Guarding Your Nest Egg

December has been a little unsteady on Wall Street and many want to capitalize on the market dips. On this episode, Mike boils down how some indicators are reminiscent of 2007 and what investors need to consider. Plus, he explains how to prepare for possible volatility in the new year, along with continued inflation and the unknowns of Biden’s tax plan. He then reflects on the joy he feels as a fiduciary financial advisor when helping people create a plan that shows when they have the freedom to tell their boss to “take this job and shove it.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember the late 80’s campaign “This is Your Brain on Drugs?”

This week Mike shares tips about what you and your family should to consider regarding your investments and the volatility he’s concerned about next year, along with capital gains taxes and the future of your taxes in retirement. Mike also sheds light on how the vaccine mandate is impacting the jobs of many baby boomers, and the choices about your 401(k) and workplace retirement accounts you could be facing if you're in that situation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stores are crowded with people that have a plan to find the best deals on Black Friday and throughout the Christmas season. Mike reveals the financial difference it could it make if someone took similar time and effort to evaluate the fees & taxes inside their portfolio. And for a few years there’s been a “sale” of sorts on tax rates. Mike explains what to keep in mind based on the latest tax debate from Capitol Hill. Plus, he breaks down what the talking heads are predicting about the technology sectors of the market through the end of 2021.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After we share what Mike and some of our listeners are grateful for, we discuss how the Thanksgiving turkey, pies and sides are expected to cost more compared to last year. Find out Mike’s insight as to whether this is an isolated price spike due to the supply chain problems, or if we need to prepare for more inflation in 2022. Plus, as 2021 winds down, Mike shares year-end moves to consider and tips for those who need to take out RMDs.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Wall Street doing so well for so long makes you happy and nervous all at once, this episode is a must listen. Mike explores if these ongoing highs are happening for the right reasons, and what to consider if you’re currently lacking investing confidence. We also discuss the current pain at the pump, and what to consider concerning commodities and your portfolio. Plus, how Mike is helping one of his clients navigate what to do with their workplace retirement accounts since a vaccine mandate has put them out of work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After discussing how one business has found an interesting way to motivate teenagers to excel in school and help the labor shortage, we focus on cryptocurrency and trying to control the natural emotions of investing in general. Plus, Mike explains how better uncover if your investment fees are appropriate for what you’re receiving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike isn’t “woke,” but some economists are concerned that “wokeness” is negatively impacting our economy. If that worries you too, listen as Mike highlights what to keep in mind regarding inflation, the market, and ongoing supply and demand concerns. It’s not just about today’s impact. You need to know how these issues can affect your bottom line in the future. He then explains how he’s helped a few small business owners prepare to retire on their terms during this unchartered economic time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Mike’s 9-year-old fills us in about a rare penny that could be worth $20,000, Mike explains how and why deflation could be the next risk investors face. Plus, with William Shatner at age 90 becoming the oldest person to “gaze into the final frontier” on Blue Origin’s space flight, Mike tells a fascinating story about how one of his clients is doing to push his own limits in retirement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the holiday season approaches, you’ll appreciate Mike sharing his own Christmas Vacation tree moment that happened with his family. Then we uncover why you might be paying more for December decorations this year. Plus, the NFL added a new taunting penalty this season that caught some fans off guard. Mike clarifies why it’s critical that your advisor continuously update you about ongoing retirement rule changes. Football players with padded paychecks paying a penalty is one thing… but Mike is passionate about you being informed and guarding your nest egg against unnecessary financial penalties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a few uncomfortable conversations we inevitability face: When we were young, we all dreaded mom and dad explaining the birds and bees.

After some lighthearted chat about the latest fake food for sale, Mike gets very real about the most recent economic numbers, volatility and how it could possibly impact our retirement accounts. Considering the similarities between stocks now and the markets of 1999, 2007 and 1929, Mike spotlights what he’s seeing: Disappointing jobs numbers, a real estate bubble, overbought markets and some businesses slowing down as stimulus spending decreases. If you’re contemplating keeping money one the sidelines, this is a must listen to episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike and Kristen discuss how the current news cycle is impacting the financial plans of average investors, by hearing from a few average investors. Find out the bubbles you should be focused on instead of the top headlines, and why. And you may have heard that the current labor shortage has created Americas’ “Great Resignation.” If you’re part of this group and contemplating retiring early or moving to a better position, Mike explains why it’s important that you don’t leave your workplace retirement accounts behind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Americans are squeezing in one last summer getaway this Labor Day weekend. Whether traveling for fun or business, most of us have asked to check-in early or check-out late of a hotel. It was usually simple. If they could accommodate, they’d happily help you out. Those days could come to an end, because one player in the hotel industry is experimenting with a new tactic: Charging for early and late check-outs along with other basic amenities. Yep, just like the airlines there could be more fees adding up! This week we not only pass along what to watch out for, but Mike breaks down the fees you should be aware of regarding your investments. He also reveals the new government rules that could impact certain decisions about your 401(k). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opinions are plentiful in 2021, but this episode is focused on what to consider based on known financial facts. For example, with American household debt increasing, Mike addresses a common question: Should we be debt free before we stop working?  Plus, with so many headlines regarding Afghanistan, COVID and vaccinations… Mike spotlights what people typically say causes them to toss and turn at night regarding their money, what to consider moving forward with your investments, and how to take a step back and focus on what’s within our control. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember when “New Coke” was introduced in 1985? Consumers were so outraged that within 77 days Coca-Cola Classic was reintroduced. Today, there are a lot of new ways to invest money compared to previous generations. Mike answers a few questions many are wondering: Should investors stick with what they know? Or investigate some of the newer options available like bitcoin, meme stocks and NFT’s? Plus, he shares his outlook for wall street for the rest of 2021 and explains why preparing for the unknown should start now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Biden’s Americans Rescue Act expanded the Child Tax Credit significantly, and families across America recently started receiving monthly checks in their bank accounts. Mike explains how this might affect you financially even if you didn’t receive any the cash. Plus, CBS News found that 4 out of 10 Americans are considering a job change in the next year. If you’re part of that club, listen to find out how you could possibly miss out on making more off your retirement accounts if leave a 401(k) behind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever think about all of the JK’s, BTW’s and ROFL’s you see or send? Since we do almost everything online or on our phones, acronyms have become a social norm. We have a little fun at Mikes expense testing his “wokeness” (as the kids say) of day-to-day abbreviations. Then he enlightens us on the investing acronyms that sometimes puzzle investors. Plus, what we really need to focus on concerning our retirement accounts. Find out the answers to some FAQs, because you can never have TMI about money.

While we’re quickly moving through 2021, Mike unveils the steps investors should consider for a midyear financial checkup. Plus, Vanguard says most retirement savers are sticking to “vanilla” retirement plans. In a world filled with headlines about meme stocks, bitcoin, inflation and tax concerns... find out if the “vanilla” option is good for you in this current market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fed Chief signaled that interest rate hikes could happen in 2023, then another Fed official says it may be as soon as 2022. It’s not only puzzling to many Americans, in June it prompted the worst sell-off on Wall Street since the fall of 2020. Considering that and the concern over rising taxes, Mike simplifies what these issues could mean for your portfolio and the future of your retirement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.