Imagine you could read your financial advisor’s mind before you even walked through the door for the first time. What would they want you to know? This week, we kick off a three-part series on the things we wish people knew about investing and planning. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:48 – Setting realistic financial …

Dividend investing has long been a staple in retirement planning, providing a predictable income stream for many retirees. However, the landscape is shifting. The concept of incidental income, which relies on the rebalancing of a portfolio and the cash flows it generates, is gaining attention. This week we want to tackle the question: Is dividend i…

Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. There’s plenty of speculation about what might change to improve the solvency of the program, and one simple fix would be to change the retirement age. On this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age …

Every firm has distinct principles that guide its approach to financial planning. When searching for an advisor, you want to find someone who aligns with your needs. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes to explore the core values and unique processes that set AFS Financial Group apart. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 …

As the election season heats up, understanding the tax proposals of the presidential candidates is important. While we don’t talk politics on this show, policies can have a direct impact on our finances. In this episode, we dive into the contrasting tax proposals of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:0…

Ever wonder how your financial advisor really gets paid and what that means for you? Whether it’s a fee, a commission, or a salary, the way your advisor earns money could be influencing the advice they give you. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the different pay structures of financial advisors, revealing the benefits, the potential biases, …

Are you and your spouse on the same page when it comes to what retirement is going to look like? If not, it’s time to talk. Phil has all kinds of experience helping couples work together on their retirement plans because, after all, retirement is a team sport. You and your spouse are a team, and while you might not agree on everything when it comes…

A YouTube video about retirement regrets has been getting a lot of attention lately and it showcases retirees sharing their biggest regret so far. It might be surprising to hear people wanting to do things much differently, but we see and hear these things often when folks are prepared for retirement. Today we’re going to share five of the biggest …

When planning for retirement, one of the most common investment options you'll come across is the target date fund. These funds are designed to simplify investing, especially for those who might not have extensive financial knowledge. But are they truly the best choice for your retirement savings? This week on Phil’s Tax Hacks, we’re bringing you t…

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period will be here before we know it! But what does this mean for you? How does the process work, and who should be paying close attention? In this episode, we’ll break down everything you need to know about navigating this crucial period. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:01 – What is Medi…

Kids and grandkids play a crucial role in shaping financial plans, often in ways that can significantly impact your retirement strategy. In this episode, we'll dive into the most common scenarios where future generations influence retirement planning. From funding college education to creating lasting financial legacies, we'll explore how to balanc…

It’s been a wild start to August in the financial markets. You might’ve heard of the significant drops in the Nasdaq, which has left many investors feeling uneasy. In this episode, Phil and Marc discuss some reasons behind the recent global market volatility and what it could mean for your retirement plan. Here’s some of what we discuss in this epi…

Is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase (H4P) the game changer it promises to be, or just another potential pitfall? Historically, reverse mortgages have had a bad reputation due to a lack of regulation and unfavorable terms. However, the landscape has changed significantly. So, what exactly is H4P? What are its advantages for retirees?…

In this episode, we explore the case of James McDonald, a former CNBC analyst, whose risky investment strategies with client money led to serious legal and financial repercussions. After being on the run for three years, he’s been arrested. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:45 – Article Recap 3:03 – Know who you’re work…

The S&P 500 is often thought of as a broad market index, but today's reality is quite different. In fact, the index is heavily dominated by a few tech companies- Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta. These six companies alone make up more than 30% of the S&P 500's market cap, which can be misleading for investors who believe they ar…

When it comes to your financial future, who you listen to can make all the difference. In this episode, Phil shares the story of a long-time client who was swayed by a pushy insurance agent into making a potentially detrimental financial decision. Despite having a well-thought-out plan and a balanced portfolio, the client was convinced to move all …

Have you ever experienced an "aha” moment that changed your perspective on something important? These are the moments when the light bulb goes off, and everything starts to make sense. This week on Phil’s Tax Hacks, we talk about some revelations that clients experience when working with a financial advisor. Here’s some of what we discuss in this e…

To trust or not to trust… that is the question we’re tackling in this week’s episode. Trusts are often surrounded by misconceptions. Many believe they are only for the wealthy or that they complicate financial planning. But what’s the truth of the matter? Should you have one? Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:17 – Reaso…

When it comes to managing your finances and planning for retirement, one of the most dreaded topics is fees. Whether you're investing in mutual funds or working with a financial advisor, fees are an inevitable part of the process. In this episode, Phil takes a deep dive into the world of financial fees, breaking down their types and explaining thei…

Cryptocurrency has been a buzzword for over a decade, but what exactly is it? In today’s episode, Phil is here to answer your questions. Fresh from a conference focused on this digital frontier, he shares his insights on what crypto is, its underlying technology, and its potential place in your investment portfolio. Here’s some of what we discuss i…

We know you shouldn’t put all your money into a single stock. But what about putting a lot of it into a strong market sector, diversified among different companies? Would it ever make sense to do that? In today’s episode of Phil’s Tax Hacks, we’re answering that question. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:11 – The reali…

In today’s episode, we’re going to discuss the ongoing confusion surrounding inherited IRAs and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The SECURE Act introduced a 10-year rule for withdrawing inherited IRA funds, replacing the old stretch IRA rules that allowed beneficiaries to spread distributions over their lifetime. However, the IRS has yet to f…

While you dream about the leisurely days ahead of you in retirement, it’s also important to think about some of the less glamorous items, including insurance. So, what types of coverage should you be considering for your golden years? What do you need to keep in mind as you prep for the transition? We’re going to walk you through the fundamentals i…

While you dream about the leisurely days ahead of you in retirement, it’s also important to think about some of the less glamorous items, including insurance. In this new season of life, your old policies may no longer suit your needs or may come to an end. So, what types of coverage should you be considering for your golden years? What do you need…

In a world where technology touches every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that it has also made its mark on the financial industry. So, in today’s episode, we’re going to unpack the toolbox of technology that's promising to redefine retirement planning. From robo-advisors to online calculators, we’ll discuss whether certain tools truly simpli…

The future of retiree health care costs is on the rise. In fact, the Employee Benefit Research Institute released numbers for 2023 showing an 8% increase in retiree healthcare costs for the year. Stay tuned as Phil and Marc unpack these latest figures, which suggest that a typical U.S. couple may need upwards of $413,000 to cover their healthcare e…

Retirement is often painted as a serene, stress-free period of life where the worries of the working world fade away. However, psychologists have determined that retirement is one of the most stressful events that some people will experience in life. In this episode, we’ll look at the ways to proactively deal with the stress surrounding the retirem…

Is retiring at 65 crazy? One billionaire thinks so. In this episode, Phil and Marc unpack a recent Yahoo Finance article where BlackRock CEO Larry Fink challenges the conventional notion of retiring at 65 and encourages investors to consider delaying retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:46 – The current state o…

It’s that time of year! With tax season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dive into some tax tips on the podcast. Tune into this two-part series where we dive into a fidelity article titled “8 Tax Pitfalls to Avoid,” and get Phil’s thoughts as a CPA. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:15 – Waiting too lon…

It’s that time of year! With tax season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dive into some tax tips on the podcast. Tune into this two-part series where we dive into a fidelity article titled “8 Tax Pitfalls to Avoid,” and get Phil’s thoughts as a CPA. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:43 – Missing investm…

Just like any other threat, learning to recognize and avoid scams has become crucial for today's retirees. Join us as we discuss essential steps you can take to protect yourself against the increasing prevalence of scams and identity theft. Phil will offer real-life stories and practical advice to help you keep your finances safe in today’s digital…

You’ve probably heard some mixed opinions on annuities in your lifetime. But before you get swayed one way or another, it’s important to understand what exactly an annuity is and how they work. Listen in as Phil breaks down the difference between immediate and deferred annuities and offers insights into their benefits and drawbacks. Here’s some of …

Many retirees find themselves at a crossroads when deciding what to do with their existing property as they move into their dream home. Would it be best to sell, or should you consider becoming a landlord? Drawing from personal experiences and real client scenarios, Phil and Marc will explore the pros and cons of turning a home into a rental proper…

Navigating financial decisions, especially as retirement approaches, can be a challenging terrain for many investors. Whether it's the anxiety around making the right choices or grappling with an overload of information, it can be tempting to push off important retirement planning conversations. It's a familiar scenario – putting things off to "nex…

Every generation likes to talk about how much harder things used to be when they were kids. Like all of the people who used to have to walk five miles to school, in the snow, uphill both ways. But they had at least one thing that was EASIER…and that was retirement planning. Here’s some of what we discuss in part 2: 1:25 – Lower healthcare costs 5:3…

Every generation likes to talk about how much harder things used to be when they were kids. Like all of the people who used to have to walk five miles to school, in the snow, uphill both ways. But they had at least one thing that was EASIER…and that was retirement planning. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 2:03 – Job Stability & Comp…

In today’s show, we’re going to answer some email questions from listeners just like you. These questions cover a range of topics from investing to retirement planning, and Phil is here to provide some expert insights. Remember, while we offer general advice on the show, it's always best to consult with a financial professional to tailor solutions …

Everyone wants to know. Will the economy boom or bust in 2024? Join us as we explore a range of expert predictions, from the shifting trends in housing prices to the looming question of a potential recession or stock market crash. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 2:18 – Housing market in 2024 6:56 – Recession in 2024 12:50 – Stock ma…

This episode might be a bit counterintuitive. We’re going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial working in your favor? We explore the pros and cons of practices like paying off debt early and keeping up with the financial news. Are your good money habits holding you back? Here’s some of w…

This two-part conversation might be a bit counterintuitive. We’re going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor? Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 1:49 – Ignoring account statements 5:14 – Keeping a strict budget 11:17 – Investing in familiar sto…

In today's episode, we'll be looking at the eye-opening findings of the 2023 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index, which has ranked the Netherlands as the world's leader in retirement systems. Where does the U.S. stand? 22nd among the 47 countries that were ranked. Why so low? Join us as we analyze some of the intricacies of the U.S. retiremen…

Is 'Lazy Money' still a concern in 2024's higher interest rate landscape? In this episode, we explore this question, examining how the recent rise in interest rates affects the money sitting in savings accounts, CDs, and conservative investments. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 6:07 – What is lazy money? 7:42 – Finding the right amo…

In this festive episode, we’ll sift through a sleigh-full of financial products and strategies to find out which ones deserve a spot in your financial stocking this year, and which ones are the proverbial lumps of coal. This will be an educational episode for all investors, whether you’ve been financially naughty or nice this year... Here’s some of…

Have you ever wondered what questions to ask your financial advisor, or why those questions are crucial? In today’s episode, we’re tackling exactly that. We're discussing the vital questions that bring transparency and depth to your financial advisory relationship. It's about getting clarity on how advisors work, what they specialize in, and how th…

In today's episode, we're focusing on a critical aspect of retirement planning: healthcare costs. How well-prepared are you to handle medical expenses after you retire? Join Phil and Marc as they discuss the common pitfalls pre-retirees face when it comes to healthcare preparedness and offer insights into how to navigate the evolving landscape of h…

Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit, when you should really consider the delayed rewards… Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 2:32 – Passing up a 401k m…

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? Join us as we jump back into our conversation on the powerful world of simple financial adjustments. Stay tuned as we unpack some seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in your financial life. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here! He…

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? Join us in this episode as we unravel the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. Stay tuned as we unpack some seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in your financial life. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 1…

Ready for an adventure? Think of retirement planning as climbing a mountain. It's not just about the climb up; it's about preparing wisely, tackling the ups and downs, and even planning your way back down. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 3:23 – Preparing for the climb 6:18 – The ascent 8:18 – Base camps 9:51 – Changing weather 11:22…

As the year winds down, it's crucial to ensure your financial house is in order. Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stab…