Upticks: A Financial Planning & Investment Podcast

In this episode of Upticks, Cory Bittner, CRPC® joins Jake Falcon, CRPC® to discuss The Coronavirus. Jake and Cory talk about how the market has been impacted, why it's been impacted, how we've prepped for the volatility, and what we are doing now to handle the volatility. Stick around until the end of the video to hear Cory's story about how he lost, and found, his wedding ring.

In this episode of Upticks, Cory Bittner, CRPC® joins Jake Falcon, CRPC® to discuss some social security strategies. Jake and Cory take some time to discuss the benefits of taking social security at 62 and waiting until 70, what factors play into the decision to turn on social security, and making sure your plan to take social security aligns with your retirement plan. Make sure you watch until th...

In this episode of Upticks, Cory Bittner, CRPC® joins Jake Falcon, CRPC® to discuss and help better explain investments. Jake and Cory take a deep dive into why you need investments and what type of investments are out there. Make sure you stick around and watch the entire episode to hear about some recent polls we've run on Facebook. You won't want to miss out!

In this episode of Upticks, Cory Bittner, CRPC® joins Jake Falcon, CRPC® to talk about 4 key considerations to make if your company were to offer you a buyout. Jake and Cory do a great job dive into each key consideration, elaborating on why they consider each one important. Make sure you watch this episode to the end to hear their thoughts on the STL Blackhawks and the XFL.

On this episode of Upticks, Cory Bittner, CRPC joins Jake Falcon, CRPC to discuss "3 Tips for a Successful Retirement". Jake and Cory discuss the idea of retiring to something not from something, being wary of hidden fees, and spending money on things you enjoy, cutting out things that you don't. Make sure you watch this episode to hear the great advice Jake and Cory have to offer.

This week on Upticks, Matt Johnson, CTS™ joins Jake Falcon, CRPC® to discuss "The SECURE Act 3.0". Jake and Matt discuss two impacts of the SECURE Act that will impact a younger generation. They discuss how the SECURE Act impacts 529 Plans, which is a tax favorable way to save for education. They also discuss a recent poll we ran in regard to cruise ships. Make sure to watch until the end to hear...

This week on Upticks, Cory Bittner, CRPC® joins Jake Falcon, CRPC® to discuss "Should I Save or Should I Spend?". We recently ran a poll on Facebook asking people if they consider themselves a saver or a spender. Jake and Cory discuss the results of the poll, as well as some small tips for helping you become more of a saver! They also talked about Cory's newest blog series Real Questions, Real Ans...

In this episode of Upticks, "SECURE Act Need to Knows", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Matt Johnson, CTS™ take a deeper look into a couple of the SECURE act rulings. Jake and Matt discuss how it may impact your plan and what we're doing to compensate accordingly. They cover qualified charitable contributions, 401(k) options, and much more. If you've had some questions about the SECURE act, check out this...

In this episode of Upticks, "Market Outlook for 2020", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Jesse Wilkins talk about their thoughts on the market for the upcoming year. Jake and Jesse discuss rebalancing your portfolio, a possible asset to keep your eye on, and the conflict between the US and Iran. If you're curious about what the outlook might be for 2020, make sure to check out this episode.

In this episode of Upticks, "The Secure Act and Your IRA", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Matt Johnson, CTS™ discuss the Secure Act and the impact it could have on your IRA. Jake and Matt cover required minimum distributions, IRA contributions, and beneficiary designations. If you've had questions about the Secure Act, you'll want to check out this episode. Jake and Matt do a great job taking a deep dive...

In this episode of Upticks, "The New Year's Episode, Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Cory Bittner, CRPC® cover major events that happened during the past decade. Jake and Cory talk about major electronical advances, natural disasters that have occurred, sports that have won, and much more! Tune in to this week's episode to hear what Jake and Cory had to say about the past decade.

In this episode of Upticks, "2019 Year In Review", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Cory Bittner, CRPC® talk a look back over the past year and take about some of the most memorable points. Jake and Cory cover everything from what happened to our company this year to big events in the market to even sports! If you're curious about what they have to say for a year in review, make sure to check out this episo...

This week's episode of Upticks, "4 Planning Tips for 2019", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Cory Bittner, CRPC® break down 4 tips to help better set up your financial future. Jake and Cory discuss how it's not too late in the year! Make sure to watch this episode to hear Jake and Cory go in-depth about the importance of scheduling time to speak with your accountant now rather than later, why you should mak...

On this episode of Upticks, "3 Investment Facts for 2019", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Cory Bittner, CRPC® talk about three investment facts that they think are important to note for the year. They talk about not being fooled by your returns, rebalance, rebalance, rebalance, and don't let taxes lead your investment decisions. Make sure to watch this episode to hear Jake and Cory go in-depth about these...

On this episode of Upticks, "Making Big Bets", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Cory Bittner, CRPC® talk about what the average investor should do with their 401(k). Should they let it ride or should they double down? With the market roughly double it's typical average, Jake and Cory tackle this question. Curious what they had to say? Tune in to learn more!

This week on Upticks, "Thanksgiving Tips", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Cory Bittner, CRPC® talk about 4 Thanksgiving Day tips to help you survive the holidays. Their tips include being cautious when comparing investments with family members, try not to overeat, don't neglect your year end planning, and be thankful. Make sure to check out this episode to hear Jake and Cory go into depth about each of th...

In this week's episode of Upticks, "Solving Politics", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Cory Bittner, CRPC® address some topics that have been in a lot of headlines and go in depth about how these topics may or may not impact someone's portfolio. They take the time to discuss the possible impeachment, what's going on with the China trade war, and the upcoming election year. If you've had any questions about...

In this week's episode of Upticks, "Working with a CFP® November '19 Edition", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and James Lewis, CFP® take a deeper dive into savings plans for children. They begin by discussing 529 Plans. They take an in-depth look at who can open a 529 Plan, who can be a beneficiary, how a 529 Plan works and much more. Next, they discuss Uniform Trust for Minors Account or UTMA. Jake and James...

Tune in to this week's episode of Upticks, "How to Retire", where Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Cory Bittner, CRPC® discuss 3 things to consider when planning for retirement. Everyone wants to retire, but not everyone knows how to actually get there. Jake and Cory discuss 3 things they think everyone should consider. First, they discuss getting your financial plan in order. Second, they talk about how yo...

This week's episode of Upticks, "4th Quarter Tax Planning", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Matt Johnson talk about tips for lowering your taxes. As we approach the end of the year, it's time to start thinking about end of year tax planning! In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Jesse cover 5 tax planning strategies to help lower your taxes. They cover retirement plan contributions, bunching, health savings...

On this week's episode of Upticks, "The Truth behind Mutual Funds", Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Jesse Wilkens have a candid conversation about mutual funds. During their conversation, Jake and Jesse define what a mutual fund is and discuss their thoughts on mutual funds. During their discussion, Jake and Jesse discuss why we choose not to use them. Tune in to this week's episode to learn more about mut...

Check out the latest episode of Upticks "Prepping for a Marketing Crash" where Jake Falcon, CRPC and Jesse Wilkens reflect on last year's 4th quarter, what happened during the 3rd quarter, and our expectations as we finish out 2019. Jake and Jesse begin by recapping some big topics that have occurred recently; including why the fed has lowered rates, the potential impact of the lowered rates, the...

Check out the latest episode of Upticks "Understanding Your Options" where Jake Falcon, CRPC and Cory Bittner, CRPC discuss the various options you have involving your 401(k) and various investment options. Jake and Cory discuss leaving your funds in your 401(k), cashing it out and putting it in your checking account, rollover your 401(k) to an IRA, or convert it to a Roth IRA. After discussing wa...

In episode 60 of "Upticks" Jake and Cory take a deep dive into why certain clients work with advisors and why advisors work with certain clients. Jake and Cory begin this episode by discussing what clients should consider when looking for an advisor. They discuss what questions you should ask your advisor, BrockerCheck, and much more. Jake and Cory then move into discussing what they look for when...

In episode 59 of "Upticks" Jake and Matt take a deep dive into retirement tax planning. Tune in as Jake and Matt discuss Matt's most recent blog series about relocating and the taxes involved. Matt's blogs cover property tax planning, income taxes, and much more! Jake and Matt also discuss the idea of using Roth IRAs as a barbell strategy to help with tax planning.