Plan For Life Now

In this week’s episode Dave and Steve discuss the value of a financial advisor. How do you quantify the benefit of working with an advisor? In the latest study from Russell Investments, the effects of rebalancing, behavioral management, financial planning and tax management are all examined.

Dave and Steve discuss how most people do their best financial planning in the buffet line. How much time do you dedicate to financial planning each year? How much time do you need to spend?

In this episode Dave discusses his pet peeves with the marketing of other financial firms. Also, Dave and Steve discuss how a rising market makes all advisors heroes. What happens when the next market correction occurs?

With the 4th of July holiday in mind, Dave and Steve discuss the meaning of independence. What does financial independence mean for a client? What does it mean when you are choosing an advisor?

In this week’s episode Dave and Steve profile three investors who are worried about the stock market. Has the market being up for too long? Are we due for a correction? Find out how you should think about stocks when faced with the possibility of volatility ahead.

We all know that health care is a huge cost in retirement. Listen to the latest episode to hear Dave and Steve break down the health care and long-term care expenses you should plan for.

In this week’s episode Dave and Steve look “Into the Teeth of the Next Bear Market.” In this article (http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/09/into-the-teeth-of-the-next-bear.html) the writer discusses 15 things that might happen when the market plunges 20%. Listen to find out where they stand on the author’s predictions.

In this week’s episode Dave and Steve try out an all new format. They answer questions they’ve been asked in recent meetings, seminars and phone calls. With only two minutes allotted per question they attempt to answer eight of their most frequently asked questions in this rapid fire episode. The result is a fast paced, wide ranging discussion of topics!

In this week’s episode Dave and Steve discuss an article titled “Confessions of a Personal Finance Writer.” This article was written in 2003, but outside of a few dated pop culture references, it remains applicable to today’s investing environment.

You probably read the title of this podcast and just assumed that Dave and Steve would be offering up their opinions. But no, they’ve done better than that. They break down recent comments from Charlie Munger and Robert Shiller about investing and the state of the stock market. Don’t know who those guys are? Listen to the podcast and find out!

Investors around the globe are always eager to hear a few sage words from the Oracle at Omaha. In this episode Dave and Steve discuss Warren Buffet’s annual shareholder letter. Also, Dave brings us up to speed on the latest Long Term Care insurance news.

In this week’s episode Dave and Steve discuss the pros and cons of the Trump presidency for investors. Will the potential for lower taxes and lighter regulation be enough to spur growth in this eight year old bull market?

What does minimalism have to do with retirement planning? Listen to Dave and Steve discuss how simplifying your life can apply to your investments as well as you closet. Also, Dave and Steve discuss potential changes to the Department of Labor’s Fiduciary rule and what that means for investors.

This week Dave and Steve examine the question, “Does Diversification Still Make Sense?” This has been a common question in recent years as US stocks have outperformed most other asset classes. Dave and Steve explain the historical reasoning behind diversification and how this applies to investment portfolios today.

2017 starts with a myriad of concerns facing investors. How will the incoming administration effect my investments? What about rising interest rates? Are stocks “overdue” for a correction? Dave and Steve discuss how history can be our guide when it comes to investing.

In this week’s podcast Dave and Steve discuss the recent NY Times article about Long Term Care insurance. In the article Dave and his clients are extensively quoted about their experiences in the ever changing Long Term Care insurance marketplace.

In this week's episode, Dave and Steve discuss an article from their favorite columnist, Barry Rithholtz. When does it make sense to use a financial advisor and when are you better off investing on your own?

In this week's show, Dave and Steve discuss the possibility of big losses in your bond portfolio. They also discuss John Hancock's decision to exit the long term care business.

Donald Trump has been elected President in one of the most shocking elections in recent history. Love him or hate him, we all need to think about what this means for your investments and retirement plan going forward. Listen to Dave and Steve discuss the outcome and how to properly position your mindset and portfolio for the next four years.

Should you expect a 5% return over the next 10 years? A new report suggests this is unlikely. Dave and Steve break this down and what it means for your retirement accounts.

In this week’s episode Dave and Steve discuss the .3% cost of living adjustment that Social Security benefits will receive in 2017. How should you think about this in the context of your overall plan? Also, how will predicted Medicare increases impact what little COLA you are hoping to receive?

On this week’s show Dave and Steve discuss QCDs and LTC. What is a QCD you ask? Qualified Charitable Distributions allow you to donate required minimum distributions to a charity to reduce your adjusted gross income. As always, Dave provides insight into the ever changing landscape of Long Term Care insurance. Last, but not least, Dave and Steve continue their Redskin predictions trying to get bac...

There has been one question on the top of everyone's mind with regards to their portfolio: How will the upcoming election affect my investments? While no one knows the answer, we can use history as a guide. Dave and Steve take a closer look at historical returns based on who controls the White House, House and Senate.

On this week's episode of Plan for Life Now, Dave and Steve discuss football legend Sam Huff. His public and painful battle with dementia has led to difficult choices for his family members. They also touch on social security claiming and the advice you receive from the Social Security administration.

In this week’s episode Dave and Steve renew their tradition of picking the Redskins games. They also revisit the upcoming deadline for people holding the Federal Long Term Care insurance plan. In addition, they tackle the recent news of the Wells Fargo settlement for opening fake accounts. What types of conflicts of interest can exist between an advisor and their client? How can you attempt to min...