The Money Knight

Every couple takes a different approach to their finances, and sometimes that leads to a lack of communication when it comes to money. Are you and your spouse on the same page when it comes to what retirement is going to look like? If not, it’s time to talk.   Listen to this episode where we'll explore why it’s so important for couples to have detailed conversations about their finances and retire...

When we work with people to come up with an effective investment strategy, one of the key tools that can help understand and manage the ups and downs of the market is the concept of standard deviation. In this episode, Wade breaks down this crucial metric and explains its significance in investing. Standard deviation is a statistical measure that quantifies the amount of variation or dispersion of...

In recent years, there have been significant changes to the rules governing inherited IRAs and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), primarily due to the introduction of the SECURE Act. These changes have left many people confused and unsure about how to proceed with their financial planning. Thankfully we have clarity now that the IRS has issued final regulations and today we’re going to update...

We hear a lot of half-truths in the financial world, not necessarily because people try to make misleading statements, but because sometimes a simple statement just doesn’t quite tell the whole story. These statements may sound correct on the surface but they just don't tell the whole story. On this episode, we’ll dive into the importance of understanding fees, the complexities of mortgage decisio...

One of the most challenging things anyone can face, both emotionally and financially, is the death of a spouse. Many widows are left without a partner who they’ve relied on for many years, and it’s incredibly difficult to navigate.     While it can be hard to talk about, proper planning in advance can make the transition a little bit easier and take some of that financial stress off your plate. Jo...

Most retirees will rely on Social Security to make up a significant portion of their income in retirement, but knowing what your benefits will be isn’t always something people have a good handle on. Today we’re going to break down how your earnings history, adjusted for inflation, determines your benefit. From understanding the primary insurance amount (PIA) to the significance of your highest 35...

When planning your estate, one of the critical decisions you’ll face is naming beneficiaries for your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). While many people designate their spouse, children, or other loved ones as direct beneficiaries, there are situations where naming a trust or your estate as the beneficiary may be advantageous. Today we’re going to take a closer look at this topic and the decis...

Very often, we see people who know that the financial decisions that they’re making aren’t the best decisions, but they try to create excuses or explanations for why they’re doing what they’re doing. From starting Social Security early to taking on too much investment risk, Wade offers insights into why these justifications often don't hold water and how to make better choices for a secure financi...

As you edge closer to retirement, have you considered the role of long-term care insurance in your financial plan? As plans and policies evolve, we want to take some time to help guide you through the nuances of long-term care and its critical importance for your future. Long-term care insurance has undergone significant transformations, and understanding these changes is key to making informed de...

Are you planning for your retirement with the confidence that you're making all the right moves? You might feel that way, but many of the mistakes that people make happen when it’s too late to correct them. In today's episode, we'll unveil the crucial income planning mistakes that could jeopardize your retirement and show you how to craft a financial plan that's built to last decades, not just yea...

Estate planning: it's a term that often evokes a sense of finality and permanence. However, estate planning is anything but a one-time event. It's a dynamic process that requires regular attention and updates to stay aligned with our lives' ever-changing landscape. Many people, including those with significant wealth, either lack an estate plan or let their existing one gather dust on a shelf. Wad...

In this episode, Wade Chessman does more than just explain what a backdoor Roth IRA is; he walks you through the entire process. He addresses the common misconceptions and lays out the benefits in a way that's both easy to understand and actionable. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a novice to the world of finance, Wade's insights are invaluable.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episo...

Imagine your retirement plan as a ship sailing toward a horizon of rest and relaxation. But what if one leak could sink it all? In today’s episode, we spotlight some of the single oversights that could send your dreams to the bottom. We'll share key strategies to plug the gaps, ensuring your financial ship stays buoyant and on course. Tune in to protect your future from the one mistake that could...

Despite the progress women have made with money, the path to retirement is not without its unique challenges, and it’s important to recognize the financial hurdles that they continue to face. We work with more and more women every year and see these issues first hand.    In this episode, we’ll share some eye-opening statistics and actionable advice to empower women in their financial journey. From...

Unlock the secrets to aligning your philanthropic spirit with savvy tax strategies by utilizing Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Discover how these powerful financial tools can help you support your favorite charities while managing your taxable income more effectively, especially when dealing with required minimum distributions from your IRA. In this episode, we navigate the complexitie...

After years of nearly zero interest rates in savings accounts, we’ve seen a much higher interest rate environment over the past few years. Getting four or five percent on your conservative investments is nice, but is it enough? In this episode, we explore this question, examining how the recent rise in interest rates affects the money sitting in savings accounts, CDs, and conservative investments....

Listen in as we kick off the new year with a focus on an essential aspect of financial planning: understanding taxes. Wade wrote a book called Saved: How Christians Can Reduce Taxes and Make Smart Choices with Their Money and this episode we’ll tell you more about it and what you can learn from the book.   Today’s show sheds light on the fine line between tax planning and tax preparation, ensuring...

When you think about saving for retirement, company retirement plans or IRAs probably come to mind. But there’s another option that people often overlook but using it alongside those traditional accounts could provide some great benefits. Today we’re going to tell you more about the potential of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for retirement planning. In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at th...

When we talk about end of the year planning items, giving is typically a priority for many people. It’s close to our heart and something we enjoy helping people with. When most people think about giving, they really only consider giving cash, but there are some other options that you might want to consider this year.   Cash gifts can come in the form of checks and deposits as well, but that can le...

Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come. Together, we'll navigate through essential topics like managing RMDs, exploring tax-s...

On this episode, we're going to continue the conversation we started on our last show about high-net-worth individuals by addressing the option of umbrella liability insurance? Is this something that you need? It might seem like an obvious choice because it appears to be a ‘bargain’ on the surface, but does it provide the coverage you need? Wade will explain what it is and lay out some of the pros...

In today's episode, we're taking a close look at high-net-worth individuals - those who have accumulated significant wealth and face unique challenges and opportunities when planning for retirement. Unlike the average person, their financial considerations go beyond the basics. We'll explore the distinct strategies and factors that come into play when securing a comfortable and prosperous retireme...

In this episode of The Money Knight podcast, we delve into a significant yet often overlooked threat to your retirement - the sequence of returns risk. Many people are unaware of the potential impact this risk can have on their retirement savings. Join us as we shed light on this issue and explore effective strategies to mitigate its consequences. Listen in as Wade explains how critical it is to h...

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of...

More and more women are taking control of their finances and have found that the general guidance out there is perfectly suitable for what they need. However, women still face a few more financial challenges than men and that requires a little more diligence to create financial freedom.   In this episode, Wade is going to discuss seven financial strategies that women should consider as they plan f...