Making Money Fun

 We all have a family culture where parents take care of their children until they grow up, sometimes allowing them to neglect their responsibilities because they are with us.In this episode, Melisa Horn and Alden Rowe from Heritage Financial Strategies discussed an article that reveals 45% of adult children receive financial support from their parents, even after graduating college. The support includes groceries, rent, tuition fees, and more. The conversation touches on the impact of economic crises on millennials' financial situations and the importance of having a clear vision for one's future to build momentum toward financial independence. They also explore how parenting styles may contribute to this trend and mention the prevalence of anxiety among millennials.Seek advice from financial experts like Melisa Horn and Alden Rowe to navigate economic challenges and build a solid foundation for your financial well-being.  About the GuestMelisa Horn  - Melisa Horn is a highly experienced professional with over 30 years of experience working in banks and credit unions. As Financial Coach with Mindful Money Financial Coaching, Melisa helps clients with budgeting and financial education and is passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals through intelligent planning and guidance. As Brand Ambassador for Heritage Financial Strategies, Melisa is excited to help Heritage Financial Strategies reach and resonate with those that are seeking help making the most of their money. With a strong focus on customer service, Melisa always goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone receives the highest quality care and support.  Melisa has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Arkansas State University; she is authentic with clients and team members and highly energetic, caring, and smart. With her vast knowledge of the banking and finance industry, Melisa is always up to date on the latest trends and strategies in financial services. Throughout her career, Melisa has received numerous awards for excellence. She is known for her ability to forge strong relationships with clients by building trust and rapport. And she is dedicated to helping others achieve their best financial future - whether by completing a personal or professional goal or simply navigating life transitions.  Alden Rowe- Alden Rowe is a financial planner with Heritage Financial Strategies whose goal is to help you achieve financial peace. He believes this can be accomplished through comprehensive financial planning and careful investing. Alden understands the role of a financial advisor is to coach and educate just as much as it is to build a plan. He is passionate about demystifying the world of investing and helping people engage with their finances on a deeper level. He earned a Bachelor's and Master's of Business Administration degree from MIU, in addition to holding financial industry licenses FINRA Series 7, 66, 24, and 3. Alden worked for Heritage's broker-dealer Cambridge Investment Research for three years before joining the Heritage team in 2020.Connect with the Guest:● Website | heritagefinancialaz.com● Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/alden-rowe (Alden Rowe)                    www.linkedin.com/in/melisa-horn (Melisa Horn)Resources mentioned:Failure to Launch: Why Your Twenty-Something Hasn't Grown Up...and What to Do About It      

In investing, it is important to explore alternative options in order to minimize the risk of losses.In this episode, I discussed the S&P 500, a stock market index measuring the performance of the 500 largest companies listed on the US stock exchange. Additionally, it is crucial to consider other investment options as relying solely on the S&P entails greater risk, given its potential fluctuations on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Therefore, for a diversified investment strategy, it is advisable to include a mix of asset classes and sectors, such as bonds, in order to mitigate losses.Tune in now to learn more about S & P 500 and take control of your financial future!Episode HighlightsWhat is S & P 500Considering a broader range of investment optionsFinding other categories of investmentsManaging and mitigating risk or potential losses in an investment portfolioListen now!We-make-money-funIndices mentioned are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure profit or protect against loss. Investing involves risk. Depending on the different types of investments, there may be varying degrees of risk, including loss of original principal."

Ever wondered why everyone who has a personal financial planner says it's a game changer? In today's episode, Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies introduces Tony and Renée, a retired couple living in Arizona and long-standing clients of hers. As former business owners, they know it is a must to have a financial specialist, especially in the economy we live in today. They found Shanna through Dave Ramsey's SmartVestor Pro program and felt comfortable choosing her as their go-to expert in the financial field. They are convinced that the right financial advisor should listen to what matters to them, teach them about their options, serve them, and keep them in charge… and mentioned that Shanna is doing this perfectly. Tony shares that one of the most valuable things about working with her is her network and her team. No matter what, they'll always have your back. To meet the team at Heritage, go to https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/ where you can schedule an initial consultation.

Having a partner who supports you not only in your personal life but also in your business endeavors can bring numerous benefits. From shared goals and mutual support to leverage complementary skills and the ability to navigate challenges together, a partner can enhance both your personal and professional growth.Eric Tingom, the Director of Technology and Tax Strategy and Shannon's husband and business partner at Heritage Financial Strategies discusses his background in accounting, finance, and business management consulting. He highlights his role in building and managing Heritage, sharing the challenges they faced, including his extensive traveling before COVID and the process of rebuilding their office space. The importance of providing clients with a comprehensive financial planning experience and working towards their future goals is emphasized throughout the discussion.Join us at Heritage Financial Strategies for a comprehensive and personalized financial planning experience that will help you achieve your future goals.Episode Highlights● Eric's background in accounting● Building their brand new office from scratch● How his experience working with small businesses and government contracts has prepared him for his current role.  ● Producing a plan  About the GuestEric Tingom is the director of technology and tax strategy of Heritage Financial strategies. He is a lifelong entrepreneur, starting his first technology company while in college at Arizona State University, where he earned a degree in Accounting. Right out of ASU, he worked in public auditing for Cooper and Lybrand, now Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC). He has worked with private companies as well as large government agencies helping them comply with new rules and regulations and streamlining their policies and procedures.  His past work experiences are part of why Eric joined Heritage Financial Strategies. He has played an integral part in setting up the technology, data security, and integration so that it meets all FINRA requirements. His work has been instrumental in the success of the business, where employees and clients enjoy the latest technological advances.  Eric will continue to have more interactions with clients as his role expands to bring new tax and insurance services to Heritage Financial Strategies clients.   

For Wendy Rios, being riddled with debt and financial uncertainty was no longer an option. She wanted to visit the land of financial peace. Her dream became a reality when she and her husband deep-dived into Financial Coach Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps Framework.Wendy and her husband paid down a substantial amount of debt following Dave's system and applying hard work and persistence. Still, they knew they needed the help that only a professional could provide. That's when Wendy reached out to our family at Heritage Financial.  With the help of Shanna Tingom, AAMS®, CFDA® Financial planner, Wendy developed a plan to pay off debt, save for her children's college tuition, and plan a comfortable retirement.  Wendy Rios took control of her finances by seeking guidance from a financial advisor, creating wealthy habits like budgeting and saving, and hiring a professional accountant to help her stay on track. She also began investing while diversifying her portfolio to reduce risk. By doing so, Wendy was able to make wise financial decisions and increase her net worth. Are you ready to take control of your finances? Contact Heritage Financial Today and let us help you on the road to Financial Peace.

Many students are burdened with student loan debt, with 70% of college graduates in the United States having an average debt of over $30,000. As a parent, we all want to see our children succeed and accomplish their goals, especially when it comes to their education. However, with the rising costs of tuition and living expenses, many students are forced to take out student loans, which can burden them with debt for years to come. Our guest in this episode is Juan Te Dailey, who achieved the remarkable feat of sending her son to college debt-free. Juan Te's journey is a testament to the power of financial planning and hard work and by following Dave Ramsey's advice from his book, "The Total Money Makeover," Juan Te was able to take crucial steps to achieve financial freedom. Graduating from college debt-free can be an incredibly empowering experience. It allows our children to start their careers without the burden of student loans, giving them a sense of financial freedom and the ability to pursue their dreams.Don't miss this inspiring episode on how one parent achieved the goal of sending their child to college debt-free!

There are several advantages to getting started with financial planning early and focusing on it with a financial expert. However, we all always have questions about this issue. Today, Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies and her two clients, Bart and Lori, are talking about the importance of early financial planning with a financial expert, and this podcast leads to Shanna, Bart, and Lori talking about how their relationships developed in the past through consultation on financial planning. Bart and Lori believe that the sooner you can start financial planning, the better, and of course, you can increase the possibility of getting a great impact on your savings. Also, they mention that experts can help you with your financial plan and reduce your confusion about your future finances, and Bart and Lori point out their experiences. If you need to talk about your future financial plan with an expert, reach out to Shanna and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies here to schedule a consultation.

What Do Tom Brady, Usain Bolt, Stephen Curry, Mike Tyson, John McEnero, and Dennis Rodman Have in Common?They were all victims of financial mismanagement, where their money was stolen or misappropriated by the companies or individuals they entrusted to manage it. Olympic runner Usain Bolt is the latest among this group to experience this misfortune - he recently had nearly 13 million dollars taken from him over a 13-year period. Tom Brady lost 650 million with FTX, Steven Curry lost 160 million with FTX, and Mike Tyson and Kareem Abdul Jabar (Elvis Presley) have had undisclosed amounts of money stolen or misappropriated. John McEnroe lost two million investing in a painting fraud, while Dennis Rodman has been liable for 3.5 million stolen by his financial advisor Peggy Ann Fulford.These types of fraud typically fall into one of two categories: fraudulent activities such as theft or embezzlement; or Ponzi schemes where non-existent returns are promised, but only payouts come from other people's investments. In both cases, recovery of funds can be difficult if the money has already been spent.So how can we learn these celebrity lessons regarding our investments and choosing the right advisors? Here are some tips to keep in mind:Never invest in something you don't understand – research it if uncertain!It's important to have measures like custodians that provide administrative oversight and accountability for your investments (like Pershing Fidelity Schwab). You should be able to look at statements and tax forms with their name on them that verify they are managing your funds correctly.Make sure you have easy contact access with your advisor – emails, phone numbers, texts, etc – so you can stay updated on your accounts activity quickly if anything arises that looks suspicious. Logging into our client portal once a month is also recommended so you can watch for any irregularities early on before they become larger problems.

Mark and Lizza, two of Shanna's clients, are introduced, as well as the returning listeners to the broadcast. Mark, a Heritage Planning customer for a number of years, explains why he chose to work with a planner. He adds that he needed assistance in handling his finances and providing for his family. Lizza chose Heritage Planning because she believed the business could offer her the finest support.  Lizza and Mark talk about Mark's firm being sold and the journey to retirement. They discuss how having a solid financial foundation and estate plan are crucial, as well as, how working with a financial planner may assist to bring clarity and peace of mind.  If you share a similar story, or have any questions related to your financial future, you can always reach out to Shanna and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies at https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/ 

In this podcast, I'm joined by my Naturopath Dr. Kasey Nichols of Onyx Integrative Medicine in Gilbert, and we will be discussing how I took physical and financial steps towards a healthier lifestyle, starting in mid 2021.I began by taking blood tests following a diagnosis of dangerously low iron from my primary care doctor. I was referred to a hematologist and booked in for an iron infusion that same week. Then the journey began.I underwent hormone testing which showed something unexpected, as well as blood tests to check iron levels and food sensitivity tests which highlighted some common triggers including peanuts, almonds, pineapple, and gluten.In response to the dietary advice, I started a gluten-free diet in the fall of 2021. This has led to weight loss of around 30 pounds so far with more to go! I feel better at 50 than I did at 30! 

On this episode of Making Money Fun, Christina talked about what it was like, leading up to, and finally working with Heritage Financial Strategies on planning life for her family after retirement.   She shared why they decided to hire a planner and why they chose Heritage.   She also shared that she was diagnosed with a degrative brain disease and had brain surgery, and that hastened their need to make sure they would be financially ok, even if she couldn't return to work.   Their most significant financial achievement was realized early in 2023 when they paid off their mortgage and now can rest easy knowing they will be financially able to handle it if she is not able to return to work.   

Secure Act 2.0: An OverviewThe Secure Act of 2019 was the biggest legislative change to retirement planning since 2006, and it quickly became overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. But Secure Act 2.0 brings even more changes that could significantly impact how you plan for your retirement.Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)Under the Secure Act, the age at which individuals must withdraw money from certain retirement accounts has changed. The RMD age has now been set at 72 for anyone born in 1950 or earlier, 73 for those born in 1951-59, and 75 for anyone born in 1960 or later. There is also the possibility that some in the group with 73 as their RMD age may be changed to 74. Additionally, distributions must happen by April 1 of the year after attaining the RMD age. If you wait until the following calendar year to withdraw, two distributions will be due that year. And if you fail to take an RMD, penalty fees can be reduced from 50% to 25%, which could go down to 10% if corrected promptly.Employer-Sponsored PlansThe legislation changes Roth accounts under employer-sponsored plans - they no longer have any required minimum distributions unless they are inherited - while sep IRAs and SIMPLE accounts can now offer Roth options instead of being purely pre-tax investments. Contributions to employee 401k's can also now be made directly into their Roth side, which could create tax consequences for those individuals. It is also possible for 529 college savings plans proceeds to be transferred into Roth accounts under narrow conditions, creating new tax planning opportunities in this area.Contribution LimitsSecure Act 2.0 provides annual contribution increases based on inflation rather than unpredictable fluctuations. This may provide more predictability when budgeting your long-term savings goals each year..Other ChangesOther notable changes include incentives for small businesses offering 401(k) plans and employers making student loan payments for employees in place of matching contributions.

Why Your Vision Board Should Include a Financial Planner: Getting into the Nitty Gritty with Lisa and ShannaEver wished that you had your very own guardian angel to help you navigate the course of your finances? Well, look no further because your wish has been granted!Join us and our guest, Lisa, on this episode as she shares her personal experience and journey towards building and improving the financial health of she and her partner, Nick. A loyal client of over 8 years, Lisa is a health, wellness and clinical practitioner, as well as a business leader who is planning on launching her newest venture, "Adventures with Lisa" next year.She shares what it's like to be lost and what led her and her partner to bring in a financial planner on their quest for financial freedom and security. According to Lisa, seeking help is not necessarily a sign of weakness but a mark of courage. She also talks about how engaging the services of a financial planner transformed her life and facilitated her early retirement plan, along with allowing her and Nick to purchase a house and pursue their passions debt-free. Listen to the podcast to get the full details!Connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook @Heritagefinancialstrategies and on Instagram and Twitter @Wemakemoneyfun.For more information on the aesthetics of hiring a financial planner, subscribe to @Wemakemoneyfun on Apple podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts.

It's been a turbulent year for investors in 2022, as the Federal Reserve took action against inflation and the stock market reacted to changes in the discount rate. This resulted in a rare phenomenon of both equities and bonds selling off simultaneously - but even during recessionary periods, the stock market has had a positive return on average. 2023 looks optimistic, with no two down years occurring consecutively, but investors must remain diversified and use tax-efficient strategies. Despite periods of volatility, taking a long-run approach to the market can reap rewards.

Today's show is about Melisa Horn, a highly experienced financial professional with over 30 years of experience in banks and credit unions. As Financial Coach with Mindful Money Financial Coaching, Melisa helps clients with budgeting and financial education. Additionally, as Brand Ambassador for Heritage Financial Strategies, she shares her expertise in making the most of their money. With a strong focus on customer service excellence, Melisa goes above and beyond to ensure everyone receives high-quality care and support. Melisa has an impressive background; she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Arkansas State University and has received numerous awards for excellence throughout her career. She is known for building trust with her clients and team members through authentic relationships. Her dedication to helping others achieve their best financial future makes her a valuable asset to Heritage Financial Strategies. Plus, Melisa is passionate about helping people make smart financial decisions that help them complete personal or professional goals or navigate life transitions.

A windfall is money that comes to you suddenly, often unexpectedly.  This could be an inheritance, settlement, lottery winnings, or even stock in the form of a company IPO.  Today, Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies and Jon Gay discuss what to do with a windfall, and some very costly mistakes to avoid.  70% of people who come into large sums of money lose it within a few years!If you know a windfall is coming, be honest.  For example, if you're anticipating an inheritance, talk to those relatives while they're here so that you're all on the same page.Next, it's vital to have a team in place to help you with this money.  This can include a financial advisor, attorney, CPA, and more.  Lean on their expertise.  And keep things quiet!  Only tell your team members and close people that you trust.  The last thing you want is to be under siege from people asking for money.If you're dealing with a current or future windfall situation, or have any questions related to your financial future, you can always reach out to Shanna and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies at https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

Shanna Tingom has long sensed - in herself as well as her clients, that women are struggling with their financial health. Many feel they haven't contributed as much as they'd like to their retirement plan.  This money has gone to other places that Shanna explains, particularly since the start of COVID.Three main factors playing into all of this are inflation, low consumer confidence, and changes around access to reproductive healthcare.59% of women stress about money once a week, and 43% of women actively worry about money at least once a day!Shanna and Jon also compare differences between generation of women - and where their priorities aren't the same.   However, more women are making their financial health a priority.Mentioned in today's show: The Ellevest Study "The State of Women's Financial Wellness in 2022:"  https://s3.amazonaws.com/production.assets.ellevest.com/documents/Ellevest-The-State-of-Womens-Financial-Wellness-in-2022.pdfReach out to Shanna and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies at https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

Shanna Tingom's guest today is Aaron Witten of Witten Financial. His firm specializes in helping businesses use the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) related to COVID.  He's here to walk us through it.The ERC started with the CARES Act in April of 2020, but it was revised in December of 2020, and again under "Build Back Better" in February of 2021.  The latest revision includes the language: “if your business was fully or partially impacted by a governmental shutdown order." This makes it easier for businesses with non-relative W2 employees to qualify.  The affected "pandemic period" includes Q2, Q3, and Q4 of 2020, as well as Q1, Q2, and Q3 of 2021. These income-tax-free, refundable credits can run as high as up to $26k per employee over this covered period – making this an extremely valuable shot of cash in the arm of businesses, both large and small.Aaron also breaks down how PPP and EIDL loans could affect eligibility.  How do you apply for the ERC? What are the terms, time period, and processes?  Aaron gives us an overview.Resources:Aaron's White Paper:Aaron's Website: https://wittenfinancial.com/Aaron's Phone Number: 270-200-1056Shanna's Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Shanna's Phone Number: 480-397-1184

As we turn the calendar to October, the markets continue to show signs of volatility.  Today, Shanna and Jon are here to explore what's happened since our last check in, 3 months ago.In September, the Fed raised the interest rate another 0.75%.  What does that mean for our listeners, and are we closer to a recession than we were a quarter ago?While that's not an easy question to answer, it's important to look at what makes our current condition unique. This includes household debt to asset ratios, and the differences in personal consumption of goods vs services.Should our listeners hold tight?  Shanna closes by answering that question.Want to know more? Contact Shanna Tingom and the team at Heritage Financial Strategies: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

Student loan forgiveness was announced a few weeks ago by the Biden administration.  What are the pros and cons? Are you eligible? How does it work?  Shanna Tingom from Heritage Financial Strategies is here to answer those questions today.Shanna and Jon agree this plan is a good step in the right direction to help many Americans get back on their feet financially, so they'll have more money they can spend, and get out from crippling student loan debt.   The plan doesn't address the root problem here - the skyrocketing cost of higher education - but that's a conversation for another podcast.    Also, financial education is so critically important - both of our cohosts made the mistake of signing up for a credit card in college in exchange for a free T-shirt.  But Shanna also got pizza out of the deal. Jon did not.This new plan will provide $10,000 of student loan forgiveness for those who qualify, and that number goes up to $20,000 if you received a need-based Pell Grant.  In other words, if your family was below a certain income threshold when you were a student, there's more opportunity here for you.   In addition, the "pause" on student loan repayments we've seen throughout COVID will be extended one more time, with an end date of December 31, 2022.Finally, if you made payments during this period since March of 2020, you may be eligible for a refund.While some of aspects of Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or PSLF, may go into effect automatically, the best advice is to do your research.   Check in with your loan servicer online.  Shanna even went to StudentAid.Gov to re-activate her account to look up the most updated information.  And, depending on which state you live in, you may be required to pay taxes on the forgiven about.   There are many moving parts here, and every situation is different.  So do you research, and talk to a professional.To reach Shanna and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies, visit them online at https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

What the heck happened to Crypto?  Over the past couple of years, there have been many headlines around crypto.  And recently, the market, as well as various cryptocurrencies, have dropped off sharply.   Shanna Tingom starts by breaking down some numbers, and what's behind them.We also talk about the legal troubles faced both by a big-name backer of crypto, as well as a popular trading app.   And what about taxes?   What are the tax implications for people who buy and sell cryptocurrencies?If you'd like to reach out to Shanna Tingom and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies, find them online at https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Additional Resources:Previous podcast episode on Gamestop and "Meme Stocks:" https://makingmoneyfun.simplecast.com/episodes/explaining-the-gamestop-storyReuters Article on Robinhood:  https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/robinhood-must-face-us-market-manipulation-claims-over-meme-stock-rally-judge-2022-08-11/Tech Crunch Article on Voyager:  https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/11/mark-cuban-mavericks-face-lawsuit-over-crypto-voyager-ponzi-scheme/Harvard Gazette article:What Happened to Crypto:  https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/07/so-what-happened-to-crypto/#:~:text=Recent%20high%2Dprofile%20financial%20meltdowns,less%20than%20%24900%20billion%20today.

What is the Inflation Reduction Act, and how will it affect you?  Shanna Tingom and Jon break down this new legislation, which the President signed into law shortly before we recorded this episode.First, this will not affect Roth conversions or so-called "back door" Roth IRA contributions.  Shanna gives us a refresher on what's involved with those strategies and moves.We also talk about tax rates, and how the Inflation Reduction Act will affect health care and prescription drug prices. What about the IRS? There's been a lot of talk about increasing the number of IRS employees.  Should that scare you?To contact Shanna Tingom and the team at Heritage Financial Strategies, visit https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Additional Resources:Investopedia ROTH IRA Rules:https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/081615/basics-roth-ira-contribution-rules.aspKaiser Family Foundation:https://www.kff.org/slideshow/what-are-the-prescription-drug-provisions-in-the-inflation-reduction-act/Tax Foundation:  https://taxfoundation.org/inflation-reduction-act/Senate Democrats:  https://www.democrats.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/inflation_reduction_act_one_page_summary.pdf

Shannon Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies is talking about coaches today.  Multi-millionaire athletes have them. Successful CEO's have them.  We can all use them - in various aspects of our lives.Coaches can be hired to help solve a short-term problem, or on a longer term basis.  Shanna, in her business,  has coaches for business and personal leadership.  In the past, she's also worked with career, relationship, and even financial coaches! (Yes, you read that right.)This leads to Shanna and Jon talking about how their respective relationships evolved in COVID, and how coaching even helped with that.At Heritage Financial Strategies, they offer several different types of coaching relationships, and that's how they help you manage your money and plan your future.   To reach the team at Heritage, visit them online to schedule an appointment at https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/And if you haven't heard the amazing story around Dana Croschere, Heritage's Financial Coach, you can check out that episode of the podcast here: https://makingmoneyfun.simplecast.com/episodes/danapart1Chris Spear:  Website / LinkedInMike Strati:  Website / LinkedInRoger Reitzel:  Website / LinkedInChris Raup:  Website / LinkedInDana Crochere and Mindful Money: Website / LinkedIn 

Recently, Shanna Tingom and her family contracted COVID-19.  Fortunately, symptoms were relatively minor and everyone is OK.  However, being sick and quarantined to a hotel room really gave our podcast host some perspective.     What if something happened to her, and she wasn't around?The last 2 1/2 years have taught us that anything can happen to anyone - whether it's a worldwide pandemic or being hit by the proverbial bus tomorrow.   Shanna realized there was part of her estate plan that even she needed to update.   But having a plan is so crucial.   You need to be able to stipulate your wishes, and not leave loved ones behind to pick up the pieces, should the unthinkable happen.If you need help with estate planning, retirement planning, investing, or anything related to your financial future, you can contact Shanna and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies by visiting https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

Sorry to remind you of this, but the Phoenix Suns had a great season - until they didn't.  Everything looked great, until an epic, epic collapse in Game 7 against Dallas.   You may think you've got smooth sailing with your financial future, and then the unexpected happens.Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies is a huge Suns fan, and this collapse got her thinking about her role as a financial advisor.   What happens when the proverbial wheels come off?  It's her job to re-assure her clients, make adjustments if necessary, but above all, make sure they don't panic.Need to discuss something related to your financial future?  Shanna Tingom and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies are here to help.  Find them here:https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

Are we headed toward a recession?  Today, Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies breaks down that question.First, we define what a recession technically is.  And Shanna explains why it's not necessarily a bad thing.  And if we hit one, Shanna talks about why it will be completely different than any one we've experienced previously.  This is tied to the current job market and supply chain issues.Jon asks Shanna the, no pun intended, million dollar question.  Are we headed to a recession? Her answer may surprise you.  She doesn't think so, and she explains the data behind this assumption.So what does this mean for your investments?  Shanna and Jon explain.Need to discuss something related to these topics or anything about your financial future?  Shanna Tingom and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies are here to help.  Find them here:https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

Today, Alden Rowe is back with Jon Gay to talk about 529 savings plans - used for educational expenses.While some details vary between states, a 529 plan has special tax savings on the way in, and on its growth (similar to a Roth), as long as that money is being used for educational expenses.  Sure, that includes tuition and room & board.  But it can be applied to a number of other things, like textbooks, computers, off-campus housing (within reason), and even primary education up through grade 12.  They can also be applied to trade school education.Different relatives can contribute to a 529 plan for a single beneficiary, and if that beneficiary doesn't use the money, it can be transferred to another beneficiary (in many cases). And of course, if the money isn't spent on qualified educational expenses, Alden explains the penalties involved.How much should you put in to a 529 plan?  Of course that depends.  Alden talks about some of the different factors to consider in that decision.Finally, some states limit which plans you can participate in.  But these plans can be used for schools in any state.For more info on 529 plans, or anything related to your financial future, contact Alden, Shanna Tingom, and the team at Heritage Financial Strategies.  https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/ or  (480) 397-1184

The team at Heritage Financial Strategies really takes a family approach to helping you with your finances.  Today, we take that approach quite literally. Alden Rowe brings in his dad, Tom Rowe, who used work in a college's financial aid office.Going to college can be daunting enough, without figuring out how to pay for it.  Tom walks us through the process, starting with the FAFSA - the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  The FAFSA can be found on FAFSA.gov, which redirects you to https://studentaid.gov.   There are scammers out there, so be sure your URL ends with .gov.  And it's FREE - don't be scammed by someone who wants you to pay for it.Fill out the FAFSA with your student in the fall of their senior year of high school.  In the spring, when they are narrowing their list to specific schools, many will have their own calculators to look at as well.Financial aid comes in three forms - loans, grants (usually from the federal or state government), and scholarships.  You'll need to figure out what combination these will come in for your student when figuring out your out of pocket expense.  You'll also want to start a 529 savings plan as early as possible - Alden and Jon will get into that in our next episode.Finally, Tom mentions that college isn't for everyone.  It's often too expensive a proposition for someone who's not sure what they want to do.  There are many other options out there to start highly successful careers.  We cover some of those as well.Need more help with this topic, or anything related to your financial future?  Contact Alden Rowe, Shanna Tingom, and the team at Heritage Financial Strategies.   Shanna Tingom and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies are here to help.  Find them here:https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Or  (480) 397-1184. 

There are bills currently pending in Washington that can really affect you as both an investor and an employee.  Today, Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies breaks them down to what you need to know.The first is what's being called The SECURE Act 2.0.  You may remember that the original SECURE Act was passed by Congress in November 2019, shortly before the pandemic.  Among other changes, it raised the age on RMD's - required minimum distributions.After dealing with COVID, the legislature has now gone back to addressing retirement accounts.  Shanna breaks down the different aspects of SECURE 2.0, including another RMD age jump, auto enrollment in workplace savings plans, more employer contributions to these plans, and employer contributions to match student loan payments.   It's important to remember two things here.  1) The government is trying to make sure Americans do a better job saving for retirement.  2) The government needs more money in retirement accounts to that it can make more money in taxes.   For a detailed breakdown, you can read the following article:Secure Act 2.0:  https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-plans/602821/secure-act-2The other piece of legislation Shanna addresses is what's known as the "Pro Act."  On its face, it's designed to make it easier for employees to unionize and protect themselves.  However, the result will be many 1099 employees becoming W2 employees.  This, in turn, will cost employers more and may drive up the prices of their services, in Shanna's opinion.  We walk through this potential new law, and offer this article for more info.Pro Act:  https://www.uschamber.com/employment-law/unions/labors-litany-of-dangerous-ideas-the-pro-act-updatedHave questions about SECURE Act 2 or the Pro Act?  Or need to discuss anything related to your retirement or financial future?  Shanna Tingom and her team at Heritage Financial Strategies are here to help.  Find them here:https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies rejoins Jon Gay today to talk about the three driving forces that contributed to market volatility in the first quarter of 2022.The Russian Invasion of UkraineRising Interest RatesGlobal Supply Chain issues Shanna and Jon break down how each of these forces are affecting the market and your investments, and show why its as important as ever to stay diversified in your portfolio.  We may know who the winners have been in the past - but we just can't know for the future.Here's a link to the Jellybean Chart Shanna references in this episode: https://novelinvestor.com/asset-class-returns/Heritage Financial Website: https://heritagefinancialaz.com/

As we continue to meet more of the team at Heritage Financial Strategies, today, Jag sits down with Karen and Anna. You may have spoken to Karen Garcia on the phone if you've called the office.Anna Vollenweider is our director of financial planning.  She's walked the walk, so she can  talk the talk.  Like others in our office, her personal experience informs her career path.    We hear the story of how Anna found a kindred spirit in Karen, and how she's working to create a financial plan for her.Anna explains the step by step process of information gathering and developing a financial plan for Heritage clients.  What does that look like? And why can it be so beneficial.Contact Heritage Financial Strategies:HeritageFinancialAZ.com480-397-1184

In the second of our two-part series on families and money, Samantha Jarvey of Heritage Financial Strategies is back to discuss the harder side of the conversation - talking to your parents.Estate planning is a difficult topic to broach because, well frankly, nobody wants to think about their own demise.  Also, parents often feel they should be supporting their kids, not the other way around.  But there are some important conversations you should be having with mom and dad while they are still in good physical and mental health.You want to cover estate planning, but also living wills, medical and legal power of attorney.  What are their wishes if they are unable to speak up for themselves?  As we've seen with COVID, you never know what can happen.There are also a number of scammers out there.  And they love to target the elderly.  They may pose as a government organization like the IRS or police department.  Some sick individuals even pretend to have kidnapped your family members! They use fear and other tactics to manipulate their victims.  Don't fall for it.  The government won't ask you for money over the phone without contacting you via mail first.  And no legitimate entity will ask you for gift cards.  If you're unsure, you can always contact the Heritage Team to help.Contact Sam or anyone on the Heritage Financial Strategies team:HeritageFinancialAZ.com480-397-1184Sam's email: Sam.Jarvey@heritageaz.com

In the first of a two-part series with Samantha Jarvey from Heritage Financial Strategies, we cover the importance of talking to your kids about money. Sam has kids of her own, and with her oldest, she's using the jar approach.  She's teaching her daughter about saving, spending, even investing.   Why do it now?  Because kids' ideas around money are formed by age 7!  And they pick things up from us, good and bad.However, teaching and learning don't end at age 7.  We also cover how to talk to pre-teens and teens about money.  What habits can we teach them? When are credit and debit cards appropriate?  Sadly, we have a real financial literacy problem in this country.  Fixing it starts with us.Contact Sam or anyone on the Heritage Financial Strategies team:HeritageFinancialAZ.com480-397-1184Sam's email: Sam.Jarvey@heritageaz.com

Welcome to part two of our conversation with Heritage Financial Strategies' Dana Croschere, Today, Adam, Jon, and Dana talk specifically about what Dan's role is as a Financial Coach.A financial coach does not deal with investments. In fact, Dana herself has been a Heritage client in that regard.  Her focus is on your budget. Her approach is value based spending - figuring out how to prioritize the things that are important to you - whether that's travel, dining out, or whatever "sets your heart on fire."   This will be different for every client, so Dana takes time to get to know you, and what makes you tick.  This is done without judgement of current or past activity, and is designed to get you where you need to be on a month-to-month basis.  She can even be an accountability partner.Jon shares some real world examples of the power of budgeting - giving out take-out in the month of January, and a fancy trip to Hawaii, all because of budgeting.If you're interested in talking to Dana, Adam, and the rest of the Heritage Financial Strategies team, you can find us and contact us online here: heritagefinancialaz.com

Dana Croschere is the newest member of the Heritage Financial Strategies team, joining us as a Financial Coach.  And she has an incredible story of how she got here.In her 20's, Dana had a financial crime committed against her, when a boyfriend bought a boat and trailer in her name and took off. All of a sudden, she was faced with paying off big-ticket items she didn't even possess.  Through tenacity and discipline, she was able to claw her way out of a desperate situation.   Inspired by her own work and experience, she went to Wells Fargo, and climbed the ladder in their Financial Crimes division.Following some health challenges, she's re-defining herself yet again, and really wants to help people meet their financial goals. She's got the chops and experience, and she knows how to put together a budget, collaboratively, with our clients.  Dana also explains how she ended up as the protagonist in a documentary, produced by her partner Krisanna, about her journey back.Resources: Love Heals Movie: https://lovehealsfilm.com/Heritage Financial Website: https://heritagefinancialaz.com/

Heritage Financial Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Many of us put money away into our employer-sponsored retirement plans and forget about it.   However, you may have more control over those investments than you think.   Adam Miller and Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies explain how they work with their clients to make sure that their retirement plans and investments are best suited to their individual needs.

Heritage Financial Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Hayden Gerwein from Howard Capital Management is back today, joining Shanna Tingom and Adam Miller from Heritage Financial.  And we are discussing Pooled Employer Plans - a way for small business owners to pool resources to offer retirement benefits to their employees.(Disclosure: The Heritage Financial Strategies Team will be using a PEP from Howard Capital for their employees beginning January 1, 2022.)Hayden explains how these Pooled Employer Plans work, and Shanna explains why, in the wake of the SECURE Act, this was the right time to implement it for her employees.We go through the flexibility of these plans, including what small business owners control when putting together options for their employees, and why they can be advantageous in terms of the financial cost as well as time invested.

Heritage Financial Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/In part 2 of this series, Adam Miller of Heritage Financial Strategies welcomes back Disability Insurance expert Brock Falconer. There are other ways of being covered for a disability, including group plans through your employer and through social security.  Brock explains the advantages to having these plans, but also their limitations.  For example, social security claims -when approved, can often take 2 years.  And if you have DI through your employer, that won't come with you when you leave that job. - These are some of the reasons why it's advantageous to have your own individual DI plan. Also, you may need to file a partial claim.  For example, you might not be completely disabled, but you might only be able to work 4 hours out of a typical 8 hour day.  DI can come in handy in this situation as well.Brock also explains the benefits of underwriting a disability insurance claim when you're younger.Finally, know that Adam, Shanna Tingom, and the team at Heritage Financial can help you review all of your coverages.  If necessary, they can work with resources like Brock to make sure you are adequately taken care of in the case of the unexpected.

Heritage Financial Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Adam Miller of the Heritage Financial Strategies team hosts this two part series, with guest Brock Falconer.  Brock is an expert in the field of disability insurance, or DI.  And Brock is one of the many strategic partners that Heritage works with in helping you plan your financial future.It's important to know that Disability Insurance is more than just coverage should you become permanently disabled.  A DI claim can be filed for being unable to work for just 90 days.  And the chances that may happen to you:  1 in 4.  And it doesn't have to be just physical - it can apply to someone who's unable to work due to a mental health situation as well.When people think of their most valuable assets, they often think of homes, cars, and retirement accounts.  But your most valuabe asset is your ability to earn a living.  Brock says we insure those other items, but often we don't think about insuring our earning potential.  That's where disability insurance comes in.In the second part of our series, Adam and Brock will take a deeper dive into the world of disability insurance.

Heritage Financial Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Today, Shanna Tingom is rejoined by Hayden Gerwien of Howard Capital Management.  Did you know that you may have more control of your work retirement plan than you realize, including 401k, 403b, and 457 plans?A self directed brokerage account, or SDBA, allows you to utilize a third party money manager.  About 40% of employers allow this in their retirement plans, including some large companies in the area, including ASU, U of A, and Intel.If you don't have this option through your employer plan, there are other tools offered by Heritage Financial and Howard Capital Management. The 401K Optimizer Plan is an overlay tool that will look at the options available to you in your retirement account, recommend an initial investment, and provide ongoing advice as well.Howard's Guided Retirement Plan takes the pressure off of the investor and actively manages your portfolio.For more information about any of these services, Howard Capital Management and Heritage Financial work together, and you can contact Shanna at https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

Heritage Financial Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Today, Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial is joined by Hayden Gerwien of Howard Capital Management, a firm that Heritage works with closely for its clients.Howard Capital Management is a third party money manager, and Hayden gives us a bit of background on the company. Then explains their patented HCM-BuyLine® investment process.   This is a computer algorithm that allow for a more tactical and defensive strategy to manage your money.  And this will recommend when to buy and when to sell.Hayden walks us through how this algorithm worked during the COVID-19 volatility we saw last year, taking the emotion out of investing.  And Shanna explains how they've become a partner to help manage the portfolios of her clients at Heritage Financial.For more information about how Howard Capital Management and Heritage Financial work together, and you can contact Shanna at https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/

This is the second of a two part series with estate attorney Heather Parker of the Parker Law Office.  Today, we take a deeper dive into the differences between wills and trusts.Trusts can provide for:How your bills will be paid if you are hospitalizedA financial power of attorneyA trustee to manage your assetsAvoiding costly probate court costsAnd more...There are also different types of trusts, including pet trusts, and IRA trusts.  The latter can be especially important in wake of the SECURE Act and recent changes to the stretch IRA rules. Most importantly, you should have a team working together for your estate planning.  This can include a financial advisor, accountant, attorney, and more.Resources:The Parker Law Office: https://www.parkerlawaz.com/Heather Parker's Office Number: 480-264-5177Heritage Financial Strategies: https://heritagefinancialaz.com/ 

Heritage Financial Strategies now has a new office space - but you won't have to reprogram your GPS.  We've just moved downstairs.  We are now on the first floor of our building on South Gilbert Road.The move was a several-months long process, and Shanna Tingom and the team realized it's similar to finding a financial advisor. They needed to find the right fit for their needs.  They then worked with a general contractor to find the labor, parts, and tools that were uniquely suited to what they wanted to accomplish - just like a financial advisor will help you find the best fit for your needs.Another thing the Heritage team learned - if a vendor seems like a bad fit - trust your gut.  Shanna explains. 

This is the first of a two-part series on estate planning.  Attorney Heather Parker joins Shanna Tingom to talk about the two areas of estate planning - money and medical.Medical:HIPAA Release - who can be given information about your condition?Medical Power Of Attorney - who can make medical decisions for you?End of Life Documents - what are your final wishes in terms of treatment?Heather explains that not having these documents in place can have dire consequences, and she gives some real world examples.  These conversations can be difficult to have, but they are vitally important.  She also explains how to give the right people access to these documents.On the money side, Heather breaks down the differences between a will and a trust. People often have misperceptions about what a will accomplishes.   For many situations, a trust is required.  And it's not as hard to set up as you might think.   And a trust can provide for many circumstances that a will cannot.  We'll explore this in more detail in part 2.Resources:The Parker Law Office: https://www.parkerlawaz.com/Heather Parker's Office Number: 480-264-5177Heritage Financial Strategies: https://heritagefinancialaz.com/ 

Today Shanna Tingom introduces you to the newest member of the Heritage Financial Strategies team, Samantha Jarvey.   A lifelong resident of Gilbert, Sam tells us about her background and her family.Shanna explains that the Heritage team wasn't hiring specifically, but when someone with Sam's background and experience reached out, they had to meet.   For Sam, Heritage's focus on client relationships aligned with her personal philosophy when it comes to money management.Oh, and wait until you hear the Tesla story...Shanna Tingom, Heritage Financial StrategiesPhone: (480) 397-1184Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Email: shanna@heritagefinancialaz.com

In the second of our two part series with CPA Aaron Blau, we look at potential legislation under the Biden administration and what that could mean for you, your money, and your taxes.We start with a look back at the SECURE Act - how it raised the age for required minimum distributions and eliminated the so-called "Stretch IRA."Shanna asks Aaron what a potential "SECURE Act 2.0" could mean for RMDs and stretch IRAs going forward.   We also look at potential changes to 529 Education Savings Plans, the so-called "step up in basis," and capital gains tax rates.For more information:Find Aaron Blau at The Blau Company: https://blauco.com/Find Shanna Tingom at Heritage Financial Strategies: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/ 

In the first of a two part series, Shanna Tingom is joined by CPA Aaron Blau to talk about recent tax changes and how they can affect your bottom line.First, Shanna and Aaron cover the rules around retirement distributions during 2020 - what you could take out, under what terms you have to pay it back, and how it will affect your taxes.We also cover economic impact payments (EIP's) for personal, and the economic injury disaster loans (EIDL's) for businesses.  While grant money is gone, loan money is still available under the right circumstances.   Next, Aaron explains the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and all of its various implications.Congress actually changed a number of rules around these different programs, often times in your favor, with potentially more to come.  This episode is definitely worth a listen.For more information:Find Aaron Blau at The Blau Company: https://blauco.com/Find Shanna Tingom at Heritage Financial Strategies: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/ 

Today, Karen Camblin from Guild Mortgage rejoins Shanna Tingom for part 2 of their conversation about the real estate market.In this episode, we are looking at the effects of the pandemic on the mortgage process.  Most notably, it has become much more difficult for small business owners to qualify for mortgages. Because so many businesses failed during COVID-19, many banks are now requiring Profit and Loss (P&L) statements from business before approving mortgages.We also explore the world of "Jumbo," loans above $548,250.  With the explosion of the real estate market, these types of loans have become much more relevant.  There are strategies around having to apply for these loans, with their even more stringent requirements.  We explore those.Karen also explains that Guild services their own mortgages, and why that can be advantageous to borrowers.Finally, we discuss why it's important for your lender, CPA, financial advisor, and more to act cohesively as a team.More:Karen at Guild Mortgage: https://branches.guildmortgage.com/az/gilbert/karen-camblin-424-evkc.htmlCall Karen at 480-390-1732Email Karen at kcamblin@guildmortgage.netHeritage Financial Strategies Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Call Shanna at: 480-397-1184Email Shanna at Shanna@heritagefinancialaz.com 

In the first of a two-part series, Karen Camblin from Guild Mortgage joins Shanna today to talk about the wild real estate market we've seen in recent months.Karen explains the dangers of qualifying for the highest loan you can, and why she takes a more practical approach.  It's not about what you can approved for - it's about what you can pay every month.We then walk through credit checks, pre-approvals, and the entire process you undergo as a buyer.  This includes explaining why you should NOT make major purchases during this time.Finally, Karen explains some of the unique services and products that Guild Mortgage offers to its clients.More:Karen at Guild Mortgage: https://branches.guildmortgage.com/az/gilbert/karen-camblin-424-evkc.htmlCall Karen at 480-390-1732Email Karen at kcamblin@guildmortgage.netHeritage Financial Strategies Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Call Shanna at: 480-397-1184Email Shanna at Shanna@heritagefinancialaz.com 

In part 2 of our series, Shanna Tingom is joined again by real estate agent Jean Pomeroy.  In our last episode, we examined the current real estate market.  Today, we look at strategies that you can employ as a buyer to get the home you want.You need to have a strategy, and that includes having a good real estate agent.  That agent must also be a good negotiator!  Jean shares some examples.Normally, Jean gives the advice of "you don't get what you don't ask for."  But because we are in such a seller's market, many of the items buyers would traditionally ask for will take them out of contention immediately.Jean talks about the standard process she uses when putting a house on the market, and the different approaches she uses when putting in an offer.  Often, relationships with other agents are key.What about a personal letter?  Jean explains why the wording of such letters is extremely important.We also cover topics such as appraisal waivers, clean offers, contingencies, and more.More info:Jean Pomeroy, Realty One GroupPhone: 602-741-3897Website: https://azrealtymatch.com/Email: jean@azrealtymatch.comShanna Tingom, Heritage Financial StrategiesPhone: (480) 397-1184Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Email: shanna@heritagefinancialaz.com

In the first of a two-episode series, Shanna Tingom is joined today by real estate agent Jean Pomeroy.  Together, they will try to make sense of what is currently a wild real estate market.Over the last decade, technology has changed the way real estate transactions have been done - everything from video chats to digital document signatures.  And of course, this was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.  This is especially true in the Phoenix market, where many buyers are purchasing from out of state.For those worried about a housing crisis similar to 2008, Jean puts your mind at ease.  She explains the difference between that climate and the one we are in today, including how the pandemic has altered lifestyle choices for many buyers.  Another factor is the companies building homes - and the skyrocketing costs of supplies.It truly is a seller's market, and sometimes trying to score the home of your dreams is like playing the lottery.  But working with an experienced agent can help.More info:Jean Pomeroy, Realty One GroupPhone: 602-741-3897Website: https://azrealtymatch.com/Email: jean@azrealtymatch.comShanna Tingom, Heritage Financial StrategiesPhone: (480) 397-1184Website: https://www.heritagefinancialaz.com/Email: shanna@heritagefinancialaz.com