The Get Ready For The Future Show

A new retirement account is here! Learn all about Pension-Linked Emergency Savings Accounts (PLESA) in this episode. We explain how the SECURE Act 2.0 created PLESAs in 401(k) and other employer retirement plans in 2024.

I've driven myself to distraction trying to understand my upcoming retirement! Is it okay for me to leave my 401(k) at my previous employer? How should I handle the money I recently inherited from my father? What do I need to know about converting pre-tax money to a Roth option? We're answering YOUR questions! And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! O...

The "Magnificent 7" stocks like Apple and Tesla soared in 2023, but data shows 75 other lesser-known stocks have strong growth potential in 2024. Learn why the broader market may outperform the big tech names this year. In this episode, we cover the stock market outlook for 2024, earnings growth forecasts, S&P 500 index performance data, and investment opportunities outside the common big tech...

Ramsey Solutions has done a lot of good for a lot of people searching for financial independence. And we agree with many of their philosophies! But recently, Dave gave some investment advice that was just plain wrong and you've got some questions about it! And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com...

With the Federal Reserve likely to cut interest rates in 2024, what does history show about how the stock market reacts to rate cuts? This week we take a look at stock market returns after the last 9 Fed rate cut cycles going back to 1970. On average the market is up slightly between the final rate hike and first cut, but returns have been mixed 6-12 months after cuts begin. So what does this mean...

We're rounding out the year with an encore of our most popular show of 2023. In this episode, you'll hear YOUR questions: How will I know if the market really has gone crazy? I'm a millionaire, so where do I go from here? Should I use my bonus on my employer plan or mortgage? What do you think about "Deferred Compensation Plans?" And if you would like a question answered on the show, give us a cal...

Ring in the new year by discovering the top 10 best places to retire in 2023 according to U.S. News and World Report. You may be surprised to learn that Pennsylvania dominates the rankings, with 7 cities making the cut. Find out why historic towns like Lancaster, Reading, Scranton, and more offer affordability, great healthcare, low taxes, and fun leisure activities. We countdown from 10 to 1 on t...

Should my HSA dollars be invested in high growth? How can I better understand my risk tolerance? If I'm retiring soon, what questions should I be asking my advisor? Invest more in pre-tax or Roth? We're answering YOUR questions on the Get Ready for the Future Show. And if you would like a question answered on the show, reach out to 501.381.5228 and leave a voicemail! Or email your question to show...

The Dow Jones Industrial Average recently reached a new all-time high after a swift 15% two-month climb. Historical data shows the index tends to see positive returns 71% of the time over the following year after breaking records. With investors optimistic the Fed may cut rates in 2023 and a potential recession dodged, could this Santa Claus rally be just getting started? Tune in to hear analyses...

If I can buy my employer stock at a discount, should I max out my contribution? Saving 31% as an Army officer and planning to retire in 4 years - should I change anything? Are CDs a better option than brokerage for the next 6-12 months? Accumulated almost $900k and wondering if I'll be okay when my wife and I retire in 2-3 years?   These are YOUR questions! And if you would like a question an...

The IRS retirement rules around Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are an absolute trainwreck. They changed the ages, the exceptions, and even the penalties. This week, we lean on the wisdom of retirement tax consultant Ed Slott so you don't accidentally skip an RMD and get slammed with a 25% penalty. We'll explain the new RMD ages, inherited IRA 10-year payout rules, and key exceptions you nee...

Does it change things, financially, if we just had a kid in our 40s? We're answering your questions on the Get Ready for the Future Show! Should my wife and I boost savings or contributions if we both have pensions? Help - contributions limits confuse me! What options do I have to prepare for health expenses? If you would like a question answered on the show, reach out to 501.381.5228 and leave a...

Stocks rallied almost 9% in November - does that make a Santa Claus rally more or less likely? In this episode of the Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, we analyze the historical data on December and end-of-year stock market performance and break down the numbers and trends evaluating whether stocks could keep rising into 2023.

I'm 35 and still renting. Is that throwing away money, especially with interest rates being so high? My mom is 62 and I'm 32. How should I prepare if I need to take care of her? What's the difference between a money market account and a money market mutual fund? How do I talk with my husband about money when he hates discussions about finances? These are YOUR questions! And if you would like a que...

Bonds are making a comeback! This week we're focusing on fixed-income investments and why the outlook is improving for bonds in 2023. With the Federal Reserve's rapid rate hikes over the past two years, bonds took a hit. But with rates potentially peaking, the outlook for fixed income is turning positive!

Should we start making additional principal payments on our 30-year mortgage or put that money toward investing? On the Get Ready for the Future Show, we're answering YOUR questions! What's the difference between brokerage and UTMA if I want to pre-pay future child expenses? Is it better to max out my HSA or Roth 401(k) first? Is my friend's pawn shop a good indicator of the economy? And if you wo...

It's the Thanksgiving edition of the Fastest Four Minutes In Finance! We have so much to be thankful for around our office, especially you! This week we're sifting through the noise that says that you shouldn't be in the market right now because of the uncertainty. Don't let headlines dictate your demeanor on the markets as we head into the last few weeks of the year, it could cost you! Learn more...

Do Target-Date Funds hinder my potential? I'm nervous about the market and indexed annuities seem less risky - what are some safe options for me? Should I lower my employer plan contribution in favor of more Roth dollars? What's the best way to fund my HSA? These are YOUR questions! And if you would like a question answered on the show, reach out to 501.381.5228 and leave a voicemail! Or email you...

Recent economic data suggests recession odds are decreasing. Small caps and tech stocks rallied on hopes of a Fed pivot, but growth potential remains beyond mega-cap stocks. This week we break down the latest inflation, jobs, GDP numbers, and what they mean for the markets going forward. 

How can I lessen the tax burden as the beneficiary of a trust? We're answering YOUR questions! As a military couple, is buying a house and renting it when we move a reasonable option? At age 32, am I contributing too much to my retirement plans? Are there disadvantages to making backdoor Roth contributions? If you would like a question answered on the show, reach out to 501.381.5228 and leave a vo...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even though it's still early November! Retailers are gearing up for what's predicted to be a record-high spending holiday shopping season. But don't let the big numbers fool you - the growth rate is slowing. In this episode, we break down the holiday sales forecasts and what they really mean for the economy. With inflation high and consumers tapped out,...

Do you want to move to a cabin in the mountains when you retire? What should your strategy be? How can I help my family work through financial matters with the passing of my dad? If I'm trying to save more, should I go with something like brokerage or CDs? What questions should I be asking a financial advisor? Should I pull back from investing to attack my debt? We're answering YOUR questions! And...

Don’t let the frightening finance headlines scare you! We're sorting the facts from fear in less than 4 minutes. We examine the uneasy consumer spending trends, core inflation that refuses to die, potential WeWork bankruptcy haunting real estate, and signs suggesting brighter days ahead for stocks. When fear abounds, focusing on key indicators can help investors tell tricks from treats.

Is 33% of my portfolio in my company's stock too much? I'm getting discounted options. We're answering YOUR questions on the Get Ready for the Future Show! My wife and I have a couple of investments, but no Roth dollars - do we do conversions or are there other options? At 39, do I have too much money invested in my HSA? How do I minimize the tax impact of my inherited IRA? If you would like a que...

Is the economy headed for a recession or continuing to grow? Predictions are all over the map. In investing, the lesson is not to try and time based on predictions. They'll eventually be right, like a broken clock. But your strategy should be long-term, based on when you need your investments. Don't let the broken recession clocks make you make bad decisions.