The Financial Lab

While many Hollywood stars are richer than most of us, there’s one way they’re the same – they have mortgages.  Theirs is just much bigger.  For example, even though Beyonce and her husband Jay Z are worth $1.8 billion, they still took out a $53 million loan for their Bel Air mansion.  That’s a monthly payment of $227 grand!  Now, some approaching retirement may want to pay off their mortgage befo...

What are the chances we could fall into recession in the next year?  Economists with Bloomberg say it’s 100% certain.  And it might hit sooner than later.  Hear how David and Travis can help you survive and thrive in an uncertain economy!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even the rich can get bad advice. Listen to what happened to media mogul Tyler Perry when his accountants steered him through an IRS audit that proved a HUGE mistake.  What would you do with a financial advisor if they made a serious mistake in someone’s retirement plan?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve talked before about the tax advantages of converting your 401(k) money over to a Roth. One article says those best suited for a conversion are:  Retired. Years away from the RMD age of 72. Married couples with a large age gap. Those not yet taking Social Security. Why are these factors an advantage? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor/Comedian Bill Murray joins the show and says being a famous Hollywood celebrity says saving for retirement is only half of the equation. The other half is deciding how you want to spend your time.  David and Travis describe their process when working with people just like you get to and through retirement while checking off items on your bucket list!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Fidelity says the number of people who have 1 million dollars in their 401(k) accounts is down almost 30%.  People who have a million dollars are probably close to retirement, so this brings up the topic of risk management.  David and Travis explain how they help their clients “de-risk” their 401(k) so they aren’t just going up and down with the stock market. Plus, Americans are trying to stretch...

The stock market is trying to continue its rally.  And prices – especially gas – have been coming down.  But economist Nancy Lazar tells Fox Business that we’re not out of the woods yet, she believes future interest rate hikes by the Fed to fight inflation will push us that way.  Hear David and Travis explain how their Financial Lab can help you develop a plan that can help both protect and grow y...

What’s your personal financial fear?  Maybe you can relate to comedian Kevin Hart! He says his fear is his credit card being declined in public! Credit cards and runaway debt are one thing, but one survey (by Zety) says by far, the number one fear Americans have about retirement is running out of money.  David and Travis explain how using their Financial Lab to create a sturdy income plan, protect...

You’ve heard the saying, “the devils in the details” and that certainly applies to a financial plan before you retire. Hear how David and Travis can help you with this budgeting process, so it doesn’t become overwhelming with a customized Financial Lab. Then, former Vice President Mike Pence joins the show and shared his philosophy on life after leaving the workforce, listen to see if you agree! ...

Inflation is up, the Fed is getting aggressive with interest rate hikes and the stock market is showing more volatility.  David and Travis give some examples of how they can help you protect your capital, and take advantage of opportunities during this inflation and volatility atmosphere.   Get a customized Financial Lab today!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in a bear market because it’s down over 20%.  But how long will it last?  An article in the Wall Street Journal contends that despite the best attempts at predictions, nobody knows when or how it will end.  So, the best thing to do is stop trying to predict the unpredictable and work on controlling the controllable.  David and Travis share what you CAN control during these volatile times. Ca...

The biggest fear of planning retirement is running out of money. Good news is, David and Travis have financial tools and strategies that give you income for life!  Call today for your Financial Lab!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve talked before about retirement planning myths, so let’s shift gears a little – what are some of the popular misconceptions about estate planning?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We often talk about “bucket lists” in retirement – usually fun things we want to ‘check off’ once we leave the workforce.  But have you heard about an “anti-bucket list?”  It includes things a person never wants to experience or doesn’t want to repeat.  Some examples: Go through a divorce. Wait until the right time to travel. Spending time in constant worry.   So, let’s apply this to retirement pl...

Should you delay a divorce to increase your Social Security check?  David and Travis share their SS claiming strategies and more!  Call today for your Financial Lab!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2016, retirement plan sponsors have not been allowed to include annuities as a component of a 401(k).  But a new bill in Congress would change that.  The Lifetime Income for Employees Act would pave the way to make annuities a default investment for as much as 50% of plan balances.  Is this a good idea for those who didn’t necessarily make their own investment selections? David and Travis ta...

David and Travis weigh in on the seven financial spring-cleaning tips to tidy up money matters and more!  Plus, Travis talks about tax information for small business ERC credit that changed in Nov of 2021! Call David and Travis today for a Portfolio Review!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do Jason Aldean and Shepherds Wealth Solutions have in common? Then, taxes are still relatively low, but that can change at any time.  An article in U.S. News & World Report says that makes this an opportune time to consider converting a traditional individual retirement account into a Roth IRA.  But this might not be right for everyone.  The guys explain what instances could make this a good...

Inflation is giving way to something called “shrinkflation.”  Companies are trying to fight higher prices by cutting corners with their products.  For instance, Doritos bags will now contain five fewer chips.  Crest is putting less toothpaste in its tubes.  And Charmin is cutting 20 sheets from its two-ply rolls of toilet paper. David and Travis discuss how they can help you prepare for inflation ...

In 1994,the 4% rule was created. The idea was with a 50/50 mix of stocks and bonds, you could pull 4% out to live on and not run out of money over a 30-year retirement.  You can still find that rule on the internet today.  But does it take into account today’s huge inflation rate, or should we just throw out the concept altogether? David and Travis weigh in on the 4% rule and their planning proces...

David and Travis discuss ways you can "spring clean" your finances! Then, what can bring you to tears as an adult? TAXES! Hear David and Travis discuss their approach to tidying up your finances and keeping as much money in your pocket instead of in Uncle Sam's wallet both now and in retirement!  Call today for your Complimentary Tax Lab! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever argued over the thermostat – lost that fight – and then secretly changed it to the temperature you wanted anyway?  Sixty percent of people in a new poll said they’ve done that before.  And more than half said being comfortable is more important to them than saving money, even if it means ignoring the wishes of others.  Are you the one that wants to be comfortable or save more money?...

Even though Congress stripped the parts of President Biden’s “Build Back Better” bill that dealt with retirement plans, lawmakers are working on another piece of legislation.  “Securing A Strong Retirement Act” is designed to encourage and simplify retirement savings.  It would make some major shifts impacting workers with longer life expectancies.  Hear David and Travis discuss six ways this law...

We all know that 401(k)’s are among the most popular retirement accounts.  But a survey by TDAmeritrade found that only 27% know how much they’re paying in fees.  The smaller the plan, the larger the fees, which can exceed 2%.  That can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over time.  Hear how Steve helps people just like you mitigate fees, and understand the insides and outs of your 401(k).  See...

Extreme volatility in the stock market lately could mean a major selloff is just around the corner.  That’s according to Morgan Creek Capital Management CEO Mark Yusko.  Hear David and Travis discuss how they can help you combat both inflation and volatility in retirement, and how their Financial Lab can show you the numbers in real time!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.