Our 2 Cents

In this episode of "Our 2 Cents," Steve and Gabriel discuss the concept of delayed gratification and its impact on building wealth. But first, they're sharing quotes of the month, their thoughts on the current national debt, and some tax-friendly states for retirees. Gabriel's Quotes of the Month: "Wealth is largely the result of habit." — John Jacob Astor "The g...

Long-term care insurance can be complex, and some people may not fully understand what is covered and what is not. Policies vary widely, and individuals may be unsure if the coverage is worth the cost. On today's podcast, Steve and Gabriel are sharing some must-know stats about long-term care to help you make more informed decisions. Must-Know Long-Term Care Statistics: Usage of Long-Term Car...

On this episode of Our 2 Cents, Steve and Gabriel discuss various end-of-year tax planning topics to consider before 2023 comes to a close. But first, they're sharing educational and festive Thanksgiving fun facts! Thanksgiving Fun Facts: Talking Turkey: The states that have towns named 'Turkey,' how many turkeys are prepared each Thanksgiving, a Butterball Turkey Talk line, and mor...

Retirement planning and climbing a mountain may seem like vastly different endeavors, but there are several intriguing similarities between the two. On today's podcast, Steve and Gabriel share how in both cases, setting clear goals, careful planning, perseverance, and adaptability are the keys to success.  Conquering the Retirement Mountain: Preparing for the climb. The ascent to the top of t...

Steve and Gabriel are embracing all things Spooky Season on today's show! They'll share with you the 10 best haunted houses around the country, plus the scariest one of them all. Then they discuss some parallels between this haunted holiday and retirement. The 10 Best Haunted Houses in the US: As voted by USA Today readers, these haunted houses were chosen for the quality of their actors...

Those who have accumulated significant wealth face unique challenges and opportunities when planning for retirement. Do you know at what value of assets someone would be considered a high-net-worth individual? The amount may surprise you! Listen in today as Gabriel and Steve dive into the distinct strategies and factors that come into play when the wealthy plan for retirement. Getting to Know Stev...

Do you ever wish you could foresee financial missteps before they happen? On today's episode of Our 2 Cents, Steve and Gabriel are exploring some real-life stories of regrets to help you learn from the mistakes of others. Then they're answering a couple client questions they received this week. Money Mistakes to Learn From: Maybe I should have investigated opportunities for Roth IRAs I s...

On this new episode of the Our 2 Cents podcast, Steve kicks things off by recapping his recent live interview about financial preparedness on WGN news. Then, he and Gabriel take a comprehensive look into Continuing Care Retirement Communities and how they are emerging as a noteworthy option for many retirees. Recap of Steve on the News: We hear about having money for a rainy day — how much is a go...

We're playing a fun little game show on today's episode of Our 2 Cents. Steve and Gabriel will take sides on pressing retirement issues. Whether you're a perpetual optimist or a wary pessimist, this episode will equip you with perspectives to plan your retirement years with confidence as we ask the longstanding question, "is the glass half full or half empty?" Will a Gover...

We've all heard various retirement "myths" so let's talk some retirement truths instead. On this new episode of Our 2 Cents, Steve and Gabriel will discuss some universal truths that can guide every retiree. But first, they're sharing an idea to vacation in a new way to see some beautiful sights. Exciting Train Trips: Amtrack Auto Train: Sit back, relax, and pack your car...

On today's episode of the Our 2 Cents podcast, Steve and Gabriel are talking about the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). They're here to help you understand the reasons behind the mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings, strategies to avoid major tax issues, and why it is so important to plan in advance for them. Gabriel's Quotes of the Month: "You&apos...

We're kicking off today's show a little differently with Getting to Know Steve and Gabriel questions first! Then they're discussing some challenges and frustrations they've heard from potential clients regarding their plans or their investments. Getting to Know Steve and Gabriel: What was your favorite TV show as a kid? If you could pick any Olympic sport to participate in, wha...

We've got a great show for you this week! Steve and Gabriel share some common estate planning mistakes and what you can do to avoid them. This episode is an important one for anyone who wants to leave a legacy free from regret or legal turmoil. Click a link below to listen in now! No Regrets! Don't Make These Estate Planning Mistakes: Failing to plan for expenses that can be foreseen—esp...

Steve and Gabriel are wrapping up their discussion on the kinds of financial stresses couples can face, and how to work your way through them together. Plus, they're sharing some financial tidbits that have been making their way through the headlines recently. Part 2: Financial Tension Between Couples: A deeper dive into some sources of debate among couples. Gabriel and Steve share some of mo...

On the show for you today, Steve and Gabriel are discussing sources of financial stress that couples face throughout their lives and, more specifically, in retirement. They'll share ways they've helped clients better communicate and get back on the same wavelength. Then they tackle two questions from our listeners.  Resolving Financial Tension Between Couples: Budgeting - agreeing on how...

On today's episode of Our 2 Cents, we're focusing on 5 key steps of income planning in retirement. In order to develop a proper plan for your retirement income, these are some of the first steps to follow to begin taking charge of your retirement cash flow. Mastering Your Retirement Income Planning: Step 1: Accurate budgeting is at the core of income planning Step 2: Visualize your futur...

In the spirit of July 4th, we're tackling the concept of Financial Independence on this week's episode of Our 2 Cents. We're sharing what some people strive to be independent from in retirement and how achieving these freedoms can lead to better peace-of-mind during your golden years. Winning Your Financial Independence: Independence from depending on family Independence from credit...

On the Our 2 Cents podcast this week, hosts Steve and Gabriel Lewit are discussing the kind of impact bad money habits can have on someone's financial life. Plus, they're answering some more 'Getting to Know You' questions. Tune in now for the fun! Bad Money Habits: Procrastinating financial decisions that need to be made. Investing emotionally instead of analytically. Living b...

Money habits tend to differ with each generation, and it seems Gen X is having a more difficult time planning for retirement than their elders. Steve and Gabriel are breaking down some retirement statistics about Gen X, talking about the debt ceiling bill, and much more on Our 2 Cents. Debt Crisis Averted: A quick rundown of the bill that was signed by President Biden. The concessions made by both...

On the podcast this week, Steve and Gabriel share some home items that are worth the splurge and others that are a waste of money. Then, keeping with the theme of your home, they're discussing how everyday household tasks can serve as reminders of successful financial planning.  Splurge-Worthy: Yay or Nay?: Big savers to big spenders, what's your spending personality?  Are we giving a &a...

Welcome back to another episode of Our 2 Cents! This week we're discussing the 33rd Annual Retirement Confidence Survey to give you a better understanding of how your peers are feeling about various aspects of retirement. Then we're sharing some tips for planning upcoming summer vacations. The 2023 Retirement Confidence Survey: The huge gap between when workers expect to retire and when...

During this week's episode of Our 2 Cents, we dive into the complex world of financial decision-making during some of life's most pivotal moments. From exciting times to challenging ones, we share tips to help you make informed decisions during these different ages and stages of life. Financial Decisions Through the Ages & Stages: Marriage and Remarriage Combining finances or keeping...

Another bank failure doesn't mean a failure of the banking system. But we are talking about the very real implications that it does have. Plus, we're sharing a listener-suggested article about how heart health should be top-of-mind as you plan for retirement. Gabriel's Quote Picks of the Month: "It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's also...

Our 2 Cents is back this week with a discussion about what's in store for Social Security in the years ahead. Plus, we're taking a closer look at Bed, Bath and Beyond's demise and lessons to learn from what happened to the once beloved retail chain. The Future of Social Security: The recent negative headlines about Social Security have some people worried about their preparedness fo...

Welcome back to another great Our 2 Cents episode with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! In store for today is a thoughtful conversation about the wisdom that comes with age and experience, and how it impacts your financial planning. Plus, they're sharing fun quotes and big money regrets! Gabriel's Quote Picks of the Month: "If you're shopping for stocks, choose them the way you'd...