This podcast contains economic updates.
IS CASH KING? BALANCING LIQUIDITY AND GROWTH FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA and Tyler Kluge | CFP®, ChFEB℠, CPWA®, CDFA®, CEPS, Financial Planner, BWFA Episode Details: Cash is often described as either “king” or “trash.” In reality, it can be both—depending on your circumstances. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor and Tyler Kluge explore when holding cash makes sense and when it may work against your long-term goals. The conversation begins with why cash matters. Having an emergency fund provides peace of mind and flexibility when life delivers the unexpected—medical bills, job loss, or urgent home repairs. Sandy and Tyler discuss how to size an emergency fund, why rules of thumb like “three to six months of expenses” may not fit every situation, and how personal factors such as job stability or income volatility affect the right cash balance. But cash also has drawbacks. For retirees who already have stable income from pensions or Social Security, holding too much in cash can mean missed opportunities for growth. The episode shares real-life examples of families who kept significant wealth in ultra-conservative accounts—only to realize that over decades, inflation would erode their purchasing power and diminish the legacy they hoped to leave to children and grandchildren. Sandy and Tyler emphasize that the right answer depends on goals, timing, and flexibility. They recommend tailoring cash holdings to personal risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and investment horizon. The discussion also touches on practical strategies, such as using money markets, high-yield savings, or laddered CDs to keep funds both safe and accessible. Finally, listeners are reminded that cash needs evolve with life changes—new jobs, growing families, or retirement. Reviewing and adjusting cash reserves regularly is critical to keeping financial plans on track. For more insights, visit BWFA's Financial Planning Services.
WHAT IS FINANCIAL PLANNING? A COMPLETE GUIDE FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA and Tyler Kluge | CFP®, ChFEB℠, CPWA®, CDFA®, CEPS, Financial Planner, BWFA Episode Details: Financial planning is often confused with investing, estate planning, or tax planning. However, at its core, financial planning is bigger than any one piece—it's the roadmap that helps you reach your life and financial goals with clarity and direction. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor and Tyler Kluge explain what financial planning truly means. They discuss how a comprehensive plan covers every part of your financial life: budgeting, saving, debt management, investing, insurance, retirement, and estate planning. Together, these elements create a foundation that helps you not only build wealth but also protect it for the future and for your loved ones. Listeners will also learn why financial planning is more than picking investments. It is about setting short-, mid-, and long-term goals and then creating a clear path to achieve them. Sandy and Tyler emphasize starting early, automating savings, and avoiding lifestyle creep. In addition, they highlight how estate planning documents, though often overlooked, play a critical role in protecting family members and ensuring your wishes are honored. Flexibility is another key takeaway. Plans should not remain static. Just as a pilot adjusts course during turbulence, financial plans must adapt to changes in life. Career transitions, shifting markets, or major family milestones may require new strategies. That is why ongoing updates, regular reviews, and professional guidance are essential to staying on track. With more than four decades of experience, BWFA has guided thousands of families as they set goals, manage challenges, and move forward with confidence. This episode offers practical tips as well as reassurance: you don't have to plan alone. Our advisors are here to help you build and maintain a strategy that works. For more insights on financial planning, visit BWFA's Financial Services page
THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD - THE QCD! FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA and Tyler Kluge | CFP®, ChFEB℠, CPWA®, CDFA®, CEPS, Financial Planner, BWFA Episode Details: For charitably minded retirees, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can be one of the smartest tax strategies available. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor and Tyler Kluge explain how QCDs allow individuals age 70½ and older to donate directly from an IRA to a qualified charity—with meaningful tax benefits. Listeners will learn how QCDs work, the eligibility rules, and why this strategy often provides more advantages than giving directly from a bank account. For example, donating through a QCD reduces adjusted gross income, which may in turn lower Medicare premiums or reduce the taxable portion of Social Security benefits. Sandy and Tyler also explain how the annual contribution limits apply—$108,000 per person in 2025, or $216,000 for married couples filing jointly. The episode covers important differences between required minimum distributions (RMDs) and QCDs, showing why the two should not be confused. Unlike taking an RMD and then writing a check to charity, a QCD ensures the distribution is never taxed in the first place. This simple distinction can mean substantial savings. Practical guidance is also included. The hosts explain how to properly execute a QCD, why the funds must go directly from the IRA custodian to the charity, and how deadlines affect year-end giving. They also share a timeline for planning—suggesting that clients aim to finalize QCDs well before December to ensure smooth processing. Ultimately, QCDs represent a powerful way to align charitable giving with tax-smart planning. For clients who are both financially secure and charitably inclined, this episode highlights why QCDs are often referred to as the “eighth wonder” of retirement planning. For more on BWFA's approach, visit BWFA's Tax Planning page.
VOLATILITY TO CLARITY: PROVEN INVESTING LESSONS THAT WORK FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA Episode Details: Every investor encounters ups and downs. But those who grow their wealth over time often learn something valuable from each experience. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor explores what recent market cycles can teach us about smarter investing. From the turbulence of 2020 to the surprises of 2025, Sandy walks listeners through common behaviors that trip up investors. Reacting emotionally, chasing hot stocks, or sitting on the sidelines too long can all reduce long-term success. These lessons aren't just theoretical—they're pulled directly from real market movements and client experiences. Importantly, Sandy focuses on the difference between reacting and responding. When volatility hits, it's tempting to shift strategies or pull back. However, history shows that staying the course and relying on a long-term plan often leads to better outcomes. Timing the market rarely works, but time in the market builds resilience and results. In addition to mindset, this episode discusses strategic habits. These include diversifying assets, reassessing risk tolerance, and regularly reviewing your portfolio. While these actions may seem simple, they form the foundation of effective investing. If you're an experienced investor looking to reflect—or a newer one hoping to avoid common traps—this discussion will leave you more informed and confident. For more guidance on aligning your investments with your long-term goals, visit our Investment Management page. Looking for a more detailed approach? Schedule a complimentary consultation with us! At BWFA, we believe every market moment can shape a wiser investor. Whether you're saving for retirement, funding education, or building a legacy, the best time to learn is now.
WHAT DOES A MILLIONAIRE LOOK LIKE? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA Episode Details: When people picture a millionaire, they often imagine luxury cars, expensive homes, and flashy lifestyles. But in reality, most millionaires look very different. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor breaks down the habits and characteristics that many millionaires share. Surprisingly, most didn't inherit their wealth or attend elite schools. Instead, they achieved financial independence through consistent saving, long-term investing, and careful decision-making. Sandy shares practical statistics and real-life patterns, showing how many Americans have quietly reached the million-dollar milestone. He also explains how early planning, smart spending, and simple investment strategies often matter more than income alone. You'll learn how some millionaires build wealth through business ownership, while others rely on disciplined retirement savings. The episode also touches on how millionaires think about risk, giving, and lifestyle—even after achieving their goals. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or nearing retirement, this conversation helps you understand what it really takes to build lasting wealth. It may also inspire you to rethink what success looks like. Listen now to discover how ordinary habits can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
THE TRUTH ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Planning Advisor BWFA Episode Details: You may have heard that Social Security benefits are no longer taxed, but that's not the whole story. In this Tax Talk episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Larry Post clarifies the facts. While a new $6,000 senior deduction (per person, age 65+) might help some retirees lower their taxes, the original Social Security tax rules are still in effect. This means many people will continue to pay taxes on up to 85% of their benefits. Larry explains how the new deduction works, who qualifies, and why income thresholds are important. For example, the deduction completely phases out at $175K for singles and $250K for couples. If you or a loved one is close to retirement, these details could help you plan better for tax season. This episode offers a clear look at what's new and what stays the same so that you can make informed decisions.
PROMISES AND PITFALLS OF THE NEW TAX LAW FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA Episode Details: In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Sandy Hornor explains how the new “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” may affect your taxes. While the bill promises tax breaks, many of them come with fine print—like income limits and phase-outs. That means planning ahead is more important than ever. Sandy covers the expanded SALT deduction, a new $6,000 senior deduction for those age 65 and older, and the now-permanent Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. He also reviews smaller but meaningful benefits, such as new deductions for tips, overtime, and car loan interest. However, each one comes with eligibility thresholds that may surprise you. This episode gives you a clear, high-level overview of what changed, what stayed the same, and why financial and tax planning must now work hand-in-hand. If you're unsure how the 2025 tax law will impact your income, investments, or filing status, this discussion will help you cut through the confusion
VOLATILITY VS. RISK FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA Episode Details: Volatility and risk are not the same, and misunderstanding the difference can derail your investment strategy. In this timely episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor explains why market swings (volatility) should be expected and even welcomed, while risk—the permanent loss of capital—is what truly threatens long-term financial health. Sandy breaks down the various types of financial risk, including credit and interest rate risk, liquidity, currency, and systemic risk. You'll also hear how investors often misjudge their capacity versus their willingness to tolerate risk. Are you chasing returns but not positioned to handle the downside? Do you have concentrated holdings that could create hidden vulnerabilities? This episode explores those questions and more, offering a framework to help align your investment decisions with your real-life goals and risk tolerance. Whether you're navigating a volatile 2025 or want more peace of mind in your financial life, this episode will help you think clearly about where your true exposure lies—and how to protect yourself from it. Perfect for both experienced investors and those new to portfolio strategy.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR FINANCIAL ADVICE? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS TOWNSEND HORNOR JR., CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA Episode Details: In this insightful episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor explores how Americans of all ages and backgrounds seek financial advice—and what the patterns reveal about confidence, access, and outcomes. Drawing from a recent Gallup study, Sandy breaks down the generational and income-based differences in financial behavior. You'll hear how younger adults tend to rely on social media, friends, and websites, while older and wealthier individuals increasingly turn to professionals. The episode also highlights how the use of digital resources often correlates with financial dissatisfaction, while those who work with a financial planner are more likely to feel in control of their future. Listeners will learn why it might be time to upgrade from a DIY approach to a more strategic relationship with a financial advisor—especially when wealth starts to accumulate or life becomes more complex. As the episode concludes, Sandy makes the case for introducing financial education earlier in life—especially as part of a family's broader generational wealth planning. If you've ever wondered whether your current financial information sources are serving you well—or if your children or parents could benefit from different guidance—this discussion offers a thoughtful and data-backed perspective.
EFFECTIVE SELF-TALK: HOW IT IMPACTS HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE WITH MARYROSE BLANK FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS Speakers: Eve Kennedy | CEPS Client Relations Specialist, BWFA MARYROSE BLANK| PSY.D., M.ED., CMPC. Sport & Performance Psychology Consultant and Founder of Tier-1 Mindset Episode Details: BWFA is joined by Maryrose Blank of Tier-1 Mindset to explore the science and practice of effective self-talk. Discover how the words you say to yourself can influence everything from your emotional well-being to physical performance. If you're looking for simple, empowering tools to build mental resilience and reduce stress, this episode is a must-listen.
SHOULD I INVEST IN REAL ESTATE? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS TOWNSEND HORNOR JR., CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA Episode Details: In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor explores the pros and cons of investing in real estate in 2025. From changing interest rates and market uncertainty to evolving rental trends and property management, this episode breaks down the key considerations for anyone thinking about buying a property for income or growth. Whether you're a first-time investor or looking to diversify your portfolio, get the insights you need to make an informed decision.
CABLE TV OR STREAMING? HOW TO CHOOSE FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA Episode Details: In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor tackles the streaming vs. cable debate. Based on personal experience and market research, he outlines the pros and cons of each—cost, flexibility, content, and ease of use—helping you decide which option (or mix of both) best suits your lifestyle and budget.
CLEAR HEADED: A NATURAL APPROACH TO SEASONAL ALLERGIES WITH DR. EMILY FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS Speakers: Eve Kennedy | CEPS Client Relations Specialist, BWFA DR. EMILY TELFAIR, N.D. Naturopathic Doctor, HeartSpace Natural Medicine Episode Details: In this spring edition of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA welcomes back Dr. Emily Telfair of HeartSpace Natural Medicine for an in-depth look at holistic ways to manage seasonal allergies. From understanding histamine triggers to immune-modulating foods and herbs like nettles, mushrooms, and quercetin, Dr. Emily offers practical strategies for supporting your body naturally and effectively through allergy season.
THINKING ABOUT BUYING GOLD? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA Episode Details: In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor revisits the topic of investing in gold amid recent market volatility. With gold grabbing headlines in 2025, Sandy explores why investors are drawn to it, its historical performance, and whether it truly serves as a safe haven. From physical gold to ETFs and mining stocks, listeners will gain a thoughtful perspective on the risks, myths, and realities of gold investing today.
TAKING CASH OUT OF YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA Episode Details: In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Managing Director of Wealth Management, Sandy Hornor, explores what you need to know before withdrawing funds from retirement accounts. Whether you're considering early retirement, buying a home, or facing a financial crossroads, understanding the tax implications, penalties, and planning strategies around IRAs, 401(k)s, and Roth accounts is essential. Tune in for expert guidance on how to avoid costly mistakes and navigate your retirement cash flow with confidence.
RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CREDITS FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Planning Advisor BWFA
HOW NOT TO RESEARCH STOCKS FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA
HOW MUCH LIFE INSURANCE DO YOU NEED FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
SOCIAL SECURITY SURVIVOR BENEFITS FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
AUTO ACCIDENT CHECKLIST FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
INSURANCE AGENT OR BROKER FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES CONSIDERING VERA OR VSIP FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA and special guest Tyler Kluge | CFP®, ChFEB℠, CPWA®, CDFA®, CEPS, Financial Planner, BWFA
EVALUATING A NEW JOB OFFER FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
GAP INSURANCE FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
TOOLS TO BOOST RESILIENCY: MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINED EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS Speakers: Eve Kennedy | CEPS Client Relations Specialist, BWFA Dr. Schreiber-Pan Founder & President of Care Right, Inc.
HOUSING OPTIONS FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR TRAVELERSFROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
YOUR HOME AS A SOURCE OF DOLLARS IN RETIREMENTFROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
HANDLING A DISPUTE WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANYFROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
CHOOSING A CREDIT CARDFROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
5 TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN APPLYING FOR A LOAN FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
ABCS OF AUTO INSURANCE FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
BOOK REVIEW "THE INVISIBLE PATIENT" BY ANNALEE KRUGER FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS Speakers: Eve Kennedy | CEPS Client Relations Specialist, BWFA Annalee Kruger Founder & President of Care Right, Inc.
ESTABLISHING A BUDGET FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
TIME FOR A FINANCIAL CLEANUP FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Thad Ismart, CFP®, CEPS Senior Financial Planner, BWFA
ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT YOUR ESTATE PLAN? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA
BOOK REVIEW "THE POWER FOODS DIET" WITH DR. BARNARD FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS Speakers: Eve Kennedy | CEPS Client Relations Specialist, BWFA Dr. Neil Barnard, MD President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
SINGLE OR MARRIED-NO CHILDREN-IS MY PLANNING DIFFERENT? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Financial Planning Advisor BWFA
401(K) AND TAXES FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Planning Advisor BWFA
CHANGING DOMICILE FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Planning Advisor BWFA
DIGITAL ASSET ACCOUNTING FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Planning Advisor BWFA
RMDS - AN OVERVIEW FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Planning Advisor BWFA
FINCEN CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT BACK IN PLAY - DECEMBER 2024 UPDATE FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Financial Planning Advisor BWFA
1099-K $600 REPORTING DELAYED AGAIN FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Planning Advisor BWFA
MISTAKES MADE WHEN HIRING AN ADVISOR FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Financial Planning Advisor BWFA
MEDICARE DRUG COSTS VARY FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA
FINCEN CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT STALLED FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Lawrence M. Post | CPA, MST, CFP®, CIMA® Senior Tax & Financial Planning Advisor BWFA
IN-SERVICE DISTRIBUTIONS - AN OVERVIEW FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA
DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE SANTA CLAUS RALLY? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA
SHOULD I INVEST IN REAL ESTATE? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA
THE BRAIN BLUEPRINT FOR COGNITIVE MASTERY IN HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS Speakers: Eve Kennedy | CEPS Client Relations Specialist, BWFA Maryrose Blank, Psy.D., CMPC Performance Psychology Consultant