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An individual retirement account, or IRA, can be a valuable tool for long-term saving. But like any financial tool, it needs to be understood and used wisely. Proverbs 18:15 says, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” That's good wisdom for every area of life, including how we manage money. As stewards, we don't want to make financial decisions simply because an account is popular or because someone told us we ought to have one. We want to understand the tools available to us and use them with wisdom, patience, and trust in the Lord. So, how well do you really know your IRA? Let's walk through a few common misconceptions with a simple true-or-false quiz. True or false: You can contribute to an IRA even if you already have a retirement plan through your employer. True. You can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA even if you also participate in a 401(k), 403(b), or another workplace retirement plan. In 2026, the total amount you can contribute across all your traditional and Roth IRAs combined is $7,500, or $8,600 if you're age 50 or older. You'll need enough taxable compensation to support your contribution, and income limits may affect whether you can deduct a traditional IRA contribution or contribute directly to a Roth IRA. The important point is that having access to a workplace retirement plan does not necessarily prevent you from contributing to an IRA. These accounts can often work together as part of a thoughtful long-term strategy. True or false: An IRA is an account that holds investments, not an investment by itself. True. Think of an IRA as a container. The account itself provides certain tax advantages, but what happens to the money depends largely on the investments you choose to hold inside it. Depending on your IRA custodian, those investments might include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, stocks, bonds, money market funds, or other investment options. That distinction matters. Sometimes someone will say, “I bought an IRA,” when what they really mean is that they opened an IRA and then invested the money inside it. The IRA is the account. The investments within that account determine how the money is put to work. There are also limits on what an IRA can hold. IRA funds generally cannot be invested in life insurance or collectibles. Certain precious metals may qualify if they meet specific IRS requirements and are held properly. Self-directed IRAs can provide access to more specialized investments, but greater flexibility can also bring greater complexity and risk. As with any financial decision, it's important to understand what you own and why you own it. True or false: Your will determines who receives your IRA, regardless of the beneficiary listed on the account. False. An IRA allows you to name one or more beneficiaries who will receive the account when you die. Those assets generally transfer directly to the beneficiaries outside of probate. In most cases, the beneficiary designation on the account takes precedence over what your will says. That's why beneficiary designations shouldn't be treated as something you set once and forget. Review them periodically, especially after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or the birth or adoption of a child. Estate planning is about more than documents. It's about making your intentions clear and preparing well for those who may one day steward what you leave behind. True or false: Traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions. True. Traditional IRAs are generally subject to required minimum distributions, commonly called RMDs. For those subject to the current age-73 rule, the first distribution generally must be taken by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 73. After that, annual RMDs are typically due by December 31. Failing to withdraw the required amount can result in a significant tax penalty, though that penalty may be reduced when the mistake is corrected promptly. Roth IRAs work differently. The original owner generally does not have to take required minimum distributions during his or her lifetime. Because contributions are made with after-tax dollars, qualified withdrawals can also be tax-free. Those differences are important when deciding how various retirement accounts may fit into your broader financial plan. Retirement Accounts Are Tools, Not Our Security So, how did you do on the quiz? The goal isn't to become a retirement expert overnight. It's to keep growing in wisdom. An IRA can be a useful tool for preparing for the future, but no retirement account can provide ultimate security. Our hope is not in an IRA, a pension, a 401(k), or the number on a balance sheet. Our hope is in Christ. That changes the deeper question we ask about retirement planning. Instead of simply asking, “How much can I accumulate?” we can also ask, “Am I using what God has entrusted to me in a way that reflects faithfulness, generosity, and eternal priorities?” Retirement accounts are simply tools in the hands of a steward. Understanding how they work helps us use them wisely—but remembering whom they ultimately belong to helps us use them faithfully. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 68, and my husband is 71. We're retired with about $500,000 invested, a $100,000 mortgage at 2.75%, and a $30,000 car loan at 4.99%. We wanted to pay them off from our investments, but our advisor says the tax bill would be about $37,000 and recommends using a HELOC instead, then making one annual payment from our investments. Does that strategy make sense? He also recommends a trust, but we already have wills and our final arrangements paid for. Why might we still need one? My grandson is moving to Bali for two years for work. Should he send his earnings back to the U.S., or open a local bank account and keep the money there? I'm 61 and hope to retire at 63. About 80% of our retirement savings is pre-tax, and 20% is Roth. If we withdraw from pre-tax accounts first, our income could exceed the ACA subsidy limits. Should we consider Roth conversions or use Roth withdrawals earlier to better manage our MAGI and healthcare costs? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Active fund managers have a new explanation for years of underperformance: index funds have made their old job harder. Don and Tom examine that award-winning excuse, revisit how indexing reshaped the business, and return to the stubborn arithmetic—when active management charges more, matching the market still means losing to it after fees.Listener questions widen the lens. A UK investor wants to move from 60/40 to 50/50 without taking needless currency risk, while a family needs a sensible plan for a $200,000 windfall, a near-term car purchase, Roth contributions, and the money left for a brokerage account.The show closes with a federal retiree's TSP allocation and a critique of an AI-built income portfolio stuffed with dividend funds. The throughline is simple: start with the job the money must do, favor total return over yield theater, and keep the plan easier to understand than the sales pitch.00:33 AI jingles on demand02:31 Active managers blame index funds08:34 A Social Security benefit wrinkle10:00 A UK investor moves from 60/40 to 50/5016:11 Planning a $200,000 windfall and car purchase20:20 A federal retiree's TSP choices22:59 AI builds a dividend-income portfolio28:24 The jingle experiment continuesQuestions? Comments? Click!
Your home may be more than a place to live in retirement. For some homeowners, it can also become a strategic financial resource—one that may help manage taxable income, protect investments during market downturns, and create greater flexibility around retirement withdrawals. Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, joined the show today to explain how a reverse mortgage—specifically a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM—can fit into a thoughtful retirement income strategy. A reverse mortgage is not right for everyone. But when used carefully as part of a broader financial plan, home equity may provide retirees with options they would not otherwise have. Why Reverse Mortgage Proceeds Are Different From Income One of the most common misconceptions about reverse mortgages is that homeowners sell or give up ownership of their homes. That is not the case. A reverse mortgage is a loan secured by the home, and the homeowner retains title as long as the requirements of the loan are met. Because the money received through a reverse mortgage is generally considered loan proceeds rather than earned or investment income, it is not typically included as taxable income on a federal income tax return. That distinction can be significant in retirement. Many retirees rely on a combination of Social Security, pensions, traditional IRAs, and 401(k)s. Withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts generally increase taxable income, potentially affecting tax brackets and other income-based thresholds. Home equity can provide another source of cash. Instead of withdrawing every needed dollar from a traditional IRA or 401(k), a retiree may be able to strategically use home equity for a portion of living expenses. That could reduce the amount that must be withdrawn from taxable retirement accounts in a given year. The goal is not simply to avoid taxes. It is to thoughtfully manage when and how taxable income is recognized. Managing Retirement Withdrawals More Strategically Taxes in retirement are often about timing. Withdraw too much from a traditional retirement account in one year, and you may move into a higher tax bracket or cross other important income thresholds. Later in retirement, required minimum distributions can further limit how much control retirees have over taxable withdrawals. Social Security also adds another consideration. Depending on a retiree's income, up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. That makes coordinating income sources especially important. For some retirees, access to home equity may allow them to take smaller taxable distributions during certain years while drawing on a reverse mortgage for additional cash needs. Meanwhile, money that remains invested has more opportunity to continue growing. That does not mean borrowing against a home is always preferable to withdrawing from investments. Reverse mortgages have costs, interest accrues on the loan balance, and using home equity reduces the equity that may otherwise remain available later. The question is whether strategically combining these resources could produce a better overall retirement outcome. Creating Flexibility for Roth Conversions Home equity may also play a role in Roth conversion planning. A Roth conversion involves moving money from a traditional IRA or other eligible tax-deferred retirement account into a Roth IRA. The amount converted is generally taxable in the year of the conversion, but qualified Roth withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. For some retirees, converting portions of traditional retirement accounts during lower-income years can make sense. The challenge is paying the resulting tax bill. Suppose someone converts a significant amount from a traditional IRA and then withdraws even more from that IRA to pay the taxes. That additional withdrawal can create additional taxable income, potentially making the strategy less efficient. A reverse mortgage may provide another option. Home equity could potentially be used to cover living expenses or the tax liability associated with a Roth conversion, allowing the retiree to better control how much is withdrawn from taxable retirement accounts. Over time, carefully planned conversions can also reduce the amount remaining in traditional accounts that may eventually be subject to required minimum distributions. Roth conversions involve many variables—including current and future tax rates, income needs, Medicare considerations, estate goals, and the retiree's overall financial picture—so they should be evaluated with qualified tax and financial professionals. Protecting Investments During Market Downturns Another potential use of a reverse mortgage is addressing what financial planners call sequence-of-returns risk. Sequence risk refers to the danger of experiencing significant investment losses early in retirement while simultaneously withdrawing money from the portfolio. Imagine that the market falls sharply and a retiree must sell investments to pay living expenses. Those shares are sold at depressed prices and are no longer invested when markets eventually recover. That combination of losses and withdrawals can make it much harder for a portfolio to recover. For retirees with sufficient home equity, a reverse mortgage line of credit may serve as what some planners call a buffer asset. Instead of selling investments during a severe market decline, a retiree might temporarily draw from home equity. When markets recover, withdrawals could shift back to the investment portfolio. Depending on the loan and financial circumstances, homeowners may also choose to repay some of what they borrowed, preserving greater home equity for future use. The broader principle is diversification—not merely among investments, but among the resources available to fund retirement. Home Equity Is a Tool, Not the Goal For many Americans, their home represents one of their largest financial assets. Yet traditional retirement planning often treats that wealth as untouchable until the home is sold or passed to heirs. A reverse mortgage can provide another option. That does not mean every retiree should borrow against a home. The costs, interest, estate implications, housing plans, and long-term needs all matter. Homeowners must also continue meeting loan requirements, including paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintaining the property. But for the right household, home equity may become one piece of a coordinated retirement strategy—helping manage taxable withdrawals, create flexibility for Roth conversions, or avoid selling investments at an unfavorable time. As stewards, the goal is not simply to preserve every dollar of home equity or maximize every investment account. It is to wisely consider all the resources God has entrusted to us and use them with purpose. A home is first a place to live. But in retirement, it may also be a financial resource worth thoughtfully considering as part of the bigger picture. To learn more about reverse mortgages and Movement Mortgage, visit FaithFi.com/Movement. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My daughter turns 20 in December and recently earned her nail technician license, but she isn't working yet. How can I help her start building credit and develop good saving habits? My husband and I are considering a reverse mortgage. Would we still own our home, and could we eventually sell it to a family member if we want to keep it in the family? I live on Social Security, have a paid-off home, a four-month emergency fund, and $75,000 in a CD. I received an offer to buy $5 gold pieces for $469 each, with a minimum purchase of five. Would buying gold like this be a wise move for me? My husband passed away, I used up my savings, and now I'm overwhelmed by debt. I enrolled in a debt-relief program that promised to lower my interest rates, but I'm not seeing much progress. What should I do next? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors Movement Mortgage Capital One Savor Rewards Card for Students Bankrate | NerdWallet Open Hands Finance FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Pre-order the paperback edition of Millionaire Mission today at moneyguy.com/millionairemission The new Millionaire Mission paperback is finally here—and it's much more than a new cover. Brian has updated the bestselling personal finance book with new wealth-building stories, refreshed investing and retirement account contribution limits, updated case studies, and even more insight into his own financial decisions. Whether you're working toward financial independence, building long-term wealth, investing for retirement, maximizing your 401(k), Roth IRA, or HSA, or simply trying to make smarter money decisions, this updated edition is designed to help. Pre-orders begin July 28 and include exclusive bonuses for Financial Mutants, including access to special merchandise, Brian's Book Club, and exclusive Moneyverse Discord communities. Jump start your journey with our FREE financial resources Reach your goals faster with our products Take the relationship to the next level: become a client Subscribe on YouTube for early access and go beyond the podcast Connect with us on social media for more content Bring confidence to your wealth building with simplified strategies from The Money Guy. Learn how to apply financial tactics that go beyond common sense and help you reach your money goals faster. Make your assets do the heavy lifting so you can quit worrying and start living a more fulfilled life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listener questions take over the studio as Don and Tom work through a very big pile without sacrificing any more forests than necessary. The quick tour runs from life insurance in retirement to the seductive yield on floating-rate bank-loan ETFs—and why extra income usually comes with extra risk.Then a live call turns asset allocation into an actual retirement plan: how a couple can move from 90/10 to 70/30, use Roth space intelligently, and rebalance without guessing what the market will do next. The hosts also weigh simplifying banking at Fidelity or Schwab, the Social Security shortfall, and the limits of retiring at 53 on a $2.8 million 401(k).It's a brisk, practical Q&A about making portfolios safer, simpler, and realistic—plus expensive vacations, old television, and the strange persistence of paper.00:00 A special midweek Q&A03:29 Life insurance after retirement06:47 The risk behind high-yield bank-loan ETFs11:12 Bonds inside Roth accounts13:14 Moving a portfolio from 90/10 to 70/3022:54 Spending more after years of saving25:18 Consolidating banking at a brokerage26:53 How to repair Social Security31:10 Can $2.8 million fund retirement at 53?Questions? Comments? Click!
Private equity has earned a reputation for loading companies with debt, cutting costs, and putting short-term returns ahead of the businesses themselves. But what if successful owners had another option? Nico Lechuga is a Bitcoin entrepreneur, a founding partner of Bitcoin venture capital firm Ego Death Capital, and co-founder of the newly launched holding company Orange Juice. He joins Coin Stories to explain a new model for acquiring profitable businesses, preserving what makes them valuable, and using their cash flow to build a Bitcoin treasury. In this episode: Why the private equity model can create destructive incentives for otherwise healthy businesses How Orange Juice hopes to offer owners an alternative when they are ready to step back or sell Why profitable "boring businesses" may be among the most overlooked assets in America How Bitcoin could become part of a long-term strategy for preserving and compounding business value What separates a real business opportunity from an idea that simply sounds exciting Follow Nico on X at https://x.com/nico_lechuga ---- Order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU ---- Speed is my go-to Bitcoin Lightning wallet! Send, receive, or swap stablecoins and digital gold into Bitcoin in one app. Run a business? Speed powers Bitcoin payments for Steak 'n Shake, and it can do the same for you. Download at https://speed.app/natalie and use code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats after your first transaction. ---- Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $10 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Get .25% off your first loan, learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie ---- Abundant Mines is a fully-managed Bitcoin mining in the U.S. You own the miners. You keep 100% of the Bitcoin. Voted #1 mining company by peers. Get 1 month of free hosting: AbundantMines.com/Natalie ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product Partners: Download Bitkey Today and use my promo code STORIES to get 10% off the new Bitkey. This episode has been sponsored by Bitkey: https://bitkey.world/STORIES Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie With BitcoinIRA, you can invest in bitcoin 24/7 inside a tax-advantaged IRA. Choose a Traditional IRA to defer taxes, or a Roth IRA for tax-free withdrawals later. Take control of your future with BitcoinIRA: https://www.bitcoinira.com/natalie Natalie's Upcoming Events: The best time to plan for Bitcoin 2027 is right now. Early bird tickets are live — grab the lowest pricing available and use code HODL for 10% off: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2027?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=HODL Extra Services to Consider: Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. Ads in this episode are baked-in and may reference promotions or offers that are no longer available at the time of listening. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing
In a lot of ways, the Traditional and Roth IRA are mirror images of one another, and they are designed that way to provide very specific tax benefits to individuals under different circumstances. Donna and Nathan delve into the unique rules and benefits of the Traditional and Roth IRA, and explain how each can be used differently to minimize your tax liability. Also on MoneyTalk, Special Guest Stock Trivia. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®; Air Date: 7/23/2026; Original Air Date: 1/23/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Leave a message on the MoneyTalk Hotline at (401) 587-SOWA and have your voice heard live on the air!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Financial stress doesn't just live in your bank account, it lives in your body. In this episode, I sat down with Kiana Danial, founder of Invest Diva and creator of the Triple Compounding method to unpack why money is just as much a wellbeing issue as sleep, movement, or nutrition, and why investing confidently starts with understanding your own risk tolerance, not chasing hype.This episode gives you a system for thinking about risk, debt, and growth instead of a list of stock tips.What we explore:- Risk tolerance: separating personality from actual financial capacity- Candlestick psychology: reading market emotion instead of chasing headlines- Triple compounding: building wealth across self, business, and investments- Kids and money: Roth IRA, UTMA, 529 accounts, and hiring your own children- Portfolio borrowing: using leverage instead of selling and paying taxesChapters:00:00 Why Personal Finance Is a Wellbeing Issue01:32 From Iran to an Eight-Figure Portfolio07:07 The 3 Factors That Shape Risk Tolerance10:46 Reading Stock Candles Instead of Headlines13:21 How $50 a Month Builds Wealth16:56 Roth IRA vs UTMA vs 529 for Kids21:54 How to Borrow Against Your Portfolio Tax-Free25:24 The Habit That Separates Wealth Builders From Everyone Else32:09 Money Myths Keeping You From Investing41:14 Robinhood vs Schwab vs Fidelity Compared49:03 Overlooked Sectors: Energy, Defense, and Boring Giants58:32 How She Prioritizes Sleep Despite a Busy ScheduleAbout Kiana Danial:Kiana Danial is the founder and CEO of Invest Diva and the creator of Triple Compounding, a wealth-building framework that took her from $500 to an eight-figure portfolio. A former engineer and best-selling author of nine books, she's known for translating investing into plain, usable language without the hype.Connect with Kiana DanialWebsite: https://www.triplecompounding.com/yesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/investdiva/This episode is sponsored by:TRUE NUTRITION:
The right financial advisor can help you plan for the future. But the right kind of counsel can do something more: help you stay anchored to what matters most. When we seek financial guidance, we're not simply looking for information. We're looking for direction. And for believers, that direction should be shaped by God's Word—not merely by the market. Money decisions are never just financial. They touch our hopes, fears, sense of control, and ultimately our trust in God. That's why Scripture consistently points us toward the importance of wise counsel. The Wisdom of Seeking Counsel Proverbs 11:14 says: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” That word safety matters. It points to the protection and stability that can come when we humbly seek wisdom beyond our own perspective. Seeking counsel requires humility. It means admitting that we don't always see the whole picture. That isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Consider Moses in Exodus 18. God had called him to lead Israel, yet his father-in-law, Jethro, noticed something Moses had missed. People were lining up from morning until evening while Moses tried to handle every dispute himself. Jethro told him plainly, “What you are doing is not good.” He then suggested a better way. Moses listened. He delegated responsibility, and both he and the people were better served. If Moses needed wise counsel, surely we do too. That is especially true when it comes to money. In a culture that prizes financial independence, it can be easy to confuse independence with self-reliance. But Proverbs 19:20 reminds us: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Every Financial Plan Reflects a Worldview Not all counsel is the same. Technical expertise matters. Credentials matter. Experience matters. But the worldview beneath the advice matters too. Every financial recommendation carries assumptions about what constitutes success, how much is enough, where security is found, what generosity should look like, how we should think about retirement, and ultimately what wealth is for. Advice may sound impressive and still quietly move our hearts toward goals Scripture never gives us. Jesus warned in Luke 12:15: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” A spreadsheet can help us plan, but it cannot shepherd the heart. That is one reason values-aligned financial counsel can make such a meaningful difference. Why Shared Values Matter Recent research from Pinkston compared clients working with Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKA®)—financial professionals trained to integrate biblical wisdom into their practice—with clients of general financial advisors. Among clients of general advisors, 64% prioritized investment returns. Among CKA® clients, however, 70% prioritized shared beliefs and values. For many Christian investors, shared faith is not simply an added benefit. It shapes the entire financial conversation. That alignment also appears to foster significant trust. CKA® clients reported a 98% retention rate and a Net Promoter Score of 83, compared with 58 among general-advisor clients. But perhaps even more important is how values-aligned counsel can broaden the conversation beyond financial performance alone. Eighty-one percent of Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKA®) said they help clients incorporate faith or values-based investing into their financial plans, compared with 57% of general advisors. Clients working with CKA®s were also twice as likely to have significantly increased their charitable giving. That matters because Scripture never treats money in isolation. It connects our financial choices with worship, trust, contentment, generosity, and obedience. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our financial decisions do more than move money. They reveal—and help shape—what has captured our hearts. Counsel That Sees Money as Stewardship The research also found that 72% of Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKA®) reported being very fulfilled in their work, compared with 48% of general advisors. In addition, 80% said their work was closely aligned with their life's purpose. That kind of perspective matters. When an advisor sees financial planning not simply as managing assets but as serving people, the relationship can become about much more than maximizing returns. It can create space to ask deeper questions: How much is enough? What has God entrusted to me? How should generosity shape my financial plan? What does faithful stewardship look like in this season? Those are not questions a financial calculator can answer by itself. Finding the Right Financial Counsel So, how do you find wise, values-aligned financial counsel? Start by asking good questions. Ask a prospective advisor how their faith shapes the way they think about money, risk, generosity, success, and the purpose of wealth. Look for someone with both professional competence and a worldview that recognizes God as the ultimate owner of everything we have. A wise advisor will not make every decision for you—and shouldn't. You remain responsible for the resources God has entrusted to your care. But the right advisor can help you cut through the noise, ask better questions, see blind spots, and build a financial plan around what matters most. Surrounding yourself with godly, competent counsel does not remove your responsibility as a steward. It can help you carry that responsibility more faithfully. To connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) who is committed to integrating biblical wisdom with financial expertise, visit FindACKA.com. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 65 and planning to retire in January. My wife and I will have a little over $100,000 a year from Social Security, Air Force retirement, and VA disability. I also have $200,000 in a 401(k)—$150,000 traditional and $50,000 Roth. How much of the traditional 401(k) can I convert to Roth each year, and would it make sense to spread those conversions over several years to minimize taxes? My wife and I have $80,000 that we'd like to earn interest on. We could leave it untouched for three to six months. Would an online high-yield savings account, CD, or another option make the most sense? I have about $36,000 in a 457 deferred compensation plan and cash match account. What are my options for that money? Can I move it elsewhere, leave it where it is, or set up monthly withdrawals? I'm 40 and have $70,000 in a Roth IRA, $46,000 in a traditional IRA, and $200,000 in a taxable brokerage account. Should I use the traditional IRA or taxable account to put more money into Roth? And over time, should I keep some money in the traditional IRA for tax diversification or eventually convert it all? I'd like to understand how Social Security is taxed. Does annuity income count toward the income thresholds that determine whether Social Security benefits are taxable? And how is the annuity income itself taxed? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Bankrate AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Sean discusses Roth Planning and why it can be an important part of a long-term retirement strategy. He explains how the SECURE Act of 2019 changed the way IRAs are passed from one generation to the next, covers Roth IRA contribution limits and employer contributions, and explores how thoughtful Roth planning can help maximize retirement savings while creating greater flexibility for the future.
This week on Ask Farnoosh, I'm reflecting on a memorable visit to the Today Show with my daughter, Colette, and how exposing kids to new experiences can shape their futures. That conversation leads into one of the smartest long-term wealth-building strategies available to parents: putting your child on payroll—legitimately—and using earned income to fund a Roth IRA.I also unpack fascinating new research linking chronic financial hardship to long-term brain health, discuss Senator Andy Kim's proposed Healthy Kids Act, explore why modern baby registries are shifting from "stuff" to services, and share lessons from a Washington Post column on what people consistently misunderstand about retirement.Then, in this week's listener question, I help a family navigate an emotionally complicated financial crossroads: a potential $500,000–$800,000 inheritance, a home renovation, IVF, a recent layoff, and the challenge of deciding which priorities deserve the biggest investment. Together, we explore why the most valuable outcome isn't simply growing wealth—it's creating more choices.Referenced: Senator Andy Kim on So Money.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jesse's answering questions from his inbox, including questions about which retirement accounts to contribute to, how to save money in retirement when you don't have an income, and how a young person can save for multiple goals at the same time. Got a question for Jesse? Send him an email: askjesse@ynab.com Pre-order Jesse's new book! www.neverworryaboutmoneyagain.com Follow YNAB on social media: Facebook: @ynabofficial Instagram: @ynab.official Twitter/X: @ynab Tik Tok: @ynabofficial
Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: Should Roth conversion analysis look at marginal or effective tax rates ( 4:21 )His thoughts on why qualified Roth account distributions might eventually be included in certain measures of Modified Adjusted Gross Income ("MAGI") ( 8:28 )What other MAGIs are potentially impacted and should be watched out for with doing Roth conversions ( 12:38 )The difference between "directionality" and "precision" in retirement planning ( 20:40 )Is it reasonably for an advisor to charge you extra for outsourcing some of their investment management to a separately managed or sub-managed account ( 25:38 )His thoughts of reinvesting a deferred compensation plan to all cash when the plan will soon begin paying out its deferred payments ( 29:34 )His thoughts on using multiple dividend and fixed income funds to create a "high income sleeve" for near-term distribution needs ( 35:25 )Whether it's accurate that you can indirectly file a tax return extension simply by making an online tax payment and select "extension" as the reason for the payment ( 39:05 )Can a minor with less than $400 of self-employment income not file a tax return yet still be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA ( 44:56 )How he helps clients balance Fear of Missing Out ("FOMO") and Fear of Running Out ("FORU") ( 52:04 )How much of his planning work with clients is computational vs psychological ( 54:42 )His thoughts on the gamification of investing, and the prediction markets ( 58:11 )Why there are so many different funds like buffered ETFs and option trading ETFs, at higher expense ratios, when many can just invest in a few basic low-cost ETFs ( 1:00:36 )To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.comAndy's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andypanko/Links in this episode:Tenon Financial monthly newsletter/blog - Retirement Planning InsightsYouTube channel - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Retirement Planning Demystified)Retirement Planning Education website - www.RetirementPlanningEducation.com
AI can crunch a portfolio, harvest losses, and explain an investment concept in seconds. But can it stop a nervous investor from selling at exactly the wrong moment—or understand the life behind the spreadsheet?Tom and Don test the robot-advisor promise, even asking ChatGPT to weigh in. The verdict is a useful division of labor: let technology handle repeatable mechanics, while human judgment, fiduciary responsibility, and behavior coaching remain hard to automate.Then the questions get wonderfully strange: whether a 0.70% advisory fee earns its keep, how a concentrated tech fund hides risk behind a huge return, whether a $100 million Bitcoin Roth story adds up, and how to invest an inherited account.00:00 Are AI advisors coming for financial planners?03:06 ChatGPT offers its own cautious verdict04:14 Where automation helps—and where humans matter09:36 What investors should ask their advisory firms12:10 Is a 0.70% advisor fee earning its keep?16:50 The concentrated tech fund with a dazzling record21:12 A purported $100 million Bitcoin Roth25:22 Building an inherited-account portfolioQuestions? Comments? Click!
What does the future of Bitcoin mining actually look like? This week, Fred Thiel joins Coin Stories for a candid, wide-ranging conversation. Fred runs MARA (formerly Marathon Digital Holdings), one of the biggest public Bitcoin miners in the world. We get into why so many miners are pivoting to AI, what it means for Bitcoin, and his honest, big-picture read on where Bitcoin fits as an asset — including why he says power, not chips, has become the most valuable resource in tech, and why that puts some miners in a surprisingly strong position. We discuss: Why Bitcoin miners are pivoting to AI — and what it means for the network Why Fred has put Bitcoin "in a different box" The story behind MARA selling 20,000 Bitcoin Where he sees Bitcoin's price versus its long-term value His candid take on whether Bitcoin ever becomes money The quantum computing threat to Bitcoin wallets Follow Fred Thiel on X: https://x.com/fgthiel ---- Order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU ---- Speed is my go-to Bitcoin Lightning wallet! Send, receive, or swap stablecoins and digital gold into Bitcoin in one app. Run a business? Speed powers Bitcoin payments for Steak 'n Shake, and it can do the same for you. Download at https://speed.app/natalie and use code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats after your first transaction. ---- Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $10 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Get .25% off your first loan, learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie ---- Abundant Mines is a fully-managed Bitcoin mining in the U.S. You own the miners. You keep 100% of the Bitcoin. Voted #1 mining company by peers. Get 1 month of free hosting: AbundantMines.com/Natalie ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product Partners: Download Bitkey Today and use my promo code STORIES to get 10% off the new Bitkey. This episode has been sponsored by Bitkey: https://bitkey.world/STORIES Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie With BitcoinIRA, you can invest in bitcoin 24/7 inside a tax-advantaged IRA. Choose a Traditional IRA to defer taxes, or a Roth IRA for tax-free withdrawals later. Take control of your future with BitcoinIRA: https://www.bitcoinira.com/natalie Natalie's Upcoming Events: The best time to plan for Bitcoin 2027 is right now. Early bird tickets are live — grab the lowest pricing available and use code HODL for 10% off: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2027?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=HODL Extra Services to Consider: Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. Ads in this episode are baked-in and may reference promotions or offers that are no longer available at the time of listening. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing
Many people assume they have to wait until age 59½ before they can retire because that's when retirement accounts generally become available without the 10% early withdrawal penalty. But in reality, early retirement is often less about how much you've saved and more about how you access your money. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA, CFP® discusses the planning strategies that can help bridge the gap before traditional retirement account access, why saving across different account types creates flexibility, and how thoughtful income planning can make early retirement a realistic option. We discuss: Why age 59½ matters—and why it doesn't necessarily determine when you can retire Planning opportunities including the Rule of 55, 72(t), and Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) Why taxable brokerage accounts, Roth IRA contributions, and cash reserves can create flexibility Building a retirement income bridge before Social Security, pensions, and Medicare begin Healthcare planning before age 65, including COBRA and ACA Marketplace coverage 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/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueWealthDesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-wealth-design/ X: https://x.com/truewealthdesgn Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1
Have you ever wondered what truly drives someone to leap from curiosity about startups into the realm of angel investing—and what mindset shifts are crucial along the way? This episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast opens with that very question, as we explore the often untold personal and financial journeys that lie behind the checks investors write, and the ambitions founders chase. Our guest, Christa Downey, brings a unique lens as both an active angel investor and a leadership coach grounded in the vibrant startup ecosystem of Ithaca, New York. Christa Downey shares her path from engaging with the Cornell entrepreneurship community to backing mission-driven companies, investing alongside platforms like Chloe Capital and The Fourth Effect, and leveraging alternative vehicles such as self-directed IRAs to build wealth with purpose. Her commitment to fostering both financial returns and meaningful impact defines her approach and investments. In this conversation, Christa Downey dives into practical strategies for diversification, the pivotal role of money mindset for both founders and investors, and the often-overlooked emotional aspects of entrepreneurship—including navigating hard money conversations, founder agreements, and the difficult transition from founder to CEO. Listeners will gain concrete insights on angel investing, alternative wealth-building tools, and how intentional financial choices shape both companies and their leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in reimagining their relationship with money, understanding the nuts and bolts of early-stage investing, and supporting the creation of a more inclusive, impactful startup culture. To get the latest from Christa Downey, you can follow her below! https://www.linkedin.com/in/christabdowney/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood
P.M. Edition for July 22. WSJ special writer Theo Francis explains how startup founders, hedge-fund managers and Silicon Valley insiders are using IRAs to supercharge their wealth. Plus, trade uncertainty comes roaring back. WSJ trade and economic policy reporter Gavin Bade explains the Trump administration's new front on tariffs. And Journal reporter Sam Federman explains how the New York Mets turned baseball's highest payroll into its biggest waste of money. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Trump accounts — technically the 530A — went live July 4th, and Justin Harvey opened three for his own kids just to see how they work. These accounts are child-owned, they behave like a traditional IRA, and they come with rules most physicians haven't heard yet. Tag along with Jimmy Turner and Justin Harvey as they discuss where they actually belong in your savings hierarchy, and who should pass entirely.Resources: Get 10% off working with Gelt, the tax strategy team that Jimmy Turner personally uses: https://moneymeetsmedicine.com/CPA Every doctor needs own-occupation disability insurance. Get it from a source you can trust: https://moneymeetsmedicine.com/disability Want a free copy of The Physician Philosopher's Guide to Personal Finance? Snag your copy here: https://moneymeetsmedicine.com/freebook What you'll learn: Why the 530A is closer to a traditional IRA than a 529 — and the basis-tracking problem nobody is warning parents about Where Trump accounts rank against 401(k)s, backdoor Roths, and 529s in a physician savings hierarchy Who actually gets the free $1,000, and why older kids are treated differently The Roth conversion play at age 18 — and the risk of handing an 18-year-old a quarter-million-dollar account Why a kid's Roth IRA may teach better money lessons than any government-funded account Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It's Q&A Wednesday, and we're tackling some of the biggest questions investors are asking right now. How do you separate compelling market narratives from reality? We discuss practical ways to identify, question, and fact-check popular investing themes before making portfolio decisions. 0:00 INTRO 0:52 - Google, Intel, Tesla Preview 5:45 - Oil Price Futures & Iran 10:44 - How much allocation to high risk, high reward strategies? 14:44 - Which company for toilet paper price increases 15:25 - Determining when to buy stock in high momentum sector (like semi-conductors)? 19:59 - SimpleVisor S&P Estimated earnings 20:32 - Long dated calls & puts for risk management in current market? 24:22 - Hyperscalers & AI GPU Depreciation & Free Cash Flow 28:27 - Holdings Breakdown in S&P - buying equally in all sectors? 31:45 - Is there a good Sector Rotation Fund we watch? 32:25 - What do we do in the morning to prepare for the day? (not Suze Ormand) 36:12 - Isn't Rebalancing adding to losers? 40:15 - Roth IRA w ETF's 41:26 - Private Credit in a slowing economy 44:51 - Have Food Stocks bottomed? (General Mills) 48:11 - Outlook for Interest Rates through the end of the year 49:53 - Are Energy Stocks attractive? Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Danny Ratliff, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Do you enjoy our content? Rate us on Google: https://bit.ly/4b9JtEo ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/AmHOXWmt2OI ------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Why Retail Traders Consistently Underperform Over Time" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/why-retail-traders-consistently-underperform-over-time/ -------- Watch today's "Before the Bell" premarket commentary, "Markets Eye Earnings as Oil Lifts Yields" https://youtu.be/rWpYjR1_Cxs ------- Watch our previous show, "Why Investors Keep Chasing What's Hot" https://youtube.com/live/-ZZA_xtFZGg?feature=share ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ ------- * REGISTER for our next Dynamic Learning Series, "Savvy Social Security Planning: More Income, Less Worry," Thursday, August 6, 2026: https://streamyard.com/watch/tQ3PS8hd64mt --- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN --- Subscribe to SimpleVisor : https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new --- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #OilPrices #EarningsSeason #InterestRates #Investing #StockMarket #PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding #LongTermInvesting
It's Q&A Wednesday, and we're tackling some of the biggest questions investors are asking right now. How do you separate compelling market narratives from reality? We discuss practical ways to identify, question, and fact-check popular investing themes before making portfolio decisions. 0:00 INTRO 0:52 - Google, Intel, Tesla Preview 5:45 - Oil Price Futures & Iran 10:44 - How much allocation to high risk, high reward strategies? 14:44 - Which company for toilet paper price increases 15:25 - Determining when to buy stock in high momentum sector (like semi-conductors)? 19:59 - SimpleVisor S&P Estimated earnings 20:32 - Long dated calls & puts for risk management in current market? 24:22 - Hyperscalers & AI GPU Depreciation & Free Cash Flow 28:27 - Holdings Breakdown in S&P - buying equally in all sectors? 31:45 - Is there a good Sector Rotation Fund we watch? 32:25 - What do we do in the morning to prepare for the day? (not Suze Ormand) 36:12 - Isn't Rebalancing adding to losers? 40:15 - Roth IRA w ETF's 41:26 - Private Credit in a slowing economy 44:51 - Have Food Stocks bottomed? (General Mills) 48:11 - Outlook for Interest Rates through the end of the year 49:53 - Are Energy Stocks attractive? Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Danny Ratliff, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Do you enjoy our content? Rate us on Google: https://bit.ly/4b9JtEo ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/AmHOXWmt2OI ------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Why Retail Traders Consistently Underperform Over Time" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/why-retail-traders-consistently-underperform-over-time/ -------- Watch today's "Before the Bell" premarket commentary, "Markets Eye Earnings as Oil Lifts Yields" https://youtu.be/rWpYjR1_Cxs ------- Watch our previous show, "Why Investors Keep Chasing What's Hot" https://youtube.com/live/-ZZA_xtFZGg?feature=share ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ ------- * REGISTER for our next Dynamic Learning Series, "Savvy Social Security Planning: More Income, Less Worry," Thursday, August 6, 2026: https://streamyard.com/watch/tQ3PS8hd64mt --- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN --- Subscribe to SimpleVisor : https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new --- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #OilPrices #EarningsSeason #InterestRates #Investing #StockMarket #PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding #LongTermInvesting
Trump Accounts are one of the newest tax-advantaged investment accounts for children, but where do they fit in your financial plan? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club explains how Trump Accounts work, who should open one, how they compare to 529 plans and custodial accounts (UGMA/UTMA), and why they may become an important long-term wealth-building tool for families. You'll learn the rules, contribution limits, Roth IRA rollover opportunities, investment restrictions, financial aid implications, and practical strategies for parents and grandparents looking to build generational wealth. Connect with Jeremy Schneider: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personalfinanceclub/ Website: https://personalfinanceclub.com/ Nectarine: https://hellonectarine.com/ To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you're starting. Let's get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Executive Summary The new Trump Accounts officially opened for enrollment on July 4, and Kim Butler and Spencer Shaw use this Prosperity Podcast episode to walk through what families actually need to know before they get involved. Newborns qualify for a $1,000 government seed contribution, and families can add up to $5,000 a year on top of that, but Kim is upfront that the accounts come with one unavoidable condition: 100% government control. She's not against the accounts. She's against going in blind. Kim reframes the conversation around a principle she calls "the house of both." Rather than choosing between a Trump Account and a private strategy, she walks through why whole life insurance on children and grandchildren remains the only major financial vehicle that is state regulated instead of federally regulated, giving families a fully controllable, 0% government controlled asset to pair alongside any Trump Account contributions. The episode also covers the often overlooked order of operations: why insurance should be purchased on grandparents first, then adult children, and only then on grandchildren, and why insurance companies themselves won't let a family skip that sequence. Kim closes with a comparison to Roth IRAs, explaining how whole life insurance follows nearly identical tax treatment, with one major advantage: full access to your money without waiting until 59 and a half. Links & Resources Mentioned Prosperity Thinkers Podcast: https://prosperitythinkers.com/podcasts/ Empowering Parents, Nurturing Futures - Prosperity Parents Kim D. H. Butler Contact: hello@prosperitythinkers.com Keywords Trump accounts, whole life insurance, financial freedom, Prosperity Thinkers, wealth preservation, cash flow, financial education, government control, Roth IRA, 529 plan, uniform gifts to minors, life insurance on grandchildren, insuring children, generational wealth, tax-free growth, order of generations, state regulated insurance, mindset, confidence, recommendation Episode Highlights [00:00:20 - 00:01:00] Spencer introduces the newly launched Trump Accounts and why the timing matters. [00:01:00 - 00:02:00] Kim explains why she's excited about Trump Accounts even though the government controls them 100%. [00:02:00 - 00:03:00] Spencer breaks down the $1,000 newborn seed contribution and asks Kim which option she favors. [00:03:00 - 00:04:00] Kim introduces her "house of both" mindset and refuses to pick just one strategy. [00:04:00 - 00:05:00] Kim traces the history from uniform gifts to minors accounts, to 529s, to Roth IRAs, all under government control. [00:05:00 - 00:06:00] Kim explains why whole life insurance is the only financial industry regulated by states, not the federal government. [00:06:00 - 00:07:00] Kim describes her own paperwork for insuring her third grandchild and how ownership, premium, and beneficiary work together. [00:07:00 - 00:08:00] Spencer raises how other cultures have used life insurance on children for generations. [00:08:00 - 00:10:00] Kim explains the correct order of generations for insuring a family: grandparents, then parents, then grandchildren. [00:10:00 - 00:11:00] Kim explains why insurance companies require term coverage on parents before a grandchild can be insured. [00:11:00 - 00:12:00] Spencer recaps the $5,000 annual Trump Account limit and asks Kim for final thoughts. [00:12:00 - 00:13:00] Kim compares whole life insurance tax treatment to Roth IRAs and highlights the liquidity advantage.
Your child could potentially retire with millions of dollars tax-free—even if they stop investing at 18. The secret isn't a complicated trust fund or a massive inheritance. It's giving their money as much time as possible to compound inside a custodial Roth IRA. In this episode, we break down:
Every so often, Congress introduces a new savings vehicle that generates a lot of headlines, a lot of excitement, and even more opinions. Some people immediately declare it's a game changer, while others dismiss it before understanding how it actually works. Today, we're going to cut through the noise, look at where this new account truly shines, where it falls short, and, most importantly, whether it deserves a place in your family's financial plan. Topics Discussed: Who qualifies for a Trump Account and why birth year doesn't limit eligibility. How the $1,000 federal seed contribution and the Dell family's $6.25 billion pledge work. Why contributions default into a low-cost S&P 500 index fund at launch. How IRS Revenue Procedure 2026-25 creates a gift tax safe harbor for contributions. How Trump Accounts compare to 529 plans, UTMAs, and custodial Roth IRAs. Why converting a Trump Account to a Roth IRA later could unlock decades of tax-free growth. Resources Mentioned: ERdocadvisor.com IRS Revenue Procedure 2026-25 Trump Accounts
It's hard to believe we're already halfway through 2026. One thing I've learned over the years is that time is going to keep moving whether we're paying attention or not. That's why I've made it a habit to set annual goals, revisit them regularly, and share my progress publicly. At the end of 2025, I shared my personal and business goals for 2026. Now that we've reached the halfway point of the year, it's time for a check-in. In this episode, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what's working, what's not, what goals are on track, and where I need to refocus for the second half of the year. We'll talk about everything from health goals and reducing stress to business growth, podcast downloads, content creation, and the realities of running a business in today's economy. My hope is that this episode encourages you to pause and do your own mid-year review. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop, reflect, and make intentional adjustments before the year gets away from you. In this episode, we discuss: Progress toward my personal health and wellness goals What I've learned about slowing down, reducing stress, and prioritizing recovery My progress toward maxing out my Roth IRA in 2026 Why my honeymoon and wedding plans have shifted Efforts to reduce screen time and be more intentional with technology What the first half of 2026 has taught me about managing a full life The current state of City Girl Savings and our business goals Revenue, profitability, and navigating economic uncertainty Podcast growth, content creation, and audience building Why consistency matters even when results take longer than expected The mindset I'm carrying into the second half of the year This episode is especially helpful if you: Set goals at the beginning of the year and haven't revisited them Feel behind on your personal or financial goals Want motivation to reset and refocus for the second half of the year Are working toward health, money, or business goals Need a reminder that progress isn't always linear Want a realistic look at what goal pursuit actually looks like Why this matters: Too many people treat goals like a January activity. They set ambitious intentions, get excited for a few weeks, and then never revisit them until December. But real progress happens when you're willing to check in honestly along the way. A mid-year review isn't about judging yourself for what hasn't happened yet. It's about recognizing what's working, acknowledging what needs adjustment, and deciding how you want to move forward. Some goals will be ahead of schedule. Some will be behind. Some may need to change entirely. That's not failure. That's life. The goal isn't perfection. The goal is staying engaged with the life you're trying to build. Often, the willingness to reassess and adjust is what ultimately creates the results you're looking for. Timestamps: [02:21] Raya breaks down her progress on her first personal goal of 2026 – improving her health for long-term functioning. This goal was harder to measure, but indicators of growth exist. [06:03] Raya's honeymoon and courthouse wedding timeframe has been pushed out. This goal likely will not be achieved in 2026. [10:57] After 5 months of no breaks in daily workouts, Raya learned she needs to prioritize recovery (which means more frequent traveling)! [14:36] A business goal is to increase newsletter growth by 20%. Currently, this goal is trending about 4%. Raya shares things that can help improve this before the year ends. Resources Mentioned: Episode #209: My Personal and Business Goals for 2026 Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If you've been feeling behind on your goals, consider this your reminder that there's still plenty of year left. You don't need to wait until January to reset. You don't need a perfect first half of the year to have a strong second half. The truth is, most meaningful progress doesn't happen in a straight line. Some goals move faster than expected. Others take longer. Some priorities shift completely because life shifts. One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the years is that goals aren't just about achieving an outcome. They're about who you become in the process. They're about building consistency, learning from setbacks, making adjustments, and continuing to move forward even when things don't go exactly according to plan. So if you've fallen behind in an area of your life, give yourself permission to be honest about where you are without judging yourself for it. Then decide what the next best step looks like from here. Maybe that means recommitting to a goal. Maybe it means adjusting the goal. Maybe it means celebrating progress you've overlooked because you're too focused on what hasn't happened yet. Whatever your situation, don't let the first half of the year determine the second half. Take time to reflect. Acknowledge how far you've come. Make the adjustments you need to make. Then keep building. Remember: You are not behind…you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.
Curious if tax-free retirement is actually possible? This week on Winning at Life, Gregory Ricks sits down with Wealth Advisor Mason Goynes to break down the Roth IRA Playbook for Tax-Free Retirement.Learn how Roth conversions work, why timing and tax brackets matter, and how to supercharge your legacy planning. Get practical steps, hidden pitfalls, and real-world examples so you can make your money work for you and not just the IRS!If you have questions or would like to discuss your unique financial situation, schedule your no-obligation, 15 minute consultation with Gregory Ricks Total Wealth TODAY: https://gregoryricks.com/schedule-a-v...Don't live near or office or just have a busy schedule? No-obligation virtual consultations now available: https://gregoryricks.com/virtual-cons...
If you're ready to invest in precious metals with your IRA or have additional questions about getting started, book a call with our team at Directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us at the Alternative Asset Summit, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/Gold and silver have become some of the most talked-about investment assets, but how do they fit into a self-directed IRA? In this webinar, Mat Sorensen is joined by special guest David McAlvany, CEO of McAlvany Precious Metals, to discuss why investors are increasingly turning to precious metals, how gold and silver can help diversify a retirement portfolio, and the strategies experienced investors use to build long-term wealth.Throughout the conversation, Mat and David cover the current outlook for precious metals, the impact of inflation, interest rates, central bank buying, and market volatility, as well as how investors can own physical gold and silver inside a self-directed IRA. They also discuss precious metals trading strategies, storage requirements, common mistakes to avoid, Roth conversions, and answer live audience questions about investing in precious metals with retirement accounts.Want to learn more about investing in gold and silver? Connect with the experts at McAlvany Precious Metals to explore your options: https://mcalvany.com/metals/For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
This week Don tackles seven excellent listener questions covering everything from credit cards and emerging markets to covered-call ETFs, annuities, retirement buckets, and whether investors should worry about new additions to stock indexes.00:51 Summer surge in listener questions01:15 LitReading success and thanks02:01 Are credit cards really evil?05:09 Emerging markets inside international funds07:44 Paying kids for chores to fund Roth IRAs10:58 Covered-call ETFs (JEPI and others)15:47 Helping a friend avoid an expensive annuity19:40 Should index investors worry about SpaceX?21:38 Bucket strategy and retirement portfoliosQuestions? Comments? Click!
David Hunter says stocks have another 30% of upside left — and then the biggest crash since 1929. This week the veteran contrarian returns with his most specific targets yet. David lays out the melt-up he's been calling for, the global bust he thinks follows it, and the staggering amount of money he believes central banks will have to print to dig us out. He also shares his gold and silver targets, and gives his honest (and bearish) read on Bitcoin. We discuss: His targets: S&P: 10,000, Nasdaq: 36,000, Dow: 70,000, Russell: 4,000 — and why he just raised them Why he sees an 80% bear market coming, not a normal recession The $20 trillion the Fed may be forced to print Why 25% inflation could hit by the early 2030s Gold to $7,000, silver to $200 — then far higher next cycle His bearish Bitcoin call — and what would change his mind The one signal he watches to know the top is in Whether you agree with David or not, few people lay out a case this clearly. Follow David Hunter on X: https://x.com/DaveHcontrarian ---- Order my new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU ---- Speed is my go-to Bitcoin Lightning wallet! Send, receive, or swap stablecoins and digital gold into Bitcoin in one app. Run a business? Speed powers Bitcoin payments for Steak 'n Shake, and it can do the same for you. Download at https://speed.app/natalie and use code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats after your first transaction. ---- Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $10 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Get .25% off your first loan, learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie ---- Abundant Mines is a fully-managed Bitcoin mining in the U.S. You own the miners. You keep 100% of the Bitcoin. Voted #1 mining company by peers. Get 1 month of free hosting: AbundantMines.com/Natalie ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product Partners: Download Bitkey Today and use my promo code STORIES to get 10% off the new Bitkey. This episode has been sponsored by Bitkey: https://bitkey.world/STORIES Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie With BitcoinIRA, you can invest in bitcoin 24/7 inside a tax-advantaged IRA. Choose a Traditional IRA to defer taxes, or a Roth IRA for tax-free withdrawals later. Take control of your future with BitcoinIRA: https://www.bitcoinira.com/natalie ---- Natalie's Upcoming Events: The best time to plan for Bitcoin 2027 is right now. Early bird tickets are live — grab the lowest pricing available and use code HODL for 10% off: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2027?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=HODL ---- Extra Services to Consider: Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. Ads in this episode are baked-in and may reference promotions or offers that are no longer available at the time of listening. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing
Book a call with Travis: https://calendly.com/travis-eib/30-minute-callBook a call: https://remnantfinance.com/calendarOut Print the Fed with a 1% target per week: https://remnantfinance.com/optionsEmail us at info@remnantfinance.com or visit https://remnantfinance.com for more informationFOLLOW REMNANT FINANCEYoutube: @RemnantFinance (https://www.youtube.com/@RemnantFinance)Facebook: @remnantfinance (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560694316588)Twitter: @remnantfinance (https://x.com/remnantfinance)TikTok: @RemnantFinanceDon't forget to hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBEIn this episode, Hans welcomes back Travis McBride, a former Navy helicopter pilot turned insurance professional, for his third appearance and a conversation about annuities, guaranteed lifetime income, and why the order of your returns matters more than the average. Fresh off the birth of his son, Travis opens up about how fatherhood reframes the way he thinks about mortality and protecting the people who depend on you.From there they get into sequence of return risk, including a live demo where shuffling the exact same 30 years of returns swings the outcome from $2.2 million left over to fully broke in 14 years, and why a guaranteed income floor lets you stay on the compounding curve right when it's most powerful.Chapters:00:00 – Opening segment03:10 – Re-anchoring on why we plan: it's about the next generation05:25 – Why $500K of SGLI won't set a family up10:15 – What an annuity actually is: the inverse of life insurance14:40 – The power of setting an income floor18:30 – A brief history of annuities, from Rome to the modern pension gap20:15 – When to consider an annuity: the 50 to mid-70s window21:15 – No medical underwriting: annuities are priced on age alone25:15 – The 4% rule and where it falls apart26:05 – Sequence of return risk explained with a live shuffle28:45 – Same data, wildly different outcomes30:50 – Why the Series 65 teaches nothing about insurance or annuities35:00 – Trade-offs exist everywhere, even in a Roth IRA and 401(k)39:50 – Mortality credits: the third form of return45:30 – Payouts are tied to the 10-year Treasury at purchase46:40 – The 1035 exchange: upgrading an old, uncompetitive annuity50:00 – Closing segmentKey Takeaways:The order of your returns can matter more than the returns themselves. Take the same 30 years of market data and simply shuffle the sequence, and the outcome swings from leaving $2.2 million behind to running out of money in 14 years.An annuity is the inverse of life insurance, and it's the only chassis that guarantees income for life. Where a $1 million portfolio using the 4% rule cautiously pulls $40,000 a year and still might run dry, that same $1 million can buy a fully guaranteed $77,000 a year that keeps paying as long as you're alive.A guaranteed income floor buys you flexibility everywhere else. Once your baseline needs are covered for life, you no longer have to run conservative with the rest of the portfolio.$500K of group life insurance is not a plan. In a high cost of living area, half a million won't maintain a family's lifestyle, and most people aren't even capped out there.If your parents bought an annuity, get it reviewed. Payouts are locked to the 10-year Treasury yield at the time of purchase, so annuities bought in low-rate years are often badly uncompetitive today.
Consider getting your IRA in shape this summer instead of waiting for the calendar to flip to next year. A midyear checkup could help you optimize your retirement account to benefit from its tax advantages sooner than later. Morningstar's FundInvestor newsletter has highlighted investment ideas for folks who want to keep it simple, maximize tax advantages, or strive for capital appreciation. Morningstar's senior principal of ratings Russ Kinnel shares his favorite fund ideas for an IRA. IRA Favorites for Your Retirement Saving Plan On this episode: 00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:16 IRA basics and how Russ Kinnel invests in his IR 00:01:58 One-stop fund favorites for keeping it simple 00:03:45 Funds for maximizing tax advantages 00:06:38 Ideas to take the most advantage of tax-free compounding by focusing on capital appreciation 00:08:44 Could the funds also work in a Roth IRA? Watch more from Morningstar: What Investors Should Watch for in the Second Half of 2026 Dividend Investing: How to Find the Right Balance Between Income and Growth Are Mutual Funds Becoming Obsolete? Follow Morningstar on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/ X: https://x.com/MorningstarInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morningstarinc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/morningstar/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Teach and Retire Rich - The podcast for teachers, professors and financial professionals
Scott tackles July Facebook Group questions. Topics include rolling over a 403(b) when leaving a job; Moving from Equitable to Aspire; Roth IRA vs. Roth 403(b); Performing a 403(b) exchange to a CalSTRS P2 403(b); and What to do with a 403(b) upon retirement. Watch video version Barb O'Neill columns How to Use Aspire Non-Advisor Option 403bwise/457bwiser Facebook Group 457bwiser.org Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
What exactly is a model portfolio—and should you trust one with your retirement?Tom and Don explain why professionally designed model portfolios can improve consistency and reduce advisor bias, but also why investors should be wary as firms like Morningstar begin adding private equity, private credit, and other alternative investments to traditional portfolios.00:12 What is a model portfolio?02:11 Why advisors should use investment models03:31 Morningstar's new private market portfolios05:20 Liquidity problems with private investments07:27 The high cost of private equity08:12 “Persistent inflation” claims examined10:49 Why Wall Street wants retirement assets12:23 Listener questions begin14:17 AUM vs flat-fee vs hourly advisors21:22 Do ETF expense ratios add together?23:21 Roth IRA income limits and backdoor strategy27:44 BrokerageLink inside a 401(k)31:00 Costco, avocado oil, and gas pricesQuestions? Comments? Click!
Welcome to Financial Revelations – Sin of Retirement™ with David Szafranski Discover David Szafranski's book, The Sin of Retirement™, and browse official merchandise at www.sinofretirement.com. The book is available in paperback through Amazon and as an audiobook on Audible. The Sin of Retirement™ challenges the traditional view of retirement and encourages readers to live a life of purpose, stewardship, and lasting impact. If you would like David to speak at your church or organization about retirement, money management, or biblical stewardship, please contact Kory@epsf.com for more information. Our next Nativos mission trip to the Amazon is scheduled for April 2, 2027, and the trip is already full! If you would like to support the mission, please visit www.nativosusa.org. If you or your church would like more information about organizing a future mission trip, email MelissaM@epsf.com. In This Week's Financial Update David discusses the latest developments in the Middle East, noting that while military activity involving Iran continues, the oil markets have remained relatively stable. Instead of reacting to geopolitical headlines, the markets have been focused primarily on corporate earnings. David also shares his thoughts on SpaceX following its IPO. Although the stock is currently trading below its IPO price, he remains optimistic about the company's long-term outlook and continues to view it as an attractive opportunity for growth-oriented investors. As always, speak with your financial advisor to determine whether an investment is appropriate for your individual situation. Viewer Questions This Week David answers several questions submitted by listeners, including: Leasing versus buying a vehicle Electric vehicles (EV) versus internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles Roth IRA versus Traditional IRA The Trump Account for children—and why David believes it's an absolute yes Trump Account versus a 529 college savings plan If you would like David and the team to review your portfolio or answer your financial questions, please contact Kory@epsf.com. Thank you for listening to Financial Revelations – Sin of Retirement™ with David Szafranski!
Cameron is joined by Alexis Gallati, Founder & Tax Strategist at Cerebral Tax Advisors, to explore the critical role of tax planning for practice owners. They discuss the importance of having a tax strategist versus a traditional CPA, recognizing when to seek expert advice, and various strategies to optimize tax savings. Key topics include understanding ordinary income, the implications of entity structure, maximizing deductions, and retirement account strategies such as backdoor Roth IRAs and 401(k) plans. They emphasize the need for proactive tax planning to preserve wealth and enhance financial outcomes for medical practice owners. Cameron and Alexis talk about various strategies for maximizing retirement contributions, involving children in financial planning, leveraging equipment for tax benefits, and utilizing real estate as a wealth-building strategy. They highlight the importance of proper planning and education in financial matters, as well as the potential for significant tax savings through strategic investments and contributions. Listen In!Thank you for listening to this episode of Medical Millionaire!Takeaways:Tax optimization is crucial for practice owners.Most CPAs focus on historical data, not future planning.Recognizing when to seek a tax strategist is key.Ordinary income is taxed differently than passive income.Entity structure impacts tax liabilities significantly.Maximizing deductions can lead to substantial savings.Understanding basis is essential for tax planning.Retirement accounts offer significant tax-saving opportunities.The backdoor Roth IRA is a strategy for high earners.401(k) plans can provide both pre-tax and post-tax benefits. Maxing out retirement contributions can lead to significant savings.Cash balance plans allow for higher retirement contributions.Involving children in the family business can provide tax benefits.Children can earn money and contribute to their Roth IRAs.Equipment purchases can be written off using Section 179.Bonus depreciation allows for immediate tax deductions on equipment.Real estate can be used to offset ordinary income through depreciation.Proper documentation is crucial for tax strategies.Planning ahead is essential for financial success.Working with a knowledgeable tax strategist can maximize benefits.Medical Millionaire: The Blueprint for Scaling a World-Class Medical Aesthetics PracticeWelcome to Medical Millionaire, the go-to podcast for forward-thinking Medspa owners, Medical Aesthetics leaders, Plastic Surgery & Dermatology practices, Concierge Wellness clinics, and Elective Healthcare entrepreneurs who are ready to scale with intention and operate like a true, high-performing business.If you're building, growing, optimizing, or preparing to exit your aesthetics or wellness practice, this show is your competitive advantage.Hosted by Cameron Hemphill Your Guide to Sustainable, Scalable Growth Your host, Cameron Hemphill, is one of the most trusted growth strategists in Medical Aesthetics and Elective Wellness.With over 10 years in the industry, Cameron has helped scale 1,000+ practices and more than 2,300 providers, working alongside the most recognized KOLs, national brands, EMRs, tech companies, and private equity groups, shaping the future of aesthetics. From marketing to operations, from finance to leadership, Cameron brings a real-world, data-driven perspective on what it takes to turn a practice into a powerful business engine.What This Podcast Is All About: Each episode takes you behind the scenes of the fastest-growing practices in the country, revealing the systems, strategies, and mindset required to win in today's Medical Aesthetics landscape.Expect tactical insights, step-by-step frameworks, and conversations with:Industry thought leadersTop injectors & medical directorsEMR & tech innovatorsOperations expertsMarketing strategistsPrivate equity & M&A advisorsWellness and longevity pioneersThis is where aesthetics, business, technology, and wellness converge. What You'll Learn on Medical Millionaire Every week, you'll access expert guidance to help you scale profitably and predictably, including:Marketing & Brand PositioningCRM + Lead Management SystemsPatient Acquisition & ConversionEMR Optimization & Tech Stack ArchitectureSales Psychology & Consultation MasteryFinance, KPIs, and Practice EconomicsOperational Workflows & AutomationIndustry Trends Backed by Real Benchmark DataPatient Retention & Lifetime Value ExpansionMindset, Leadership & Team DevelopmentWhether you're opening your first location or running a multi-million-dollar enterprise, you'll gain the clarity and direction to grow with confidence. A Show Designed for Every Stage of Practice Growth Medical Millionaire breaks down the journey into four essential stages, showing you exactly how to move from one to the next:Startup – Build the foundation and attract your first wave of patientsGrowth – Scale revenue, expand services, and strengthen operationsOptimize – Increase efficiency, margins, and customer experienceExit – Prepare your practice for maximum valuation and acquisitionIf You're Ready to Grow, This Is Where You Start. Tune in weekly for actionable insights, expert interviews, and the exact playbooks high-performing practices use to dominate their markets. This is the podcast for Medspa owners who want more than a job; they want a scalable, profitable, industry-leading business. Welcome to Medical Millionaire.Let's build your practice into the empire it deserves to be.
Having a child later in life can change far more than your sleep schedule. It can completely rewrite your retirement plan.Don and Tom explore the financial realities of becoming a parent in your late 40s or 50s, from college savings and life insurance to delayed retirement and the temptation to sacrifice your own financial future for your children. Tom brings some very personal experience to the conversation—and a few stories about being mistaken for his daughter's grandfather.Then, a listener asks about a simple three-fund retirement portfolio, international diversification, small-cap value, Roth asset location, and when an aggressive investor should finally consider adding bonds.Plus, why the best retirement portfolio may be the one that keeps you from doing something stupid during the next bear market.00:12 Old guys, act your age—and other financial lessons01:14 Disagree with Don and Tom? Send in your argument01:57 The financial reality of becoming a parent later in life03:17 Tom became a father at 5004:11 The dangers of grocery shopping with your daughter05:21 Are older parents actually better parents?06:10 How a late child can completely change retirement plans07:28 Why retirement should come before college savings08:48 A $36,000-a-year whole life insurance quote09:08 How long does a parent really need term life insurance?10:42 Fertility costs and the financial price of parenthood11:28 Your retirement must remain the financial priority12:50 Having a child at 50 may mean working until 6813:42 What are you actually going to do in retirement?15:19 Tom reflects on raising his youngest daughter16:02 Don and Tom need more listener questions17:17 Listener portfolio review: FZROX, FZILX, and AVUV18:49 Is 50% U.S., 30% international, and 20% small value reasonable?20:01 Should high-growth assets go in a Roth IRA?20:43 When should an aggressive investor start adding bonds?21:25 Bonds may keep you from doing something stupid22:53 Remembering investor panic after 9/1123:21 How to get a free Talking Real Money portfolio analysis25:16 Why Talking Real Money is differentQuestions? Comments? Click!
Who's really buying Bitcoin right now -- and why aren't more people paying attention? This week on Coin Stories, Natalie sits down with Julian Liniger, co-founder and CEO of Relai, Europe's leading Bitcoin-only exchange, live at BTC Prague. After onboarding more than 100,000 Europeans to Bitcoin, Julian has a rare, ground-level view of who's actually buying — and it's not who you'd expect. He shares what his data reveals about everyday people turning to Bitcoin, why European savers feel squeezed, why retail interest has gone quiet, and where he thinks the price goes from here. We discuss: The surprising kind of person quietly buying the most Bitcoin in Europe The one thing that always brings retail buyers rushing back Why Julian thinks the worst is behind us in this bear market— and how high he sees Bitcoin going next The mindset that keeps people "too late" to Bitcoin, over and over Julian's plan to turn a Bitcoin app into a billion-dollar public company ---- Order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU ---- Speed is my go-to Bitcoin Lightning wallet! Send, receive, or swap stablecoins and digital gold into Bitcoin in one app. Run a business? Speed powers Bitcoin payments for Steak 'n Shake, and it can do the same for you. Download at https://speed.app/natalie and use code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats after your first transaction. ---- Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $10 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Get .25% off your first loan, learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie ---- Abundant Mines is a fully-managed Bitcoin mining in the U.S. You own the miners. You keep 100% of the Bitcoin. Voted #1 mining company by peers. Get 1 month of free hosting: AbundantMines.com/Natalie ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product Partners: Download Bitkey Today and use my promo code STORIES to get 10% off the new Bitkey. This episode has been sponsored by Bitkey: https://bitkey.world/STORIES Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie With BitcoinIRA, you can invest in bitcoin 24/7 inside a tax-advantaged IRA. Choose a Traditional IRA to defer taxes, or a Roth IRA for tax-free withdrawals later. Take control of your future with BitcoinIRA: https://www.bitcoinira.com/natalie Natalie's Upcoming Events: The best time to plan for Bitcoin 2027 is right now. Early bird tickets are live — grab the lowest pricing available and use code HODL for 10% off: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2027?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=HODL Extra Services to Consider: Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. Ads in this episode are baked-in and may reference promotions or offers that are no longer available at the time of listening. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing
On July 4, 2026, a groundbreaking opportunity opened for parents and guardians aiming to give their children a head start on their financial journey: Trump Accounts. Created as part of the OBBA Tax Act ("One Big Beautiful Bill" Tax Act) of 2025, these tax-advantaged investment vehicles provide a unique way to grow wealth for minors. In this episode, I break down what Trump Accounts are, who's eligible for generous bonuses, how to get started, and how they compare to other common savings options like 529 plans. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Understanding Trump accounts for children [04:22] What are the baby bonus qualifications? [09:04] Opening a Trump investment account [11:37] Comparing Trump accounts to 529 plans [16:07] Converting IRA for tax-free growth [17:15] Benefits of Trump accounts Unlocking the Potential of Trump Accounts Trump Accounts are designed for children under 18 who have a valid Social Security number. Funded with after-tax dollars, these accounts work similarly to retirement accounts, with investments inside the account compounding tax-deferred. That means any dividends, interest, or capital gains grow without being taxed until withdrawal—effectively turbocharging your child's investment returns. Once the child turns 18, the account automatically converts to an IRA in their name. Withdrawals are then subject to traditional IRA distribution rules: generally, penalty-free access begins at 59½, although exceptions exist, such as those for first-time homebuyers or qualified education expenses. Who's Eligible for Bonuses? One of the biggest draws of Trump Accounts is the potential for substantial bonus contributions. $1,000 Federal Bonus: Children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, automatically qualify for a $1,000 government deposit. This eligibility is irrespective of parental or child income, provided the child is a US citizen with a valid Social Security number. $250 Dell Foundation Grant: For children born before 2025 who are under 10 years old, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation offers a $250 grant. Eligibility extends to those living in zip codes where the median household income falls below $150,000. Trump Accounts vs. 529 College Savings Plans Given the array of college savings vehicles available, how do Trump Accounts stack up to the well-established 529 plan? Here's a quick comparison: 529 Plans: Designed specifically for education expenses, 529 plans offer tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses. They also allow conversion of up to $35,000 to a Roth IRA under certain conditions if the funds are unused for education costs. Trump Accounts: More flexible since, after age 18, the funds move to an IRA in the beneficiary's name. While distributions for education from a Trump Account IRA are taxed as ordinary income (with penalties waived for qualifying expenses), the account's chief power is in supercharging long-term retirement savings for the child. Should You Open a Trump Account? If your child or grandchild qualifies for the $1,000 or $250 bonuses, opening an account is almost a no-brainer. For others, the decision will come down to your savings goals. Trump Accounts offer unmatched momentum for retirement savings, while 529s are still preferred for pure college saving. The earlier you start, the greater the rewards of compounding. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Trump Accounts App About Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s) Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact Subscribe to Retire With Ryan
Retirement may be the first time you can truly control your tax bill. Damon Roberts & Matt Deaton explain how tax diversification, Roth accounts, retirement income planning, and annuity strategies can help create more flexibility in retirement. The conversation focuses on keeping more of your money while building dependable retirement income. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 480-680-6868 or visit www.successinthenewretirement.com! Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau dive into tax planning strategies, focusing on Roth conversions, effective marginal tax rates, and withdrawal strategies for retirement. They discuss the implications of current tax rates, the importance of blending techniques in tax planning, and the necessity of tax diversification for a successful retirement. The conversation is driven by listener questions, providing practical insights for navigating complex tax scenarios in retirement. The conversation dives into various aspects of retirement planning, focusing on Roth IRAs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and annuities. They discuss the rules surrounding Roth IRAs, particularly the five-year requirement for qualified distributions. The conversation shifts to HSAs, highlighting their tax benefits and strategies for spending versus saving. Finally, they explore the complexities of managing annuities in relation to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), emphasizing the importance of understanding contract values and the implications of delaying income streams from annuities. Listen to now to learn more! Takeaways Roth conversions can be beneficial for legacy planning. You need to work through the math of conversions. Tax rates are at a historical low right now. Blending techniques can optimize your tax strategy. You can't just solve it mathematically. It's complicated; we need better software. What's my tax rate today versus in the future? Forty percent might be reasonable for Roth conversions. You want to always be blending your distributions. Tax diversification is crucial for retirement planning. You need to have had a Roth IRA open for at least five years. Inheriting HSAs can lead to tax implications for beneficiaries. HSAs provide tax-free distributions for qualified medical expenses. It's important to keep receipts for HSA distributions. Using HSAs strategically can aid in tax planning during retirement. RMDs must be taken from both IRAs and annuities. Delaying income from annuities may not be the best strategy. Spending down annuity contract value can maximize benefits. Understanding contract value is crucial for annuity holders. RMDs from annuities can be complex and require careful planning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and World Cup Banter 01:49 Tax Planning Questions Begin 02:29 Roth Conversions and Tax Brackets 07:18 Analyzing Effective Marginal Tax Rates 11:23 Historical Tax Rates and Future Predictions 13:39 Withdrawal Strategies for Retirement 15:08 Blending Techniques in Tax Planning 21:08 The Importance of Tax Diversification 21:54 Understanding Roth IRA Rules 23:20 Navigating Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) 27:14 Tax Benefits of HSAs Explained 29:52 Strategies for Managing Annuities and RMDs Links
Money Monday has arrived, and Don kicks off a new weekly series based on his book Financial Fysics. The first “law” may surprise you: according to Don, every dollar ever earned comes from just three sources—luck, theft, or work. He and Tom debate where investing belongs, why entrepreneurship remains one of the best paths to wealth, and how much luck really contributes to financial success.Then they answer a listener's retirement planning question about whether to finance a Florida townhouse or withdraw money from a Roth IRA. Along the way they discuss Roth conversion strategy, Florida HOA reserve funds, special assessments, and why building a retirement plan should always come before deciding where the money comes from.00:00 Welcome to Money Monday00:12 A new weekly Financial Fysics series begins01:35 Why anonymous two-star book reviews are so frustrating02:40 Free Financial Fysics book giveaway03:50 Rule #1: There are only three ways to make money04:45 Luck—including investing, lotteries, and inheritance06:35 Theft, fraud, and unethical financial products07:55 Why successful investing combines work and luck10:30 How most great fortunes are actually built12:10 Entrepreneurship, risk, and creating wealth13:35 Understanding just how large a trillion dollars really is15:50 The biggest takeaway from Rule #117:15 Preview of next week's rule: Supply and Demand18:15 Why listener questions slow down during the summer19:15 Listener Question: Should a retiree finance a Florida townhouse or withdraw money from a Roth IRA?21:10 Florida HOA reserves and avoiding expensive surprises24:30 Why retirement planning comes before choosing an account26:00 Why the Roth IRA is probably the last account to tapQuestions? Comments? Click!
If Spencer commissioned today, at 22 years old with everything he learned from 12 years on active duty, what would he actually do with his money? A listener on Instagram asked exactly that, and this episode is the answer: a 13-point playbook for brand new officers and enlisted servicemembers, from your first bank account to the books that will shape your investing philosophy. Plus why "borrow the Career Starter loan and invest it" is less of a no-brainer than the internet claims, and why achieving financial independence might be the worst thing that ever happens to you. Questions Answered If you were starting over as a new military officer, what would you do differently? Should you take the Career Starter loan and invest it? How much should a new servicemember contribute to the Roth TSP? Which lifecycle fund should you pick when you first create your TSP account? How big should your emergency fund be when you're just getting started? How do you change your state of legal residency to a no income tax state? What savings rate is reasonable without sacrificing your 20s? Whose financial advice can you actually trust as a new servicemember? What books should every new officer or enlisted member read? Main Topics Covered The 5-step quick start: military-friendly bank, emergency fund in a HYSA, 5% into Roth TSP, pay off debt, build your savings rate Everybody has an angle: how to filter advice from senior NCOs, Facebook TSP-timing groups, and finance influencers (including Spencer's own credit card affiliate incentive) Why "you gotta buy real estate every PCS" advice may not survive 6-7% interest rates Career Starter loan math: borrowing and investing $36,000 vs. just investing the payments, over 5 years and 40 years Roth TSP setup, the 24-month wait for the 5% match, and the Lifecycle 2075 fund Opening a Roth IRA at Schwab, Fidelity, or Vanguard and starting with VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) LADS investing: low-cost, automated, diversified, simple, and why bonds can wait until your 40s Emergency fund milestones: $1,000, then $5,000, then $10,000 Changing your state of legal residency with DD Form 2058, the 8 no income tax states, and home of record vs. state of legal residency Sustainable savings rates: the ski trip Spencer still regrets skipping as a lieutenant Why financial independence can leave you lost if you sacrifice relationships and experiences to get there Turning your commute into a financial education with podcasts and audiobooks The military financial order of operations, step by step Books Mentioned The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom by Spencer Reese (Amazon or shop.militarymoneymanual.com) I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel Die With Zero by Bill Perkins Money for Couples by Ramit Sethi Resources Mentioned Free Ultimate Military Investing Course: militarymoneymanual.com Military Financial Order of Operations: militarymoneymanual.com/foo r/MilitaryFinance on Reddit (50,000+ members) and the Military Money 101 prime directive flowchart TSP: tsp.gov myPay for TSP contributions and LES DD Form 2058 (change of state of legal residency) Military-friendly banks: USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, PenFed Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 24,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free, Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.
In this episode, Emily interviews Richard Coca, a 3rd-year PhD student at Boston University. Richard breaks down his budget, detailing his top five largest expenses: rent, groceries, eating out, hobbies, and social spending. He rents a bedroom and private bathroom in a shared home convenient to public transit in East Cambridge, and the higher rent is offset because he does not own a car. Richard has developed two intensive hobbies since starting grad school: running and stand-up comedy. To participate in those hobbies, he spends on race entry fees, shoes, and drinks and meals at venues. Richard used to overwork and be much more frugal; he now spends more on his hobbies, eating out, and friends, but he's still reaching his goal of maxing out his Roth IRA every year. He feels mentally and physically healthy and is happy with his work-life balance.
A new government investment account is making headlines.Some people are calling it one of the biggest opportunities ever offered to parents. Others think it's being oversold.So what's actually true?In this episode, we break down the new Trump Account from top to bottom. Who qualifies, how the $1,000 government contribution works, whether it's really "free money," the tax implications, the downsides almost nobody is talking about, and whether this should be your first choice over a 529 plan or Roth IRA - don't worry I explain what those are.If you have children, grandchildren, or hope to one day, this is an episode you'll want to understand before making any decisions.Listen closely and enjoy.
In what may be our last quiz, ever, Tom turns the tables and puts Don in the hot seat with a Wall Street Journal high-school personal finance quiz—covering the Magnificent Seven, Roth IRAs, TIPS, efficient markets, yield curves, market risk, and dollar-cost averaging. Don does reasonably well, but not without protesting a dubious “debt avalanche” question and getting tangled up in a couple of accounting and risk terms. After the quiz-show nonsense, the guys tackle a listener question from Joseph in Pennsylvania: should your stock/bond allocation be based on a fixed percentage of your portfolio, or should it be driven by how many years of spending you want buffered in safer assets? Tom and Don explain why the answer depends on more than just income needs—it also depends on your emotional tolerance for volatility, your need for growth, and the role fixed income plays in helping you stay invested when markets get ugly.0:22 Tom becomes quizmaster and introduces the Wall Street Journal high-school personal finance quiz2:12 Question 1: Which stock is not part of the Magnificent Seven?3:47 Question 2: Which retirement account does not require withdrawals at a certain age?5:09 Question 3: TIPS, STRIPS, Series I bonds, and inflation-adjusted principal6:58 Question 4: Debt payoff strategies and the disputed “debt avalanche” answer9:13 Question 5: Efficient market hypothesis10:12 Question 6: What an inverted/downward-sloping yield curve says about future rates11:25 Question 7: Return on equity math and a heavily leveraged company12:56 Question 8: What it means when net present value equals zero14:44 Question 9: Why putting your emergency fund in stocks creates market risk16:52 Question 10: Unsystematic risk versus broad market risk18:57 Question 11: Dollar-cost averaging20:06 Tom and Don wrap up the quiz and revisit the “debt avalanche” controversy21:11 Listener question from Joseph in State College, Pennsylvania21:34 Should bond allocation be based on a fixed percentage or on years of spending?22:07 Risk tolerance vs. risk profile: why income needs are only part of the equation23:26 Why a 5-year spending buffer in safer assets can make sense in retirement24:13 The emotional role of bonds and fixed income during market declinesQuestions? Comments? Click!
Nick Foster has been a Front Row Dads member since 2021. He's also the founder of Foster Financial, a husband to his high school sweetheart Carrie, and a dad to three kids. This week, Nick sits down with Jon to talk about what happens after you build the business. Nick spent 10 years building his CPA firm to $2.7 million and 13 employees. Then he stepped back and hit the question a lot of successful dads eventually face: now what? This conversation is about the first mountain (achievement, the grind, proving yourself) and the second mountain (giving, presence, being a good human), and what it actually looks like to make that shift while raising a family. Nick gets honest about a lot in this one. What you'll hear: → The wall with his teenage daughter and how he keeps showing up → Building a $2.7M business and the weight nobody talks about → Losing your identity when the business is no longer the target → The little brother from Big Brothers Big Sisters who changed his life → What actually makes his marriage work after 18 years → The thing his wife does that triggers him (and how he's learning to handle it) → Teaching kids about money, including the Roth IRA move most parents miss → The birthday tradition that makes him cry every time → From atheist to a man of faith If you've been climbing hard and quietly wondering whether it's the right mountain, this one is worth your time.
This is a free preview of a paid episode (57 min), exclusively available on our subscriber-only premium feed. Become a premium subscriber to tune into the full episode: https://cubicletoceo.co/podcast Questions about our premium podcast subscription? Send us a DM @cubicletoceo Reinvesting all your profits back into your own business can feel like the safest bet, but Nat Bullen offers a different perspective on why owning shares of other companies via the stock market is actually a more reliable investment. Nat is a coach, investor, and owner of Unapologetic Wealth, where she helps women in business make more money in their business and build wealth outside of it. Continuing our series on Revenue → Returns (How My Business Money Makes Me Money), Nat lays out her simple stock market playbook: a SEP IRA, a Roth IRA, and one brokerage account, funded on a regular basis instead of trying to time the market. Her argument is simple — the business you're pouring everything into can't be the only plan. At some point, your money needs to start working without you. Connect with Nat: Stock Market 101 Masterclass: https://unapologeticwealth.thrivecart.com/stock-market-101-masterclass/ http://www.unapologeticwealth.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ladylyricist06/ Birthright Podcast: https://unapologeticwealth.thrivecart.com/birthright-private-podcast/ IG: @unapologeticwealth If you enjoyed today's episode, please: Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @cubicletoceo so we can repost you. Subscribe to our premium feed for case-study style interviews every Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen)
On this Sunday Summer School with KT & Suze, Suze answers your questions about online scams, annuities, trusts and Roths. Plus, a fun story about how Suze shook up the status quo early in her career and more. Learn more about the Ultimate Scam Protection here: SuzeOrman.com Watch Suze’s YouTube Channel Jumpstart financial wellness for your employees: https://bit.ly/SecureSave Protect your financial future with the Must Have Docs: https://bit.ly/3Vq1V3G Help with the Must Have Docs: Email:support@musthavedocuments.zendesk.com Phone: 888-510-0510 Get your savings going with Alliant Credit Union: https://bit.ly/3rg0Yio Get Suze’s special offers for podcast listeners at suzeorman.com/offer Join Suze’s Women & Money Community for FREE and ASK SUZE your questions which may just end up on the podcast. Download the app by following one of these links: CLICK HERE FOR APPLE: https://apple.co/2KcAHbH CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE PLAY: https://bit.ly/3curfMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.