The Financial Lab

In this episode, Travis Shepherd discusses the importance of guaranteed income in retirement planning. He explores various sources of guaranteed income, including Social Security and annuities, and emphasize the need for a solid financial foundation to ensure a secure retirement. Through a case study of a client named Betty, they illustrate how strategic planning can enhance income while minimizin...

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepard discusses the complexities of financial planning for aging parents. He explores the importance of initiating difficult conversations about financial situations, the significance of estate planning, and the role of powers of attorney and trusts in ensuring a smooth transition of wealth. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive planning...

In this episode, Travis discusses the intricacies of Social Security, including its origins, common misconceptions, and the importance of tax planning in retirement. He emphasizes that Social Security is not just a safety net but a complex system that requires careful consideration in financial planning. The conversation highlights the need for individuals to understand the tax implications of the...

In this episode, Travis Shepard discusses the complexities of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal spending needs and the qualitative aspects of retirement beyond just financial numbers. He explores how to approach retirement planning by considering both financial and time factors, encouraging listeners to think about their desired lifestyle in retirement and h...

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd discusses significant tax changes that occurred during Trump's presidency and what potential changes may come in the future. He explores how these tax changes impact individuals and businesses, emphasizing the importance of adapting financial strategies to remain tax-efficient. The conversation also highlights the need for proactive planning an...

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd discusses the significant changes in retirement planning for 2025, including updates to IRAs and 401k contributions, the new 10-year rule for inherited IRAs, and adjustments to health savings accounts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes for effective financial and legacy planning in the new year. Ready to tackle those N...

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis discusses the differences between qualified and non-qualified money, exploring the various types of retirement accounts and their tax implications. He delves into the pros and cons of each type of account, emphasizing the importance of understanding these concepts for effective financial planning and retirement strategies. The conversation also touches...

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd discusses the importance of financial planning for business owners, particularly in relation to tax strategies and the role of a financial advisor. He shares personal anecdotes about Christmas traditions in his large family and transitions into the significance of understanding the tax code to maximize financial efficiency. The conversation emp...

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd discusses the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a new law requiring business owners to disclose their beneficial ownership information to the government. He explores the implications of this law for small businesses, the filing process, and the potential legal challenges it faces. The conversation emphasizes the importance of compliance and the...

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepard dives into the intricacies of 401(k) plans, discussing their structure, tax implications, and strategies for maximizing retirement savings. Travis explains the differences between traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions, emphasizing the importance of understanding IRS regulations to make informed financial decisions. The conversation highlight...

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd shares his journey into financial advisory, the services offered by his firm, and the common misconceptions about financial advisors. Travis emphasizes the importance of personalized financial planning, risk management, and tax strategies in achieving financial success. He highlights the need for advisors to actively manage investments and prov...

Creating a solid retirement requires more than an idea. It can take a lot of trial and error to tell the difference between just a hypothesis and the real-world truths. That’s why you need a source that puts the data to the test and discovers the results only years of experience can bring to the table. There’s everyone else, and then there’s The Financial Lab with Travis Shepherd! Each week Travis...

We’ve talked before about the 60/40 portfolio (60% stock, 40% bonds) and how horrible it performed last year.  Both stocks and bonds took a big hit.  Hear if David and Travis agree and if their is another portfolio allocation they prefer.   Protect, grow, and Reduce Taxes on your Wealth!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a major tax event coming in 2026.  And that’s the expiration of the so-called ‘Trump tax cuts’ (the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017).  What do people need to understand about this when it comes to tax planning and what should they consider for the next few years? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to talk about risk? Risk is also a part of retirement planning.  But, how can you be a part of the "risk" and also protect and grow your money? David and Travis explain in todays episode!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll (by Retirable) shows many Americans are hoping for the best when it comes to having enough money for retirement.  It found 64% of retirees do not feel like they’ve saved enough to get them through, and more than half expect to take on a part-time job to make ends meet.  David and Travis discuss their planning process to eliminate the fear of running out of money in retirement. Call Davi...

Did you know that if you go to a casino, you can get a sheet listing the odds of winning for each game?  So, when it comes to assessing the probabilities of achieving retirement goals, what tools do you have at your disposal? Then, baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Junior hasn’t suited up for the Cincinnati Reds since 2008.  Yet in 2023, he’s the third-highest paid player on the Reds payroll.  W...

Do you have an income plan as part of your retirement picture?  Financial advisor Angela Sloan tells TD Ameritrade not to confuse it with the stock market. David and Travis explain the importance of creating the different streams of income and how annuities can be a vital part of your success in retirement!  Call David and Travis today for your customize Financial Lab designing your financial plan...

Did you know that the order in which you eat your food might impact your health?   While we consume that thought, this reminds me of something we’ve talked about before – withdrawals from a retirement plan.  Is there a certain order of funds that you recommend they pull money from?    Call Shepherd Wealth Solutions today and create your custom income plan with the Financial Lab!   See omnystudio.c...

The cost of Long-Term Care can be $10,000 a month or more.  No wonder so many say it’s one of the huge “gotcha” expenses in retirement.  And now, a dozen states are considering implementing a mandatory tax on people who don’t carry long-term care insurance.  Is buying this the best answer to covering those costs?  Call today for your Financial Lab!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

You will likely enter retirement having saved in a number of different places.  An article in Smart Asset says if you want to be smart with taxes you should pull the money out in this order:  Tax-deferred accounts (IRAs and 401ks), then taxable accounts, then Roth accounts.  David and Travis explain how they take this approach and help YOU be tax efficient in retirement!  Call today for your Compl...

Are we already in a recession?  The CEO of BlackRock Financial says “no,” but it’s just a matter of time.  Larry Fink tells Fox Business that he bases his prediction on the housing market starting to collapse, car sales falling and more people borrowing from their retirement plans.  What do you think?  Hear David and Travis talk about the benefits you could have after putting together a customized...

The guy who invented the concept of the “4% percent” rule thinks it’s too early to cut the withdrawal rate to 3% because of today’s volatile markets.   Bill Bengen feels it would take a “catastrophic” set of circumstances before people reduce their withdrawal rate. David and Travis share their message about how much to take from retirement accounts during this economy, and how to protect and grow...

President Biden says the economy is "strong as hell" and inflation is worldwide and we have it better in the USA then the rest of the world. Inflation is very much still top of mind for many, and of course we have seen ALOT of market volatility, hear how Travis and Shepherd Wealth Solutions helps people preserve, protect and grow their income in retirement!   Call Shepherd Wealth Solutions for you...

How diversified should a portfolio be in these volatile times?  One study found that most believe it takes only 30 holdings to be diversified.  But one chief investment officer recently said it should be more like 200 stocks!  So, what’s a diversified portfolio look like to you and your clients?    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.