Make Retirement Work

We've received some great questions from clients recently. For instance, if you got a raise at work, but your household now makes too much money to contribute to a Roth IRA, what do you do? Where should your investments go if you like tax-free growth?   Tune in to this episode as Marc answers this question and others, like how to use a health savings account, how to save for your kids' college, and more. As always, we're here to answer any financial questions you have. Stay tuned to see what you can learn from these listener questions!   In this episode, we'll share:    What to do if you make too much money for a Roth? (0:32) How to use a health savings account? (5:16) Should I stop contributing to my 401(k)? (7:22) How to save for kids' college? (12:30)   Get in touch with Marc and PFA:  Web: https://www.pfaretire.com/about-us/our-team.html Phone :308-534-8210  

Today we're tackling two meaty topics – the debt ceiling and playing the long game in investing. Last show, we talked a lot about the debt ceiling, so we wanted to give you an update. The Federal Reserve met recently and decided to pause rates, which was to be expected. In the media, it was doom and gloom last month, and now they're not talking about it as much. Some people thought the Fed might cut rates, but that hasn't happened. They'll probably increase them again this year.   In this episode, we'll share:    What happened with the debt ceiling? (0:41) Why you need to play the long game. (3:50) How can business owners help employees plan for retirement? (7:11)   Get in touch with Marc and PFA:  Web: https://www.pfaretire.com/about-us/our-team.html Phone :308-534-8210  

Today we're talking about the U.S. debt ceiling. You might be wondering, what is that? It's basically a limit on the total amount of money our government is authorized to borrow. U.S. Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, says our country has enough money to pay our bills until June 1, so we're coming up against that deadline.    The president and House and Senate leaders are currently negotiating about how to handle this. In this episode, we'll take a look at how the debt ceiling has been handled in the past and discuss what might happen moving forward. Join us as we dive deeper into the U.S. debt problem in today's episode and talk about how it could impact you.    In this episode, we'll share:   What is the debt ceiling? (0:39) How could a possible government shutdown affect us? (4:36) How politicians are handling the debt ceiling. (10:27)   Get in touch with Marc and PFA:  Web: https://www.pfaretire.com/about-us/our-team.html Phone :308-534-8210  

We have a lot to talk about on today's show because it's an exciting time of year! Tax season is behind us and we're looking ahead. In honor of Financial Literacy Month, we're sharing facts you need to know when it comes to your money. We'll explain how financial literacy can impact you and how your money challenges and successes can impact your children down the road. If you're listening to this podcast, odds are that you are already interested in this topic, but let's take it to the next level.    In this episode, we'll share: Experiencing a drop in your 401k balance when you're young may not necessarily be bad news. (5:29) What does financial literacy mean to you? (7:56) How your finances can impact your kids. (11:20)   https://www.pfaretire.com/about-us/our-team.html 308-534-8210

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank has been huge news in the financial sector and an event that many people worry could trigger even more fallout across the country. With 2008 still fresh in our mind, it's justified to be concerned about what this might mean for your money.    In this episode, Marc will break down the events leading up to these bank failures and explain what actually happened to cause this collapse. Knowing what went wrong will help you better understand how it's different from the failures 15 years ago.     But there's still plenty of concern about what this means for you and your money. Marc will talk about local banks and how they're structured to give you a better idea of where your money is stored. Plus, there might actually be some silver lining to all of this news related to the stock market moving forward, which we'll explain as well.   Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode:  Who was Silicon Valley Bank?  (4:30) Should you have any concerns over your local bank? (7:04) What led to this breakdown of SVB  (9:39) The silver lining for the stock market. (16:52)   Get in touch with Marc and PFA:  Web: https://www.pfaretire.com/about-us/our-team.html Phone :308-534-8210    

Today we're sharing a great checklist you should follow to begin 2023. This will help you through the year if you're interested in being better prepared for financial planning and for retirement.  If you're retiring this year, it's essential to have some concrete answers to these questions we're talking about on today's show. If you're still a few years from the milestone, tune in so you can start thinking about these critical conversations. On this episode, we'll share: • How to prepare for economic change and inflation. (2:00) • When should you access Social Security? (4:38) • How to prepare for future tax increases. (6:41) You can learn more at the link below: https://www.pfaretire.com/make-retirement-work/podcast.html Let's chat about your retirement plan: 308-534-8210

In the New Year, it looks like we may have some changes to the retirement system. It may make things slightly more challenging for PFA and for consumers throughout the nation. New retirement legislation is on the horizon, and in this episode we will discuss some of the key points you will want to know about the SECURE Act 2.0. On this episode, we'll share: What to know about the SECURE Act 2.0. (1:20) Here you can learn about explain Simple IRA Plans. (5:48) When should you start your Social Security? (10:53) You can learn more at the link below: https://www.pfaretire.com/make-retirement-work/podcast.html Let's chat about your retirement plan: 308-534-8210

Today's show combines our two favorite topics – finances and football. Believe it or not, planning for your financial future has some similarities to the sport of football. In retirement planning, some people try to be successful without having a coach at all. Others keep the same coach that they've had for years, even though things aren't working out with him. We'll explain why you need to design a portfolio that puts you in victory formation. On this episode, we'll share: Why mistakes in the financial red zone are so costly. (3:30) Why the hurry-up offense is a bad idea for your finances. (6:39) Why you need to stop worrying about the victory formation with your money. (7:36) You can learn more at the link below: https://www.pfaretire.com/make-retirement-work/podcast.html Let's chat about your retirement plan: 308-534-8210

Welcome to today's show! If you haven't heard of Professional Financial Advisors, LLC, we handle money management and financial planning and have been in business since 2003. We also help clients with Medicare plans. Within financial planning, we try to be holistic so we can handle all your needs. Find out more about our business and how we can help you. On this episode, we'll share: Why you shouldn't count on Social Security for your financial future. (2:23) How we specialize in diversification, especially for retirees. (4:13) Why medical services are so crucial and how we can help you get the right assistance. (7:08) You can learn more at the link below: https://www.pfaretire.com/make-retirement-work/podcast.html Let's chat about your retirement plan: 308-534-8210  

(Note: Today's episode sounds a little different as it was originally produced for the NebraskaLand Bank Podcast) On this episode: Medicare can be confusing, especially with the various plans and supplements offered through different companies. So we're going to break down Medicare today with two experts on the topic, Whitney Kester, a specialized Medicare insurance agent, and Marc Werkmeister, a Certified Financial Planner. Unfortunately, the process of Medicare is a lot more complicated than simply enrolling once you turn 65. There are supplement plans and prescription plans we need to consider as well. Working with a team like Whitney and Marc can ensure you are getting the coverage that fits your needs and your lifestyle. Key Points: Did you always want to specialize in Medicare? (4:45) Can you break down Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D? (7:12) Why is it so hard for people to plan for Medicare by themselves? (11:13) What is your client relationship like when planning for Medicare? (14:02) How do you keep up with changes in Medicare? (17:11) How do people go about setting up a consultation? (19:08) A quick update on the economy and interest rate environment. (21:51) Trivia: Who said this famous quote? (28:38)  Learn More: https://www.pfaretire.com/

(Note: Today's episode sounds a little different as it was originally produced for the NebraskaLand Bank Podcast) On this episode: With a volatile market, rising interest rates, and high inflation, many people are worried about the state of the economy. On today's show, two economic experts, Senator & NebraskaLand CEO Mike Jacobson and Certified Financial Planner Marc Werkmeister join us to break down the trends we are seeing in the economy and what it all means. More Details: The current economic environment has many people worried. Interest rates are up, the stock market is volatile, bit coin has lost tremendous value, and inflation is up. So on today's episode, we want to sit down and discuss the economy and the future trends we should expect to see with two economic experts, Mike Jacobson and Marc Wekmeister. Mike Jacobson is the CEO of NerbaskaLand Bank and the Senator for District 42 and Marc Werkmeister is a Certified Financial Planner with PFA. Inflation is when too much money is chasing too few goods and services. Looking at where we were with supply chain issue and the influx of money into the economy with stimulus checks, inflation was bound to happen. To combat inflation, the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, promoting people to stop buying and start borrowing and we are seeing this impact in the housing market already. By a strict definition we are not technically in a recession yet. However, we are experiencing some of the signs of a recession. Whether we will end up in a full-blown recession isn't known yet. We'll explore some scenarios and what you should be doing to protect your wallet.  Join us today as we get into these topics:  What causes inflation and what can be done to fix it? Why stocks and bonds are both experiencing volatility. What pre-retirees should be doing to protect themselves How the housing market is responding to the economy Timestamps: 0:37 – Sorry to keep you waiting! 1:14 – We love Nebraska Day 2:56 – Welcome to our guests 3:28 – What is the overlook on the economy? 9:44 – Getting back to ordinary 12:58 – Are we in a recession? 15:00 – How would you protect your 401(k)? 18:38 – Bond-ladder investing and CD letters 19:40 – What is your advice to a hopeful homebuyer? 21:44 – What are we looking at with home lending? 25:59 – Making compromises with homes 27:31 – Figuring out what your long-term and short-term goals are 29:35 – What are some of the positives? 32:59 – Trivia: Current Events!

I was recently a guest on NebraskaLand Bank Podcast and spoke with hosts Ty Lucas and Danielle Remus. Today I'm sharing our conversation on my podcast. Here are some of the highlights. What should people be thinking about with retirement planning? As far as the end of year, a lot of it centers on capital gains, taxable events by mutual funds, maxing out retirement accounts, etc. All that stuff has to be top of mind before the end of the year. We also talk to clients about making sure they're saving enough and have the right kind of insurance. You need to have a narrow plan about what you're trying to accomplish. How does crypto work in today's financial world? The crypto market changes so fast. From three years ago, my thoughts on crypto have done a complete 180. If you look out 20, 30, 40 years, there will still be crypto currencies out there. They can be a diversifier, but they're still tied to the overall stock market as far as their correlation. I do think it has a place as an asset class. Tell us about your connection to Dave Ramsey. One of the guys in our office is one of Dave Ramsey's SmartVestors. Dave Ramsey's team vets and recommends local financial advisors to help his listeners.  Listen to the entire episode or click on the timestamps below to skip ahead to a particular question. What we discuss in this episode: 3:12 – Professional podcaster 5:52 – PFA 7:47 – Where clients come from 8:24 – Retirement planning 11:28 – Spectrum of services 17:47 – Crypto 19:49 – Taxation with crypto 23:35 – Robinhood 28:47 – Dave Ramsey 30:02 – Railroad retirement 33:11 – Trivia game   For more, visit us online at https://makeretirementwork.com/ 

In today's mailbag, we're answering listener questions about how to retire early, whether to take a pension lump sum and if it makes sense to have two financial advisors.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/make-retirement-work/podcast.html    What we discuss on this episode:  2:11 – Retiring early 6:21 – Pension 8:25 – Two advisors

Today we're sharing some potential red flags you should be aware of in your finances. How would you answer these questions? Can you name all of the investments in your portfolio?  It's not a red flag if you can't name them all, but you should know generally what you own. If you can name them all, you might not be very well diversified. If you don't know how your money is invested, maybe you're not diversified enough or maybe you're taking too much risk or not enough. You have to pay attention to how your money is invested.   How often do you meet with your financial advisor?  You're paying someone to give you advice, so you need to be in touch with them regularly. Meetings don't always have to be long and detailed. Sometimes a 15-minute conversation is all you need to check in. Are your account balances constantly moving up and down?  Most people are OK with volatility when they're trying to accumulate funds. It can be to your advantage because you can buy when the market drops. Retirees, on the other hand, don't like the ups and downs of the market. You need to meet with your advisor and know more about your investments and the big picture. How much income will you need in retirement? If you are close to retirement and you don't know how much you'll need in retirement, that's probably a red flag. Everyone spends different amounts, but you need to know, generally speaking, how much money you need in your bank account each month. Listen to the entire episode or click on the timestamps below to skip ahead to a particular question.  3:12 – Name your investments  5:26 – Meeting with your advisor  7:31 – Account balances  10:14 – How much income you'll need  12:40 – Retirement plan   Read more and get additional resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/make-retirement-work/podcast.html 

Marc is on the hot seat with this financial and retirement quiz. Play along and see how you do as well.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/1399/ep-28-test-your-financial-knowledge/    What we discuss on this episode:  2:30 – Scary retirement 4:22 – Scary coming year 9:10 – Tax bracket 11:24 – Money in retirement 14:16 – Wish you had more

We're changing it up today with some funny financial planning jokes and what we can learn from the humor. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/podcasts/ What we discuss on this episode:  1:57 – Credit cards 4:52 – Buying bonds 8:02 – Check my balance 11:23 – Long-term investment 13:27 – Stock market crash 17:07 – Retire at 64

Common sense is actually quite uncommon, especially when it comes to financial planning. Here are some common sense money approaches you need to know.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/1372/ep-26-learning-through-uncommon-sense/    What we discuss on this episode:  1:43 – Buy low, sell high 5:36 – Don't pay more in taxes than you have to 8:47 – Keep costs low 11:11 – Don't put eggs in one basket 14:06 – Marketing timing

People often have questions about life insurance. It's not a sexy topic, but it is an important one. We'll explain why.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/1350/ep-25-do-you-really-need-life-insurance/    What we discuss on this episode:  1:50 – Dirty word 3:33 – Do you need it? 4:48 – How much? 7:50 – Strategic uses 11:54 – Term, whole and universal

On this episode of Make Retirement Work with Marc Werkmeister, we'll explain how financial planning is like basketball. You might be surprised how much they have in common.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/1331/ep-24-what-basketball-teaches-us-about-retirement/    What we discuss on this episode:  2:54 – Shot clock 6:08 – Double dribble 9:37 – Personal fouls 13:24 – Coaching 

Today, we're answering your most pressing financial questions about 401ks, mutual funds and inflation. Let's jump into the mailbag.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/1321/ep-23-mailbag-401ks-mutual-funds-and-inflation/    What we discuss on this episode:  2:41 – Can I leave 401k to son? 6:57 – Worry about inflation? 10:30 – Mutual funds 15:13 – Rental property

Alternative investments like SPACS, crypto, and others have become very popular in recent years. Should you ignore them or jump on them? We'll shed some light on what they are, how they work and whether they're worth your time.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/1283/ep-22-are-alternative-investments-right-for-you/    What we discuss on this episode:  2:50 – What are alternative investments? 4:00 – Cryptocurrency 9:02 – SPACs 11:48 – Real estate 15:40 – Private debt or direct lending 20:00 – Angel investing

If you don't know the answer to the question, then this episode is for you. On this episode, we'll explore the three qualities of money, discuss whether you can achieve them in a single investment, and how to put the right emphasis on the different qualities. It's really quite basic, but understanding these fundamentals can make an enormous difference in your financial life.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/498/ep-21-what-are-the-3-qualities-of-money/    What we discuss on this episode:  0:58 – Starting the new year 2:49 – What are the three qualities of money? 4:14 – Can one single investment achieve all three? 5:36 – Qualities of cash 7:28 – Qualities of stocks, bonds and mutual funds 9:51 – Qualities of annuities 14:11 – Do people put an emphasis on one quality over the others?

The idea of diversification is pretty common within financial planning, but how effective is the average investor at executing that strategy? Today we'll talk all about diversification, what it means, and where the biggest issues arise.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/466/ep-20-is-diversification-for-suckers/    What we discuss on this episode:  1:29 – A quote about diversification 2:09 – How does the average person define diversification 3:11 – How does Marc define it 6:07 – Do investors put enough emphasis on diversifying 7:36 – Can you be too diversified? 9:05 – Target Date Funds

Do you know all you need to know about your 401(k)? Find out in today's episode of the podcast as we unpack some frequently asked questions.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/462/ep-19-answering-the-top-401k-faqs/  What we discuss on this show:  1:17 - Is it a good idea to take advantage of free advice?  5:46 - Are 401(k) loans good or bad?  8:20 - When do 401(k) rollovers make sense? 10:36 - Should you do target date funds? 13:53 - Should you just get the match or max it out? 15:42 - Which is better: Roth vs. traditional 401(k)?

We're all facing financial challenges in 2020 but the generation impacted the most might be the Baby Boomers because millions are entering retirement or already there. Today we'll share the biggest financial concerns we're hearing from clients and other people in that generation as they get ready to retire.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/458/ep-18-challenges-facing-baby-boomers-in-retirement/    What we discuss on the show:  1:40 – The uncertainty of everything around us. 6:55 – Is your client base made up by a majority of that generation? 9:46 – Specific financial fears we've seen from Baby Boomers 12:08 – Tax liabilities in retirement  15:18 – Time horizons are getting shorter so take action.

This episode is all about you and the questions you have about finance. Join us as we go into the mailbag and talk about retirement spending, financial fallout from divorce, the upcoming election, taxes, and how much retirement savings you need.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/452/ep-17-answering-your-financial-questions/    What we discuss on this show:  2:52 –  Mailbag Question #1: I'm thinking I'll spend a lot of money during the first few years of retirement and then not so much after five years or so. Is this normally how it works? 4:50 –  Mailbag Question #2: I'm in my late 50s and recently divorced. I'm worried about what retirement is going to look like with one Social Security benefit and half the assets. Can you overcome divorce this late in life? 7:13 –  Mailbag Question #3: Should I be investing differently with an election on the horizon? 12:14 – Mailbag Question #4: I'm getting a big tax return this year and have for a few years. Am I better keeping more money throughout the year? 14:49 –  Mailbag Question #5: My husband and I always argue because I want to redo the kitchen and he wants to save more for retirement. How much is enough?

Financial planning can get really deep and detailed but that's not always necessary for everyone. There are, however, some essential financial items that everyone should be aware of when putting together a plan. Today we'll list out five of those and tell you what you need to know.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/447/ep-16-financial-stuff-you-should-know/    What we discuss on the show:  1:50 – Bonds and the Bond Market 4:44 – Tax Rates 9:25 – Living Benefits or Accelerated Death Benefits 11:35 – Risk 14:39 – Our own emotions get in the way

Even with a few months left in 2020, we've already experienced enough to last us a decade it seems. Along the way, we've learned quite a bit and looking back on that is a valuable exercise. Join us today as we reflect on a busy year and share what we know in hindsight.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/441/ep-15-hindsight-is-2020-reflecting-on-a-busy-year/    What we discuss on the show:  3:42 – The coronavirus and the stock market  5:57 – Why diversification is important during times like this. 9:40 – Wish we would have known how much risk we had in our portfolio.  12:22 – Social Security options 15:14 – I might have retired too early. 

How do you compare to the average American when it comes to saving money? Today you're going to find out as we sort through the statistics from the latest Vanguard report. We'll also see how the data compares with what Marc sees from clients.   Read more and see the full Vanguard report here: http://makeretirementwork.com/435/ep-14-eye-opening-stats-on-how-america-saves/   What we discuss on this episode:  2:06 – Defined contribution plans are now used by 100 million Americans. 3:13 – 15% of plan participants use the catch-up contributions. 4:17 – Only 20% of plan participants use a Roth or after-tax option. 5:24 – Average number of funds offered in a plan is 17.4 but only 2.4 used. 8:00 – Contributions and employer match stats 11:31 – Average rate of return over the past five years.  13:30 – Leaving funds with a previous employer. 15:16 – 76% of participants were deemed to have a balanced strategy.

Let's talk about scrutinizing our IRA. It's a very popular choice for retirement, but are we being too passive about how we save and invest inside that account? Today we'll talk about the pros and cons and make sure you're getting the most out of your investments.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/429/ep-13-lets-scrutinize-your-ira/    On today's show:  2:15 – 100% of IRA in the stock market? 4:14 – People don't always know options, risk 5:54 – Does the same concept apply to 401Ks, 403Bs, etc.? 6:26 – Tax implications of moving investments within IRAs 8:21 – Converting to a Roth 9:00 – Are people still interested in Roths? 10:07 – Another push for Roths later this year? 11:57 – Mailbag: The rule of 100

Putting together a financial plan is like building a house. You need a strong foundation to create the walls, roof and finishing touches. On this episode of the Make Retirement Work podcast, we give you step-by-step instructions to create a solid foundation and financial plan.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/418/ep-12-how-to-build-a-strong-financial-house/    On today's show:  5:05 - The foundation = Your income plan 7:15 - The walls = Your investment plan 8:49 - The roof = Your insurance protections 11:05 - The finishing touches = Your estate plan 15:05 - Teaching kids about taxes  

Today's show is all about you. On this episode of the Make Retirement Work podcast, we take your questions about bonds, real estate investments and other financial queries.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/417/ep-11-qa-bonds-real-estate-and-other-financial-advice/    On today's show: 2:47 – Question 1: With so much market uncertainty, how do you feel about bonds? 5:37 – Question 2: What are your thoughts on REITs (Real Estate Investment Trust)? 10:57 – Question 3: Should I talk with my financial advisor about social security, life insurance or my legacy plan? 15:06 – Question 4: I'm 49 and want to retire when I'm 55. What should I do with my money for the next decade?

From the Federal Reserve to the New York Stock Exchange to the U.S. Department of Treasury, how much do you know about our country's largest financial institutions? We take you on a trivia-filled history lesson and explain how they impact our lives.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/412/ep-10-a-trivia-filled-history-lesson-on-u-s-financial-institutions/    On today's show: 2:04 – What is the Federal Reserve? 6:41 – Most common role the Federal Reserve plays in our lives 8:23 – Trivia: How much U.S. currency is currently in circulation? 8:57 – What is the New York Stock Exchange? 12:08 – What is the S&P 500? 14:30 – What is the U.S. Department of Treasury? 16:40 – How does the Treasury differ from the Fed? 18:02 – Trivia: Why was the IRS created?

We've all experienced what a market crash feels like recently. Just when many of those memories of 2008 were beginning to fade, here comes 2020 with a harsh reminder. Who knows what the rest of the year will bring as we still await the upcoming election, but we do know that there will eventually be another market crash. So, what lessons can we take away from previous drops and apply to our finances now to make sure we don't lose our shirts during the next crash?   Show notes & additional financial resources: http://makeretirementwork.com/405/ep-9-5-rules-to-survive-the-next-market-crash/    Today's show schedule:  1:59 – What history has shown us about the market.   3:48 – Something will come along to cause another downturn. 5:49 – Rule 1: Understand how much risk you're exposed to. 7:26 – Rule 2: Protect some of the gains as you go.   9:31 – Rule 3: Being sure that we're diversified appropriately. 12:57 – Rule 4: Don't try to time the market. 16:46 – Rule 5: Have a well-conceived plan in place so you don't panic.

Everyone's financial plan will consist of a different make-up but how long should you expect it to be when laid out on paper? Does a complicated plan mean it's more comprehensive? Marc will take us through his planning process and explain what he typically provides clients.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/397/ep-8-are-complicated-portfolios-necessary/    Today's show schedule:  0:54 – We're now podcasting every week. 2:19 – There are one-pagers and then some really thick packets. 3:20 – Can you get a comprehensive plan on one page? 4:26 – What length do you typically see for a plan? 7:01 – Tell us about a time a new client came in with a complicated plan.   8:50 – What about plans that were too simple? 10:53 – The setup Marc has in his office.

Trying to get answers to the questions you have about financial planning but not getting the information you hoped for? Taking a different approach and looking at things from a different perspective my give you the results you need. Today we'll look at five common questions and Marc will tell us what you should really be asking.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/391/ep-7-are-you-asking-the-right-financial-questions/    Today's show schedule:  0:50 – How much money do I need to have saved to retire? 2:22 – Should I get long-term care insurance or just roll the dice? 4:10 – How can I get the highest possible return on my money? 5:55 – Where can I pay the lowest fees for financial advice? 9:22 – What can I do to pay less in taxes this year?

Have you ever been on a road trip and ended up getting lost? The same happens in retirement planning for similar reasons. Let's talk about why investors get off track and what steps you can take to get back on the path to retirement.    Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/386/ep-6-are-you-getting-lost-in-retirement/    Today's show schedule:  0:46 – What we're talking about today. 1:03 – Having bad financial tools  4:01 – Getting bad directions 6:45 – Not paying attention  9:07 – How to get back on track if you're lost. It begins by determining where you are. 11:03 – Now figure out where you want to go. 13:41 – Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Today we have a special episode featuring Mike Jacobson, President and CEO of NebraskaLand National Bank. He'll help us understand what low rates mean to consumers, what investments make sense, and why CDs are still a solid option. Plus, we'll give you the latest on PPP loans and explain what we're seeing from a surging market.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/381/ep-5-update-on-loans-rates-the-market-with-mike-jacobson/    Check out NebraksaLand Bank here: https://nebraskalandbank.com/    Today's show schedule:  1:01 – Things are getting busy in the bank. 2:05 – What do the low rates mean for customers? Let's start with how we got to this point. 5:33 – When the market dropped, a lot of money moved to money market accounts and CDs. 7:53 – The concerns for the bank moving forward. 9:45 – Is there any place to go with short-term money? 12:46 – Why it's important to look at a bank CD. 15:24 – The relationship Marc has with the bank.   17:32 – An update on PPP loans. 20:54 – An alternative for the PPP loan. 22:02 – Info for Ag producers 23:35 – A market update. Why is it going up? 25:18 – We're not out of the woods yet. 26:06 – One final note from Mike

A lot of advice for investors that don't work with an advisor come in the form of general rules that people can follow. While many of these rules serve a purpose and provide direction, some of them are becoming more and more outdated over time. Let's look at four financial rules that you might have heard and tell you why it might not be a good idea to follow them anymore.   Read more and get additional financial advice here: http://makeretirementwork.com/374/ep-4-4-financial-rules-that-might-be-outdated/    Today's show schedule:  1:12 – The 4% rule 4:31 – The 10-5-3 rule 7:07 – General rule: Move from stocks to bonds as we get older. 8:49 – The million dollar rule

This summer's Olympics in Tokyo have been postponed, but we can still host the Financial Planning Olympics. Let's talk about the events that you should excel in with a good financial coach in your corner.   Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/363/ep-3-the-financial-planning-olympics/    Today's show schedule:  0:27 – Marc is a sports fan but what about the Olympics? 1:52 – 1st event: The Inflation Marathon 3:55 – 2nd event: The Recession Hurdles 6:11 – 3rd event: The Hidden Fee Toss 9:35 – 4th event: The Portfolio Balance Beam

The goal for all of us is to be free and clear of a mortgage but is that changing with low interest rates? Let's talk about how your house plays into your retirement plan by looking at strategies like refinancing, paying off your debt, and reverse mortgages.   Read more and get additional resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/330/ep-2-how-your-house-factors-into-financial-planning-decisions/    Today's show schedule:  0:40 – With interest rates so low, what should we be doing with our mortgage? 3:52 – What variables should you consider before downsizing? 6:04 – Is a reverse mortgage a good idea? 7:44 – How a reverse mortgage works. 9:06 – Timing is so important as well because of interest rates.

Welcome to the first edition of the Make Retirement Work Podcast! On this first episode, we'll introduce you to the show's host, Marc Werkmeister, find out a little about why he got into the financial services industry, and get an understanding of what he truly finds special about living in Nebraska.   Read more and get additional resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/290/ep-1-meet-marc-werkmeister-the-new-podcast/    Key Points: 0:36 – Moving into the world of podcasting.   1:32 – What made Marc decide to start a podcast?   3:24 – Education is the way we market our business.  4:51 – How did Marc get into the business more than a decade ago? 6:37 – What does a typical weekend look like for you and the family? 7:54 – Marc has roots in this area and this community. 8:28 – He started his career in Lincoln and moved back in 2008, which was a challenging time. 10:06 – What kind of topics can you expect to hear about on this show?