Six Minutes of Wisdom

Ross, Cynthia and Randy discuss the Master Calendar.  This is not our original idea, but it makes sense to keep track of things that need to be done routinely.  When was the last time you cleaned behind your fridge?  That's what we thought!

Cynthia, Ross and Randy interview Brian Jagodinsky.  Brian is a property and casualty insurance agent.  He tells us how certain techologies in our home can help us save on our homeowners insurance.  A number of us have these technologies already and have not informed our agent to receive the requisite savings.

Cynthia, Ross and Randy discuss a fixed income investment that is available to everyone but you can't get from your financial advisor.  Better yet, it is the high rate, lower risk investment everyone asks for. 

Cynthia, Ross and Randy of The JS Group at Baird discuss how success with goals depends on good habits and discipline.  Randy learns what a "Vision Board" is.

Cynthia, Ross and Randy discuss some strategies to consider in December.  What should you do to shield income?  Getting a bonus?  Maybe there is something to consider to avoid additional taxes in April.

Ross, Cynthia and Randy of the JS Group discuss your benefit enrollment options and some things you should consider at this time of year when that enrollment email comes.

Ross was so worried about his greeting that he didn't introduce himself.  So, Ross Johnson, begins the podcast by talking about the time of year that is important to seniors.  Open enrollment.  Now is the time to check your premiums.

Cynthia, Ross and Randy of the JS Group discuss the tie-in between Social Security and your Long Term Care.

Cynthia, Randy and Ross discuss the issues you need to think about as you decide to start a business.

Ross, Cynthia and Randy discuss how they have uncovered opportunities for clients to reduce expenses and taxes.  They encourage you to ask your advisor for advice on many things you may not realize they can assist with.  If they can't assist from past experience, they may be able to refer you to a professional who can help.

Cynthia initiates a discussion with Ross and Randy regarding the  process Randy is using when assisting his father with the selection of assisted-living facilities.  We discussed the tone of the conversation as well as what steps needed to be taken so that the family member is in agreement with the ultimate transition.

Ross, Cynthia and Randy dissect a pay stub.  We review all of the pretax and after-tax withdrawals that occur before you finally see the final amount hit your bank account.  How can you maximize the benefits from some of these deductions?  We'll get into the weeds on that.

Ross, Cynthia and Randy of the JS Group at Baird discuss the advantages of participating in a HSA account.  Why should younger individuals be thinking about this as an important investment and tax avoidance tool?

While Ross tested his mental acuity by taking the CFP® exam, Cynthia and Randy discussed the recent hysteria over stock manipulation with social media posts.  Please don't try this at home!

Randy interviews the other members of the JS Group at Baird that own pets.  A recent Wall Street Journal article enumerated the many expenses of pet ownership and we discuss some of these costly surprises.

Ross, Cynthia and Randy discuss the pros and cons of freezing your credit and what the process is.

Debbie Loritz has worked for Baird for 40 years.  She came out of high school to start her career at the age of 18.  She recently was blessed with a little granddaughter and decided that spending more time with Charlie is her first priority.  We got a little history lesson and some heartfelt reminiscing from Debbie in this interview.

Cynthia, Ross and Randy discuss portfolio management with Max Mann.  Max is a CFA and portfolio manager for the Baird Specialized Asset Management team.  He provides insight into the role of a portfolio manager and how they manage investment assets in these interesting times.

Ross and Randy of the JS Group at Baird discuss the current real estate market.  They also delve into the difficulties first time home buyers are experiencing.  Why is it still a good thing to own your own home?

Randy sets up a rivalry between Cynthia and Ross by creating a game show atmosphere.  He asks them questions about the worst performing month of the year, the affect of the election on stock markets and how the deferment of the payroll tax works.

Cynthia, Ross and Randy interview Kelsey Clair.  Kelsey is Baird's Tax Strategist in the Financial and Estate Planning Area.  We discuss what we should be thinking about as it pertains to the CARES act and the provisions that allow some special situations this year only.  We also discuss the election and how that may affect your planning.

In this episode of Six Minutes of Wisdom, Ross and Cynthia discuss the overconfidence their children have around the pool and lake.  Some minor incidents are used as an analogy to be "in tune" with your emotions when investing and know what allows you to sleep at night.

Mike Antonelli is a Private Wealth Management Market Strategist at Baird.  We love the energy he brings to any topic.  Cynthia, Ross and Randy decided to chat with him a bit given the historic movements in the market since the end of February.  Our six minutes became fifteen minutes of wisdom, but this was too good to crop!

The JS Group shares their musings on what is important while we contend with our response to the virus.  Randy wrote an essay, "The Best Day Ever" and shares excerpts from that essay as a prelude to the inner thoughts of the rest of the team.

In this episode The JS Group is working remotely from home.  They discuss what they've been doing to remain sane.  They also discuss the new CARES Act and how it may benefit you.  You may have a little more time on your hands so we gave you 12 Minutes of Wisdom this month!