Market downturns are inevitable, but how you respond can make all the difference in protecting and growing your wealth. We’ve certainly seen some market turbulence since the start of the year, and for many investors, the uncertainty can be unsettling. While no one can predict exactly when the market will rise or fall, there are smart strategies that can help you navigate these challenging times with confidence. Understanding how to manage risk, stay disciplined, and take advantage of opportuniti...
Mar 17, 2025•21 min
In this special episode of Your Financial Compass , we’re excited to introduce Taran Pannu, the newest financial advisor at Bulman Wealth Group. Marcos sits down with Taran to learn more about his background, how he got into the financial industry, and why he decided to join the team at Bulman Wealth. Taran also shares some of the common financial challenges many pre-retirees and retirees face. He explains these struggles with a simple yet powerful analogy that helps listeners understand how to ...
Feb 19, 2025•11 min
During our working years, we get used to that predictable paycheck every couple of weeks or months. But when retirement comes, we face a whole new set of challenges. How do you take a lump sum of savings and turn it into consistent, sustainable income? In today's episode, we'll break down the toughest hurdles that retirees face and discuss some practical solutions to make your money work for you for the long haul. Here’s so...
Jan 10, 2025•14 min
Today, we're tackling a question that many people have: when should you start Social Security? There’s so much advice out there, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out the best time to file for your benefits. So, if you’ve ever wondered when you should start, you’re in the right place. Join us as we cover some important factors to consider when deciding when to file, whether you’re married, widowed, or single. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What filing at different ages...
Dec 19, 2024•19 min
Many of us can relate to the frustration of a messy garage. Despite our best efforts to keep it tidy, it doesn’t take long before the space fills with tools, holiday decorations, and things we don’t even remember storing. Our finances are no different. Over time, we accumulate 401(k)s from previous jobs, old IRAs, deferred compensation plans, and insurance policies- creating our own “financial garage” of clutter. So, how can we make sense of it all? In today’s episode, we’ll explore practical st...
Dec 02, 2024•16 min
There will always be things to worry about, and retirement risks are no exception. Whether it's the fear of outliving your savings, the unpredictability of rising taxes and inflation, or the anxiety over market volatility, there are absolutely some retirement risks worth discussing. The good news is, there are ways we can prepare and mitigate these concerns. In today’s episode, Marcos guides us through how Bulman Wealth tackles these retirement worries during the planning process. Here’s some of...
Nov 01, 2024•2 min
When it comes to retirement, most of us think of it in two clear phases: pre-retirement and retirement itself. But what if we told you that it’s more nuanced than that? With people living longer, retirement can now span 30 years or more. That’s why it's essential to consider not just how you'll spend those years, but also the expenses that will come with them. Join us as we break down the three phases of retirement in today’s show: the Go-Go Years, the Slow-Go Years, and the No-Go Years. Here’s ...
Oct 10, 2024•19 min
They say men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Are their financial and investment needs just as different? In today’s episode, we’ll dig into some of the nuances that female investors face today as opposed to their male counterparts. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Women’s tendency toward risk aversion, investing performance, and role in financial decision-making Planning for a longer life, long-term care, and career pauses The importance of financial education in building ...
Aug 30, 2024•14 min
As consumers, we're always on the lookout for ways to make our money go further. When interest rates decrease, our purchasing power increases. But what happens when interest rates go up? According to Marcos, this can actually be beneficial for your retirement savings, especially if you know how to navigate the current financial landscape. Tune in to discover how refinancing parts of your retirement plan could potentially enhance your returns. It might sound like an unusual concept, but in today'...
Aug 01, 2024•13 min
Everyone’s retirement situation is going to look a little bit different, with varying asset levels, types, concerns, and goals. In today’s episode, we’ll highlight some key considerations to keep in mind as you plan for your unique retirement. We hope this conversation shows that retirement planning isn't as simple as giving yourself a big paycheck- it’s about effectively using your resources to achieve the life you want! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Prioritizing and planning ...
Jul 18, 2024•12 min
Do you feel overwhelmed with financial planning and feel there are too many things to tackle? Are you not exactly sure where to get started? Today we will cover our process here at Bulman Wealth Group, guiding you through what it feels like to become a client with us. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The discovery meeting: Getting to know your goals, dreams, and concerns Risk assessment and document collection after the first meeting Identifying areas of improvement with an initia...
Jun 27, 2024•18 min
Are annuities the right investment for your retirement? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of annuities to help you understand what they are, how they work, and whether they might be a good fit for your retirement strategy. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation should give you some important items to think about. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What is an annuity and how do they work? What are some benefits of an...
May 16, 2024•13 min
Retirement is a milestone many of us eagerly anticipate, but it also marks a significant change in how we manage our finances. Instead of a regular paycheck, we'll rely on various income streams. So, what income streams will you have in retirement? And how can you plan for this stage before you retire? In today's episode, we'll cover all of that and more. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Strategizing your retirement accounts and Social Security together The shift from pensions to ...
Apr 24, 2024•19 min
The 60/40 strategy, which involves investing 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds, has long been a go-to for risk-averse investors. But does this approach still hold its ground in today’s fast-paced market? Stay tuned as we explore the past, present, and future of this investment strategy and determine whether it’s still a cornerstone of wealth management or if it’s time to adapt to new realities. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What is the 60/40 portfolio and what is its history? How ...
Apr 11, 2024•12 min
With the abundance of online advice and self-directed retirement accounts gaining popularity, many are left wondering if going solo is the right move for them. In times of economic stability, it's easy to overlook potential risks and losses, especially when every investment seems like a winner. However, as markets fluctuate and retirement regulations evolve, the DIY approach could come with more risks than expected. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Can you keep your emotions out o...
Mar 28, 2024•16 min
Unfortunately, we’re still seeing the impact of record-high inflation in today’s market. As interest rates may not decline as rapidly as anticipated, retirees face the additional challenge of market volatility impacting withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and other brokerage accounts. So, what are some ways to combat this? Join us as we share some practical tips for aiming to protect your retirement against inflation. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The current economic la...
Mar 07, 2024•13 min
There are a handful of important age milestones that you should be aware of in the retirement planning process. While some of them are more well-known, others can easily fly under the radar. Stay tuned as we cover the important birthdays you need to pay attention to from catch-up contributions at age 50 to taking RMDs at age 73. Here are the milestones we discuss in this episode: Age 50: Catch-up contributions for IRAs and employer-sponsored accounts Age 55: Rule of 55 for penalty-free 401(k) wi...
Feb 22, 2024•17 min
If you’re a Gen Xer, born between 1965 and 1980, you might be starting to think about your transition into retirement. Moving into this new phase not only means imagining how your daily life will change but also having a clear understanding of your finances. Join us as we share some important things to consider as you approach this major milestone. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Understanding and managing retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s + the potential risks associ...
Feb 01, 2024•22 min
Welcome back to Your Financial Compass! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the key distinctions between Traditional and Roth IRAs and 401(k)s. If you've ever wondered about the differences, pros, and cons, this episode is your guide to understanding these essential financial instruments. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What are the differences between traditional IRAs and traditional 401(k)s, and how do they work? How do Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s differ from their traditional...
Oct 12, 2023•20 min
In today’s episode, we are excited to introduce you to a key member of the Bulman Wealth Group team- Marcos Lemus. Marcos has been with us for about 2 years now and has recently transitioned into a new role as a service advisor. He joins us today to share more about his background, his journey into finance from the education and technology sector, and his passion for problem-solving and life-long learning. Here are some key takeaways from this episode: Marcos shares his journey from a tech-savvy...
Sep 07, 2023•16 min
We spend a lot of time talking about how to save enough for retirement, but is there such a thing as saving too much? Some experts say that retirees will need 70-80% of their pre-retirement income to sustain a comfortable lifestyle, but recent studies show that many retirees are spending significantly less than these benchmarks. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on how spending habits can change as you age. We’ll talk about finding a balance between saving diligently for retirement an...
Aug 17, 2023•20 min
While no one really enjoys paying taxes, we all know it’s a given, and we expect it every year. What makes it worse is getting hit with a tax bill that you never expected. Certain moments in our financial lives can and will trigger tax events so we want to make sure you’re mindful of them, explain what they are, and share some ways to stay ahead of these tax surprises. Here’s some of what you will learn in this episode: Understanding the rules when you sell your primary home and what’s considere...
Aug 03, 2023•22 min
If you've ever felt overwhelmed or intimidated by the idea of a fixed retirement number, advertised by some financial institutions, you're not alone. In this episode, Scott debunks the retirement number myth, explaining that your retirement number is not just a single, daunting figure, but instead a combination of different income streams that work together. Join us as we walk through a hypothetical scenario of John and Jane’s retirement plan and illustrate how Social Security, pensions, and oth...
Jul 20, 2023•19 min
xx WAYS TO CONNECT: Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team. If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at ask@bulmanwealth.com . You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199....
Jun 01, 2023•19 min
As we approach retirement, it's crucial to shift focus from accumulating wealth to preserving it and creating a sustainable income. Determining the monthly income needed to cover your expenses and controlling your withdrawals is essential, but more complicated than it might sound. In this episode, Scott will break down the crucial difference between wealth preservation and income generation and then dive into the ideal amount of cash to have in your savings account. Here’s some of what you will ...
May 25, 2023•20 min
One question that comes up a lot from our clients that are in their 60s and starting to ponder Social Security is what benefits are available to spouses? Today we’ll break it all down for you and explain everything you need to know about spousal benefits. You might be able to claim a benefit of up to 50% without cutting into your spouse’s amount, and this could still hold true if you’ve gone through a divorce. Join us to hear the specifics on how it all works. Here’s some of what you will learn ...
May 04, 2023•17 min
Buckle up, because today we’re diving into the recent buzz around digital currency in the United States. As you might’ve heard, the Federal Reserve recently announced its openness to experimenting with the development and implementation of a digital U.S. dollar. While this possibility may seem daunting, there's no need to panic just yet. It's a multi-faceted issue with many layers to consider, and it is certainly not set to happen anytime soon. However, it's a topic worth exploring, and that's e...
Apr 20, 2023•16 min
Following the collapse of Silicon Valley bank, you have probably heard a lot of talk about America’s banking situation in the last few weeks. Today, we are here to unpack what happened with the Silicon Valley Bank collapse and whether we should be concerned about other banks as well. We will also take a deeper look at banking insurance and discuss what FDIC insurance covers and what it does not cover. Here’s some of what you will learn in this episode: What happened with Silicon Valley Bank? (2:...
Mar 30, 2023•24 min
The future of Social Security is a concern on the minds of all Americans. People are constantly wondering whether the money will run out before it comes time to claim their benefits. While the worries are justified, there’s a good chance the government will make changes to the program to keep it funded for generations to come. We want to take time on this podcast to make sure you understand what the changes mean and how they could impact you and younger generations. Here’s some of what you will ...
Mar 16, 2023•20 min
On episode 12 of Your Financial Compass, Scott has some great advice for empty nesters. You might think your budget's about to open up when the kids move out, but a recent study shows that parents don't always end up with more money in their pockets. Scott explains the challenges of lifestyle inflation and gives some tips on where to invest those extra dollars if you’re able to stay disciplined. But it's not just about the money. Scott also talks about the softer side of retirement planning - cr...
Mar 02, 2023•21 min
