This mini-episode comes directly from a question sent to our team and is part of the show's Lightning Round where we answer your questions. Terry asks Chris about the value of long-term care insurance. What do you need to consider as you plan for retirement? Over 90% of insurance companies have increased the costs of long-term care coverage. Listen in to hear how to better understand your costs & create a plan to protect your future Chris helps Terry learn how to protect herself from the ris...
Nov 10, 2017•6 min•Ep. 53
This mini-episode comes directly from a question sent to our team and is part of the show's Lightning Round where we answer your questions. Listen In & Hear the Answer Context is everything here, but this answer is relevant for anyone with or without a 401K employer match. We dive into if the 401k is the best use of your personal finances. Here are the Foundational Things You Need To Do Before You Invest In A 401K 1. Do You Have An Emergency Fund? We recommend building three months of liquid...
Nov 08, 2017•5 min•Ep. 52
Forget Everything You Know About Insurance & Healthcare Before You Go Any Farther Will Hall has a passion for life and wants to see individuals live healthier, more fulfilled lives. This is an incredibly refreshing message to hear and one that has been desperately missing in the healthcare and insurance world! As the CEO of HIPnation , Will brings a healthcare model that is rooted in INNOVATION and SIMPLICITY to create a better solution for physicians and patients. Will has been involved in ...
Nov 06, 2017•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 51
How Much Is Enough for (YOUR) Retirement? What is the basis for knowing that you will be okay in retirement? I'll always remember one of my wealthiest clients who was a top-level CEO for many years. We sat down for dinner, just the two of us. He looked at me before the meal arrived, and said: "Chris, are you saying I'm really going to be okay? I just don't know." That moment was powerful. It was a lesson for me. It affirmed that confidence in retirement isn't a number. It isn't a status. It is a...
Nov 03, 2017•8 min•Ep. 50
will everything be o(k) ? If the proposed massive tax cuts are approved the government will need to find a solution to make up for the extreme loss in revenue. Where do they turn? Well, 2/3 of American workers have access to 401(k) plans, and just when we thought it was safe... it may be on the table. republicans must solve the revenue gap tax cuts will create. 401(k)s are a sweet place for the government to look as half of Americans are investing in a 401(k) plan. There are THREE BIG QUESTIONS ...
Nov 03, 2017•22 min•Ep. 49
Tax reform is coming very soon and can affect you . In case you missed it, we touched on what this could mean on last week's show . Any fans of the Rocky movies out there? Remember how before the fights there was all this boasting, yelling, and a lot of hype? None of it meant anything until they got in the ring. That's a little bit like what's been happening between the Senate and the House, Democrats and Republicans. There's been a lot of hype, a lot of tweeting, but now we get to see what's ac...
Oct 27, 2017•20 min•Ep. 48
We are breaking lots of records right now. The S&P hasn't had more than a 3% drop in months now, the longest streak ever. Volatility isn't a bad thing. It's normal to have ups and downs in the market, so it is particularly strange to go this long without a drop. It's giving a false sense of security. **Think of the long game. ** If you're younger (20's, 30's or 40's), now is the time to invest. You have to drop this idea of market timing. Jump in now! In an article titled, " Millennials Thin...
Oct 25, 2017•13 min•Ep. 47
Don't put all your bitcoins into one basket. Bitcoin is up 900% from a year ago. With that crazy amount of growth, it sounds sexy and exciting. Who doesn't want to get rich quick? It's hard not to feel like you're missing out. "You could be a millionaire in 6 months!" and "You could turn $100 into a retirement fortune!" These are all things people trying to get you to invest in Bitcoin have said. In fact, three of my clients this week have called to ask about it. I'm not surprised. Beware. It so...
Oct 23, 2017•14 min•Ep. 46
Money Management Doesn't Always Feel Good We like to think we always make decisions based on logic and reason, but it is important to realize emotions can sometimes get in the way. FACT: emotions have the ability to drive our decisions. Often what prompts your financial judgments is based on the comfort, insecurities, or feelings within ourselves. Instincts are powerful, and not always bad. However, if your instincts are negatively affecting your future, it may be time to change your plan. The l...
Oct 21, 2017•21 min•Ep. 45
If You Love Taxes Stop Reading Not liking taxes is something everyone can universally get behind. Despite having disagreements about the fine print, everyone mutually hates taxes. Republicans have put out an aggressive agenda, and if it can happen it would be the first time since 1986! This reform is more than just the long-term impact on you; Congress feels like they have to do something here as the Republicans are in control of the House, the Senate, and the Presidency. While there still isn't...
Oct 20, 2017•17 min•Ep. 44
Let's Face the Equifax Two-thirds of all Americans with credit reports had their information accessed during the Equifax 'data breach.' That is insane. By now you've heard how the scandal is compromising millions of Americans' personal data. Richard Smith, CEO of Equifax, testified in front of Congress that Equifax "...didn't really understand the severity of the breach and did everything they could." Beyond this being unacceptable for so many reasons, it brings up a conversation around protecti...
Oct 19, 2017•15 min•Ep. 43
What In the Health Is Going On? Republicans have been laboring for reforms to health care since President Trump was elected, and have repeatedly failed -- often in dramatic fashion. President Trump made two huge announcements to change the way healthcare looks moving forward. The government announced they are: 1. Opening More Healthcare Options for Individuals and Businesses. 2. Ending Subsidy Payments to Health Insurers. **How Does This Impact You? ** The foundation of the Affordable Care Act (...
Oct 17, 2017•26 min•Ep. 42
It's been ten years since the big recession. It may still hurt like it is a wound from yesterday, but a decade separates us from the last major market drop. Now, we sit on top of the market again. Is it time to brace for a catastrophic global recession? Well, the big drop isn't actually as concerning as another danger that you need to focus on: peace. There Is Incredible Danger In The Current Financial Peace You May Be Experiencing The danger today is different than in 2008. We don't appear to b...
Aug 25, 2017•13 min•Ep. 41
Banks are beginning to feel like used car dealerships. If your bank is caught offering a "special," take caution before you trust the promotion to move you closer to retirement. A.K.A. RUN. Trust me, I know and love bankers. But the reality is banks are not looking out for your best interest the way a financial planner is legally obligated to -- and therein lies the problem we're going to reveal in today's show. (Plus, hear me share how I would avoid people seeing how UGLY my first car was.) The...
Aug 22, 2017•11 min•Ep. 40
Without reason, we have all witnessed harrowing acts happening around the world and in our country over the past weeks. It has been tragic. We've been forced to deal with dark realities of pain and loss. While we hate to see others deeply affected and think of our comfort, dreams, and plans for the future, I can tell you how many people reached out to me with questions. I have repeatedly been asked about the impact of the terrorist attacks on your financial future. I talk about it + practical ac...
Aug 21, 2017•16 min•Ep. 39
Paul was in a conversation with a friend who told him to save 15% more than he expects he'll need for retirement. He sent us a question asking if his friend was right. The core of the question is this: How do you know if you'll have enough money for retirement? The problem is there is no easy way to know your "number" because it's tied to your life and what you dream for the future. How much do you save? How much do you spend? Do you want your money to sit in the market or a pension? What is you...
Aug 11, 2017•4 min•Ep. 38
We work with a lot of entrepreneurs and here is the deal: If you are an entrepreneur you might be wasting money right now. I'm amazed when I meet with entrepreneurs and see how much money is consistently being given away. A lot of entrepreneurs are missing out on their taxes they don't even know about. But, I'm distracted before I even get started. As an entrepreneur, hiring an employee changes a lot in regards to taxes and retirement planning. BEFORE: Without an employee, entrepreneurs can open...
Aug 10, 2017•4 min•Ep. 37
Yes, a lot of people are looking to work at least until 65, but many are planning for 70. This common thought is based a lot on the crash and thinking how they can meaningfully reach what they need. A lot of people assume they have to keep going forever. Despite the common belief, **** that isn't true unless you've run some actual tests! The only way to know what your exact retirement will look like is to plug your information into some of our predictive tools to create a full picture of your pl...
Aug 08, 2017•4 min•Ep. 36
Most people don't talk about end-of-life planning enough, and it shouldn't be treated as a taboo topic. The first step is to have the conversation. When you pass away, you can leave behind an inheritance or family conflict. The realities around end-of-life aren't easy, but communication is key. Listen in to hear where you should focus and plan. 1. End of Life is Expensive (Listen in at 3:14) It's important to know the current situation, but understand that the last years of life are often the mo...
Aug 08, 2017•8 min•Ep. 35
Here's the state of retirement planning today: The baby boomers are preparing for retirement. Social security is in trouble. (We basically become insolvent in 2034) The median household has a little more than $100k saved. The combination of these things isn't exactly a winning formula. Are we going to be okay and, either way, how can you know what to expect in retirement? Listen in as we explore the deeper reality here. There Been A Historic Shift in Retirement Strategy We've literally never see...
Aug 05, 2017•18 min•Ep. 34
The current headlines are full of drama, and it's easy to forget that we're doing pretty well in three major areas to gauge growth. 1. The market is up BIG. We are sitting on the seconds largest bull market in history. 2. Housing values are up! It's the third fastest growth in home values in recorded history. 3. Unemployment is at a historically low level. How do you make the most of this state of financial prosperity? The answer for long-term success is actually counter-intuitive to what most p...
Aug 04, 2017•10 min•Ep. 33
Is the healthcare conversation over? Trump's tweet hours after the vote of the "Skinny Repeal" would say it is not... 3 Republicans and 48 Democrats let the American people down. As I said from the beginning, let ObamaCare implode, then deal. Watch! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017 Trump believes that if we let the system fail, change will emerge. But, what role could Trump and the executive branch play in helping it fall apart? Could Trump find a way not to force the individua...
Jul 31, 2017•23 min•Ep. 32
Right now the housing market has been through the roof! 2012 was actually the bottom of the housing market and since then it has been the third fastest growth in housing markets ever! If you are someone who is thinking about buying or selling, it's important to know these simple guidelines. Here Are 3 Practical Guidelines For TheHousing Market Today: 1. If Your Home Is Valued Over $500,000 You Need To Rethink Moving Homes valued over $500K are actually stagnant and sitting for a long time. Don't...
Jul 21, 2017•11 min•Ep. 31
We are bringing back the "Lightning Round." Every week we answer so many great financial questions that are sent in online or brought up in conversations. There are four topics we heard over the past week that make this episode of the show. Listen in to hear how we answered them. We hope you find this advice helpful if you've thought similar questions. Find The Financial Advice You Want Listen in at 2:29 For 529 Accounts. Jess asks about 529 accounts and the best way to save for her one-year-old...
Jul 20, 2017•19 min•Ep. 30
What does it mean for your personal finances when the market breaks another record? It seems like we keep hearing of MASSIVE record-breaking success. When should you care? Listen to the entire Podcast or read some of the highlights below. Another Breaking Record... So, Now What? When the market breaks a record all it means is we've reached a new high, but... All that should matter to you is where you started. If the market breaks a record and you jump in today. Today is your zero. Tomorrow's new...
Jul 18, 2017•13 min•Ep. 29
This healthcare bill is facing a massive battle. At the core of the fight is simply this: Are we the kind of society that is okay letting people fail? Let's make the healthcare bill simple, explain the two schools of thought and then share what I found as a surprising solution one year ago that works for my family. _Listen along to the whole show or read a brief overview below! _ Let's Make This Healthcare Bill Simple. Ready? Are we the kind of society that is okay with letting people fail? That...
Jul 17, 2017•19 min•Ep. 28
The stock market is up double digits. It has been now for years. We've seen a jump of more than 300% since 2009! It's insane. But, are you seeing similar numbers of growth in your account? If you haven't seen the growth you think is possible in the second longest bull market in history -- maybe you should be more aggressive with your finances. We discuss this more live from the radio show. Listen in. It's Important To Track The Right Growth - Here's Where It Matters Most Go jump on your employer...
Jun 15, 2017•15 min•Ep. 27
A lot has happened in the global economy over the past week. The U.K.'s vote to leave the European Union can drastically impact the U.S. economic market. There are two clear takeaways you can apply after we break down all that has happened in this week's global economy. The Exit of Brexit? It's To Be Seen... Brexit, the declaration of Great Britain to leave the European Union, was changing the established order. And even though the vote for Great Britain to leave happened, the negotiations haven...
Jun 13, 2017•12 min•Ep. 26
How do you know if your good at your job? How are you graded? Financial advisors today have it easy if they are only responsible is to make you money. The market is unbelievably good. They could make you money and give you terrible financial counsel. Here's one major thing you need to be sure you are hearing from your advisor today outside of growing your wealth: Making Money Is A Good Thing. But, Keeping It Safe Is A REALLY Good Thing. I have a HUGE pet peeve about financial advisors role. This...
May 25, 2017•6 min•Ep. 24
The market had the biggest drop of the year last Wednesday. And even though all economic data is positive with strong reports of growth, President Trump is unpredictable. This is not a political statement this is a financial reality. Here's what you need to realize about retirement today whether you are close to retirement or just beginning to invest: How Will The Drama in Washington And Market Fluctuation Impact You? My financial advice is different if you are nearing retirement or if you are a...
May 23, 2017•18 min•Ep. 23
