Real Personal Finance

In this podcast episode, we have a listener question: Husband/wife (70/69) both retired intending to down size.  Debt free.  Retirement assets are 1.7 mil (1.3 mil traditional ira/400 k Roth IRA).  Monthly income before taxes (social security and pensions) is $7500.  New home cost estimated at $400 k.  Existing home to be sold after building new home expected to sell for $150 k.  So, how do we pay...

In this episode James and Scott discuss their thoughts on Bitcoin and whether or not it belongs in your investment portfolio. They discuss: Traditional asset classes Alternative asset classes Risk vs growth potential Potential inflation hedges  Considerations when adding new assets to your portfolio. LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook   LinkedIn   Website Scott Facebook   Twitter   Website ENJOY T...

In the third episode of the Better Investor Series James and Scott discuss ways you invest your portfolio for better potential long-term growth. Listen in as they discuss what parts of the stock market have historically demonstrated higher returns than others.  Timestamps [2:35] Different types of stocks and bonds - which do you tilt toward? [3:12] Market overview the end of 2019 - the United Stat...

In this episode, we dive deeper into three ways on how you should think about framing asset allocation; your ability to take risks, your willingness to take risks, and your need to take risks. Listen in to learn the fundamentals that should drive your investment decisions.  Timestamps: What is asset allocation [0:30] The four factors in your ability to take risk explained [2:18] How to work out in...

In this episode, we explain the principles you need to understand and apply for your investment success. They are simple principles but not always obvious. It is important to understand these frameworks based on economic research to improve your chances of investment success.  Timestamps: How to understand economic frameworks that help you build financial investing [1:01] Embrace market pricing- t...

We are in the election year and you’re probably wondering whether you should make changes to your portfolio, right? In this episode, we talk about election years and how they affect the market and your investment choices. Timestamps: The difference between market statistics history during the election and non-election years [1:31] Reasons why capitalism is probably going to work [2:32] Why returns...

Is a Target Date Fund right for you? To put it in simple terms, it depends. Today we explain what the appropriate course of action is when approaching a Target Date Fund. From new investors to those more well-seasoned, we discuss what factors you should consider when deciding if you should use a Target Date Fund or select your own investment mix. Time Stamps: Introduction – 00:02 Listener question...

What do you do when you have fully maxed out your 401k contributions? This is where the Mega Backdoor Roth contributions may come into play. In this episode, we explain the mechanics behind a Mega Backdoor Roth contribution and how to approach this move strategically so you never have to pay taxes on that contribution again. Time Stamps: Introduction - 00:05 Listener question – 00:55 What is a Meg...

Today we answer questions from a listener on where to save your money in a 5-year span. From the stock market to the bond market we lay out what the probability of return is from daily to yearly and define what it means to be resilient when it comes to financial planning. Introduction - 00:10 Listener question - 00:25 How much of a gamble are you willing to take - 1:39 Probability vs. Certainty -...

Property Taxes Closing Costs Earnest Money Paying for the Escrow Homeowner's Insurance Other Taxes Interest Rates Moving Costs Utilities Home Maintenance & Repairs   LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money ques...

High Yield Savings Account Certificate of Deposit (CD) Checking or Savings Account Taxable Investment Account Roth IRA LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money question you want us to answer?  Submit one here

What % of income are you saving to your retirement accounts? Where to put extra $ If not fully funding retirement .... After tax contributions to 401ks Mega-backdoor Roths Backdoor Roths HSA accounts Side Income Solo 401k Taxable account If fully funding retirement Other Goals Home Purchase - Savings Account College Savings - 529  Taxable Investments Balance the present vs future LET'S CONNEC...

Cash Flow Estate Settlement Insurance Taxes Investments & Assets Other Issues   LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money question you want us to answer?  Submit one here

Who's who on a 529? Who is the best grantor? Which 529 should I choose? Incentive to invest in the in-state plan? Incentive to invest anywhere? No Incentive See what your state offers here How do you invest? Age-based Static risk-based Gifting to the account   LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe vi...

What kind of advisor do you want? How are they compensated? What services to they provide? What types of clients to they work with? Are they a fiduciary .... ALL THE TIME? Disciplinary record with the SEC or FINRA? How will they help you reach your financial goals? What happens to your relationship with the firm is something happens to your advisor? Where can you find an advisor? NAPFA XYPN Garret...

Professional Expertise Convenience Coaching Values Alignment LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Sticher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money question you want us to answer?  Submit one here

Health Insurance Life Insurance Disability Insurance Long-Term Care LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Sticher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money question you want us to answer?  Submit one here

Forming your company Capital Funding Tax Issues Personal Liability LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Sticher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money question you want us to answer?  Submit one here

Not all bonds are created equal Bond act as a ballast in your portfolio They provide fund to rebalance when the stock market is on sale LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Sticher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money question you want us to answer?  Submit one...

Foundational Savings Healthcare Savings Retirement Savings Employer Benefits & Business Owner Savings College Savings and other accounts for kids Insurance? Other accounts LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Sticher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money ques...

Cashflow Mortgage Downpayment & Closing  Tax Planning Estate Planning Other LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money question you want us to answer?  Submit one here