Wealth Talks

With the US dollar becoming more inflated, the question arises: Should I buy gold? Silver? What about crypto? Drawing from history, Tom and John discuss some of the ramifications of monetary policy in this episode of Wealth Talks! Listen in to get their take on the whole gold/silver/crypto question. Resources: A History of Money and Banking – Documentary premier with the McFie family via Zoom on W...

It wasn't just the Beatles who talked about money in their song Can't Buy Me Love. Money is a common thread which is evident throughout all of history and is a frequent subject throughout the Bible. We are supposed to manage money... not the other way around. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss some common problems they see when it comes to money management. Resources: https://www.life-ben...

Constellation is in the process of a deal with Ohio National, a change which would turn Ohio National from a mutual company to a stock held company. How will this change their policies? Should you keep your existing Ohio National policies?   Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John bring you some important points on what you want to know about Ohio National and the upcoming changes.

What does "paying up" a policy mean? Is it a good thing? What about using a term rider instead? What does FPUA mean? Listen in as Tom and John answer these questions and discuss some things you'll want to be aware of if you plan on "paying up" your policy.

Some people thrive in the spotlight of competition, while others feel threatened. Competition is often seen as a negative thing, but truly fair competition understood in the right spirit can be a great blessing especially as a long-term strategy. The attitude with which we approach this subject makes a huge difference in how we treat an Employer, Customers, Competitors and even Family members. Wha...

One of the great problems our nation faces today is the ingratitude of its citizens. Turns out, it is very easy to point out the wrongs and injustices committed by those who came before us. Many times, we see those faults more keenly if we have an inclination to commit them ourselves. But it is also important, although, perhaps, not so easy, to remember and commend the good things they did. Today...

The McFie family recently read a book together titled Oh, Money! Money! by Eleanor H. Porter and we highly recommended it. Humans have an integral relationship with money, especially when you realize that the Hebrew word for the first man, Adam, is closely related to the Hebrew words both for blood and money. In fact, the Bible mentions money about 140 times which is more than nearly any other sub...

Rumor is an emotional roller-coaster which can prove embarrassing, painful, and costly. While it may be natural to react to a rumor, people who react to rumors often pay a price for their actions. So how can one assess a rumor and respond rationally? Today on Wealth Talks, John is joined by Jesse McFie. Together they discuss rumors, and how to respond in a way that limits the negative impact on yo...

Why are people so infatuated with "giving back"? Why do some people settle for failure almost in the face of success? Why are some rashly confident? On today's episode, Tom and John discuss the imposter syndrome and the interesting behavior patterns it can cause. Listen Now! Resources: How to Build Sustainable Wealth

There are many spider webs out there, not all of them are made by eight legged arthropods. Many are spun specifically to snare gullible, greedy or unaware humans. It's a dangerous time to be a fly... join Tom and John as they clear up some of these sticky webs on today's episode. Listen now! Resources: How to Build Sustainable Wealth

Politics have a BIG impact on what we do with our money. Laws, rules, and regulations restrict and penalize us depending on where we store and how we use our money, and taxes cut a chunk right off the top regardless. But there is a financial tool left to us which is still, comparatively, free from restrictions and penalties. Find out more on Wealth Talks.

It isn't often one spends $50,000 in a single day without previously intending to, but sometimes it happens. Todays on Wealth Talks you'll hear the story and find out what "happened".   Resources: Building a Secure Financial Foundation :https://www.life-benefits.com/videos/how-to-build-a-secure-financial-foundation/ @brothersfabshop - Instagram

The new year is almost here. Starting January 1st we often see more people outside, walking, jogging or running working on their "resolutions". This usually lasts for a couple of weeks after which the people, as well as their resolutions perhaps, fade into obscurity. Are these resolutions not merely confessions? On today's episode with special guest Ben McFie, you will learn how to make New Year's...

As excited as everyone seems around Christmas, a lot of people report experiencing "post-holiday blues". Interestingly, over 40% of Americans go into debt to buy Christmas gifts. Might this new debt contribute to their post-holiday blues? We thought s

If you've been "around" in the insurance world, you've probably heard about a term rider. It is quite common to see an insurance policy with a term rider attached, but this doesn't mean it's a good idea. In fact, many times, putting a term rider on a policy makes no sense at all. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss term riders and why they don't often like them.   Resources: Policy Class:...

Taxes have been around for a very long time indeed. If we look at the history of taxes in the United States, we notice a curious phenomenon... taxes rarely decrease over time. For some reason, taxes tend to go up! Guess what? They could be going up again! As cheerful as this may be to DC'ers, a few of us American citizens find this upsetting. So, what should we do to ensure we don't pay more in ta...

With college tuition increasing and student loans becoming a real problem, the question presents itself: Is college still worth it? Many college students graduate and work jobs completely unrelated to their degree. But at least they are thousands of dollars in debt. That always makes the future seem bright! Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John take a hard look at college education. Is it necessary?...

There is a new rule pending approval which could dramatically change 401(k)s. If the ruling is approved, 401k plan managers, while choosing investments, will have to consider the ESG criteria (Environmental, Social and Governance factors) of investments for the plan. Generally speaking, fees on ESG funds are higher and there is some research which shows the ESG market may have already peaked.   De...

Ever heard that? It seems to be a prevailing theme nowadays. Look to the experts. Don't ask questions. Do what you're told. Looking to the experts is fine but relying solely on them can be catastrophic. We have to exercise discretion and make our own decisions. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss some of the core thought processes we need to have to be financially savvy.

We live in a world of lies. This isn't anything new or unique to this time in history. We've been living in a world of lies for a long time. So, who should we trust? The government? Yeah, not us either. On today's episode, Tom and John share what we need to know to survive in our "world of lies". Resources: Relative Truth is No Truth - Podcast Understanding Different World Views - Interview with K...

Taxing the rich is a topic many elected officials harp on with a religious zeal. Despite their moral high tone, taxes on the rich seem to do more damage to the middle and lower classes. The income tax, supposedly to penalize rich tycoons, ended up being paid mostly by people other than the rich. Whoops! Guess it's time for a new tax. Any suggestions for a name? On today's episode, Tom and John dis...

Warning signs are supposed to offer us some degree of protection from the described danger. Yet a recent study shows they many have the opposite effect. Trivial warnings abound everywhere... especially in California where even a cup of coffee has been found to cause cancer. Of course, just because there is a "warning" doesn't mean it's really dangerous. The same holds true in the finance industry....

Taking a loan from a policy is easy, but there are questions that can arise. Will taking a loan decrease my death benefit? Why does the insurance company charge interest?  When should I pay off my policy loan? This week, Tom and John answer all these questions and many more. Listen Now on Wealth Talks. Resources How to Build Sustainable Wealth : https://www.life-benefits.com/store/

Lots of people seem to be gung-ho on investing in the market. Whether they're trying to make a lot or make a little, build their dream home or supplement social security. Sometimes these folks only know enough to be dangerous. This episode is a chilling reminder as to how rough and unpredictable a road the market can be in reality. And talking of social security. What's might happen to this progra...

America has been the face of benevolence for years. Has this benevolence contributed to the deterioration of America today? It is good to be compassionate and sharing, but we need to make sure we are not giving away what we need to take care of our own responsibilities. Listen in as Tom and John address the problem of benevolence and possible side-effects in your personal finances as well as at a...