On this episode of Talking Cents, I’m joined by Chad Roller from our Conway office, and we’re digging into something that might sound like a problem for future you: Social Security. I know, it feels far off, but trust me - it’s worth paying attention to now. We’ll cover how it affects your paycheck, why when you claim it matters, and how to build it into your bigger retirement plan. Plus, we’ll talk about what could happen if the system changes. Visit https://www.ssa.gov for more information on ...
Jul 08, 2025•17 min•Ep. 203
Paying off debt sounds smart, but what if investing could get you further ahead? That's the question Alec and I are looking at this week on Talking Cents. Neither is a bad idea, but we're taking a look at the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision for YOUR personal circumstances. And if you're just getting started, we've got a free tool available for you to check out at https://sparkmywealth.com/
Jun 24, 2025•16 min•Ep. 202
In today’s episode of Talking Cents, I’m focusing on advice for those of you in your 20s and 30s. Some key areas we’ll be looking at: building an emergency fund, maximizing employer-matched contributions, paying off non-mortgage debt, starting a Roth IRA, and monitoring credit scores. And remember - small actions today can significantly impact your future financial well-being! As mentioned, if you want to see if who you're working with is properly licensed, visit https://brokercheck.finra.org/ (...
Jun 10, 2025•16 min•Ep. 201
When the markets are rocky and we're in uncertain times, like right now, people often ask, "Should I pull out of the market?" The short answer is no! And Chad Roller is joining me this week as we take a look at how volatility is a normal part of investing AND a key factor in achieving long-term growth! And if you're just getting started, we've got a free tool available for you to check out at https://sparkmywealth.com/
May 27, 2025•16 min•Ep. 200
Discover the power of the Roth IRA! In this episode, Alec Daril and I are looking at the rules of a Roth IRA, how to start one, and how this simple investing tool can be one of the most powerful ways to build tax-free wealth in retirement! And if you're looking for more resources to help you get started, we've got a free tool available to you at https://sparkmywealth.com
May 13, 2025•17 min•Ep. 199
There was recently a sensational headline from Bloomberg claiming the 401(k) will disappear in 10 years! Chad Roller, my partner in the Conway office, is joining me as we look at what’s actually happening here and what this could mean for your retirement savings. And if you’re looking for more guidance, check out our “6 Keys To True Financial Independence” https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys
May 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 198
Breaking up with a financial advisor can be tough! But sometimes it’s necessary for your financial success. Join me and Alec as we go through identifying red flags, navigating the breakup process, and keeping you on the path to true financial independence. And if you’re looking for more resources, check out our guide “6 Keys To True Financial Independence” https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys
Apr 15, 2025•17 min•Ep. 197
If you're being laid off from your job, your employer might offer you a severance package. But what does that mean, exactly? Chad Roller is joining me in this episode as we take a look at: considerations when offered a severance package, possible areas of negotiation, taxes, and some gaps that you might need to fill between jobs. And if you're looking for more resources on your financial journey, check out our guide “6 Keys To True Financial Independence” https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys...
Apr 01, 2025•17 min•Ep. 196
We've got a very special guest in this episode of Talking Cents: Kassidy Cook! Kassidy is an Olympic diver, winning a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics with her diving partner, Sarah Bacon, in the 3-meter synchronized springboard. We'll be talking about her journey to the Olympics and how some of the same principles and habits she learned along the way have also helped in her financial journey. This is one you don't want to miss! And if you're interested more in Kassidy's journey, you can ...
Mar 18, 2025•21 min•Ep. 195
If your family’s growing, that can be exciting! It’s also more expensive! Chad Roller’s joining me this week as we look at ways to make sure you have a solid financial foundation so you can enjoy this time and focus on what really matters. And if you’re looking for more guidance, check out “6 Keys To True Financial Independence” https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys
Mar 11, 2025•17 min•Ep. 194
Do you only think about taxes once a year when it’s time to pay the piper? But what if you took the time to think about taxes more often? I’ve got Chad Roller with me this week as we try to help with some tax tips so you can take control and, hopefully, keep more money in your pocket! And if you’re looking for more resources, check out our guide “6 Keys To True Financial Independence” https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys
Mar 04, 2025•17 min•Ep. 193
More knowledge with less complexity? Alec’s joining me in this episode as we look at three metrics you need to know and how they can help you on your financial journey! And if you need help unlocking that path to true financial independence, download our guide “6 Keys to True Financial Independence” now by visiting https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys
Feb 25, 2025•16 min•Ep. 192
Get ready to give your savings a boost in this episode of Talking Cents! Alec and I are bringing you some practical ways to enhance your financial well-being. With determination and a little discipline, these small steps can add up quickly! Start your journey with our FREE download: 6 Keys To True Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys
Feb 18, 2025•16 min•Ep. 191
If you're just starting out, investing can be complex! But the important thing is to get started! Chad Roller is joining me in this episode as we go over 12 quick tips to help give your savings a boost. 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Feb 11, 2025•17 min•Ep. 190
Are you wanting to boost your New Year resolutions? Or kick-starting a new goal? Maybe you're just looking to make progress on goals you've had for a while. Alec Daril's joining me in this episode as we look at ways you be more effective with your finances and make your money work for you! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Feb 04, 2025•18 min•Ep. 189
In this episode, Chad Roller joins me as we debunk common myths about financial advisors, like being only for the ultra-wealthy or just stock brokers. We're looking at the true value they provide, from personalized financial plans to behavioral coaching. Whether you're starting out or nearing retirement, learn how a financial advisor can help you on your journey to true financial independence! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/...
Jan 28, 2025•17 min•Ep. 188
Money can be unpredictable, especially when emergencies strike or prices fluctuate. But guess what? We can still take charge of our financial situation. Join us in this episode of Talking Cents as we dive into practical strategies to empower you to focus on what you can control! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Jan 21, 2025•16 min•Ep. 187
We’ve got a special guest joining us today, Roman Greathouse! He’s our Video and Live Event Production Specialist here at GenWealth, but he’s also going to share some of his thoughts on financial advisors before he joined our team, what he’s learned since, and how he’s been working on his own path to true financial independence! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Jan 14, 2025•17 min•Ep. 186
If you’re thinking about your 401(k) plan, you might have heard of Target Date Funds (TDFs). In this episode, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about TDFs. We’ll cover what they are, why they might be a good fit for you, and what to keep in mind before making a decision. 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Jan 07, 2025•16 min•Ep. 185
Your first million is the hardest. On this episode of Talking Cents, we’re talking all about the race to building your first million dollars and why things seem to get easier the further along you are. Spoilers: compound interest is your friend! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Dec 31, 2024•17 min•Ep. 184
Fix your roof when the sun is shining. Well, it's been pretty sunny with the stock market lately! And we don't know when, but a recession will come. In this episode, we're looking at ways you can prepare so that when there's a downturn in THE economy, there doesn't have to be a downturn in YOUR economy. 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Dec 24, 2024•16 min•Ep. 183
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your finances or unsure about where you stand? Understanding your financial picture is the first step toward achieving clarity and confidence in your financial life. In this episode, we’ll break down what a financial picture truly is, the key components you need to consider, and how to assess your own situation effectively. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your financial strategy, this episode is packed with insights to help you take control...
Dec 17, 2024•19 min•Ep. 182
Let’s face it – there are certain rules of thumb that most people should follow, but the best advice is specific to YOU! In this episode, Alec and I are fueling the fire as we tackle some controversial advice so you can get a leg up on true financial independence! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Dec 10, 2024•19 min•Ep. 181
We get a lot of questions about IRAs: what's the difference between Traditional and Roth? How do they work? Which one is better? In this episode, Alec and I are breaking down the differences so you can make an educated decision in choosing which IRA might be right for you! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Dec 03, 2024•16 min•Ep. 180
A new study from Primerica shows that women are still facing challenges in financial confidence and representation. Even when they're taking a lead role in their family's financial welfare! In this episode, we're bringing tips for you on how to boost your financial confidence so you can meet your financial goals! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Nov 26, 2024•15 min•Ep. 179
We all have good and bad habits. When it comes to money, some habits can set you up for success, and others can derail your financial future! In this episode, we've got a list of healthy habits, unhealthy habits, and some practical tips to keep you on the road to true financial independence. 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Nov 19, 2024•18 min•Ep. 178
Millennials faced several challenges and setbacks early on. But new data suggests a surprising turn! Alec and Teresa are looking into how a generation has improved their financial health and how YOU can take some action steps toward a better financial future! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/
Nov 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 177
This is the last of a three-part series with Katie Caruthers (@badwitch1126 on TikTok), who built quite a following as she has shared her journey with loss and the things that come with losing a loved one. Katie and I both experienced losing a parent who didn't have an estate plan in place and we're hoping some of our experience can encourage you to get organized and/or help your parents get organized to avoid the chaos we have experienced.
Nov 05, 2024•18 min•Ep. 176
Dealing with loss is hard enough on its own. But then there are the tasks, the seemingly endless list of items that nobody tells you about! Katie Caruthers ( @badwitch1126 on TikTok ) is with me again to help make a checklist so that if this is something you have to go through, you can be better prepared than we were.
Oct 29, 2024•18 min•Ep. 175
Losing a loved one can be hard. And it's so much harder if, amid grief, you're trying to take care of an estate that's in disarray! This is the first episode in a three-part series about dealing with loss and the complications that can come from a lack of planning. To help me out, I've got a special guest, Katie Caruthers, who's gained a following on TikTok ( @badwitch1126 ) sharing her raw experience in dealing with the loss of her mother....
Oct 22, 2024•17 min•Ep. 174
