Dumb Questions for Smart Money

Have you saved enough to enjoy your retirement? Paul and Brendan will walk you through ways to prepare for retirement and establish a budget to help ensure you don't outlive your money. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Paul and Brendan run through the latest update to the Secure Act 2.0 and explain the differences between this version and the first. Plus, has there been a shift in the housing market due to rising interest rates? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

No matter the age, there's several reasons why one should get their ducks in a row when it comes to estate planning. Paul and Brendan will walk you through all of the considerations people should take with estate planning throughout different stages of life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What are the best methods to tackle debt? Paul and Brendan field more questions from our listeners and touch on everything related to debt including credit cards, interest rates, student loans and much more! Questions for the show? Email us at DQSM@armstrongadvisory.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Paul and Brendan run through "dumb" questions from our listeners ranging from the importance of diversifying your portfolio, financial advisor fees, the difference between investing in mutual funds & stocks, and much more! If you have a question for the show, email us DQSM@armstrongadvisory.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

From food to gas, consumers are seeing inflation everywhere. What is causing inflation and what are some of the best ways to fight against it? Paul and Brendan take a deep dive on everything related to inflation on this all important episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Getting tired of winter yet? Well, Paul and Brendan will walk you through the best ways to outline the costs associated with becoming a migrating snowbird to help you determine whether your current budget can support putting an end to your winter blues. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

With workers quitting at an extremely high rate, more people are targeting jobs with substantial raises. If you're in this camp, congrats on the new gig! But, don't blow up your budget as a result. Paul and Brendan tell you why landing a new job is the perfect opportunity to save and budget more of your money. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Both the stock market and the business world had some very interesting, and even funny moments at times this year. Paul Lane and Brendan Hayes run through some of their favorite stories including the "Meme" stock craze, the blockage of the Suez Canal, a lottery ticket scandal, and more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Paul Lane and co-host Brendan Hayes are getting ready for the new year and so should you! On this episode, Paul and Brendan walk you through 10 important tasks you can do prior to the new year to save more in 2022.

On this episode, Paul and Ema review the bumpy ride for markets during the third quarter, including a volatile September. What were some of the major factors behind this volatility? And what can we expect for the final quarter of the year? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Chinese property giant Evergrande and their debt crisis has been dominating headlines recently. What exactly is going on? Paul and Ema dive into the Evergrande situation and the implications their debt issue may have on global markets. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode, Paul and Ema run through the latest numbers that show an uptick in the country's credit card debt and also discuss their best methods on how to minimize credit card debt. Plus, what strategies are available to help build a monthly budget? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

If you've worked hard to save for retirement, you might be in the fortunate position of considering buying a vacation home. However, there are several pros and cons that come along with owning and maintaining a vacation home. Paul and Ema will cover all the bases associated with purchasing a vacation home and will also help you determine if this is an investment you can truly afford. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We have received several inquiries from listeners regarding the latest happenings on Capital Hill, including the $1 trillion dollar Infrastructure bill and the potential $3.5 trillion Budget Plan. Are potential tax increases on the way as a result of these bills? What goes into them? Where are the funds coming from? Paul and Ema tackle all of these items in more in our latest podcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What are the basic benefits of annuities? Paul and Ema run through how an annuity may be a solid option for an investor who cannot stomach market volatility and also break down the different types of annuities, along with their pros and cons. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Biden administration has expanded the child tax credit from $2,000 to as much as $3,600 per child and has began distributing to more than 35 million eligible families in July. Who is eligible? How will your 2021 tax refund be impacted? And should you possibly opt out? Paul and Ema dive into the new details of the child tax credit in this latest podcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We all know how wild the housing market has been over the past year. But what factors are causing a red-hot car market, where used cars are going for top dollar? And why are new car lots looking so bare? Paul and Ema fill you in here! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Homeowners may be looking to dive head first into the red-hot housing market and sell their home. One question that is frequently asked during this process: is it better to renovate your home before you list? Paul and Ema provide their insight through real life experiences, and also provide key factors that homeowners need to consider before moving forward with any renovation. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Airbnb and Netflix all initially attracted Millennials due to their cheap offerings and user friendly experiences. However over the past year or so, the cost of using these companies have steadily been increasing. Paul and Ema explore some of the challenges these companies are facing and how it may affect your wallet next time around. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Paul and Ema explore the different types of life insurance offerings and provide real life examples to determine which type may be the best fit. What are the pros and cons of each? At what age should you consider getting a life insurance policy? And how much money should you plan for on your policy? All of those questions and more answered on this episode! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The pandemic put the stock market in the spotlight for many retail investors, as shutdowns simply resulted in boredom at home. With Reddit-retail investors surging and now impacting the stock market trading names like GameStop and AMC, some firms are offering brokerage accounts to teenagers to help teach them how to invest. Paul and Ema dissect this latest retail trader frenzy and analyze how markets may react. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A recent inflation data point called the Consumer Price Index came in hotter-than-expected at 4.2%, leading to wild swings in the stock market. Will inflation be transitory like the Fed has continued to reiterate? Paul and Ema discuss how inflation impacts the economy and also address why Wall Street is so concerned with rising inflation. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this podcast, financial advisors Paul Lane and Ema David take you through a day in the life of a financial advisor. Whether its taxes, stocks, capital gains, or estate planning, there's a whole lot more to the role than simply "advising". --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Without a doubt, student loan debt is now a national crisis. Paul and Ema take a look at the situation and analyze some eye-opening statistics regarding the current student loan debt throughout the country. Also, will there be student loan forgiveness in the coming years? And what about those who worked so hard to pay off their debt? That, and much more on this podcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Given the crazy housing landscape with soaring prices, many have been asking the question...is it better to buy or rent a home? We'll hear the pros and cons in-depth from both sides, as Paul is a homeowner, while Ema is currently a renter. What is ultimately the best option? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

With a new administration in Washington, alterations to the tax code are likely on the horizon. But, it's important to distinguish from several myths floating around. On this episode, Paul and Ema walk you through the realities and the probabilities of whether each proposal will be made into law, and will also let you know how they may potentially impact your finances. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What factors are driving the craziness of the housing market? Will prices continue to skyrocket? Paul and Ema take a deeper dive into the housing market landscape and evaluate from the prospectives of the buyer and seller. Also, what can we anticipate with prices when interest rates begin to tick back up? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A year ago, one of the biggest market crashes in history occurred as result of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, unlike the "Great Recession" in 2008-2009, the market's recovery was remarkably quick. Paul and Ema run through the year that was for markets and discuss their biggest lessons learned. Plus, our first listener email question! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Paul and Ema take a deep dive into everything related to gifting money, including limits, the impact on your gift tax exemption over your lifetime, and ways to gift where you don't have to worry about those limits. Also, what are some potential mistakes to avoid? And what about gifting 529 plans? All of that and more on this gifting episode! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What is ESG investing? Paul Lane and Ema David provide an in-depth overview of ESG investing (Environmental, Social and Governance, which involves positive returns and long-term impact on society, environment and the performance of the business. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What exactly is behind your credit score? On this episode, Paul and Ema dive into the most important components of what determines your credit score, including both the positive and negative impacts. What steps can you take to improve your score? And what precautions can you take to avoid dings to it? Everything you need to know about credit is in this jam-packed episode! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Interest rates have significant implications on the economy, the stock market, housing, and daily consumer behavior. On this episode, financial advisors Paul Lane and Ema David discuss the trickle down effect of interest rates in several different key areas. Also, what exactly is the 10-Year Treasury yield and why has it been driving volatility on Wall Street? All that and more on this episode of DQSM! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's never too early to start saving for retirement. But what percentage of your paycheck should you dedicate to your retirement savings? Paul and Ema walk you through their best retirement savings methods, and also discuss other items including 401k contributions and your company's match. Also, what is a Roth IRA and what are the tax benefits that come along with it? All that and more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The GameStop craze driven by traders on Reddit's forum "WallStreetBets" caused chaos and turmoil on the markets, especially hedge funds. Financial advisors Paul Lane and Ema David take a deeper dive into what caused the retail investor frenzy, analyze this new wave of investors taking advantage of commission-free trading and also urge caution while trading volatile stocks. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Financial advisors Paul Lane and Ema David take a closer look at how and when to create a 529 plan to get a head start on planning for college for your child. Also, what is the difference between a 529 and a UTMA? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The next generation of young investors have been taking advantage of a new offering of fractional share trading. Now, these young investors are focusing on how much they can afford of a particular stock like an Amazon, Apple or a Tesla as opposed to how many shares they own. Financial advisors Paul Lane and Ema David take a deeper dive into this latest trend and also answer several popular questions for new investors like what happens when a stock splits? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

According to a recent survey, just 39% of Americans can afford a $1,000 unexpected expense. Are you prepared for this possible scenario? On the debut episode of Dumb Questions for Smart Money, financial advisors Paul Lane and Ema David highlight some valuable strategies to help build your emergency savings. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app