs: Which is the Best Fit for You? (U.S. News) · Federal Reserve’s interest-ra...

On today’s show we introduce our new Monthly Market Update section to keep you ahead of the curve. Our runner up article showcases just how influential one small tweet can be and then we round our show up on how to keep your brain active in retirement years. Tune in now! How to keep your 401(k) running smoothly – no matter what (MarketWatch) JPMorgan has created a ‘Volfefe Index’ to track how Trum...

Today we look at some interesting, but obvious ways to destroy your retirement. Then, just in case you’re already doing a great job of ruining your retirement, we talk about 38 side hustles to earn extra cash. Finally, we'll tell you how to spend it on a weekend getaway in Grand Rapids, MI! Tune in now! 10 money pits that can ruin your retirement (MarketWatch) 38 Ways to Earn Extra Cash in 20...

On today’s show we see how the economy is edging closer to a recession and what that means for investors. Then we cover the idea of “cutting the cord” and finally we see how much of a mess Google Maps made. Tune in now! Here’s what was covered in this episode: World Economy Edges Closer to a Recession as Trade Dread Deepens (Bloomberg) Sentiment Investor Sentiment Survey (AAII) The days of trying...

On today’s show we review the Federal Budget and what more spending means for the economy. Then we switch over to answer one of our listener’s question if she should lend money to a family member and finally, we question Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoots’ plan for a new casino. Tune in now! Here’s what was covered in this episode: Federal budget would raise spending by $320 billion (The New York Time...

This week’s episode we talk discuss how your kids can potentially destroy your retirement, gearing up for the big two-day sale on Amazon next week and then learning the basics of how to read trust and what all the legal jargon really means. Tune in now! Here’s what was covered in this episode: Don't Let the Kids Wreck Retirement (Kiplinger) Amazon Prime Day 2019: Everything we know so far (Ya...

Our 2 Cents – Episode #019 On today’s show this week, we keep things fun and joyous for our nations upcoming holiday, discuss how Financial Therapy really impacts your overall well-being and ponder on what happens if there’s a shortage of avocados! Tune in now! Here’s what was covered in this episode: Fun 4th of July facts (Acei Global) Using Financial Therapy to Deal With Money Issues (Forbes) We...

Our 2 Cents – Episode #018 One third of the worlds oil flows through the checkpoint at The Strait of Hormuz in Iran; imagine what could happen to the economy if this “black swan” event continues. On today’s episode, we look at what’s happening in Iran and how it can affect the stock market. Then we dive right into the worries and woes of a potential bear market on the horizon. After that we discus...

Our 2 Cents – Episode #017 Last Minute Gifts for Father’s Day, How to pay for Long Term Care and The Robots are Back! On today’s show with Gabriel, Steve and Trent, they talk about who some last-minute gifts for the Dad’s out there. Letting your Dad win in the 18 rounds of golf just might be worth the drive… All pun intended! We then shift gears and discuss the elephant in the room that no one wan...

Join Gabriel, Steve and Trent on this week’s podcast where they discuss an important retirement reform bill called the SECURE Act and the ways in which the new bill could affect your retirement savings and contributions. We then take some time to talk about debt, and the types of debt that truly impact many of our everyday lives. From student loan and credit card debt and Elizabeth Warren’s plan t...

Our 2 Cents – Episode #015 Debating Suze Orman, Reverse Mortgage Highlights and Side Hustles for Extra Cash When listening to the big celebrity money experts, do they really have your personal goals and interest in mind? On Suze Orman’s own money “no-no list”, Number 6 is: Don’t put blind faith in a financial adviser. If you listen to everything she says, then you’re not listening to her advice. A...

The trade war between President Trump and China’s President, Xi Jinping is waging even more now. After Beijing increased tariffs on $60 billion of U.S. goods, President Trump is ready for a sit down. Do you think they will come to terms? After that heavy debate, we discuss whether it’s worth it to buy a timeshare. Can the pros outweigh the cons? The maintenance alone could be the caveat to your de...

America’s Strongest Workforce, Managing Your RMDs, G.O.T. Spoiler Alert and the Costs for Medicare Baby boomers are still America’s strongest workforce today. What’s in store for the rest of us once that generation is retired? After that segment, we take a closer look at Required Minimum Distributions and the options you may have lurking behind your door. Should you convert to Roth? Should you rei...

Warren Buffets One Sentence Advice, Pritzker’s Toilets & Taxes and Retiring Without Borders Our 2 Cents – Episode #012 Warren Buffets One Sentence Advice, Pritzker’s Toilets & Taxes and Retiring Without Borders! On this week’s podcast, we discuss Warren Buffett’s latest advice; “…Never listen to people like me…” and why time spent in the market is more important than trying to time the mar...

We are back this week to touch on some important and exciting topics! We start by talking about ways to appeal – and potentially even save thousands of dollars on – your property taxes. Then we dive into some great questions from a few of our listeners, and we'll take a look at some of the hottest summer travel destinations. Have you been to any of these amazing locations? We also spend some...

Today we take a look at the 10 most Googled retirement terms, including the #1 searched retirement question - can you guess what it is? We also talk about ways to save on travel, especially while we are in the 8th straight week of rising gas prices! We spend some time discussing what an inverted yield curve actually means and why although it is considered an indicator of a recession, that does not...