In today’s episode, we’re continuing our conversation on the annual Social Security Trustees Report. In this half of the conversation, we’ll cover some interesting statistics from the report, including the impact of declining birth rates and immigration on Social Security's future. We'll also explore how life expectancy trends and recent events like COVID-19 are influencing projections.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What does it mean that Social Security could be insolvent by 2035? How declining birth rates and changing death rates affect Social Security projections H ..read more

In today’s episode, we’re going to share some updates from the annual Social Security Trustees Report. With Social Security serving as a cornerstone for countless retirees, understanding its current state and future projections is important. Listen in as Ben highlights the key takeaways from the 277-page report that you need to know about.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The projected depletion of Social Security reserves by 2035 Our office's proactive approach to Social Security planning Raising FICA taxes to address Social Security solvency issues Cutting benefits for ..read more

We’re back to finish up our conversation with Deborah and Hannah Wasylko, the dynamic duo behind Baskets Galore. This business specializes in customized corporate gift designs, from branded items to gift baskets featuring local and gourmet selections. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here!   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How Deborah and Hannah operate the business side of Baskets Galore How inflation has impacted this industry + the delicate balance of managing costs and making decisions for long-term success What Deborah’s creative process looks like + what’s ..read more

We’re excited to sit down with Deborah and Hannah Wasylko, the dynamic duo behind Baskets Galore. This business specializes in customized corporate gift designs, from branded items to gift baskets featuring local and gourmet selections. Join us as they share the story behind starting this business and their passion for creatively assisting business owners with thoughtful gifting.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Hannah and Deborah’s professional backgrounds + transition into corporate gift design The early development of the business + the importance of relationship-buil ..read more

We’re excited to welcome back Mike and Mandy Hamlin for today’s episode. Mike and Mandy are the owners of the successful food truck and catering business, Kitchen 212. From losing their jobs during the pandemic to taking the leap to start their own business, their story is incredibly inspiring. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here!   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How Mike and Mandy have pivoted from public events to private catering + the different services they offer today The kind of prep work that goes into a typical week + how they’ve tackled pricing Wher ..read more

As we wrap up the year, we are joined by Keith Lockwood (CIO) for a two-part discussion, exploring the financial dynamics of 2023 and providing insights into what lies ahead in 2024. Listen in as we chat about this rollercoaster of a year, focusing on the unprecedented market gains in November and December, the dominance of the “Magnificent Seven” and the Federal Reserve's role in shaping the market.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The market’s unprecedented run in the last two months The dominance of the "Magnificent Seven" in driving market gains The importance of sta ..read more

In case you missed it, we recently released a podcast episode with Keith Lockwood (CIO), where we reflected on this year’s financial landscape. Coming off a pretty good year in the market, what can we expect to see in 2024? Listen in as we discuss the anticipated trends and challenges that the new year might bring.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Potential pullbacks in the first quarter of 2024 + opportunities to invest in good companies Potential challenges related to a Fed rate cut, rising unemployment, housing market affordability issues Usual volatility in election ..read more

If you’re hoping to start your retirement journey in 2024, there are some key things you need to start thinking about in order to properly prepare. In today’s episode, Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA® is back to share some advice for those who plan on retiring in the new year.  After discussing key year-end planning strategies for 2023 in our last episode, today’s conversation is all about the crucial steps to take to six to nine months before your desired retirement date.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What Social Security decisions need to be considered in the planning ..read more

We’re back with Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA® to continue our conversation about Roth IRAs. If you missed part one, be sure to check that out here. In it, we break down the fundamentals of Roth IRAs and discuss the contribution rules for 2023, contribution limits, and much more. For part two of this series, we’re going to dive a bit deeper into this conversation. Dan will discuss the signs that might prompt a Roth conversion recommendation, the benefits of spreading Roth conversions out over several years, and why the timing of these conversions matter. Listen in as we further demystify Roth conve ..read more

Today we’re joined by the one and only Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA® to dive into the world of Roth IRAs. As we enter the fourth quarter, we have a lot of conversations about Roth IRAs and conversions this time of year. We thought it’d be the perfect time to break down key differences between the two and answer some common questions in a two-part episode.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What is a Roth IRA? What are the Roth contribution rules + limits in 2023? What is a Roth conversion + the benefits of a Roth IRA and Roth conversion?    For more, visit us online ..read more