Podcasts about CFA

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Jeremy Keil explains the 5 RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) mistakes in Retirement and how to avoid them. A retiree recently called for help. It was their first year taking Required Minimum Distributions. They had delayed their first RMD until April of the following year — which meant taking two distributions in one tax year. That part was allowed. In some cases, it can even be strategic. But when they called their IRA custodian and asked, “How much should I withhold for taxes?” they were given the default answer: 10% federal withholding. They assumed that must be right. It wasn't. They ended up short on taxes by more than $10,000 — and owed penalties on top of that. That situation wasn't caused by breaking a rule. It was caused by following the rule without a plan. And that's where most RMD mistakes begin. I recently wrote an article for Kiplinger magazine titled “5 RMD Mistakes That Could Cost You Big-Time: Even Seasoned Retirees Slip Up” and for this week's episode of the “Retire Today” podcast I decided to talk through each of these mistakes in detail. Mistake #1: Waiting Until Age 73 to Create a Plan Turning 73 is not a strategy. If you wait until the government forces your first RMD to think about it, you've already missed years of opportunity. The window between retirement and RMD age is often the most flexible tax-planning period of your life. In those years, you may have: Lower earned income No required withdrawals yet Control over when and how you take distributions That's prime territory for intentional tax planning. Once RMDs begin, you've lost some flexibility. In the KEEP step of the Retirement Master Plan, tax timing matters. RMDs don't happen in isolation. They interact with Social Security, pensions, and brokerage income. Planning ahead—sometimes a decade ahead—can dramatically change the long-term outcome. Mistake #2: Failing to Make Use of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) This one surprises me every year. RMDs currently begin at age 73 (moving to 75 for those born in 1960 or later). But Qualified Charitable Distributions still start at 70½. That means you can send money directly from your IRA to a charity before RMDs even begin. Why does that matter? Because a QCD: Reduces your IRA balance (lowering future RMDs) Keeps the distribution out of your taxable income May help limit Social Security taxation May help reduce Medicare premium surcharges Many retirees continue writing checks to charities from their checking account, hoping for a deduction. With today's larger standard deduction, many people don't itemize at all. Going directly from IRA to charity is often more tax-efficient—and sometimes dramatically so. If charitable giving is already part of your plan, the tax strategy should be part of it too. Mistake #3: Doing the Wrong Tax Withholding When retirees call their custodian to take their RMD, they're often asked: “How much would you like withheld for taxes?” The default federal withholding is often 10% for IRAs and 20% for 401(k)s. Many people assume, “That must be right.” It often isn't. I recently saw a retiree who delayed their first RMD until April of the following year—which meant taking two distributions in one year. They defaulted to 10% withholding. They ended up underpaying taxes by more than $10,000 and owed penalties. The custodian can't provide tax planning. That's not their role. Before taking an RMD, you need to project: What tax bracket you'll land in Whether additional withholding is necessary How this affects your overall estimated payments Again, this falls under the KEEP step. Don't let the default settings dictate your tax bill. Mistake #4: Not Realizing How Your RMD Income Affects the Rest of Your Tax Return RMDs don't just increase taxable income. They can: Make more of your Social Security taxable Push capital gains from 0% into taxable territory Trigger Medicare IRMAA surcharges Many retirees focus only on their marginal bracket. But the real issue is tax cost, not tax bracket. An extra $20,000 RMD might not just be taxed at 22%. It could cascade into additional taxation elsewhere. That's why projections matter. You don't want to discover these ripple effects after the fact. Mistake #5: Forgetting That the M in RMD means ‘Minimum,' not ‘Maximum' The M in RMD stands for minimum. It does not mean that's the only amount you're allowed to withdraw. You can: Withdraw more than your RMD Complete Roth conversions after satisfying the RMD Send more than your RMD amount to charity (subject to QCD limits) Sometimes taking more than the minimum makes sense—especially if it smooths taxes over multiple years. RMDs are a rule. They are not a retirement strategy. The Bigger Lesson RMDs are not just a government requirement. They are a planning opportunity—or a planning hazard. They affect your income plan (MAKE), your spending plan (SPEND), your tax strategy (KEEP), and even what you ultimately LEAVE behind. The biggest mistake isn't misunderstanding a rule. It's treating RMDs as an isolated event instead of part of a coordinated retirement master plan. Because in retirement, small tax decisions compound just like investment returns may do. And when handled intentionally, RMDs don't have to derail anything at all. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: – Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps – “5 RMD Mistakes That Could Cost You Big-Time: Even Seasoned Retirees Slip Up” by Jeremy Keil, Kiplinger Magazine – https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/required-minimum-distributions-rmds/rmd-mistakes-that-even-seasoned-retirees-can-make – Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps – 5StepRetirementPlan.com  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

The market's been up three years in a row… will it go for a fourth? You scroll past a headline about Bitcoin falling 45%, tariffs getting overturned, and tensions rising overseas, and suddenly you're wondering if your portfolio is sitting on a fault line. This episode is for that moment. Nate and Dave walk through the questions investors are asking right now: Can the market really keep going after three strong years?  What does a Supreme Court tariff ruling actually mean for your money?  Why is Bitcoin sliding while stocks hold up? More importantly, how much of this should change what you're doing? Tune in for our perspective, probabilities, and a reminder that despite the ongoing uncertainty you can always have a plan. If you've felt that low-grade tension in the background lately, this conversation may help you regain some clarity.   [Resources Mentioned] Ben Carlson's blog, "A Wealth of Common Sense" https://awealthofcommonsense.com/       Please see important podcast disclosure information at https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/disclosures   Episode Timeline/Key Highlights:   0:00 — Welcome Back to our AMA: Ask Monument Anything 1:23 — Iran Tensions And Economic Ripple Effects 7:42 — Can Markets Extend The Winning Streak? 13:10 — Probabilities, Long-Term Returns, And Perspective 19:21 — Supreme Court Tariffs And Who Benefits 26:10 — Volatility As The Price Of Admission 26:37 — Bitcoin Selloff, Leverage Unwind, And What Could Restart Demand Connect with Monument Wealth Management:    Visit our website: https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/   Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monumentwealth/#   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monument-wealth-management/   Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonumentWealthManagement   Connect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MonumentWealth#Fit   Subscribe to our Private Wealth Newsletter: https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/subscribe/   Check out our Between Sips Podcast: Where Money Meets Meaning Because money without meaning never feels like wealth. https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/between-sips-podcast/   About "Off the Wall":    Markets are noisy. Your time is limited. Off the Wall cuts through the clutter. Hosts Dave Armstrong, CFA and Nate Tonsager, CIPM bring you straightforward, candid insights about what's really moving markets and why it matters for successful investors. From economic shifts to portfolio positioning, we break down the complexities so you can invest with intention and stay grounded when headlines and life feels chaotic.   Learn more about our hosts on our website at https://monumentwealthmanagement.com   

Cinq ans après le putsch au Mali, suivi ensuite de ceux du Burkina Faso et du Niger, Jeune Afrique s'interroge : « Les juntes ont-elles tenu leurs promesses ? » Dans les trois pays, les militaires arrivent au pouvoir au nom de l'impératif sécuritaire : « le discours est rodé, note le site panafricain : seuls les militaires peuvent gagner la guerre que les civils ont perdue. Finis, les atermoiements diplomatiques, les contraintes des accords de défense avec Paris, les états d'âme sur les droits humains ou la nécessité d'ouvrir un dialogue. Place à une guerre “totale“, menée par des soldats qui connaissent le terrain, épaulés par de nouveaux partenaires, Russie en tête, débarrassés des scrupules voire des arrière-pensées occidentales. Résultat ? Pas de quoi pavoiser… », s'exclame Jeune Afrique. Aussi bien au Mali qu'au Burkina et au Niger, « la situation sécuritaire s'est détériorée. (…) Partout, la même logique à l'œuvre : une militarisation à outrance de la réponse, une répression sans discrimination des populations accusées de complicité avec les jihadistes, un recours massif à des supplétifs étrangers, Africa Corps au Mali et au Burkina, des milices locales partout. Et le même résultat : une insécurité aggravée, une violence débridée, des populations prises entre le marteau jihadiste et l'enclume militaire. » Un changement de tuteur Jeune Afrique dresse un bilan tout aussi catastrophique sur le plan économique : les juntes avaient promis « souveraineté, rupture avec la dépendance néocoloniale, reprise en main des ressources nationales. Exit le franc CFA, symbole de la servitude monétaire. Exit aussi les “prédateurs“ occidentaux qui pillent les richesses africaines. Place à une économie enfin au service des peuples, débarrassée des tutelles étrangères. » Résultat : « La Russie, la Chine ou la Turquie se sont engouffrées dans le vide laissé par l'Occident, négociant des contrats qui ne sont pas nécessairement plus avantageux pour les populations. La souveraineté économique proclamée se révèle n'être qu'un changement de tuteur. » Comptables devant personne Enfin, « c'est peut-être sur le plan politique que le bilan est le plus édifiant, soupire encore Jeune Afrique. Car, au-delà des promesses sécuritaires et économiques, ces putschistes avaient tous juré, la main sur le cœur, de rendre le pouvoir aux civils après une brève “transition“. » Il n'en a rien été… Et on est arrivé à « une prise en otage du débat politique, une interdiction de penser autrement, une impossibilité de sanctionner démocratiquement des dirigeants qui, précisément, ne doivent rien aux urnes. Car c'est là le nœud du problème, constate le site panafricain : ces juntes ne sont comptables devant personne. Elles ne craignent ni l'alternance ni la sanction populaire. Leur seule légitimité repose sur la force des armes et sur la propagande. » Et Jeune Afrique de conclure : « Ces lignes nous attireront certainement la vindicte des thuriféraires de ces apprentis sorciers en treillis. “Dire la vérité en des temps de mensonge universel est un acte révolutionnaire“, écrivait Orwell dans 1984. (…) L'Histoire jugera sévèrement ces régimes qui auront trahi les espoirs qu'ils avaient suscités. » Walid, le trafiquant d'êtres humains : « sa cruauté était inconcevable » À lire également dans Le Monde Afrique cette enquête glaçante sur ce trafiquant d'êtres humains qui vient d'être condamné à 20 ans de prison aux Pays-Bas pour trafic de migrants. Il se faisait appeler Walid, mais personne ne connait sa véritable identité : « Depuis Bani Walid, dans le nord-ouest de la Libye, cet Érythréen organisait la détention de migrants dans des conditions épouvantables, relate le journal, jusqu'à recevoir d'importantes sommes d'argent de leurs proches. (…) 196 témoins, majoritairement érythréens, ont été entendus pendant l'enquête. » L'un d'entre eux raconte : « Nous n'avions droit qu'à un repas par jour. Des gardes armés nous menaçaient. Nous pouvions sortir une fois par jour, en demandant à aller aux toilettes, détaille-t-il. Sa cruauté était inconcevable. Dans le camp, il y avait des migrants somaliens qui ne pouvaient pas payer. Walid les forçait à travailler pour lui. » Le Monde Afrique poursuit : « Selon d'autres témoignages, les migrants étaient “constamment fouettés avec un tuyau d'arrosage“, menacés par le maître des lieux, armé. Une femme raconte avoir été battue et violée par des hommes sous les ordres de Walid. Le seul moyen de partir était de payer la traversée vers l'Europe : 2 200 dollars. » Une traversée qui bien souvent tournait au naufrage et à la noyade… Walid a certes été condamné. Mais c'est un trafiquant d'êtres humains parmi d'autres. Et, soupire le journal, il a été remplacé…

Il y aurait environ 300 start-up actives en Côte d'Ivoire selon les estimations du gouvernement. Pour lancer leur activité, certains entrepreneurs cherchent à suivre des formations jugées prestigieuses. C'est le cas de Challenge + Afrique, un programme de la célèbre école de commerce française HEC Paris. Dans la salle de classe, une vingtaine de participants, hommes et femmes, suivent leur premier cours. L'idée ? Comprendre comment leur petite entreprise peut gagner de la valeur. Mariama Kaba vient du Sénégal. Cette spécialiste de la validation des acquis de l'expérience se lance dans l'entrepreneuriat. Son idée : faire certifier les compétences des travailleurs du secteur informel : « J'ai déjà participé à des projets d'entreprise, mais je restais toujours derrière. Là, c'est l'occasion de me concentrer sur mon propre projet, d'acquérir des compétences… parce que la finance, c'est un "gros mot" [pour moi]. Là, ce matin, on avait un cours sur les fondamentaux de la start-up, j'écoute, je note tous les mots-clefs pour faire une fiche après. Ce que j'attends ? Y a le réseau également, toutes les personnes qui sont là, elles sont inspirantes… Là, ça fait deux jours, quand je rentre chez moi, je parle de tout le monde, je parle de mes collègues à mes amis, à ma famille. Je suis là où je dois être pour sortir de ma zone de confort. » Dans la promotion de Mariama, les projets sont divers : accès au logement, solutions techniques d'économie d'énergie… Prendre du recul pour changer d'échelle Les participants ont payé 5 000 euros (environ 3 millions de francs CFA) pour bénéficier des conseils de formateurs comme Etienne Krieger. Cet expert de la finance entrepreneuriale veut partager ses « bonnes recettes » avec les participants : « Nous on est là pour leur faire prendre conscience des ingrédients qui vont faire qu'ils vont crédibiliser les projets, identifier des besoins réels, pas ou mal satisfaits par les offres existantes, les vendre, être suffisamment crédibles pour attirer des bonnes fées qui vont se pencher sur leurs berceaux pour passer d'une activité artisanale à quelque chose "d'industriel" ». Parmi les réussites du programme, il y a Leya. La start-up abidjanaise aide les guichets de mobile money à ne jamais manquer d'argent liquide. Son cofondateur Thibaut Cathenoz résume l'apport de la formation : « On a pu prendre énormément de recul, affiner notre pitch, affiner notre proposition de valeur, comprendre comment fonctionne une levée de fonds. Ça nous a beaucoup servi pour la suite parce qu'on a levé des fonds. Et, franchement, ça nous a été d'une grande aide. »  En cinq ans, Challenge + Afrique a accompagné près de 120 start-up, à Abidjan et Dakar.

Industrial manufacturers have invested heavily in automation on the shop floor—but sales processes often remain manual, slow, and fragmented. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Laura Davis, editor-in-chief of New Equipment Digest, sits down with Le'ora Lichtenstein, founder and CEO of Corbel, a next-generation CPQ platform, to discuss how AI-powered configurators, unstructured data mining, and integrated financing tools are helping equipment builders modernize how they quote, sell, and close capital equipment deals. Le'ora brings a background in structured credit and early-stage investing, and holds a BSc in Finance and the CFA charterholder designation.

Cinq ans après le putsch au Mali, suivi ensuite de ceux du Burkina Faso et du Niger, Jeune Afrique s'interroge : « Les juntes ont-elles tenu leurs promesses ? » Dans les trois pays, les militaires arrivent au pouvoir au nom de l'impératif sécuritaire : « le discours est rodé, note le site panafricain : seuls les militaires peuvent gagner la guerre que les civils ont perdue. Finis, les atermoiements diplomatiques, les contraintes des accords de défense avec Paris, les états d'âme sur les droits humains ou la nécessité d'ouvrir un dialogue. Place à une guerre “totale“, menée par des soldats qui connaissent le terrain, épaulés par de nouveaux partenaires, Russie en tête, débarrassés des scrupules voire des arrière-pensées occidentales. Résultat ? Pas de quoi pavoiser… », s'exclame Jeune Afrique. Aussi bien au Mali qu'au Burkina et au Niger, « la situation sécuritaire s'est détériorée. (…) Partout, la même logique à l'œuvre : une militarisation à outrance de la réponse, une répression sans discrimination des populations accusées de complicité avec les jihadistes, un recours massif à des supplétifs étrangers, Africa Corps au Mali et au Burkina, des milices locales partout. Et le même résultat : une insécurité aggravée, une violence débridée, des populations prises entre le marteau jihadiste et l'enclume militaire. » Un changement de tuteur Jeune Afrique dresse un bilan tout aussi catastrophique sur le plan économique : les juntes avaient promis « souveraineté, rupture avec la dépendance néocoloniale, reprise en main des ressources nationales. Exit le franc CFA, symbole de la servitude monétaire. Exit aussi les “prédateurs“ occidentaux qui pillent les richesses africaines. Place à une économie enfin au service des peuples, débarrassée des tutelles étrangères. » Résultat : « La Russie, la Chine ou la Turquie se sont engouffrées dans le vide laissé par l'Occident, négociant des contrats qui ne sont pas nécessairement plus avantageux pour les populations. La souveraineté économique proclamée se révèle n'être qu'un changement de tuteur. » Comptables devant personne Enfin, « c'est peut-être sur le plan politique que le bilan est le plus édifiant, soupire encore Jeune Afrique. Car, au-delà des promesses sécuritaires et économiques, ces putschistes avaient tous juré, la main sur le cœur, de rendre le pouvoir aux civils après une brève “transition“. » Il n'en a rien été… Et on est arrivé à « une prise en otage du débat politique, une interdiction de penser autrement, une impossibilité de sanctionner démocratiquement des dirigeants qui, précisément, ne doivent rien aux urnes. Car c'est là le nœud du problème, constate le site panafricain : ces juntes ne sont comptables devant personne. Elles ne craignent ni l'alternance ni la sanction populaire. Leur seule légitimité repose sur la force des armes et sur la propagande. » Et Jeune Afrique de conclure : « Ces lignes nous attireront certainement la vindicte des thuriféraires de ces apprentis sorciers en treillis. “Dire la vérité en des temps de mensonge universel est un acte révolutionnaire“, écrivait Orwell dans 1984. (…) L'Histoire jugera sévèrement ces régimes qui auront trahi les espoirs qu'ils avaient suscités. » Walid, le trafiquant d'êtres humains : « sa cruauté était inconcevable » À lire également dans Le Monde Afrique cette enquête glaçante sur ce trafiquant d'êtres humains qui vient d'être condamné à 20 ans de prison aux Pays-Bas pour trafic de migrants. Il se faisait appeler Walid, mais personne ne connait sa véritable identité : « Depuis Bani Walid, dans le nord-ouest de la Libye, cet Érythréen organisait la détention de migrants dans des conditions épouvantables, relate le journal, jusqu'à recevoir d'importantes sommes d'argent de leurs proches. (…) 196 témoins, majoritairement érythréens, ont été entendus pendant l'enquête. » L'un d'entre eux raconte : « Nous n'avions droit qu'à un repas par jour. Des gardes armés nous menaçaient. Nous pouvions sortir une fois par jour, en demandant à aller aux toilettes, détaille-t-il. Sa cruauté était inconcevable. Dans le camp, il y avait des migrants somaliens qui ne pouvaient pas payer. Walid les forçait à travailler pour lui. » Le Monde Afrique poursuit : « Selon d'autres témoignages, les migrants étaient “constamment fouettés avec un tuyau d'arrosage“, menacés par le maître des lieux, armé. Une femme raconte avoir été battue et violée par des hommes sous les ordres de Walid. Le seul moyen de partir était de payer la traversée vers l'Europe : 2 200 dollars. » Une traversée qui bien souvent tournait au naufrage et à la noyade… Walid a certes été condamné. Mais c'est un trafiquant d'êtres humains parmi d'autres. Et, soupire le journal, il a été remplacé…

Shirley Hu Anderson, CFA, Portfolio Manager at DSM Capital Partners, discusses key investment themes and trends including artificial intelligence, capital allocation and takeaways from recent earnings reports.  In addition, she discusses portfolio construction and the firm's approach to valuation.

Tax Refunds and the Consumer Spending Boost There is encouraging news on the tax front. Tax refunds for 2026 are already running approximately $3 billion ahead of last year, reflecting a 17% increase driven in part by recent tax legislation. While that growth rate is slightly below earlier projections, it remains strong and meaningful. Historically, refund season begins to accelerate in late February and continues through May. Current data show this year's refunds are already tracking ahead of prior years, suggesting that a meaningful influx of cash into households is just beginning. Why does this matter for investors? Consumer spending is a major engine of the U.S. economy and a key contributor to corporate revenue and profit growth. With interest rates trending lower and refunds rising, more money in consumers' pockets could translate into stronger spending. Increased spending supports corporate profitability, which in turn underpins stock market performance. We are monitoring refund trends closely, as they may provide an important tailwind for economic growth and equities in the months ahead. The Supreme Court Ruling and the Future of Tariffs Tariff policy shifted dramatically following a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the administration's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPA). While IEPA has traditionally been used for sanctions and embargoes, it had been applied in this case to implement tariffs. The Court ruled that using IEPA in this way was unconstitutional. Importantly, the decision does not eliminate the executive branch's authority to impose tariffs. Congress has granted tariff powers through other established mechanisms. In response to the ruling, the administration moved quickly to replace IEPA-based tariffs with alternative authorities, including Section 122 for a broad 15% tariff framework, as well as Sections 301 and 232 for more targeted, country- and industry-specific tariffs. Existing tariffs on industries such as steel and aluminum, as well as tariffs imposed on China beginning in 2018 under Section 301, remain in place. The ruling also raises questions about roughly $130 billion in tariffs previously collected under IEPA. Corporations are expected to pursue litigation seeking refunds, a process that could take months or even years to resolve. While companies may fight aggressively for those funds, consumers should not expect direct reimbursement for tariff-related price increases on retail goods. For markets, the key takeaway is that while the legal pathway has changed, the overall revenue expectations from tariffs are projected to remain similar. However, the structure has become more complex, and policy developments in this area will continue to warrant close attention. Earnings Growth: The Market's Lifeblood Amid political noise and policy debates, it is important to remember that corporate earnings ultimately drive market performance. With approximately 75% of companies reporting, revenue growth is coming in at roughly 8.5%, exceeding earlier expectations of 6% to 7.5%. Even more impressive is earnings growth, currently tracking around 13.5%, well above prior projections in the 7.5% to 9% range. Strong earnings help justify elevated market valuations. When companies deliver accelerating profits, investors are often willing to pay higher multiples. However, rising earnings also bring rising expectations. Current projections call for approximately 14% earnings growth in 2026 and 15% in 2027, ambitious targets that will require sustained economic strength. Markets often react not just to results, but to the gap between expectations and reality. A solid 10% earnings growth rate could disappoint if investors expected 15%. Conversely, modest expectations that are exceeded can support continued market gains. That is why we monitor both present results and forward-looking projections. Managing expectations is just as important as measuring performance. Greg Powell, CIMA® President and CEO Wealth Consultant Email Greg Powell here Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA® Managing Director Wealth Consultant Email Bobby Norman here Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF® Chief Investment Officer Wealth Consultant Email Trey Booth here Ty Miller, AIF® Vice President Wealth Consultant Email Ty Miller here Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted. No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss. Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.The post Tariffs, Taxes, and Earnings, Oh My! first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

L'est du Sénégal face au risque d'une contagion jihadiste : premier volet de notre série de reportages. Depuis septembre et le blocus sur le Mali décrété par le Groupe de soutien à l'islam et aux musulmans affilié à al-Qaïda, le Jnim, les camions-citernes sont systématiquement attaqués. Le 29 janvier dernier, lors d'une attaque du Jnim entre la ville malienne de Kayes et la frontière du Sénégal sur un convoi de camions-citernes, au moins 16 chauffeurs routiers ont été exécutés. Une nouvelle attaque traumatisante pour les professionnels du secteur, en première ligne dans ce conflit. De notre correspondante à Dakar, Son pied gauche toujours enroulé dans un bandage, Seydou se souvient du 29 janvier et de sa course effrénée quand, peu après 10 h, sur la route de Kayes au Mali, à moins de 30 km du Sénégal, des tirs retentissent en tête du convoi de 60 camions-citernes escorté par l'armée. « Quand ils ont commencé à tirer à l'avant du convoi, tous les camions se sont arrêtés, se rappelle le jeune homme. Il y avait des tirs dans tous les sens, chacun a essayé de se sauver, certains vers le village, d'autres dans la brousse, d'autres se sont réfugiés sous les véhicules ou cachés dans des trous. C'est là qu'ils m'ont trouvé. » « Ils », ce sont les jihadistes du Jnim qui ont revendiqué cette énième attaque, à 42 km de la ville de Kayes, au Mali. Ce 29 janvier, ils ne s'en sont pas pris qu'aux forces armées maliennes mais aussi aux chauffeurs des camions-citernes. « Ils étaient 16 ou 17, ils nous ont arrêtés. Ils nous ont dit de ne pas fuir, qu'ils n'avaient pas besoin de nous, que c'étaient les autorités qu'ils cherchaient, témoigne Seydou. Mais ils nous ont dit que si on se levait, on prendrait une balle. On est restés couchés presque jusqu'au soir pendant que les assaillants pointaient leur fusil sur nous. À un moment, ils nous ont demandé de les suivre… Ils nous ont finalement libérés au bord de la route. J'ai eu tellement peur, car même couché, autour de moi je voyais les balles filer, je pensais que j'allais y rester et que c'était terminé pour moi. » À lire aussiAu Mali, l'approvisionnement en carburant plie mais ne rompt pas « Ras-le-bol de voir des conducteurs braqués, tués, blessés » Terrorisé, une fois relâché par les jihadistes, Seydou reprend sa course à travers la brousse en direction de Diboli. La ville la plus proche se trouve à une trentaine de kilomètres, elle est située sur la frontière avec le Sénégal. Les pieds ensanglantés, il arrive épuisé à l'hôpital, incapable de marcher, avant d'être recueilli par son syndicat, l'Union des conducteurs routiers de l'Afrique de l'Ouest.  « Ce n'est pas la première ou la seconde fois, ras-le-bol de voir des conducteurs, qui ne sont ni de près ni de loin mêlés à ces affaires de l'État, de les voir braqués, tués, blessés », enrage Modou Kaire, inspecteur du syndicat de l'Union des conducteurs routiers de l'Afrique de l'Ouest.  Ce 29 janvier, 16 chauffeurs routiers seront tués, certains égorgés et leurs corps laissés sur le bord de la route. Ils sont finalement enterrés deux semaines plus tard, le 11 février, après que les chauffeurs de camions-citernes maliens ont menacé de faire grève. Seydou, dont l'employeur est décédé lors de l'attaque, a un message à faire passer : « Je demande aux jihadistes de réfléchir avant de tuer des personnes innocentes qui font tout pour faire vivre leur famille. C'est vraiment décourageant, car ce sont des gens qui cherchent juste à nourrir leur famille. » Dès qu'il sera remis, le jeune apprenti de 24 ans prévoit lui aussi de reprendre cette route entre Dakar et Bamako, malgré la peur et un salaire de moins de 50 000 francs CFA. À lire aussiMali: cibles d'attaques jihadistes, des chauffeurs routiers appellent à un arrêt de travail

Knowledge Talks with Bobby Bray Topic – “Global Finance & Strategy for Business Founders”Guest's Introduction Today on the podcast, we're thrilled to welcome BobbyBray. He is based at Washington DC. He specialize in helping Fortune 150 C-Suite executives navigate the complexities of global finance. Whether it's improving liquidity ratings, leading transformative analytics programs, or helping managing billion-dollar portfolios, he brings a unique combination of financial acumen and military precision to deliver results. He has over 20 years in banking and consulting with Capital One, Oliver Wyman, and Regions Bank. Apart from that he is a retired Navy Captain with four commands with a proven track record of strategic decision-making under pressure. He is a CFA charterholder with an MBA and MA in International Finance from top institutions. As he is here with us, we have pick up a wonderful topic for today's podcast – “Global Finance & Strategy for Business Founders” Discussion Points 1. Current State of Global Growth — Resilience with Fragile FoundationsDiscuss how the global economy is holding steady around~2.6–2.8% growth in 2026, showing resilience despite policy uncertainty, tariff pressures, and geopolitical tensions , yet growth remains too slow to drive shared prosperity in many developing markets.  2. Geopolitical & Economic Conflicts as Business RisksHighlight global economic conflicts (e.g., supply chain nationalism, sanctions, and trade weaponization) now identified as top short-term world risks , with implications for cross- order expansion and investment planning. 3. Finance Leadership Trends: AI, Cloud & StrategicCFO RolesHighlight how finance leaders are expanding from reporting into strategic planning, enabled by AI and cloud tech — a trend founders should leverage in their own finance functions.  4. Debt, Fiscal Fragility & Inflation DynamicsExplore rising government and private debt levels, inflation moderation expectations, and their effects on credit costs, borrowing strategies, and consumer demand.  5. Founder Strategies for Trade & Supply ChainDisruptionsUnpack the impact of trade barriers and tariffs on global sourcing and cost structures, especially for founders scaling internationally.  6. Macro Risks & Strategic PreparednessWrap with a look at broader risks, recession probabilities, market sentiment swings, and investor caution — and how founders can plan for downturns with lean operations, strong margins, and optionality. Follow for more @abhisheksengupta2006  #KnowledgeTalks #GlobalFinance #Strategy  #abhisheksengupta #abhisheksenguptaaudioblogs  Media Credit : Pic Courtesy - UnSplash Video Courtesy - Mixxit Background Music - Upbeat Pic & videos : invideo.io & Istock Disclaimer : 1. This episode is made for information and knowledge gain. All necessary checks with relevant persons and authorities should be done before taking any actions. Maker of the episode/ company / its employees / its partners / its directors / founders/ co-founders / participant in episode will not be responsible for any incident related to this.  2. Images & videos used in this are for representation and educational purpose only under fair use provision of copyright. These are not used for any other objective. Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use. 3. Options given by podcast guest are his /her own. Host does not endorse or reject those.     

In this season 6 episode of First Look ETF, Stephanie Stanton ‪@etfguide‬ examines the latest ETF marketplace trends with NYSE and guests. The guest lineup for this episode includes:1. Maital Legum, NYSE2. John Love, CFA, CEO, USCF Investments (X @USCFInvestments)3. Nolan Anderson, Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of Fixed Income, Weitz Investments (X @WeitzInvest)4. Adam Patti, CEO, VistaShares (X @VistaSharesX) Watch us on YouTube (Link http://www.youtube.com/etfguide)Follow us on Twitter @ETFguide (Link https://twitter.com/etfguide)Visit us at ETFguide.com (https://www.etfguide.com)

The municipal bond market kicked off 2026 with strength but volatility, supply dynamics, and state-level policy are already shaping the road ahead.In this Weekly Wrap Up, host Eric Kazatsky is joined by Jack Muller, CFA, Credit Analyst at MacKay Municipal Managers, to break down the latest muni insights. They explore why munis have outperformed taxable fixed income so far this year, how richening ratios reflect continued demand, and why investors are keeping a close eye on credit fundamentals. The conversation zooms in on California's improved fiscal outlook and the proposed wealth tax ballot initiative, as well as Florida's potential property tax reform and what both mean for municipal credit.Follow UsTwitter @NYLInvestmentsTwitter @MacKayMuniMgrsFacebook @NYLInvestmentsLinkedIn: New York Life InvestmentsLinkedIn: MacKay Municipal ManagersPresented by New York Life Investmentswww.newyorklifeinvestments.comMacKay Municipal Managers is a team of portfolio managers at MacKay Shields. MacKay Shields is 100% owned by NYLIM Holdings, which is wholly owned by New York Life Insurance Company. “New York Life Investments” is both a service mark, and the common trade name, of certain investment advisors affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company.SMRU: 8683632 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send a textShownotes can be found at https://www.profitwithlaw.com/521.Cash flow highs and lows keep too many law firm owners trapped in survival mode. Navigating personal and business finances isn't just about making more—it's about making wealth work for you and building a practice you love.In this episode, Moshe Amsel sits down with Randall Avery, CFP®, CFA, and Principal Owner of Deasil Wealth Management, for a tactical, mentor-driven conversation that reveals how law firm owners can master financial planning to fuel practice growth, true independence, and generational wealth.Resources mentioned:

Who makes decisions for you when you can't? For Childfree people, the answer has never been straightforward. Dr. Jay Zigmont sits down with Robert Allan and John Steiner from Welon Trust to reveal how they spent two and a half years building something that didn't exist: a trust company designed specifically for the Childfree community.This episode pulls back the curtain on creating Childfree Trust®. From a 752-page application to navigating banking regulators who'd never seen this model, John and Robert share why every other trust company said no, the social bias they faced raising capital, and how they're building a system that has to outlive everyone involved. If you've ever wondered what it takes to create something entirely new in a 200-year-old industry, this conversation delivers the unfiltered truth.Key Takeaways:Traditional trust companies refused to serve Childfree clients: Every company demanded $10,000-$20,000 annual minimums and wouldn't touch medical power of attorney. They just don't want to do it.Banking oversight protects like the FDIC: If Welon fails, regulators step in seamlessly—the document doesn't die, the company may. To clients it looks like nothing happened.Building to outlive the founders: This company has to bury Dr. Jay, John, and Robert. They're creating documented processes that ensure continuity for decades.Social bias against Childfree investing: One investor loved Childfree Trust® but couldn't invest because "they can't go to church and say they invested in a Childfree company." Robert: "There's a market that needs to be served."Episode Host:Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® - Founder & CEO of Childfree Wealth®, Childfree Trust®, & Childfree Insights. Board member and investor in Welon Trust. Jay spent two and a half years partnering with John and Robert to create the first trust company designed specifically for the Childfree community.Meet the Guests:John Steiner, CFA® - a Founding Member and Managing Director of Welon Trust. He brings more than 35 years of investment management expertise to the firm working with both individuals and institutions. Robert Allan, CFP®, CFA®, CPA - a Founding Member and Managing Director of Welon Trust. With over a decade of financial, operational, and accounting experience, he brings a unique perspective that allows him to provide value to his client's beyond managing their portfolio.Learn more about Welon Trust:  https://welon.comAbout Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights delivers education for financial and estate planning without children. It supports people with no kids in making informed decisions about retirement, legacy planning, beneficiaries, and long-term care. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us: Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com. Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Today, it is my pleasure to speak with Jeffrey Croteau and Kate Dumas of Tide Cycle, a specialized firm that serves as the outsourced chief investment officer for large, ultra-high-net-worth families and individuals, providing customized investment solutions. Jeff is Founder and CIO of Tide Cycle, which he founded after a successful tenure at Prime Buchholz LLC and Mercer Investment Consulting. With a background in mathematics, Jeff's investment journey began as an analyst and evolved into leadership, guiding families and institutions through major market events like the tech bubble, the financial crisis, and the Covid pandemic. He serves as a Board member of the Foundation for Seacoast Health, a member of the Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Science at Northeastern University, and coaches cycling at Portsmouth High School. Kate is Chief of Staff and Deputy CIO at Tide Cycle. She joined the firm following a brief career pause to explore philanthropic pursuits. Kate was previously a Managing Principal and Consultant at Prime Buchholz LLC where she built successful investment programs for a variety of clients. Prior to Prime Buchholz, Kate worked at Deutsche Bank AG in New York and Mellon Trust in Boston. She is a member of the Sustainability Advisory Board at the University of New Hampshire, the Finance Committee at the Southeast Land Trust, and the Boston Economic Club. Kate volunteers with Invest for Better and CFA? (Society) Boston to promote financial literacy. Jeff and Kate, and their firm Tide Cycle, are valued Advisor members of FOX, and we are privileged to have their knowledge and expertise in our membership community. One significant and growing tendency in the family office space is for wealth owners to consider and create virtual family offices. Jeff and Kate give an overview of the family office virtualization trend and describe the latest developments in this space. As part of the virtualization trend, outsourcing the investment function is increasingly common among family offices. Jeff and Kate share their perspective on the evolution of the OCIO function and practice in recent years, explaining how the function is defined and how has it changed. One major practical consideration for family offices is how to envision what to outsource and what to keep in-house. Jeff and Kate offer their tips for wealth owners and family office leaders on how to make this important and consequential decision. Another piece of practical advice Jeff and Kate have for family office principals and executives is to consider the full investment function by analyzing the full value chain of activities and players. They talk about this important consideration and highlight how family office professionals can best accomplish that goal. Do not miss this highly instructive conversation with two of the foremost leaders and practitioners in the OCIO space serving top UHNW families and their family offices.

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are not just mandatory withdrawals — they are forced taxable income that can quietly reshape your retirement tax picture. Higher income from RMDs can trigger increased marginal tax rates, IRMAA surcharges, greater Social Security taxation, and long-term compounding tax consequences — especially for married couples navigating the widow/widower tax penalty. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down how to think about RMD tax planning as a long-term process — not just a once-a-year withdrawal decision — including: Why RMD planning is really tax bracket management over time How Roth conversions can shrink future Required Minimum Distributions Smart timing and withholding strategies that create flexibility How Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) reduce taxable income The role of income targeting and IRMAA awareness What types of assets to convert — and why it matters Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/  Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/  Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/  Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode, U.S. equity portfolio manager Grayson Witcher explores what it means to invest exclusively in American businesses at a time when the U.S. is becoming more short‑term, more transactional, and more central to global change. He contrasts a shifting U.S. "extraction" mindset with China's longer-term industrial strategy and considers how that dynamic is reshaping globalization into a more regional, security-conscious world. The conversation then turns to portfolio implications: why the team has been reducing exposure to mature, highly penetrated software names facing intensifying competition and AI disruption, how the market's treatment of AI has evolved from hype to a more "show me the returns" phase, and where they see resilient opportunities. Highlights: How a more short-term, "extraction"-oriented U.S. policy stance—via tariffs, reshoring, and industrial policy—is altering incentives for companies and trading partners. The evolving nature of software moats in an AI world, including higher competitive intensity, mature end markets, and why some long-term winners' valuations may no longer be justified. The market's transition from rewarding any AI narrative to demanding clearer evidence of economic returns on massive cloud and data-center capital spending. A deliberate tilt toward businesses positioned for a more regionalized, security-focused world order, including nuclear, defense, and automation suppliers with multiple ways to win. The importance of remaining bottom-up and valuation-driven while acknowledging regime change—using portfolio construction to manage uncertainty rather than making binary macro bets.   Host: Andrew Johnson, CFA Institutional Portfolio Manager   Guest: Grayson Witcher, CFA, AB Portfolio Manager   This episode is available for download anywhere you get your podcasts. Founded in 1974, Mawer Investment Management Ltd. (pronounced "more") is a privately owned independent investment firm managing assets for institutional and individual investors. Mawer employs over 250 people in Canada, U.S., and Singapore. Visit Mawer at https://www.mawer.com. Follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mawer-investment-management/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mawerinvestmentmanagement/

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Hugh Lam, CFA from Betashares for his take on the markets as the ASX200 hits another record high, the jobless rate remains at 4.1% and takes a look at the latest company profit reports.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Hugh Lam, CFA from Betashares for his take on the markets as the ASX200 hits another record high, the jobless rate remains at 4.1% and takes a look at the latest company profit reports.

The Mag 7 have committed over $700 billion to AI infrastructure, but the companies building the models may never capture the value. Thank you to our sponsors: Adaptive Security Fuse: The Energy Network The BLS just quietly revised away 862,000 jobs, and real-time inflation trackers now peg price growth below 1%, less than half of what official figures report.  If the Fed is steering monetary policy with stale data, investors need to ask what else the models are getting wrong.  At the same time, the Mag 7 have committed more than $700 billion to AI infrastructure, with Anthropic alone projecting $1 trillion in revenue within five years. Is that conviction or the early stages of a debt cycle nobody is pricing?  And then there is the institutional side of crypto: BlackRock's BUIDL fund just landed on Uniswap with $2.4 billion in assets, Apollo acquired $90 million in Morpho tokens, and AI agents are already settling micropayments in stablecoins.  Austin Campbell, Ram Ahluwalia, and Christopher Perkins sit down with Truflation's CEO Stefan Rust to ask whether the numbers we trust are telling us the truth. Hosts: ⁠Ram Ahluwalia⁠, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida ⁠Austin Campbell⁠, NYU Stern professor and founder and managing partner of Zero Knowledge Consulting ⁠Christopher Perkins⁠, Managing Partner and President of CoinFund Guest: Stefan Rust, Founder and CEO of Truflation Links: Unchained:  BlackRock Just Chose Uniswap. The Market Didn't Care. Here's Why. Apollo Moves Into DeFi Lending With Morpho Token Deal UNI Spikes on BlackRock DeFi Move, Then Gives It All Back Macro: NBC: U.S. had almost no job growth in 2025 PBS: Inflation measure falls to nearly five-year low as gas prices fall and housing costs cool Crowdfund Insider: Secretary Of The Treasury Scott Bessent Calls Out Truflation's Inflation Numbers At Senate Banking Hearing AI CapEx: Amazon, Google And Others Are Pouring $700 Billion Into AI CapEx, Top Analyst Explains Why This Makes It 'Hard' To Bet Against Nvidia CIO: Data center capex to hit $1.7 trillion by 2030 due to AI boom Reuters: OpenClaw founder Steinberger joins OpenAI, open-source bot becomes foundation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nate Miles joins Jeremy Keil to discuss how the Allspring retirement research reveals trends of concern among retirees and the options they have to address them. Mike and Susan did what many couples do. They saved diligently. They crossed the $1 million mark before retirement. They felt prepared. But when it came time to make actual retirement decisions—when to claim Social Security, how to withdraw from their accounts, how to manage taxes—they realized something uncomfortable: They had spent decades saving… but very little time learning how to retire. This example speaks directly to what this year's Allspring Retirement Study uncovered. As Nate Miles shared on the “Retire Today” podcast, this wasn't a small or struggling population. Participants were 50+ with at least $200,000 in investable assets. A third of retirees surveyed had $1 million or more. Yet only six out of ten retirees said they feel financially secure. That gap between assets and confidence tells us something important: retirement success isn't just about how much you've accumulated. It's about how well you transition into distribution. The Social Security Mistake One of the most striking findings involved Social Security. Nate explained: “One third of our respondents claimed Social Security at 62 years old… because they believed the value or the benefit of waiting was not worth it. Yet they underestimated the value of waiting by 50%.” Many respondents assumed the benefit grew at 4% per year when delayed. In reality, for most people, it grows closer to 8% annually between full retirement age and 70. That misunderstanding alone can permanently reduce lifetime income. In the MAKE step of the 5 Step Retirement Master Plan, Social Security is foundational. For many retirees, it represents 30–40% of their guaranteed income. Optimizing that decision isn't optional—it's essential. And yet, education around it is surprisingly thin. As Nate pointed out, there are “560-something permutations” of Social Security claiming strategies. It's ubiquitous, but complicated. And too often, people default to the earliest date simply because it feels tangible. The Tax Blind Spot The second major theme of the study? Taxes. Only about 20% of retirees reported using a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy. Think about that. After decades of saving in multiple account types—traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, brokerage accounts—most retirees are simply withdrawing from wherever feels convenient. Nate put it plainly: “Taxes matter for everyone, not just the high net worth crowd.” In the KEEP step of retirement planning, how you withdraw can meaningfully impact how long your money lasts. Choosing between Roth and traditional dollars. Managing capital gains. Coordinating withdrawals with Social Security timing. These aren't abstract academic exercises. They are practical levers that affect real income. Yet as Nate observed, most people spent 40 years having taxes withheld automatically from paychecks. They paid taxes—but they never actively managed them. Retirement flips that script completely. Now you must choose. The Psychological Shift No One Talks About Nate shared that many retirees are comfortable spending above their retirement number—until their account dips below it. The moment it falls beneath that original balance, panic sets in. Even if the plan accounts for drawdown. Even if it's sustainable. Even if it's expected. That's what I call the “accumulation paradox.” Economists assume you'll build your assets and gradually spend them down toward zero. Real people assume the number should stay intact forever. But retirement isn't about preserving a scoreboard. It's about funding a life. This is where the SPEND step meets the INVEST step. You saved to use the money. And yes, at some point, your balance may begin to decline. That's not failure. That's function. Advice Still Matters One of Nate's most memorable lines was this: “Monte Carlo gets 10,000 cracks at retirement. You and I get one.” We don't get multiple trial runs. We get one real-life retirement. That's why quality advice matters. The study suggests people with pensions are more likely to use annuities. People with advice are more likely to use tax strategies. And people who understand their income sources are more confident. Retirement is no longer just accumulation. It's design. And design requires intention. If you're within five years of retirement—or already there—ask yourself: Have I optimized my Social Security? Am I intentionally managing taxes? Do I have a clear income floor? Am I emotionally prepared to draw down assets? Because as this year's research shows, even million-dollar portfolios can feel uncertain without a plan. Retirement isn't about guessing well. It's about designing well. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Allspring 2026 Retirement Study: By Default or By Design? Nate Miles, Allspring Global Investments Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

For investors facing concentrated wealth or future liquidity events, understanding tax-aware planning options matters long before decisions are required. Opportunity Zones are one of the most talked-about and least understood tools in that conversation. In this episode of The Millionaire Next Door Podcast, Robert Curtiss sits down with Michael O'Shea, CFA, Head of Private Wealth at Origin Investments, to unpack one of the most misunderstood and potentially powerful tax planning tools available today: Qualified Opportunity Zones. Together, they walk through how Opportunity Zones work, why the original structure created a temporary pause in interest, and why upcoming changes beginning in 2027 may reopen the door for investors facing large capital gains. The conversation focuses on real-world planning scenarios, including concentrated stock positions, private business exits, and highly appreciated real estate. Michael explains how Opportunity Zones differ from 1031 exchanges, what the long-term benefits may look like when paired with professionally managed real estate development, and why advanced coordination with tax and legal advisors matters. This episode is designed as an evergreen educational resource for investors who want to understand their options well before a liquidity event occurs. Key takeaways: How Qualified Opportunity Zones work and why they were created What's changing in Opportunity Zone legislation starting in 2027 How Opportunity Zones may help address large capital gains from stocks, businesses, or real estate Why long-term real estate development and coordinated planning are key to using this strategy effectively And more! Resources: Educational videos (bottom of the page) Connect with Michael O'Shea: Origin Investments  LinkedIn: Michael O'Shea Connect with Robert Curtiss: rcurtiss@seia.com (626) 795-2944 About Robert Curtiss  LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss Facebook: Robert Curtiss SEIA LinkedIn: SEIA About Our Guest: Michael brings more than 18 years of real estate and capital markets expertise to Origin as Director and Head of Private Wealth Solutions. In this role, he leads the firm's capital raising initiatives, oversees the sales strategy, and develops strategic partnerships with Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) to expand Origin's investment platform. Previously, Michael served as the head of Origin Exchange, the firm's 1031 Exchange Platform. During his career in the alternative investment sector, Michael has played key roles with various real estate sponsors, facilitating the syndication of more than $10 billion in commercial real estate investments, including over $500 million in 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. Michael holds an MBA with dual concentrations in Finance and Real Estate Investment from DePaul University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue University and is a CFA® charterholder. A resident of Elmhurst, Michael lives with his wife Lauren and their three children Declan, Alice, and Tristan. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, Chicago sports, and spending time with his family.

Members of ICMA Future Leaders — Odinaka Linus-Nwokonkwo, CFA, Lead SSA Market Trader, Access Bank, Chukwuebuka Ikem, CFA, Rates Trader, Citi, and Enock Asare, Head, Fixed Income, Consolidated Bank Ghana Ltd. recently hosted an ICMA podcast on “The Future of Finance in Africa and Its Impact on African Youth.”   They were joined by distinguished senior colleagues Dr. Okey Umeano, CFA, Deputy Director, Financial Markets Department, Central Bank of Nigeria and Abena Amoah, Managing Director, Ghana Stock Exchange.   Listen to the conversation to gain insights on the opportunities and challenges shaping finance across Africa.

What does research say about retirement withdrawal strategies that are specifically designed to leave more money behind? We'll walk through what the research says works best, the trade-offs involved, and why the "right" strategy depends on what you're really trying to optimize in retirement.  Quote: "Smaller gifts sooner can be more impactful than larger gifts later." - Benjamin Brandt We've also got a great listener question from Tom about the three big company retirement plans — 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457s. On the surface they all look the same, but the rules under the hood are very different, and those differences can have a huge impact on taxes, flexibility, and when you can actually use your money. We'll break down what "qualified" really means, which accounts may be easier to tap earlier, and how to think about simplifying all of this as you head into retirement.  And we wrap up the episode with what our happiest retired listeners are up to in our "Retire to Something" segment. Article: The Best Retirement Strategies for Leaving Money Behind by Amy C. Arnott, CFA in Morningstar   Connect with Benjamin Brandt: Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

ถอดรหัสปฏิรูป ‘เวียดนาม' รื้อโครงสร้างรัฐครั้งประวัติศาสตร์ สั่งปลดข้าราชการ 1.5 แสนคน ยึดหลักความซื่อสัตย์ ความสามารถ ความเชี่ยวชาญ สู่ภารกิจปั้น GDP โต 10% ต่อปี บริษัทจดทะเบียนสหรัฐฯ ประกาศงบไตรมาส 4 ออกมาเป็นอย่างไรบ้าง ส่งผลกระทบต่อภูมิทัศน์การลงทุนอย่างไร พูดคุยกับ ชาตรี โรจนอาภา CFA, FRM หัวหน้าทีมที่ปรึกษาการลงทุน SCB CIO ธนาคารไทยพาณิชย์

ถอดรหัสปฏิรูป ‘เวียดนาม' รื้อโครงสร้างรัฐครั้งประวัติศาสตร์ สั่งปลดข้าราชการ 1.5 แสนคน ยึดหลักความซื่อสัตย์ ความสามารถ ความเชี่ยวชาญ สู่ภารกิจปั้น GDP โต 10% ต่อปีบริษัทจดทะเบียนสหรัฐฯ ประกาศงบไตรมาส 4 ออกมาเป็นอย่างไรบ้าง ส่งผลกระทบต่อภูมิทัศน์การลงทุนอย่างไร พูดคุยกับ ชาตรี โรจนอาภา CFA, FRM หัวหน้าทีมที่ปรึกษาการลงทุน SCB CIO ธนาคารไทยพาณิชย์

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, speaks with Joel Hart, Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer at Victory Park Capital, about the growing concern of fraud risk in asset-backed finance (ABF) and private credit. As insurance investors increase exposure to these sectors, Joel offers a candid look at why borrower misconduct tends to spike in late-cycle markets and outlines the types of fraud currently emerging such as double pledging, falsified collateral, and manipulated reporting.   Joel also shares how Victory Park Capital's independent risk function, data-driven monitoring systems, and hands-on portfolio management help mitigate these risks across the investment lifecycle. From the cultural importance of being willing to walk away from deals to key due diligence questions insurers should ask ABF managers, this episode delivers timely, actionable insights for insurance allocators navigating a complex credit landscape.

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Tax filing season is here — and even though most tax planning happens before year-end, there are still important moves you can make before filing your 2025 return. In this video, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, walks through last-minute tax planning moves that still matter during the 2026 filing season for individuals and business owners. We cover what you can still do before filing, how to avoid penalties and surprises, and several common items that often get missed — especially for small business owners and self-employed individuals. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Fountain, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Figure is giving away $25,000 in USDC. Deposit into Democratized Prime, earn ~9% APY hourly—and every $1 you keep in for 25 days is 1 entry. Enter here --- Bitcoin slid toward $60,000 on Feb. 5 in a brutal, cross-asset selloff that hit gold, equities, and crypto alike. With leverage unwinding and basis trades breaking, long-time bitcoin holders are distributing to institutional buyers who, by 13F data, are mostly underwater. The mood across digital assets is bleak. Against that backdrop, Nic Carter of Castle Island Ventures argues that key Bitcoin narratives have quietly failed—and warns that developers' inaction on quantum risk could open the door to institutional control. If devs don't act, Carter says ETF giants like BlackRock will. The panel then widens the lens: declaring the token-centric VC model dead, debating whether AI now rivals the industrial revolution, and stress-testing it all across topics ranging from Solana vs. Hyperliquid to Japan's political shift and MrBeast's fintech play. --- If you want your crypto taxes done carefully — not guessed — Crypto Tax Girl is offering $100 off one-on-one crypto tax services. Their team focuses solely on crypto and has been helping investors navigate tax season since 2017. Save $100 here Hosts: Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Austin Campbell, NYU Stern professor and founder and managing partner of Zero Knowledge Consulting Christopher Perkins, Managing Partner and President of CoinFund Guest: Nic Carter, Founding Partner at Castle Island Ventures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Olympic sprinter to trusted advisor helping entrepreneurs save millions in taxes, David Flores Wilson shares proven strategies for QSBS planning, equity compensation design, and preparing business owners for successful exits both financially and personally. In this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, host Corey Kupfer sits down with David Flores Wilson, CFA, CFP, Managing Partner at Sinceres, who advises entrepreneurs and business owners in New York City on personal financial planning from formation to exit and beyond. David is a multiple Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisor whose guidance has appeared in CNBC, Yahoo Finance, the New York Times, US News and World Report, and Investment News. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: In this episode, you'll discover how QSBS planning can potentially exclude $10 million to $70 million or more in capital gains from taxes when structured correctly, why LLC to C Corp conversion timing creates dramatic differences in tax outcomes, and how QSBS stacking through non-grantor trusts multiplies exclusions. David shares why equity compensation plans often fail to motivate the specific people they target and what questions to ask before choosing a vehicle. You'll also learn about the personal readiness component of exit planning that determines whether entrepreneurs thrive or struggle after selling their businesses. DAVID'S JOURNEY: David's path to financial planning started with entrepreneurial instincts in an unexpected place. Growing up in Guam, he ran a comic book arbitrage business as a kid, discovering price differences between local stores and mainland mail-order catalogs. His father was a CPA with a home office, and despite wanting nothing to do with accounting, David absorbed financial concepts through osmosis that would later prove invaluable. After college at UC Berkeley, David joined Lehman Brothers and worked through the financial crisis. During that time, colleagues started coming to him with financial planning questions, and he realized helping people with their money was his true passion. He sat on that realization for years before eventually transitioning to financial planning. When Covid hit in 2020, David and his partner Dan Ryan launched Sinceres, and the firm has been growing since. OLYMPICS LESSON: David represented Guam in track and field at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, competing in the 200 and 400 meters. The experience taught him something crucial about career selection. Unlike running, where pushing harder brings diminishing returns and constant injury risk, financial planning offers the opportunity to improve incrementally every single day. That compounding knowledge approach now drives how he serves clients. KEY INSIGHTS: QSBS planning stands out as potentially the most powerful tax planning tool for qualifying entrepreneurs. C Corps meeting holding period and active business requirements can exclude $10 million in gains, or 10 times basis for older shares, with new legislation increasing that to $15 million. The planning becomes even more powerful with LLC conversions where market value at conversion becomes the QSBS basis. The biggest mistake with equity compensation involves choosing vehicles based on what owners like rather than what motivates specific employees. "Equity" can mean participation in profits, upside potential, a seat at the table, or financial disclosure. Different people value these differently, and the best planning starts with understanding objectives before selecting tools. Exit planning involves three components that David implements from the first meeting with business owners. Getting personally ready addresses what provides purpose after selling. Getting financially ready ensures the numbers work. Getting business ready covers everything from customer concentration to management team development. The recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act has changed QSBS holding periods, SALT deductions, and AMT rules. Business owners should review their planning with advisors rather than assuming previous strategies still apply. Perfect for entrepreneurs considering entity structure decisions, business owners thinking about exit planning, and anyone interested in tax-efficient wealth building strategies. FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE: https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/davidfloreswilson FOR MORE ON DAVID FLORES WILSON: https://www.planningtowealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfloreswilson/ FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! Episode Highlights with Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction: David Flores Wilson's credentials and areas of expertise [02:55] - Growing up in Guam with a comic book arbitrage business and CPA father [07:58] - Representing Guam at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and career lessons from athletics [09:28] - QSBS fundamentals: Exclusions, holding periods, and qualifying business requirements [10:45] - LLC to C Corp conversions and the basis multiplication strategy [11:40] - QSBS stacking through non-grantor trusts and family gifting [19:40] - Equity compensation design: Why attraction, retention, and incentive vehicles often miss the mark[28:37] - Journey from Lehman Brothers through the financial crisis to launching Sinceres [31:59] - Exit planning framework: Personal, financial, and business readiness [41:27] - Recent tax law changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act [44:09] - What freedom means: Making impact through continuous improvement Guest Bio David Flores Wilson, CFA, CFP, is Managing Partner at Sinceres, advising entrepreneurs and business owners in New York City on personal financial planning from formation to exit and beyond. His areas of expertise include qualified small business stock planning, business exit planning, and equity compensation planning. David is a multiple Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisor whose guidance has appeared in CNBC, Yahoo Finance, the New York Times, US News and World Report, and Investment News. He represented Guam in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and sits on the Board of Directors as treasurer of the Lower East Side Girls Club. David is active in Entrepreneurs Organization, the Estate Planning Council of New York City, Advisors in Philanthropy, and the Exit Planning Institute. Host Bio Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Show Description Do you want your business to grow faster? The DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer reveals how successful entrepreneurs and business leaders use strategic deals to accelerate growth. From large mergers and acquisitions to capital raising, joint ventures, strategic alliances, real estate deals, and more, this show discusses the full spectrum of deal-driven growth strategies. Get the confidence to pursue deals that will help your company scale faster. Related Episodes Episode 325 - Kelly Finnell: Using ESOPs in Ownership Succession Planning Episode 350 - Tom Dillon: Understanding Business Valuation and Exit Planning Realities Episode 328 - Richard Manders: Post-Exit Transitions and What Comes After Selling Your Business Episode 339 - Solocast 74: Equitizing Key Employees and Succession Planning Strategies Follow DealQuest Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ Website: https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Follow David Flores Wilson: Website: https://www.planningtowealth.com Keywords/Tags QSBS planning, qualified small business stock, business exit planning, equity compensation, entrepreneur tax strategy, LLC vs C Corp, financial planning for business owners, exit planning institute, tax-efficient wealth building, business succession planning, capital gains exclusion, non-grantor trusts, C corporation conversion, equity incentive plans, entrepreneur financial advisor

Watch Dominic Nolan, CFA, CEO of Aristotle Pacific, break down the drivers behind the gold rally and explores opportunities across fixed income, the Fed, and more.

Welcome to the CRE podcast. 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate.  In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron Cameron and Adam Powadiuk are joined by Sarah Esler, CFA, and Managing Director of Mortgage Investments at AIMCo, for a look inside an $8B institutional mortgage portfolio spanning Canada, the US, and Western... The post Surviving the Refinance Wall: Lessons from an $8B Portfolio with Sarah Esler, Managing Director of Mortgage Investments at AIMCo appeared first on Commercial Real Estate Podcast.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with One Venture, Ten MBAs author Ksenia Yudina, CFA for a raw conversation about building companies when the playbook breaks. Ksenia left a successful career in finance to start a fintech platform designed to help families invest in their children's futures. What followed was the full founder arc. Rapid growth. Major funding rounds. A $120 million valuation. Then a series of black swan events that tested every assumption behind venture capital, control, and resilience. She walks through what first-time founders never see coming, why fundraising feels more like dating than pitching, and how capital structure quietly decides who holds power when markets turn. Ksenia shares the hard lessons behind venture debt, board control, and what happens when founders lose the ability to steer the companies they built. The conversation goes deeper than tactics. Ksenia opens up about identity after stepping away from her own company, the emotional toll of losing control, and why she chose to start again with a new venture, stronger boundaries, and clearer conviction. This episode speaks to founders, operators, and leaders who want the truth behind startup success. Not the highlight reel. The reality.

We sit down with retiring K-State Police Chief Ronnie Grice to talk recovery, service, and why Manhattan became home far beyond his two-year plan. He shares how partnership with Cheryl fuels joyful volunteering and outlines what comes next after the badge.• near-death health scare and community support• Distinguished Volunteer Award and meaning of recognition• 46-year law enforcement journey and leadership shifts• campus safety, game day planning, and partnerships• making service a family habit with Cheryl• post-retirement goals: training chiefs and awards committee• practical path to start volunteering locally• gratitude, friendship, and the CFA celebration“Pick two or three organizations you're passionate about and devote your time to them”GMCFCFAs

Join myself and Sequoia Leopold, a CFA for the last 2 years, and commercial flight attendant since 2022 prior to entering the private world. For Sequoia this has been a second venture after 18 years of owning and running a beauty studio. We talk about all the nuances and idiosyncrasies of coming from a different world into a vastly new one.

Have you ever felt like you were constantly trying to define yourself while moving between cultures, expectations, and identities?This episode explores what it means to reclaim your voice and sense of self when you've spent years navigating spaces that were not built with you in mind. It's a powerful conversation about identity, belonging, resilience, and the courage it takes to show up fully as yourself.Urmi Hossain is a self-published author, speaker, blogger, and podcast host working in the financial services industry in Canada. She holds both the CFA and CAIA designations and is deeply passionate about empowering women through mentorship, education, and public speaking. Her book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Inter-Racial Struggle, reflects her journey as a third culture kid and her path toward self-acceptance and authenticity.Tune in to Episode 269 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, as Jackie sits down with Urmi Hossain for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about growing up as a third culture kid, navigating inter-racial identity, and building confidence in spaces where representation is limited. Together, they unpack the emotional weight of identity struggles, the importance of mentorship, and how self-awareness can become a catalyst for empowerment and purpose.Key Takeaways: ✨ Identity is shaped, not fixed ✨ Representation deeply impacts self-worth ✨ Mentorship creates pathways to belonging ✨ Confidence is built through self-awareness ✨ Cultural duality can become a strength ✨ Owning your story is empoweringConnect with Urmi Hossain:InstagramYouTubeLinkedInLet's Connect!WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInJackie Tapia Arbonne websiteBuy The Amiga Way's Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Keil examines how tax law changes might affect Roth conversion strategies for retirees in 2026. A few years ago, Roth conversions felt like one of those rare financial strategies that was almost too obvious to ignore. Taxes were historically low. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act had put a clear expiration date on those lower brackets. And for many retirees, the logic seemed airtight: pay taxes now at a lower rate so you don't pay more later. Fast forward to today, and that certainty just isn't the same. With new tax legislation making today's lower tax brackets permanent—at least for now—many retirees are asking a very different question: Are Roth conversions still worth it in 2026 and beyond? The short answer is yes. But not for the reasons many people think. The real problem isn't Roth conversions themselves. The problem is the assumptions people make about them. Roth conversions exploded in popularity when it appeared obvious that taxes were about to rise. The assumption was straightforward: convert while rates are low, avoid higher taxes later, and you'll come out ahead. But that assumption rested on two ideas that don't always hold up: That tax rates would definitely rise. That income in retirement would naturally fall. For some people, both are true. For many others, neither is. Markets have been strong. Retirement accounts are larger than expected. Capital gains, pensions, and Social Security stack on top of one another. And suddenly, retirement income isn't as “low tax” as it once looked on paper. The Difference Between Tax Bracket and Tax Cost One of the most common mistakes retirees make is focusing on their tax bracket instead of their tax cost. On a tax return, you might see yourself in the 12% or 22% bracket and assume Roth conversions are inexpensive. But once Social Security enters the picture, the math becomes more complicated. As additional income comes in, Social Security benefits that were once tax-free begin to become taxable—up to 85% of the benefit. In that phase-in range, every dollar withdrawn from a traditional IRA can cause more Social Security to be taxed. The result is an effective tax cost that can be significantly higher than the bracket suggests. This is where many well-intentioned Roth strategies quietly go off track. Medicare Premiums Change the Equation Taxes aren't the only cost that matters. Medicare income-related premium adjustments—often called IRMAA—are triggered when income crosses certain thresholds. These surcharges commonly appear in two situations: when required minimum distributions begin, and when one spouse passes away and income thresholds are suddenly cut in half. A Roth conversion that pushes income just over one of these lines can increase Medicare premiums for years. That added cost has to be weighed alongside any future tax savings the conversion might create. A Cautionary Roth Story This is where a real-world example brings the point home. I once worked with a woman to determine the right amount of Roth conversions to do. We carefully mapped out a plan to spread conversions over three tax years so she could stay within reasonable tax and Medicare thresholds. She was comfortable with the plan. The numbers made sense. We executed the first conversion near the end of the year and agreed to revisit the second one in January. But after our meeting, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Rather than following the plan, she converted everything at once. That single decision pushed her income from a moderate tax bracket into much higher ones, triggered additional Medicare premium costs, and permanently locked in taxes that were far higher than necessary. The intent was good. The outcome was not. The mistake wasn't believing in Roth conversions—it was assuming that “more” was always better. The Real Takeaway for 2026 and Beyond Roth conversions are not dead. But Roth assumptions are. Lower tax rates today don't automatically mean Roth conversions are cheap. A future tax increase isn't guaranteed. And a zero-tax retirement is not always worth the price paid to get there. Roth conversions should always be considered—but never assumed. When done thoughtfully, in the right amounts, and at the right times, they can improve retirement income and flexibility. When done without planning, they can quietly undermine both. And in retirement, the goal isn't to win a tax strategy.The goal is to create a better retirement. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Are Roth Conversions for Retirees Dead in 2026 Because of the New Tax Law? By Jeremy Keil, Kiplinger.com  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

If you've built significant wealth in your investment portfolio, you may have more flexibility than you think. In this episode, Emily Harper, CFP(R) joins the show to talk about how borrowing against your portfolio actually works—including margin loans and pledged asset lines of credit (PALs)—and why many high-net-worth investors use them as strategic tools for liquidity and tax planning. We cover when these strategies can make sense, where the risks lie, and what to consider before tapping your portfolio for cash. From managing short-term cash needs to avoiding unnecessary portfolio sales, this conversation is all about using your wealth intentionally and keeping your options open. Have a question you'd like us to answer on a future episode? Email us at offthewall@monumentwm.com.         Please see important podcast disclosure information at https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/disclosures   Episode Timeline/Key Highlights:   0:00 — Reason to borrow from your portfolio 1:50 — Tax-aware reasons investors choose borrowing over selling 4:20 — Real-world cash flow situations where this actually matters 6:55 — Margin basics: how it works and common use cases 10:40 — Margin risks, interest costs, and forced-sale scenarios 14:45 — Pledged asset lines explained and how they differ from margin 18:10 — Rates, spreads, pricing power, and trade-offs 24:20 — Planning payments, payoff strategy, and optionality going forward Connect with Monument Wealth Management:    Visit our website: https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/   Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monumentwealth/#   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monument-wealth-management/   Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonumentWealthManagement   Connect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MonumentWealth#Fit   Subscribe to our Private Wealth Newsletter: https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/subscribe/   Check out our Between Sips Podcast: Where Money Meets Meaning Because money without meaning never feels like wealth. https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/between-sips-podcast/   About "Off the Wall":    Markets are noisy. Your time is limited. Off The Wall cuts through the clutter. Hosts Dave Armstrong, CFA and Nate Tonsager, CIPM bring you straightforward, candid insights about what's really moving markets and why it matters for successful investors. From economic shifts to portfolio positioning, we break down the complexities so you can invest with intention and stay grounded when headlines and life feels chaotic.   Learn more about our hosts on our website at https://monumentwealthmanagement.com   

In this episode of Spotlight, Stephanie Stanton ‪@etfguide‬ chats with with John Love, CFA and CEO of USCF investments. This episode dives into precious metals, gold income strategies, copper markets, commodity diversification opportunities, a unique oil and bitcoin strategy, and key insights and energy markets.  John Love of USCF Investments breaks down the USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income ETF (USG), which combines physical gold exposure with quarterly income via options strategies—a unique approach for investors seeking steady returns alongside precious metals.  We also explore the SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Strategy No K-1 Fund (SDCI), which leverages broad commodity trends to diversify portfolios beyond stocks and bonds, as well as examining copper's structural supply deficit and increasing demand as well as USCF's recently launched Oil Plus Bitcoin Strategy Fund (WTIB), which allows you to invest in two uncorrelated assets in one find. *********To learn more about USCF Investments visithttp://www.USCFInvestments.com 

Cette émission explore en profondeur la crise actuelle du secteur du cacao en Côte d'Ivoire, premier producteur mondial avec plus de 40% de la production globale. Face à une volatilité historique des cours et des difficultés majeures pour les producteurs, l'émission donne la parole aux acteurs de terrain, experts et décideurs pour comprendre les enjeux économiques, sociaux et politiques de cette filière stratégique. Points clés de la situation : Prix bord champ fixé à 2 800 francs CFA/kg par l'État ivoirien en début de campagne 2025-2026 Chute brutale des cours mondiaux Accumulation de stocks estimés à 130 000 tonnes Producteurs privés de trésorerie malgré la livraison de leurs fèves Intervention de l'État pour racheter les stocks et restaurer la fluidité   NOS INVITES :

We are excited to welcome Joe Davis for this episode, currently Vanguard's Global Chief Economist and Global Head of the Investment Strategy Group. Many of you likely know various iterations of the Vanguard story, but most of the professionals I know do not know how big a research team they have.  Joe has a big influence on the company because he is also chairs the firm's Strategic Asset Allocation Committee. Ok, that was exhausting listing all of his titles, he is a busy person. Before that, he was still busy; he earned his M.A. and Ph.D at Duke University and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School of U Penn. Joe is a frequent keynote speaker and currently serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Portfolio Management and the Journal of Fixed Income. In this episode, we are all over the place (which is normal), ranging from Vanguard's 50+ year history as a disruptor, to how many CFA charter holders are at Vanguard now (hint: a lot), their vast and under the radar research group, new CEO Salim Ramji, patents that Vanguard created in ETF space, the breakdown of active vs. passive funds in their lineup (which surprises many) and Joe's new book on AI. This was a great segue into the markets, with the impact of AI, Fed independence being potentially disrupted, a new multi-polar world, expected returns, potential market scenarios, and more. Today's hosts are Steve Curley, CFA (Co-Managing Principal, 55 North Private Wealth) & co-host Chris Cannon, CFA (CIO/Principal, FirsTrust). Please enjoy the episode. You can follow us on Twitter & LinkedIn or at investorsfirstpodcast.com

GuestEric Metz, Chief Investment Officer & Head of SpiderRock Advisors Fully Owned Subsidiary of BlackRock's approximately $250B SMA platformBioEric Metz, CFA, Managing Director, is the Chief Investment Officer and Head of SpiderRock Advisors. SRA, acquired by BlackRock in May 2024, delivers customized derivatives strategies and solutions, via SMAs, to nearly all client segments of BlackRock. He oversees all SRA's investment strategies and is responsible for the commercialization of the vertically integrated business unit within US Wealth Advisory. Mr. Metz is a memberof BlackRock's USWA Executive Committee.Prior to the BlackRock acquisition, Mr. Metz was a Co-Founder of SpiderRock Advisors, and led both the business and investment team, as President & CIO, since its inception in 2015, and throughout the BlackRock strategic partnership in 2021.Preceding SRA, Mr. Metz was the Derivatives Strategist and Portfolio Manager at RiverNorth Capital Management, managing both mutual fund and hedge fund assets. He began his career with the Chicago Trading Company on the floors of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE). After the trading floors, he was a senior trader and partner at both Ronin Capital and Bengal Capital, proprietary trading firms specializing in volatility arbitrage. Mr. Metz graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Michigan with a B.S.E. in Industrial and Operations Engineering. He earned his M.S.E., with honors, in Industrial and Operational Engineering, and was enrolled in the program's PhD program. Mr. Metz is a CFA Charterholder, a member of the CFA Institute, the CFA Society of Chicago and a member of YPO's Chicago based Windy City Chapter.

Send us a textIn the Season 7 premiere of ETF Battles, Ron DeLegge ‪@etfguide‬ referees an audience requested battle between two infrastructure ETFs. Who wins the battle?Program judges David Dierking at TheStreet and Shana Sissel at Banríon Capital Management examine this ETF battle between GRID (First Trust), and DTCR (Global X). Each ETF is judged against the other in key categories like cost, exposure strategy, performance, yield and a mystery category. Find out who wins the battle!#ETF #datacenter #electrification #stockmarket*********Get in touch with our judgesDavid Dierking, CFA, ETF Analyst https://etffocus.beehiiv.com

Private credit has grown rapidly over the past decade, prompting investors to revisit how public and private credit can work together in modern portfolios. In this episode of All the Credit, we explore how this shift is changing the way multi‑asset portfolios are constructed and managed. We also focus on the challenges of imperfect data, why liquidity and valuations fall along a spectrum rather than a simple public‑versus‑private divide, and how combining strengths like private‑market sourcing and public‑market flexibility can improve overall portfolio construction. PGIM's Brian Barnhurst, CFA, Head of Global Credit Research, hosts Greg Peters, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Co-Head of Multi-Sector Strategies, and Tom McCartan, CFA, Multi-Sector Strategies Portfolio Manager. Recorded on January 22, 2025.

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth How much cash should you really hold in retirement? Too little cash can create stress and force poor decisions during market downturns. Too much cash can quietly erode a well-built retirement plan through inflation, taxes, and lost growth. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down how to think about retirement cash reserves in 2026, including: How much cash is actually enough in retirement — and when it becomes too much How interest rates change the cash trade-off in 2026 Where cash really lives inside a well-built portfolio (not just checking and savings accounts) This conversation is designed for people approaching retirement or already retired who want to make smarter, more intentional cash decisions — without chasing yields or taking unnecessary risk.   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/  Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/  Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/  Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

A candid conversation with Eric Brotman on why retirement planning needs structure, flexibility, and fewer assumptions. One of the things I've learned after years of retirement planning conversations is that most people aren't short on opinions — they're short on clarity. They've heard plenty of rules.They've absorbed countless headlines.They've picked up advice from coworkers, friends, and financial media. But when you slow things down and ask a simple question — “Why are you doing it this way?” — the answer is often some version of, “That's just what I've always heard.” I recently sat down on the “Don't Retire… Graduate!” podcast with host Eric Brotman (author of “Don't Retire, Graduate” and previous guest of my podcast back in the “Retirement Revealed” days) to discuss why building a better retirement plan starts with asking better questions. Eric is the author of Don't Retire, Graduate, and his core message is relatable to everyone entering retirement: retirement isn't a finish line. It's a transition — and transitions deserve thoughtful planning, not assumptions. As Eric put it during our conversation, “Most people think retirement is a decision. It's not. It's a process.” Why One-Time Decisions Matter So Much to a Retirement Plan When you're working, mistakes are usually correctable. Save too little one year? You can increase contributions later. Invest poorly early on? Time often smooths things out. Retirement doesn't work that way. Retirement is full of one-way doors — decisions you can't easily undo. Social Security claiming. Pension elections. Medicare choices. Tax strategies.  Once those decisions are made, you often live with them for decades. This is where many retirement plans quietly fail. Not because the investments are bad, but because the planning skipped the hard questions upfront. The Quiet Problem of Underspending One of the most interesting threads in our conversation was something I see often with clients but rarely see addressed directly: underspending. People spend decades being disciplined savers. They're rewarded for delaying gratification. Then retirement arrives — and suddenly they're supposed to flip a switch and start spending confidently? That transition is harder than most people expect. Eric described it bluntly: “A lot of retirement plans are designed to avoid failure, not to support a great life.” When plans are built entirely around extremely high “success rates,” the tradeoff is often living smaller than necessary. Retirees follow conservative rules, spend cautiously, and end up with more money at the end of life than they started with — not because they needed it, but because no one ever gave them permission to use it. That's how an effort to preserve your money in retirement can turn into a missed opportunity. Why Rules of Thumb Aren't Enough Rules like the 4% withdrawal guideline exist for a reason — they're simple and memorable. But that simplicity comes at a cost. Rules of thumb can be useful starting points, they become problematic when people treat them as guarantees rather than guidelines that require context. Markets change. Taxes change. Spending changes. Life changes. A retirement plan that assumes constant spending and ignores flexibility is solving a math problem that doesn't exist in the real world. What works better is a framework that expects adjustment — not perfection. Retirement as a Graduation, Not an Ending The phrase “Don't retire, graduate” isn't about working forever. It's about intention. Some people want to fully step away from work. Others want to consult, volunteer, or stay mentally engaged. Neither approach is right or wrong — but drifting into retirement without deciding is where dissatisfaction often starts. What makes a difference for most retirees? Having a purpose to your life in retirement as a new chapter, not a conclusion to the entire book. When you treat retirement as a graduation into something new, the planning naturally becomes more thoughtful. Spending decisions align with values. Time gets treated as intentionally as money. And confidence replaces guesswork. The Real Goal of Retirement Planning At its core, this conversation wasn't about beating markets or optimizing spreadsheets. It was about aligning math with real life. A good retirement plan doesn't just aim to avoid running out of money. It aims to help you live well — without constant second-guessing. For many, effective retirement planning isn't about dying with the most money. It's about using the money you've earned to live well, without fear or constant second-guessing. That's a goal worth planning for. If you're approaching retirement — or already there — this episode will challenge some comfortable assumptions and help you think differently about what your plan is actually designed to do. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Eric Brotman on LinkedIn “Don't Retire…Graduate!” podcast “Don't Retire…Graduate!” on Amazon BFG Financial Advisors BFG University on YouTube Build Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

In this episode, Tony Davidow sits down with Matt Katz, Managing Director at Fiduciary Trust International, to explore why middle market private equity offers compelling opportunities in today's environment. Matt shares his journey into private markets, explains why the middle market presents a structural advantage with less competition and more operational value-add potential, and provides practical guidance on evaluating private equity funds through the lens of people, process, performance, and references. The conversation also covers the current exit environment, the growing role of secondaries in portfolio construction, the importance of due diligence in evaluating funds, and actionable advice for financial advisors looking to navigate the expanding universe of private market investments. Matt Katz, CFA, Managing Director, Investment Director - Private Markets: As head of the Advisor Solutions Group private markets research team, Matt focuses on private equity and real estate investments and is responsible for sourcing, due diligence and monitoring investments across each asset class.  He determines strategic and tactical allocations within ASG's Model Portfolio, while monitoring existing and prospective investment opportunities.  With over 18 years of experience, Matt serves as a key contributor to the analysis of current macroeconomic conditions through participation in daily market updates, Investment Committee meetings, and quarterly market overviews. In addition, Matt has also worked with impact-focused clients to source and analyze appropriate private investments, serving both financial and social purposes. Prior to joining Fiduciary Trust International, Matt was an associate director at Segal Rogerscasey, an investment consulting firm, as a member of their Alpha Research team focused on private equity manager research and due diligence. While at Segal Rogerscasey, he participated in the portfolio planning, underwriting and execution of private investments for the firm's discretionary clients. Matt received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Connecticut. Matt is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder; Member, CFA Society Boston; and a Member of the RAISE Global Summit LP Selection Committee.   Resources: Matthew Katz, CFA | LinkedInFranklin Templeton Private MarketsTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

Crypto taxes stressing you out? You don't have to figure it out alone. We've partnered with Crypto Tax Girl, a crypto-focused tax firm that's been helping investors since 2017, to give readers $100 off personalized, one-on-one crypto tax help. Their team can handle everything from transaction calculations to full tax returns — but pre-April 15 spots are limited, so don't wait! Grab $100 off here In this episode of Bits + Bips, Austin Campbell, Ram Ahluwalia, Chris Perkins, and guest Charles Edwards debate what “realpolitik” means for markets, why gold is leading, and whether Bitcoin is lagging for a reason that is not just sentiment. They also argue over a counterintuitive claim gaining traction on desks: that rate cuts can be bad for risk assets in a high-debt world, and that the biggest adoption blocker for Bitcoin may be a known unknown, the quantum threat, whether it is imminent or simply believed enough to cap upside. Hosts: Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Austin Campbell, NYU Stern professor and founder and managing partner of Zero Knowledge Consulting Christopher Perkins, Managing Partner and President of CoinFund Guests: Charles Edwards, Founder & CIO at Capriole Investments Links: Why Gold Rose and Bitcoin Tumbled on Japan Bond Turmoil Should You Buy Gold or Bitcoin? Here's How to Think About It Bitcoin Stumbles as Global Tensions Push Investors Toward Safe Havens Bitcoin Rebounds After Trump's Truth Social Post Eases Tariff Fears Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices