WPRV- Don Sowa's MoneyTalk

As an early investor, the risk of loss is balanced by your expected time in the market, but for those approaching retirement, loss of principle can be a major risk as you begin to draw income from your investments. Donna discusses how sequence of returns risk can play a major role in your ability to meet your retirement goals. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, our hosts tell the story of how Charles Schwab helped to bring Wall Street to the middle class. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®, Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA® & Steven Beauvais; Air Date: 6/18/2025; Original Air Dates: 6/26/2023 & 6/5/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes a client will come in thinking that their portfolio may need some slight adjustments, only to discover that what they really need is portfolio triage. Donna takes us through some client portfolio nightmares, and how they came to pass. Also on MoneyTalk, how to simplify your retirement tax situation. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 6/16/2025; Original Air Date: 10/30/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Eisenhower famously said âWhat is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important, highlighting the difference between tasks that demand immediate attention, and those that contribute to long term goals. Nathan discusses how this principle applies to our retirement goals, and how a disciplined approach to planning can help us avoid this common pitfall. Also on MoneyTalk, the problem with thinking of your home as an investment. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 6/13/2025; Original Air Dates: 10/11/2023 & 12/8/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly half of marriages today end in divorce, and surveys show that the leading causes for these failed unions involve differences around money. Donna and Nathan discuss the importance of financial compatibility between partners, and the critical role of communication in maintaining a healthy relationship. Also on MoneyTalk, IRS gifting rules, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 6/12/2025; Original Air Dates: 10/5/2023 & 11/21/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can learn a whole lot about a person just by following their money, so there's a level of vulnerability inherent in the financial planning process that many find it difficult to overcome in the initial stages. Donna and Nathan take us through the steps involved in launching a financial plan, and the liberating effect that financial transparency can bring. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan and Daniel tell a story of corruption and bloodshed: the building of the second transcontinental railroad, the Northern Pacific. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Special Guest: Daniel Sowa; Air Date: 6/11/2025; Original Air Dates: 2/16/2023 & 10/11/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Any reward worth pursuing likely comes with an equal measure of risk, but by taking the time to plan for those potential risks, you can ensure that your journey is a considerably less stressful one. Donna and Nathan discuss how to prepare for some of the risks you will face as you enter retirement. Also on MoneyTalk, the benefits of budgeting, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 6/10/2025; Original Air Dates: 10/27/2022 & 7/29/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retirement planning is a life-long endeavor, and ruminating over the financial question marks that linger in the back of our minds can weigh on us over time. Donna and Nathan discuss retirement planning issues that keep people up at night, including: whether or not their money will last, how to pay for long term care, sorting out financial clutter, and much more. Also on MoneyTalk, how politics have shaped the social security system and stood in the way of sustainable reform. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 6/9/2025; Original Air Dates: 8/29/2023 & 7/1/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a common misconception that estate planning is exclusively for the rich, but many of the legal tools that estate attorneys prepare are useful for people from all walks of life. Nathan speaks with estate planning attorney and long time friend of the show, Andy Nault, to discuss some estate planning documents that you should consider having in place, how to avoid some common mistakes, and much more. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Special Guest: Andy Nault; Air Date: 6/6/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social safety nets have existed in one form or another since the Middle Ages, but no government entitlement program has touched more people or enjoyed more longevity than Social Security. On this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan takes us through the events that led to the unlikely passing of the Social Security program, and why itâs been so critical to the ongoing welfare of our nation. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 6/4/2025; Original Air Date: 8/9/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even if you know all of the rules that govern Traditional and Roth IRAs, deciding on which to use and how to use them can still be a difficult one. Donna and Nathan discuss the differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, and the types of questions you should be asking yourself when deciding how to incorporate them into your retirement planning. Also on MoneyTalk, milestone ages in social security planning, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 6/5/2025; Original Air Date: 1/23/2024 & 7/1/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk's recent criticism of Trump's spending bill has added fuel to burgeoning fears that the federal deficit may reach a critical level, and the potential fallout for the country. Donna and Nathan discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill, its potential impact on yields, and the likelihood of it propelling markets into a new recession. Also on MoneyTalk, the historic legacy of Warren Buffett, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 6/3/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With spending cuts being applied to some critical government entitlements, many soon-to-be retirees are being prompted to claim their Social Security benefits early, potentially accelerating the timeline in which the system reaches insolvency. Donna and Nathan discuss how this trend may impact peoples' ability to retire, and what measures are being considered to create a more sustainable safety net for our nation's seniors. Also on MoneyTalk, goal setting advice for young adults. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 6/2/2025; Original Air Dates: 7/31/2023 & 4/29/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trusts are a useful tool to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, however the role of the trustee is critical in the execution process, and sometimes it can be in your best interest to leave these complicated legal matters to a third-party. Nathan and Steve talk with the head of the Wealth and Trust division at Bluestone Bank, Bob Peixoto, to discuss corporate trustees, when they are typically used, and how they work to protect the interests of Grantors in complex trust situations. Also on MoneyTalk, lessons on risk from Morgan Housel's book, “Same as Ever”. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®, Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA® & Steven Beauvais; Special Guest: Bob Peixoto; Air Date: 5/30/2025; Original Air Date: 7/7/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retirement planning is all about balance, and the moves you make can only make sense if they are part of a broader strategy that youâre willing to stick to. Donna and Nathan discuss some strategic moves that you can make along the road to retirement to put you in the best position to meet your long term goals. Also on MoneyTalk, Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/29/2025; Original Air Date: 5/23/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real estate is the only asset class that has historically kept up with stocks, but investing in property can be time consuming and expensive, that is unless you invest in REITs. Nathan and Steve discuss the different types of Real Estate Investment Trusts, how they work, and the benefits and drawbacks of passive real estate investing. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History we cover the controversial legacy of âThe Match Kingâ, Ivar Kreuger, who was responsible for many of the financial products we still use today, as well as one of the biggest Ponzie schemes of the 20th century. Hosts: Nathan Beauvais CFP®, CIMA® & Steven Beauvais; Air Date: 5/28/2025; Original Air Dates: 8/16/2023 & 12/27/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill by the House has garnered much attention for its tax implications, but another focus area of the bill that will impact millions of Americans is Medicare. Donna and Nathan discuss how to prepare for the changes coming down the pike for Medicare beneficiaries and providers due to the new budget bill. Also on MoneyTalk, upcoming changes to IRA catch-up contribution rules stemming from the SECURE Act 2.0, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/27/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are one of the millions of Americans who doesn't have a will, trust, or other estate planning tool in place, your assets are left at the mercy of the laws of the state in which you live, which can lead to unintended costs, headaches, and conflicts for your loved ones. On this Best of MoneyTalk episode, we revisit a conversation with estate planning attorney and long time friend of the show, Paul Brule, to discuss some of the most common estate planning mistakes and how to avoid them. Hosts: Nathan Beauvais CFP®, CIMA® & Steven Beauvais; Special Guest: Paul Brule; Air Date: 5/23/2025; Original Air Date: 3/24/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years the IRS has added more and more exceptions to the IRA early withdrawal penalty, and although we always encourage savings discipline, under certain circumstances having the ability to access your money can make a world of difference. Donna and Nathan discuss the various exceptions to the 10% IRA early withdrawal penalty, and how to know if you qualify. Also on MoneyTalk, the problem with spending too little in retirement, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/22/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No innovation contributed more to westward expansion and American progress than the transcontinental railroad, but the road to that progress was paved in corruption and brutality. On this addition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan and Daniel tell the story of the first transcontinental railroad, and the greed, ambition and lives sacrificed to make it all possible. Also on MoneyTalk, how to choose your investment vehicle. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Special Guest: Daniel Sowa; Air Date: 5/21/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 401(k) has been the primary retirement savings vehicle for decades, but with workers frequently changing jobs and cashing out their small 401(k)s, many believe itâs time for a solution more fitting for the times. Donna and Nathan discuss some of the proposals circulating for a new workplace retirement plan to help fill the gap in retirement savings. Also on MoneyTalk, 7 milestone ages in retirement, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/20/2025; Original Air Date: 2/20/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donna welcomes listeners into the office, addressing some of the questions that her clients have been asking, including: Can I use a 60 day rollover for bridge financing? When does it make sense to use a debt consolidation loan? What should I consider when buying a second home in retirement? How do I line up my retirement income sources? And, should I prioritize paying off my mortgage in retirement? Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 5/19/2025; Original Air Dates: 6/5/2023, 4/29/2024 & 2/3/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burnout is all too common in corporate America today, and for those trying to decide if itâs time to jump ship to a new career it can be a scary and uncertain time. Nathan talks with Dave Lubelczyk, founder of The Dream Catapult, to discuss his journey of leaving the corporate world behind to help individuals rewrite their story and pursue a lifestyle that better reflects their true values. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Special Guest: Dave Lubelczyk; Air Date: 5/16/2025; Original Air Date: 2/23/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property tax revenue has plummeted since the pandemic, prompting local governments to raise taxes on property owners. Donna and Nathan discuss the factors that have led to this, and the fallout for homeowners. Also on MoneyTalk, current financial scams to be on the lookout for, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/15/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Shakespeare asked, "What's in a name?", he clearly wasn't talking about financial accounts, because the way we title our accounts has great bearing over who controls them, the limits of that control, and their tax treatment. Nathan and Steve take us through some scenarios that highlight the importance of being intentional about the types of accounts you open, and how you choose to tile them. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History Nathan and Daniel tell the infamous story of one of the first major US railroads, the Eerie, and the war that ensued between Cornelius Vanderbilt, Daniel Drew, James Fisk and Jay Gould. Hosts: Nathan Beauvais CFP®, CIMA® & Steven Beauvais; Special Guest: Daniel Sowa; Air Date: 5/14/2025; Original Air Date: 1/8/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As with every generation, Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers grew up with very different experiences, so it's no surprise that they have approached retirement savings very differently. Donna and Nathan discuss the factors that have led to this generational divergence in retirement planning. Also on MoneyTalk, choosing the right type of business entity, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/13/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a young family with a lifetime of major expenses ahead of you, it can be hard to know where your savings should go. Donna offers guidance on how to use your resources to put you in the best position to achieving both your early and late stage financial goals. Also on MoneyTalk, planning a Roth conversion around the sunsetting of the TCJA, and how to handle inherited retirement accounts. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 5/12/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business owners can choose from a variety of entity types when organizing their business for limited liability, and deciding which to use depends largely on which type serves their best interest in terms of taxes. Nathan discusses the different options for registering your business and the benefits and drawbacks of each. Also on MoneyTalk, 10 things you should know about bonds, and understanding the different investment categories. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/9/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As you age, your financial priorities will change with you, so when we create a financial plan it is often useful to look at each decade separately, allowing your plan to evolve to meet the needs of each moment. Donna and Nathan discuss the typical areas of focus that come with each decade as you journey toward retirement. Also on MoneyTalk, Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/8/2025; Original Air Date: 2/7/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Companies often use stock options as an incentive to attract talent, and while highly coveted, they are also highly complex and often misunderstood. Donna and Nathan discuss two common types of stock options, RSUs and non-qualified stock options, and how they work. Also on MoneyTalk, 7 milestone ages in retirement planning, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/6/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growth in life is largely about learning from your mistakes, but at a certain point in our journey we will no longer have the benefit of time to recover from those mistakes, so having a plan is essential. Nathan discusses some common mistakes to be mindful of as we prepare for retirement, including: outliving your assets, favoring accumulation over distribution, failing to account for inflation, and much more. Also on MoneyTalk, how to determine which of the three core asset allocation strategies is right for your portfolio. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/2/2025; Original Air Dates: 6/12/2023 & 7/28/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 1/3 of 401(K) assets are held in target date funds, and with recent statistics showing the composition of these funds becoming riskier, some are questioning how this might impact investors in the long term. Donna and Nathan discuss why target date funds are becoming more aggressive, and how to use them appropriately in your portfolio. Also on MoneyTalk, when DIY investors should consider professional advice, and Stock Trivia: Battle of the Sowas. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 5/1/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you're young, it's easy to get paralyzed worrying about how you should be saving for retirement, but the first and most important step is to just be saving. Donna and Nathan discuss strategies you can follow to catch up on your retirement savings if you feel like you've fallen behind. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History we discuss one of the earliest and most consequential financial bubbles of all time, the South Sea Bubble. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Special Guest: Daniel Sowa; Air Date: 4/30/2025; Original Air Dates: 7/24/2024 & 8/27/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With spending cuts taking place at nearly all levels of government, many soon-to-be retirees are being prompted to claim their Social Security benefits early, potentially accelerating the timeline in which the system reaches insolvency. Donna and Nathan discuss how this trend may impact peoples' ability to retire, and what measures are being considered to create a more sustainable safety net for our nation's seniors. Also on MoneyTalk, Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 4/29/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many have a romanticized vision of how theyâll spend their time in retirement, but the reality is often far more mundane, and it can be easy to find yourself falling into an unhealthy routine. Donna discusses the importance of taking the time to plan for how youâll use that long-coveted free time as you approach retirement. Also on MoneyTalk, claiming strategies for Social Security, and income and contribution limits for IRAs in 2025. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 4/28/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you receive all of your income by W-2, most tax filing software will likely give you similar results to what you would get if you had filed through a CPA, but for 1099 employees, having the guidance of a professional can make a world of difference. Nathan speaks with CPA, John Briggs, Founder of Incite Tax, about the value of using a CPA for certain tax filers, some non-tax accounting services offered by CPAs that you can take advantage of, common tax deduction myths, and much more. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Special Guest: John Briggs, CPA; Air Date: 4/25/2025; Original Air Date: 1/6/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How you choose to draw on your retirement assets can make a big difference in your overall tax liability, so unless you're feeling charitable towards the US government, having a strategy is critical. Donna and Nathan discuss the order in which you withdraw from your retirement accounts, and some actions you can take in the years leading up to retirement to help you benefit from more of your hard earned income. Also on MoneyTalk, preparing for unplanned expenses, and Stock Trivia: Battle of the Sowas. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 4/24/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Age is a primary factor in deciding on the right investment allocation for your portfolio, but as you might imagine, thereâs a bit more to it than that. Nathan and Steve discuss four questions you should ask yourself when developing a tailored asset allocation strategy. Also, our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History tells the story of how the early innovations of the Nasdaq paved the way for the modern era of stock trading, and the surprising role that Bernie Maddoff played in making it all possible. Hosts: Nathan Beauvais CFP®, CIMA® & Steven Beauvais; Air Date: 4/23/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Labor is embroiled in a legal dispute with the insurance industry over legislation aimed at protecting consumers from inappropriate annuity sales practices. Donna and Nathan discuss both sides of the debate and explain why they believe the case against annuities may be being oversold. Also on MoneyTalk, understanding tax categories, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 4/22/2025; Original Air Dates: 8/19/2024 & 8/20/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As you approach retirement, you may feel that knot in your stomach telling you that there are actions you should be taking to prepare, but defining those actions can be a daunting task. Donna walks us through 10 steps you can take as you prepare for retirement, including: maxing out your contributions, shifting your allocations, taking inventory of your retirement accounts, developing a realistic picture of your day to day retirement, and more. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 4/21/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social Security is a core component of most Americansâ retirement plans, but it may surprise you to hear that it was highly controversial when initially proposed, and to get it passed, Congress had to include complex provisions which still exist to this day. Donna and Nathan discuss the intricacies of the Social Security system, and the reasons why it has been so difficult to reform. Also on MoneyTalk, how AI is being used to enhance the services that financial advisors provide. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 4/18/2025; Original Air Date: 6/20/2023 & 7/1/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of your advisor's jobs is to act as facilitator for you and your spouse, ensuring that all parties have a clear and active role in the financial decisions that impact them. Donna and Nathan discuss the benefits of having an all-in approach to managing your finances, and some of the planning topics that frequently come up. Also on MoneyTalk, the pros and cons of using target date funds, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 4/17/2025; Original Air Date: 8/13/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you consider the complexity of the markets, you might look at asset management as an art form, and while this may be true to some extent, there is a science behind asset allocation that helps to guide most rebalancing decisions. Nathan discusses the mechanics of the three primary asset allocation strategies: strategic, tactical and dynamic. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History Nathan and Steve tell the story of how Charles Schwab opened up the world of investing to the middle class with the first discount brokerage. Hosts: Nathan Beauvais CFP®, CIMA® & Steven Beauvais; Air Date: 4/16/2025; Original Air Date: 10/26/2022 & 7/28/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.