FIT™ Perspectives by Atlanta Financial

As our lives are being flooded with debate soundbites and political ads, many are wondering how this contentious 2020 election season might impact the markets and their portfolios. On today’s episode, Charles provides a few items to keep in mind financially as Nov 3rd draws and we look ahead to who our next President will be.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Far too often our team comes across a set of “investing do’s and don’ts”, incredibly generalized and typically coming from someone lacking credentials and a governing fiduciary standard. On today’s episode, “More to the Story”, Harrison and Charles discuss the concepts many financial “personalities” and resources mis-represent, mis-apply, or frankly get wrong as it relates to investment portfolios.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

The “Financial Action Checklist” was created to establish and expand upon a foundation of sound money management skills - further driving individuals toward financial independence.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

As many business owners and corporate leadership teams continue to assess the ongoing impact of COVID-19, assuredly company benefits packages will be front and center in the conversation as we head toward Q4 and into open enrollment season. These decisions play a vital role in company culture, staff engagement and into employee recruitment and retention. On today’s episode, Charles leads a conversation with industry experts Tara Byrd and Barbra Chambers of the Snellings Walters Insurance Agency on what they see in today’s world for benefit package construction and strategy.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

With student loan statistics skyrocketing, the options becoming more overwhelmingly complicated, and the cost of higher education being a larger hurdle to plan for, there has never been a better time to understand the decisions you will be faced with – as a student or as a parent.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Nearly two months after the original “social distancing” restrictions required us all to adjust to a life in quarantine, we all are adjusting to new routines and new norms of precaution. Financially, more and more people are wondering what can be done to ensure their families will be ok on the other side of this pandemic. In today’s episode, the FIT™ Perspectives team explores three key areas to focus on when it comes to weathering the virus fallout financially in addition to providing an update on the US financial markets and economy.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Our FIT™ Perspectives Team shares the latest podcast episode entitled "Planning for the Modern Fam" where we host estate planning and elder law attorneys, Laura Akins and Samantha Page, to help simplify the complex planning needs for today’s families, particularly blended families, the sandwich generation, and elder/special needs loved-ones.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

On March 27th, President trump signed into law a bipartisan bill, dubbed the CARES Act, representing the single largest economic relief package in modern history. The ~ $2 Trillion legislation is set to provide an infusion of stimulus money and financial hope into the US economy, targeting an offset of some of the momentous impact of the COVID-19 virus. Listen in as the FIT™ Perspectives team explains a few of the key provisions that might impact your wallet, and maybe even your financial independence, moving forward.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak and record level market volatility, the uncertainty across the nation is a gracious plenty right now. Join the FIT™ Perspectives team as they tackle the latest news related to the coronavirus, developments in the financial markets, and an economic outlook for the American economy resulting from the current crisis.Past performance may not be indicative of future results. There is no guarantee that markets will not continue to decline or that they will recover to previous levels in the immediate or distant future.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

“I should have known better…” Five words you don’t want to be saying after the fact when it comes to a money. On today’s episode of the FIT™ Perspectives Podcast, Harrison and Charles discuss 5 broad but key areas where predictable outcomes with money can playout positively or negatively depending on how the situation is approached.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Have you ever wondered what you might go back in time and tell a younger you about life, business, and money if you had the chance? Episode 13 is the conclusion to the FIT™ Perspectives mini series touching on that very nostalgic notion. Charles has a discussion with Michelle Thompson, Wealth Manager and FIT™ Perspectives contributor, and Jon Holmgren, President of Atlanta Financial, about key “life lessons” they each would go back and give to their younger selves on in part 2 of “Retrospect.”Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

2020 is here, we’ve ushered in a brand-new decade, and if you are wondering how to appropriately set the stage for a successful run toward financial independence, episode 13 entitled “The Roaring 20-20s” is just for you! Often times the most challenging “first step” in getting your financial house in order is taking inventory of where you are and getting organized. The conversation in Episode 13 finds Charles and Harrison covering 8 things you can do right now to get your financials organized and ready for the year and decade to come.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Have you ever wondered what you might go back in time and tell a younger you about money (or life in general) if you had the chance? Episode 12 kicks off a series touching on that very nostalgic notion. Chris and Charles start it off by opening up and discussing several key “life lessons” they each would go back and school their younger selves on in part 1 of “Retrospect.” Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Episode 11 finds Charles, Harrison and Michelle following up on the conversation presented in Episode 4, “Yours, Mine, and Ours,” regarding merging finances upon marriage. Specifically, the team address specifics areas (risk tolerance levels, cash reserves, differing spending habits, and financial transparency) where spouses can experience conflict and learn to alleviate it over time as they begin to manage money together.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

What money decision scares you most? In this special Halloween edition of the FIT™ Perspectives podcast, Harrison and Charles tackle one of the most daunting (especially if doing it for the first time) - buying a home. The fellas walk through what you can do ahead of a home purchase to ensure a successful outcome, and also what to expect and/or do during the buying process to make it a positive experience for yourself.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Given that open enrollment season is upon us and there is a presidential election on the horizon, healthcare in America is a topic once again standing center stage. On today’s episode, Charles leads a conversation with health insurance expert, Greg Sanders, about the various options for those out there who are NOT covered by a group plan. Specifically, they discuss options for young individuals and the self-employed out there that are not covered under a group plan, options for those considering retirement prior to Medicare eligibility, and general Medicare options once 65 or older (This episode has a little bit for everyone- so listen in and share away!)Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

On the final episode of the Budgeting Basics trio, Chris and Charles discuss with current and future budgeteers everywhere the last app/software reviewed by the FIT Perspectives team, “EveryDollar” by Ramsey Solutions. They talk about the lost art of spreadsheet budgeting (use, construction and strategies), and the series is concluded with eight high level tips to consider as you move forward with your personal cashflow plan.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

What is a 6-letter word for “cornerstone of financial success”? Answer: BUDGET. Episode 6 of the FIT™ Perspective podcast, Charles, Harrison and Chris ramp up a multi-part series on budgeting and cashflow planning beginning with a discussion of two foundational aspects- 1) Zero-dollar budgeting and 2) tracking your spending. Within the context of these two concepts, the team debates building in a savings component into your budget, being cautious of lifestyle creep, and wraps up episode 6 with an introductory discussion on budgeting software that will be analyzed in the subsequent episodes to come.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Did your 2018 tax return look quite a bit different that years past? Even more, are you awaiting your 2018 return to be filed and are a bit wary of what Uncle Sam may invoice you for? Episode 5 is a timely overview of the post-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act world of tax filing. Chris, a wealth manager and practicing CPA on staff with Atlanta Financial, discusses several key tips and planning opportunities observed as a result of the 2017 tax reform package. Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Technology can certainly be our friend when it comes to cashflow planning, tracking spending and building budgets! In the second installment of the "Budgeting Basics" trilogy of episodes, the Charles, Harrison and Mari discuss several well known, and highly rated budgeting applications and software commonly used within personal finance. They cover basic structure, ease of use, pros and cons and also costs for 1) YNAB (You Need A Budget), 2) Mint.com, 3) GoodBudget, and 4) HoneyDue, all with the goal of helping listeners find an option that will fit their own budgeting needs.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Ever wonder what millionaires have in common, and what you might want to consider doing differently yourself as you too look to take hold of that elusive label? If so, episode three is for you! Episode three finds Charles, Chris, Harrison and Mari exploring broadly what it means be a millionaire in America today. They cover several prevalent statistics regarding U.S. millionaires, leading into a deeper discussion about four common characteristics found in individuals who have attained millionaire status.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

Where are the rules on running household finances in the vows?!? Episode four delivers FIT™ Perspectives listeners a conversation regarding merging finances and money management styles upon marriage. Chris, Harrison and Michelle deliberate the various strategies employed within their own family units and highlight several common ways people tend to handle/view family finances after the marital vows are complete.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

On the second episode of FIT™ Perspectives, Charles, Harrison and Michelle discuss the five stages of wealth – appropriately dubbed the “Wealth Spectrum.” Key characteristics of each are stage are noted so that listeners can easily discern which stage he or she feels most accurately reflects their own current status, and the team suggests steps to help individuals move progressively from one stage to the next.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)

In this inaugural episode, Charles and Harrison launch the FIT™ Perspectives Podcast by defining the core principals the podcast is built upon, deliver insights as to what listeners can expect from the podcast moving forward, provide background on Atlanta Financial Associates and it’s team of financial professionals, and lastly share information on how to connect with AFA and the FIT™ Perspectives team for future content.Support the show (https://atlantafinancial.com/fit-perspectives/)