EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode, Kyle and Michael cover Annual Benefits Enrollment. Topics covered include: 401k/Roth 401k Plans, Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Long Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, and much more.  Skip the Fluff Time Marker: Schedule a Call RESOURCES: LMFAO - “Sexy and I Know It” Chris Stapleton - “White Horse” Charlie Blackmon Walk up 401k Plan Roth 401k Plan Vesting Schedule Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plan vs. High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) Health Savings Account (HSA) limits for 2023 and 2024 Lively HSA Provid ..read more

In Episode 21, we're discussing questions about bitcoin with Andy Flattery, CFP® from Simple Wealth Planning. Andy is a Kansas City-based bitcoin enthusiast and local expert on the topic that is very involved in the bitcoin community. The rise over the last decade of bitcoin has created a lot of interest, but even more questions. What is bitcoin? How does it work? Is it money or an investment? How do you value it? How do you secure it? What happens if you lose it? These are all questions that have probably popped into your head at one time or another when thinking about bitcoin. Being intri ..read more

“What would you want to see happen with your family, if god forbid, something were to happen to you, and you were to leave your family, without you around?” - Andy Flattery, CFP®, of Simple Wealth Planning, LLC In episode 4, we're talking LIFE INSURANCE... because September is (and was) "Life Insurance Awareness Month". I know, it's October, and it can be scary talking about your own mortality, but we can't keep kicking the can down the road. We've gotta talk about this, SO WE DID! Spoiler alert, it wasn't that scary. Andy Flattery, CFP® from Simple Wealth Planning, and Kyle discuss why you ne ..read more

"You have to take a step back, focus on what you can control and what you can control is your own household, and what you do there.” - Mike Zung, CFP® of Java Wealth Planning In episode 2, this is Part 2 of the Laying the Foundation series to kick off Personal Financial from the Hill-Top.  Mike Zung, CFP®, from Java Wealth Planning, and I discuss why getting out of debt is crucial to your building wealth and a foundational principle for building your personal financial plan. We share first hand experiences, how to do it, and even have a little fun along the way. The rich rules over the po ..read more

Coming Soon! A Personal Finance podcast for Gen X, Y & Z. Submit Questions for future episodes at: kyle@hilltopfp.com www.hilltopfp.com ..read more

In Episode 20, we're talking about where to stash some retirement cash with Don Martini, CFP®, CFA of Envision Financial Planning, a firm based in San Francisco, CA. The Roth IRA is a great little investment vehicle for retirement savings because of the tax-free benefits. We dive into all the details of: Contribution limits for 2021 & 2022 Income Contribution Limits & Phaseouts Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and the tax impacts Minimizing Fees Investment Options Backdoor Roth IRAs and where to open one Per usual, before we dive in we enjoy some fluff with Don as he shares his ..read more

On Episode #19 of Personal Finance from the Hill-Top, Kyle mentions a unique opportunity to be able to deduct up to $600 ($300 for Single) from your taxes in 2021, even if you're taking the Standard Deduction (Single $12,550/MFJ $25,100). He is also joined by Stephanie Boyer, Chief Executive Officer of reStart, an organization that provides support to Kansas City's homeless population with a continuum of housing services. Stephanie discusses her background, homelessness in Kansas City, some of the major causes of homelessness, and how reStart is working to help end homelessness. As CEO of reSt ..read more

Ever wonder if you need a last will and testament (aka “a will”)? The answer is YES!  A will is an integral part of a well-rounded estate plan that every adult needs, not just the rich and famous.  "If you have kids under the age of 18, the guardianship in your will is 100% the most important part of your estate plan." - Jamie Weese of Weese Law Firm In episode 18, we’re talking about the estate planning necessities for young adults.  Kyle hops on the mic with estate planning attorneys, Jessica Kimbrell of Kimbrell Estate Planning and Jamie Weese of Weese Law Firm. They discuss ..read more

Have an old 401k from a previous employer? Wondering what to do with it? In episode 17, we're discussing what your options are for your old 401k. Kyle hops on the mic with Financial Advisor, Ethan Hutcheson, AAMS® of Metcalf Partners Wealth Management and they discuss: What exactly is a 401k What are your options when you change employers The pros and cons of those options Unique situations to consider Their typical preferences for old 401k accounts There are important things to consider like taxes and your income when deciding what to do with that old 401k (or 403b, or TSP). Before they di ..read more

"Most people move because of two things: they need more square footage (more space), or they're at a new income level." - Tony Long of Long Real Estate Team Have questions about selling a house like... How far out should you start preparing to sell your house? To stage or not to stage? When should we put it on the market? In episode 16, we're discussing what you need to know about selling a house, with Rockstar Realtor, Tony Long of Long Real Estate Team. Round 2 with Tony Long and Kyle to discuss what you need to know when you’re thinking about selling your house. Kyle lays it out into a 4 ..read more