Guarding Your Nest Egg

Are you trying to navigate what’s best for your portfolio during the crazy volatility of the stock market, AND looking back on the losses of 2022? Are you an investor near or in retirement wondering if you should ride this volatility out, or move to cash, a money market account, or an alternative investment? If so, this episode is a must-listen! After Mike shares some of his ideas, he and Kristen discuss how those who spend money on experiences rather than “stuff” tend to be happier.  Plus, about 10 minutes into the episode you’ll find out just how good Mike is at Math!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After sharing a sweet story about one of Talon's clients and Mike’s youngest child, we dial in on the latest financial news and what it means for your portfolio. In fact, a new survey revealed that 4 in 10 Americans are putting retirement off because of challenging economic conditions, and part of that reason is inflation. He addresses these concerns along with how many retirees are still having to fill an income gap despite the historic 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment from social security. Plus, Mike makes fun of Kristen and the way she’s currently reducing stress. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike and Kristen discuss the influx of discount grocery shopping as consumers search for ways to save money in this inflated economy. Then Mike examines if we already experienced a recession last year AND if another is soon approaching, plus how to best prepare for a possible market pullback. He also talks about forgotten 401(k)s, inverse options, and other strategies (NOT annuities) he and the other Talon fiduciaries are eying for the right situations. Also, Mike points out that Kristen accidentally offended the citizens of the United Kingdom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thankfully wall street closed out January with a stellar start! We’ll find out from Mike if this is a signal that we can let our guard down a little regarding our retirement accounts. He also explains the hot-button investment rule change that just happened under the Biden administration called ESG investment priorities, how it could impact your 401(k), and why YOUR investment goals should be the focus of any fiduciary financial advisor you work with. Plus, we share a relatable story about mom coming home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial planning is about a lot more than money. This week Mike shares how he’s even helped clients create personalized financial plans based on their goal of retiring out of the country as an ex-pat for whatever reason. The stories are fun! But it's also a great reminder that your advisor should focus on helping you plan for YOUR goals.  Plus, Are we in a market downturn or is this the new normal for wall street and the economy? After settling into the new year, many have looked back and seen their losses in 2022 and want to make sure they’re planning for what’s to come this year. Mike explains why and how active wealth management puts a heavy focus on probabilities when helping investors with their portfolios, especially for those approaching retirement or already there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike “Silverling” Lester will help us find the positives in all things financial this week:  Inflation is sloooowwwly lowering from its 40-year high while many investors found their portfolios were down about 20% for 2022. And to truly bring inflation down, Jerome Powell says they may have to take some “unpopular measures." Mike explains the disconnect between the stock market, the Fed, and our economy. Plus, he passes along tips to help you know when it may be time to start interviewing for a new advisor when you’re at or in retirement. Here's tip number 1: Make sure your financial advisor is a fiduciary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recession fears are growing. New corporate layoff announcements and Wall Street’s volatility aren’t helping ease the angst of investors. Mike’s shares his perspective on various alternative investments you may want to learn more about.  Plus, if you’ve listened to Guarding Your Nest Egg before, you’re likely aware that Mike isn’t a big fan of annuities. Since he’s been working in the investing world for over 20 years, Kristen asks him what could be an awkward question: Has Mike EVER suggested or sold an annuity to someone?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike takes a look back at Wall Street in 2022 and shares what he’s eying for clients this year considering recession concerns. If you aren’t familiar with I Bonds, you’ll hear the pros and cons of how they could possibly be a helpful option to help fight inflation… But NOT annuities.  Kristen also shares an interesting travel stat that spotlights Talon’s ability and passion for helping clients with active portfolio management across the country. Plus, we discuss the details of the $1.7 trillion spending bill (Secure 2.0) that Congress passed in late December, including 2 significant changes to required distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts that could impact your retirement accounts this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate this Christmas season, we learn about the Elf on the Shelf in Mike's home along with his youngest son losing his 2 front teeth at the perfect time. Plus, Kristen tries to stump Mike with some fun Christmas trivia later in the show!  But since the Fed ticked up interest rates again, we'll also unpack the optimistic earnings forecast many economic analysts have for 2023. Mike answers the questions many are wondering: Does this mean a recession isn’t as likely and a soft landing could be on the way next year? And is cash king at the moment? Subscribe and listen to hear ideas that may be helpful for your retirement portfolio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we embrace the holiday season, we’ll remind you to save a place at the Thanksgiving table for someone you may not have been planning for… Inflation gobbling up part of your budget!  Mike goes through the numbers and explains how this isn’t simply annoying. It impacts the big picture of our economy (including future taxes), all thanks to the Fed and their interest rates antics. With most Americans looking for ways to save a few bucks where they can, we share tips that might help reduce your fresh produce expenses. Mike offers an interesting one about pantyhose and onions.

After highlighting one of our Talon Wealth team members' skills, we share how one listener recently reached out for a second opinion because he’s concerned about his portfolio being down lower than he'd like. But he's conflicted about what to do because he really likes who his advisor is. Mike talks about what to consider when faced with the tough decision of hiring or firing an advisor. Then we shift the conversation to Social Security. Most of us have heard we should wait as long as we can to draw benefits so that we ultimately bring in more money during retirement. However, could there be good reasons to start receiving benefits as soon as you can? Every situation is different, but Mike points out what to watch out for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fed continues increasing rates to fight inflation, but the latest CPI data shows that we're not much better off than we were in March when the aggressive monetary tightening began. Listen to hear Mike’s opinion as to what he believes the central bank’s goal is now that ISN’T being talked about, and how it could impact your retirement money in the future. He also explains how Talon Wealth is working to help clients protect and hopefully make money in a down market with a bear market portfolio, when appropriate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you frustrated with the performance (or lack thereof) of your investment accounts? This is unfortunately more common than you may realize. That doesn’t mean you should accept being told to just “hang in there.” Plus, we discuss one of the wealthiest men in the world, Jeff Bezos saying it’s time to “batten down the hatches” economically. Mike also simplifies the pros and cons of a trendy option many have been researching to combat inflation in retirement… I bonds. Especially now that the Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates again this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fed has obviously been very aggressive with interest rate hikes, and many are concerned about the short & long-term impact this will have on our economy and individual retirement accounts. Mike shares his opinion about the recent wall street swings and the pain the Fed is inflicting with their goal of reducing inflation. Also, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of calls and commercials regarding Medicare open enrollment (now through December 7th), Mike explains how you can possibly simplify your approach to finding the best option for you, and NOT get overwhelmed by the marketing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After checking in with a few kids about their Halloween costume plans, we focus on how this fall has been a spooky time for the market. With stocks down an average of 20% and bonds down about 14% for the year, many are unfortunately finding out their portfolio isn’t as diversified as they thought for their retirement timeline. Plus, Mike discusses Jamie Dimon’s latest comments about a recession looming and possible future S&P 500 drops. Most importantly Mike shares what you should consider if your advisor keeps telling you to hang in there with a cookie-cutter diversified portfolio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mortgage rates recently reached their highest level since July of 2007. Instead of focusing on a 2008 flashback, Mike explains why it’s more important for you (or you and your advisor) to focus on where the economy is likely to go and how the stock market might react. He also dives into how Fed’s inflation plan is not only impacting household expenses… but the performance of your retirement accounts. If you’re tired of “hanging in there,” this episode is for you.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Reserve made history by approving its 3rd consecutive 75-basis-point interest rate hike on September 21st, and wall street didn’t take the news well… Neither did many 401(k)’s. Mike talks about why these fluctuating numbers shouldn’t change your lifestyle, especially if you have a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor actively managing your investment accounts. If you’re part of the growing trend of Americans feeling you might need to postpone your retirement, Mike simplifies how to figure out if you need to delay… or if you’re on track and just don’t realize it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historically, September is a rough month on wall street. With recent stock market pullbacks, investors close to and already in retirement have valid concerns about protecting their portfolios. This week Mike spotlights some of the inverse options for income and growth that Talon’s fiduciaries are explaining to listeners like you. Every situation is different, but this could possibly be a good option for your family if you explored all of the details. So, if you’re looking for a more conservative approach to your retirement accounts, this episode is for you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With so much heightened economic news on the agenda, Kristen starts this episode with a little fun by revealing the latest endeavor by Snoop Dogg the entrepreneur. Then it’s back to Biden and his latest proposal. This time for his student loan forgiveness program. Mike explains how this adds to the instability of our economy, the stock market, and the likelihood of higher taxes in the future. He also points out what options to be aware of that are being promoted as solutions for uncertain times that may not be a great fit for your retirement plan. Every situation is different, but Mike wants you to be aware of all of your options during this volatile period while the Fed gets ready to raise rates again.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a fun discussion about renting goats to maintain some property, we dial in on what many Americans are concerned about: After a good July, what’s to come for wall street, inflation, interest rates, and our overall economy? Mike weighs in on the Fed’s rate decision, the recession debate, and the paralysis many are feeling about making changes to their retirement accounts. We also discuss target date funds and if they are leading baby boomers to the right target these days, and if iBonds are a good option for those seeking fixed income for retirement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.