In this episode, the relatable finance guys look at studies that tie rising income to increased happiness but only to a certain income threshold. They then give six financial tips you can use to improve your financial lives.
The Fed has been pulling away much of the stimulus provided during the pandemic in an effort to help quell inflationary pressures. While these efforts will slow the U.S. economy, they also create challenges for international economies given the dollar role as the worlds reserve currency. In this episode, the finance guys explore some of […]
The equity markets provide investors with opportunities to build wealth, but not without risks. Before putting any money into the public markets or any investment vehicles, you should take the time to consider your long-term goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. When these factors are accounted for in a well-thought-out strategy, you may be better prepared […]
Not only is it true that death and taxes are the only certainties in life, but one’s death can come with significant tax liabilities. The key to minimizing these so-called “death taxes” is to put tax-efficient estate plans into place while you are alive. The term “death tax” refers to money the federal government and […]
In this episode, the relatable finance guys recap an eventful first three quarters of 2022 including historic moves in inflation and interest rates, the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the impact on the stock and bond markets.
Most versions of economic theory assume humans are rational beings who will make the best decisions given the facts of their current circumstances. Unfortunately, a theory is not reality. People commonly make financial decisions based on irrational and inefficient cognitive biases and other psychological factors that ultimately influence fluctuations in the public equity markets. To […]
After gathering the documents needed to file annual federal income tax returns, take a moment to review all of your financial accounts before filing those papers in a drawer. Most importantly, look at how those accounts are titled and who is named as beneficiaries and consider if that information matches your current life circumstances and […]
Midterm elections have an impact on the economy and policy going forward, they can also have an impact on market returns. In this episode, the relatable finance guys go over some of the factors impacting the environment and what could be in store as we head into election day.
While women traditionally have wielded some level of influence over their families’ financial decisions, a growing number are flexing their financial muscle even further. Recent studies suggest that women are increasingly taking on larger roles when it comes to investing and retirement planning. This evolution makes sense when considering that women live longer than men […]
The introduction of ABLE accounts in 2015 has helped millions of people with disabilities and their families save as much as $100,000 for qualifying living expenses without any risk of losing government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Contributions to these accounts grow tax-free while distributions used to pay for qualifying disability expenses (QDEs) […]
In this episode, the relatable finance guys discuss differences between expectations and reality for various areas of financial life including investment returns and opening your own business. They also discuss other unexpected life events and the opportunities they may bring.
It is increasingly common for pet owners to make provisions in their wills to provide ongoing care of their furry companions in the event they pass away or become unable to do so on their own. Moreover, all U.S. states and the District of Columbia allow their residents to establish pet trusts and set aside […]
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which represents the largest investment the country has ever made to fight climate change. Also included in the $430 billion spending-and-tax package are provisions intended to reduce consumers’ healthcare costs, lower the federal deficit and bolster the IRS’s taxpayer support services […]
The SECURE Act signed into law at the end of 2019 brought new restrictions to non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited individual retirement accounts (IRAs), requiring them to empty those accounts within 10 years of the original owner’s death and pay the taxes due. Not only was the new law bad news for beneficiaries who were previously […]
With the recent trip by House speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, China has responded by conducting military drills after threating severe consequences if she were to do so. In this episode, the relatable finance guys provide some background on the China-Taiwan relations, some implications should conflict escalate further, and how this can be factored into […]