The Dollar Derail

In this final episode of The Dollar Derail, Zach and Ben talk through the best lessons learned and what's next as they move forward in their plans to share valuable financial education with more and more people.ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Every generation of investors facing unique challenges and those preparing for retirement today are looking at a bond market that may feel difficult to navigate. In this episode Zach and Ben discuss the purpose of bonds, the challenges investors are seeing in the bond market right now and what you should know as you prepare your financial plan.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

We often hear about client's frustration with their tax preparers or a sense of concern that they are not being proactive in working to reduce your lifetime tax bill. In today's episode we discuss the confusion that exists between tax preparation and tax planning, and how you may not be paying someone for the job you think you are. If you have had issues with your tax preparer or want to work to proactively lower your tax bills this episode is for you!Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

There's a strong debate among investors about the merits of passive vs. active investing and while there is a lot to learn on both sides we are asking a different question today. In this episode Zach and Ben talk through their experience reviewing and managing portfolios to discuss if investors are really achieving the goal of passive investing with the holdings and strategies they are using. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

On every flyer for every charitable cause will be a line that says something like, "As a 501(c)3 your gift to ___________ is a tax deductible donation." While this statement might be true at face value today we look a little deeper to see how you can decide how giving to charities will, or won't, change your tax bill this year.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

For many Americans, your home represents a key part of your long-term financial or retirement plan. Today, Zach and Ben zoom out from a lot of the loud voices on this subject to walk through how you can decide if paying off your mortgage early is actually in line with your goals. You'll hear how to weigh financial decisions, how to deal with emotional choices, and how to use long term planning to improve your outcome past this one decision.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

You may have heard the term "Asset Allocation", referring to how your portfolio is divided up among different investments.  Today we're discussing Asset Location and how positioning your investments correctly across accounts can make a huge difference in your lifetime tax bill. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

If you're working for yourself you not only pay income tax but you pay all of the Social Security and Medicare Taxes that an employer would share the cost of. This can feel like a big burden as you figure up your tax bill quarterly. In this episode, Zach and Ben talk through, what things actually reduce your Self-Employment Taxes (it isn't everything), how to plan your business thoughtfully to lower your lifetime tax bills, and why focusing on your business goals may be the secret to getting past the stress of writing the check to the IRS.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

We officially have 100 episodes of The Dollar Derail where we have been able to share questions and insights about money to help change our financial train of thought. This week, Zach and Ben offer an encouragement toward simplifying your financial plan to suit your life and reflect on what they've learned in 2 years and 100 episodes of the podcast!Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

If Financial Peace University has been an amazing starting point for people all over the country to organize their finances. Today we ask, "what happens when it's time to graduate?". In this episode Zach and Ben discuss how to move forward after taking the baby steps provided by FPU, some of the good and the bad that can come from the program, and how to maintain a healthy perspective on money as your net worth grows.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Welcome to a brand new series on The Dollar Derail where we will be busting popular tax myths to stop you from basing your plans on bad information. In today's episode Zach and Ben talk through the popular advice that, "you need an LLC to save money on taxes". You'll hear where this comes from, why it falls short, and what you need to know to have a good strategy in place for your finances.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

A growing number of people are viewing independent consulting work as a viable route to financial independence. Whether you're looking to hone your skills, get paid what you're worth, or accelerate your retirement this episode is for you. Zach and Ben will work through different ways to set your consulting and speaking rates and strategies for responding to feedback on your pricing  from your marketplace.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

As we hit spring time in a fast paced housing market you might be considering listing your home. In this episode Zach and Ben talk through the tax bill you can expect to receive if your home has gone up in value and how you can do a little bit of planning to lower or eliminate it.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Some of the common questions around investments aren't related to individual holdings but to the accounts themselves.  We work through common questions like, "Where should I have my account? What type of account should it be? How should it be titled? and  Am I diversified?". In this episode, Zach and Ben discuss the reasons to have multiple accounts, the reasons not to, and how to think about separating your dollars across companies.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

While times of crisis may increase stress and confusion, they can also provide valuable insights and opportunities to refine your financial strategies. In this episode, Zach and Ben discuss the factors for current events that impact your portfolio and how you can approach your money with a healthy mindset in times of crisis.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

In the second and final part of this series, Zach and Ben discuss the costs of different types of adoptions and how you can prepare. We'll work through some of the ways having children impacts you financially, what options exist for adoption and what the varying costs are, and what strategies you can use to make these costs more manageable as you plan for your family's future.Resources Mentioned: CRS report on Adoption Costs (2020) https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R44745.pdfDo you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

When it comes to how you use your money, there's nothing more important than the future of your family. In the first episode of this two part series, Zach shares his experience as a foster parent on the path toward adoption. You'll learn about the process, the costs, and why Zach thinks Advisors are in a good position to assist in having this conversation that mixes emotion and practical information. Come back next week for a closer look at costs associated with international, private, and public adoptions. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

2021 brought several changes to the Child Tax Credit and they've been causing confusion for taxpayers. In this episode, Zach and Ben break down the updates to the credit, the mail you may have been receiving from the IRS and what it might mean for you at tax time. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Is it better to be lucky than good? Maybe it's actually best to know when you've been lucky VS. being good. In today's episode Zach and Ben discuss the Self-Serving Bias, and how your perception of yourself can impact how you view the results of your financial moves. Be sure to listen through to learn how to put up guardrails against this bias so that you can use both positive and negative outcomes to learn and grow.Resources Mentioned:https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/trading-investing/self-serving-bias/Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Are you prepared for the risks of investing your money?  If you want to feel more confident as an investor and be more equipped to purposefully and effectively manage your money. In this episode, Zach and Ben discuss the Loss Aversion Bias, the danger it poses to the unaware investor and how you can put up safeguards to improve your long term prospects.Resources Mentioned:https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/trading-investing/loss-aversion/Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

This week we continue our 4 week series on cognitive biases and how they impact our financial lives. In this episode, Zach and Ben discuss Framing Bias, the way financial information is presented to us and how it shapes our actions. If you want to become better at evaluating financial opportunities, this episode is for you!Resources Mentioned:https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/trading-investing/framing-bias/Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

In this brand new 4 week series we are taking a look at some common cognitive biases that can impact your financial life. These are ways of thinking that can shape how we act in ways that go overlooked if we are not on guard for them. In this episode, Zach and Ben  discuss Confirmation Bias and how we interpret new information. Are you leaving your financial vulnerable by how you research new ideas?Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

In this episode, we are taking lessons learned over the holidays as we break down the stresses that come up during special occasions and events and how planning can help reduce them. Zach and Ben talk through strategies for using your money to bring your goals into focus while increasing your ability to enjoy the moments that matter most.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

The recent shift from corporate to self-employed individuals has been dubbed "The Great Resignation". If you are considering making the switch to being your own boss or are a business owner looking to retain your employees this episode is for you. Zach and Ben will discuss the drivers behind this movement and how those considering starting their own businesses can make that transition in a healthy and exciting way. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

A thoughtful year-end review of your household finances can be a great way to learn from the past and set the stage for a successful new year.  In this episode Zach and Ben offer tips and strategies to make the most of your time spent reflecting on 2021 whether you are a big picture thinker or love getting into the details. This episode, originally recorded for 2020 still holds up today. Thank you to all the listeners who have made this challenging year so special!Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

As a business owner you have a lot of decisions to make. Choosing the right retirement plan can maximize retirement savings and tax advantages for Solo operators and provide valuable employee benefits and retention for companies with staff. In this episode, Zach and Ben break down a few simple questions you can ask to help determine what benefits you really want to offer and what type of plan may suit you best.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

We care about our friends working in the non-profit world! We have run into a common misconception that those working in this area probably can't afford access to professional wealth management and, while we don't believe this is necessarily true, this episode is to help start bridging that gap. The steps we take in planning for non-profit workers are likely similar to an average client with 2 main differences. First, we acknowledge that the reason for your career choice may come from something quite different than the highest pay check and second, each step becomes much more important if you're committing to a field with a lower salary cap than a corporate equivalent. Please listen to the end and let us know if this episode helps you take the next steps in your financial life!Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Get up to speed on investing with this easy intro and go a little deeper to see what all these market terms might mean to you. It's also really easy to skip the basics in favor of whatever is loudest right now. In this episode, Zach and Ben break down the basics of Investing 101 to get you up to speed and graduate to Investing 102 - how to put it into action. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

How can we set better goals that are actually tied to where we want to be in the future? In this episode Zach and Ben discuss how different types of goals may be put to work for you in your planning. You'll hear about the difference between dreams, goals and vision; why 5 year goals may be the crucial timeframe that gets over looked, and a few exercises to help you get to yours. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

There's still time left in the year to make a few smart tax moves. In this episode Zach and Ben run through their easiest tips to reduce your tax bill and optimize your goals. Remember, tax planning happens throughout the year, not just on April 15th.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

What does it mean for a purchase to be "worth it"? We have all experienced the tension that comes from a desire to buying something and not being sure of it's value or the regret of a purchase that didn't turn out well. In this episode, Zach and Ben reflect on their experiences in finance to think through what it means to put your money into things or experiences that you will value today and in the long run.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Our goal with The Dollar Derail is to offer better questions about dealing with money. In this episode Zach and Ben take a closer look at what it really means to look past the first question, the most urgent questions, and the immediate decisions and why it's so important to look for the 2nd Level impact of your financial choices. Asking better questions means setting yourself up for success by understanding the knock-on effects of your financial decisions. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

As people of faith, as stewards, and as professional advisors we think it's important to seriously consider how our money relates to what we believe. In this episode, Zach and Ben talk about the modern idea of retirement in light of what the Bible says. We work through questions about accumulating wealth, giving generously, and what living well in retirement may mean for you.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Open Enrollment can feel like a high pressure time to try to understand your company's benefits and figure out how to make the most of them. In this episode, Zach and Ben talk through the common benefits they review during open enrollment and a few ways to make the most of your health, life, and disability benefits through work.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

     We're back! After a short break we are here to have more quick conversations to help change your financial train of thought.     Do you ever put off getting projects or repairs done because you think you should be doing it yourself? Are you strapped for time with the family but also have a long list of chores to do (or wish were done)? Today we're talking through how we, as professional financial advisors, view assigning value to your time and a few ways to help make decisions you can feel good about when it comes to paying for work or doing it yourself.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

As we've discussed in previous episodes we think there is a strong case for doing your regular spending on a credit card. However, between points, cash back, and intro offers, shopping for a credit card can feel as overwhelming as managing your budget itself. In this episode Zach and Ben discuss how to make the most of your credit card's benefits and, possibly more importantly, when to stop caring and go about your business as usual. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Most of the people that we work with are generous but the decision to give money away isn't the same as the decision of how  to give money away. In this episode Zach and Ben unpack this complex topic to explore ways you may be able to optimize your charitable giving for both your family and the causes you want to support. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

How you build your portfolio reflects your goals and your beliefs. The decision to invest in precious metals may stem from an opinion on portfolio design, a perspective on future events, or some combination of the two. In this episode, Zach and Ben discuss the reasons that drive including gold in a portfolio and why it may or may not make sense for you.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

If you're hung-up on how to begin saving for retirement remember, the key is to get started! On the other hand, once you've committed to saving for the long-term, choosing between a Roth and Traditional IRA can be surprisingly nuanced. In this episode, Zach and Ben break down the differences in a straightforward way so that you can make better choices for yourself and your family on your path to building wealth.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

The phrase "retirement plan"  isn't all that helpful in describing how we should think about our money and what we should do with it to prepare for work becoming optional. In this episode Zach and Ben talk through a better starting point for thinking through retirement planning and the importance of having ambition for your retirement years. Listen in to learn why having a Spending Plan may be crucial to your retirement success.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Mastering your budget is a truly foundational step on your path to financial success. Does that mean that you have to cut spending and put off doing things you're excited about? We don't think so. In this episode Zach and Ben break down exactly why budgeting is important and what strategies can help you take control while staying excited about your money.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Your home is likely to be the most expensive thing you own but how should you go about enjoying it and taking care of it? In today's episode Zach and Ben talk through the conversations they have with clients about paying for house projects, both big and small. You will hear about how to balance the financial questions with your vision for your dream house and come away with some tips for weighing the options around both. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Whether you call it F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence/Retire Early), early retirement, work optional, or just a hope and dream, there is a lot of focus on how and when people can get out of their jobs. In this episode, Zach and Ben have a candid conversation on their thoughts, as financial professionals, around retiring early. Listen in as they breakdown the exciting parts of planning and goal setting and the big pitfalls that could derail your F.I.R.E. goals.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

In today's low interest rate environment it can feel like a mistake to set cash aside when you have goals. Savers who have great goals and targets may be worried they are sabotaging their long term success by not making the right money moves. In this episode, Zach and Ben talk through the best ideas on where to keep money you are saving for near-term goals and how to overcome some of the emotional hurdles that stop us from making good decisions with our money. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

How can you cut through the noise to get the information that you need for your finances? In this episode Zach and Ben discuss how to get quality news while losing the information overload. Simplify your financial life by simplifying your financial news and focusing on the key things to care about. Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Grad school is a great example of life and finance intersecting in a challenging way. What things should you consider as you plan your family's future and how do you know if it's worth the money? In this episode Zach and Ben discuss some of the ideas and techniques behind making this important decision and feeling confident as you move forward.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

We often hear talk about "not putting all your eggs in one basket", but what should you do if you find yourself with a successful investment making up a big part of your portfolio? In this episode Zach and Ben talk through managing concentrated positions and how, if handled well, they can be an important part of your long term plan. You'll learn about managing your investment portfolio as well as managing your behavior and attitude towards it.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

In a special episode Zach and Ben reflect on the conversations they've been having with clients and planners across the country as they search for dream homes in a seriously hot housing market. You'll hear how they worked through their own house searches, timing the housing market, managing emotions, and finding out how much you can afford. Be sure to write in your experiences with the housing market so we can include listener experiences in future episodes!Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Today we are celebrating a special holiday in the financial planning world 5/29! Having just crossed the end of May we are taking a special deep-dive look 529s and how they work to help you save for college. In this special episode we review some of the technical reasons that a 529 might be your best option as well as easy to follow planning tips to consider as you review your options. Happy 5/29 from The Dollar Derail!Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Zach and Ben have worked with a lot of people to help get their financial lives in order. In this episode, they agree, that helping clients get organized may be one of the most valuable things they do through financial planning. If you're ready to hear from experts about how to get excited about your money and what you can do with it, this episode is for you!Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.

Taxes may be the single most common area where clients feel at a disadvantage. Complex rules, competing strategies, poor communication from experts and several behavioral biases work together to make it a topic many of us would rather avoid. In today's episode Zach and Ben talk through how they have come to view taxation as an exciting subject and why they think it may be one of the biggest areas of value that come from the financial planning process. You'll learn how their perspective has changed as they've practiced as professional advisors and how they simplify reviewing tax topics to make it easier to understand for their clients.Do you have suggestions for episodes? Reach out to Zach or Ben with your question at:ZAshburn@ReachStrategicWealth.comBen@GuideFP.comThe Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. Zach is the founder of Reach Strategic wealth and Ben is the founder of Guide Financial Planning, 2 unaffiliated fee only Registered Investment Advisors.