In our most recent episode, the Novice and the Nerd discuss two different topics: extra Social Security benefits for state and municipal workers, and the financial issues that can arise with second marriages. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on X , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! T...
Mar 10, 2025•43 min•Ep. 65
In this episode, the Novice and the Nerd discuss two separate client questions about social security and the Nerd warns listeners to not fall prey to generic advice from social media. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on X , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained ...
Feb 03, 2025•43 min•Ep. 64
In our most recent podcast, the Novice and the Nerd discuss the importance of creating and sticking to a budget, and how taking a closer look at your finances could help find opportunities to take advantage of savings. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on X , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast...
Nov 04, 2024•34 min•Ep. 63
Should you be concerned when you see that billionaires are selling stocks in large quantities? In our latest podcast episode, our Nerd answers a client’s question about the headlines and puts the activity in perspective. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on X , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podca...
Oct 18, 2024•20 min•Ep. 62
Now that the Fed has started to cut interest rates, our Nerd discusses how this can impact the economy, CDs Mortgages, savings accounts and more. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on X , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this podcast is not intended as inv...
Sep 24, 2024•51 min•Ep. 61
The Novice and The Nerd RETURN, with a timely discussion about some changes coming in 2025 that may impact Required Minimum Distributions, ROTH IRAs, company 401k matches and much more. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com. Follow us on Twitter, like StrategicPoint on Facebook, and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information conta...
Sep 09, 2024•53 min•Ep. 60
What is an inverted yield curve? How is it helping all of us make more money in our savings accounts? Will current money market rates last? Listen to our latest episode where the Novice and the Nerd break down a listener’s question about the inverted yield curve, the Fed and potential outlooks for savings rates in 2024. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com. Follow us on Twitter, like StrategicPoint on Facebook, and feel free to contact us any time via email theno...
Dec 04, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Using a 529 to save for college? Is your child in high school? It might be time to revisit your 529! Listen to Derek and Laura talk about the importance of reviewing how the 529 is allocated and if you should still save in a 529. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas f...
Sep 25, 2023•43 min•Ep. 58
Rhode Island Teachers have unique options when it comes to saving for retirement. In our latest episode, we discuss these options and Derek gives some advice on how best to navigate the opportunities to save. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast top...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Hey Gen-X, should you have a ROTH IRA? Think you may not be eligible to use one so never bothered? In our latest episode, Derek discusses why some may be getting one soon and why a ROTH can be helpful as you plan for your retirement. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ide...
Aug 07, 2023•41 min•Ep. 56
Have you ever wondered why the Federal Reserve aims to hit a 2% inflation rate? In this episode of The Novice and The Nerd, Derek explains why that number is typically the goal and how not hitting that target could affect the markets. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including id...
Jul 25, 2023•28 min•Ep. 55
On this episode, Derek examines the current state of the commercial real estate market and how fears of changing work habits are large office buildings across the US. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this pod...
Jun 06, 2023•39 min•Ep. 54
On this episode, we discuss the Novice’s realization that her new, “used” car payment may be just a little more expensive than she was planning for. Separately, Derek discusses how maturing 2020 leases may put owners in an advantageous position at the time the contracts mature. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with f...
May 30, 2023•33 min•Ep. 53
On this episode of the Novice and the Nerd, Derek and Laura discuss the current state of the housing market and the dramatic differences Derek sees between now and 2008. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this ...
May 12, 2023•52 min•Ep. 52
On this episode of Novice and the nerd, Laura and Derek do a postmortem on the Silicon Valley Bank failure and how some of their issues could impact local banks in our area. The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment, tax or legal advice. StrategicPoint Investment Advisors (SPIA) assumes no responsibility for any action or inaction resulting from the contents herein. Derek and Laura’s opinions and comments expressed on this site are their own and may not accurately r...
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 51
On this episode, Derek explains what stock buybacks are, why companies are issuing them, and why they can be so polarizing. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment, tax or ...
Feb 21, 2023•40 min•Ep. 50
With the US hitting the debt ceiling again in January 2023, Derek and Laura discuss its potential impact on markets and the economy. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment...
Jan 30, 2023•42 min•Ep. 49
Derek and Laura drill into SECURE Act 2.0 to see how it impacts your retirement plan for topics like Required Minimum Distributions, ROTH IRA’s, company 401k matches and much more. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contain...
Jan 06, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 48
Derek and Laura discuss the FTX bankruptcy and then changes to taxes and retirement savings for 2023! Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment, tax or legal advice. Strategi...
Nov 21, 2022•50 min•Ep. 47
The bond market has had a rough year- Derek and Laura cover the basics of bond investing & why 2022 has been so challenging for bond investors. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this podcast is not intende...
Nov 07, 2022•58 min•Ep. 46
Do you have CDs? Derek and Laura discuss why you may want to consider breaking them. Additionally, they talk about why all of us in New England might be sitting in the dark this winter, thanks to WW1 and Russia. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast ...
Oct 24, 2022•52 min•Ep. 45
On this episode we discuss what Stagflation is, why some are worried about it and what can be done. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment, tax or legal advice. StrategicP...
Jul 15, 2022•50 min•Ep. 44
Derek and Laura invite another "nerd" and fellow advisor Kristina Mello to talk about different insurance policies and answer a listener's question! Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this podcast is not intend...
Jul 05, 2022•47 min•Ep. 43
There's more to measuring inflation than just the monthly press release. Our episode today breaks down some other commonly used data to see what the trends in inflation show. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in ...
May 31, 2022•44 min•Ep. 42
Have you been hearing about “government bonds” offering a higher return lately? Derek explains what iBonds are and what investing in them looks like. We also discuss Bitcoin potentially being offered in 401(k) plans and an update on the SECURE Act 2.0 and what that could mean for Required Minimum distributions. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenovicean...
May 16, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 41
After the Fed raised rates by 0.5%, Derek and Laura discuss the recent market moves, and our nerd explains the lack of control investors can have in both the stock and bond markets. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics!...
May 06, 2022•46 min•Ep. 40
In this episode the Novice and the Nerd discuss the VIX index, the Fed raising rates and if high gas prices are here to stay Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment, tax or...
Mar 28, 2022•53 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, Laura and (guest “nerd”) Kristina Mello use the timing of Women’s History Month to focus on the unique financial challenges women can face, along with highlighting the importance of financial planning. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future p...
Mar 17, 2022•33 min•Ep. 38
This episode covers the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how it could potentially impact the US economy, the markets and monetary policy. Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The information contained in this podcast is not intended as invest...
Mar 02, 2022•44 min•Ep. 37
Can you reach one million in your retirement account by simply saving? Derek breaks down how to accomplish this feat, and he also shares his personal story of what it's like to buy a car in 2022! Find complete show notes and links on our website, StrategicPoint.com . Follow us on Twitter , like StrategicPoint on Facebook , and feel free to contact us any time via email thenoviceandthenerd@strategicpoint.com with feedback, questions or comments, including ideas for future podcast topics! The info...
Feb 07, 2022•56 min•Ep. 36
