Ed's Edge: Recent Episodes
Ed Meek
Ed's Edge is a podcast for the regular Joe and Jane investor who aspires to live a life of freedom and generosity. Ed Meek helps investors with simple financial behaviors that grow their assets over time. Ed's edge gives listeners a financial edge to live the life they've always wanted. Save more, live better.
If you're a small business owner or independent contractor with a high income and you're tired of paying excessive taxes, this podcast is for you! We explore the little-known, IRS pre-approved, retirement strategy known as the Defined Benefit Plan. Defined Benefit Plans can significantly reduce your tax burden and accelerate your retirement timeline, potentially saving you more than you ever thought possible. If you qualify, this strategy could mean tens of thousands of dollars returned to you, from the IRS, each year.
As a small business owner or self-employed individual, managing your daily operations alone can be a burden. You may have thought about retirement and saved a bit, but with retirement just five to fifteen years away, you might worry that you've reinvested too much in your business and haven't saved enough. The Defined Benefit Plan is designed for high-income earners like you to help catch up on retirement savings and secure your financial future. Tune in to learn how this plan how this plan works and the intricacies of managing it!
Ed’s Food for thought:
Chocolate sauce recipe
· 2 tablespoon butter
· 1/2 bar unsweetened chocolate
o Baker’s - for the regular version
o Ghirardelli Premium - for the decadent version
· 1 cup granulated sugar
· 2/3 cup of carnation evaporated milk
1 - Bring water to a boil and then lower it some to medium.
2 - Put butter and chocolate on top of the double broiler. On the bottom of the double broiler, put half to one inch of water.
3 - Set the top of the double broiler on top of boiling water. Stir chocolate and butter until it's liquid
4 - Stir sugar into the liquid. Once it gets too thick, slowly stir a little bit of the Carnation milk into the liquid. Then stir more sugar in until it gets too thick. Repeat the process with the Carnation milk until both ingredients are in.
5 - Once it's all in and liquid continue to stir until it thickens.
In this episode of Ed’s Edge, Ed and James discuss the importance of being proactive with managing your taxes both now and in the future. They share strategies that can benefit you in years of lower taxable income as well as strategies that can be used in years of higher taxable income. Ed & James explain the benefits of these strategies and what to consider before using them to optimize your tax situation over the long run.
In this episode, Ed and James are joined by Charitable Giving expert, Parissa Zargar, a Charitable Planning Consultant & Digital Regional Director for Fidelity Charitable®. Ed, James, and Parissa discuss the benefits of using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) for charitable giving purposes, and some common strategies that these funds are often used for.
Parissa explains what a DAF is along with the pros & cons, common strategies, and when a Donor Advised Fund makes sense for you. You will learn how to take advantage of additional benefits when it comes to Charitable Giving and how you can use these strategies to put yourself in a better position going forward.
In this two-part episode, we explore some of the key benefits of using structured notes to generate income and growth in your investment portfolio, particularly as you prepare for and enter retirement.
Join us as we delve deeper into the world of structured notes and explore how they can be leveraged to generate income, protect your portfolio, and achieve your financial goals, whether you’re in the accumulation phase or transitioning into retirement.
Growing your portfolio while managing risk is essential throughout your financial life. We introduce structured growth notes as an alternative investment that can help you achieve this goal:
Provides downside protection to safeguard your portfolio during market downturns
Offers additional growth potential to help your portfolio keep pace with inflation and achieve your long-term financial objectives
Structured growth notes can be used to grow and stabilize your investment portfolio over time
Growing your portfolio without taking unnecessary risk is important across all phases of your financial life. Today we talk about an alternative investment that provides downside protection as well as additional growth. Join us as we discuss the benefits of using structured growth notes to grow and stabilize an investment portfolio over time.
www.edgefa.com
Producing income from your portfolio can be key as you transition into the retirement phase of your life. Today we talk about an alternative investment that offers a steady income stream while providing downside market protection. Structured income notes are used in many of our clients’ portfolios, and we see major benefits in the added stability and increased yield.
www.edgefa.com
In this episode, Ed and James are joined by insurance expert, Finny Rajchel, the President of the Finny Rajchel Office of State Farm with over 34 years of experience in the insurance industry. Ed, James, and Finny discuss the importance of evaluating your insurance policies and needs, to make sure they are aligned with your ever-changing financial situation. Finny explains how insurance companies have changed their policies since COVID, the most important things to look for in a home or auto policy, what is NOT covered by these types of policies, and real-life examples of Umbrella liability insurance. You will learn how to put yourself in a better position when it comes to property & casualty insurance, as well as to make informed decisions that align with your unique situation. Finny's Website: www.finnyrajchel.comEdge's Website: www.edgfa.com
In this episode of Ed's Edge, Ed & James breakdown the most common financial myths that are holding you back. They cover everything from the correct way to build wealth and the Latte Effect, to Social Security running out. You will learn the truth about these common misconceptions and how they could be affecting your lifestyle.
www.EdgeFA.com
In this episode, Ed and James are joined by insurance expert, Bruce Hersch, the President of Smart Money Financial with over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. Ed, James, and Bruce discuss the importance of a Long-Term Care policy and how it can de-rail your financial future if not planned for.
Bruce provides guidance on what Long Term Care insurance is, who can benefit from it, and when to start looking for a policy. You will come away with a well-rounded understanding of long-term care insurance and actionable insights on making informed decisions that align with your financial plan.
In this episode, Ed & James discuss what we can and can't control relating to the stock market, taxes, social security, and more. You will gain practical information about managing your finances and how to plan for your future.
www.edgefa.com
In this episode of Ed's Edge, Ed and James discuss the importance of balancing money, time, and health to live a fulfilling life. They draw inspiration from the wisdom of Warren Buffett and the Dalai Lama, highlighting the dangers of sacrificing health for wealth and the importance of living in the present. Ed and James share personal stories and insights to emphasize the need for a balanced approach to money and life.
In this episode, Ed and James are joined by real estate expert, Dave Swanson, a realtor at John Greene with over 20 years of experience. Dave provides a background of the housing market in recent years, discusses what you need to consider before buying a home, and the steps to take when you are ready to purchase a home.
You will come away with a well-rounded understanding of the real estate market and actionable insights on making informed decisions that align with your financial plan. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate the real estate market with confidence.
Dave Swanson: https://www.johngreenerealtor.com/Dave-Swanson
Edge Financial Advisors: www.edgefa.com
Join experienced financial advisors, Ed and James, as they discuss the world of finance, sharing their personal experiences and observations from their clients' financial behaviors. With decades of experience under their belts, they discuss the most common financial mistakes that people often make, providing real-life examples and expert insights to help you avoid these pitfalls.
In this episode, they explore everything from the costly mistake of overpaying taxes, discussing how this can occur and the impact it can have on your financial health, to the importance of having proper insurance coverage, highlighting the potential consequences of insufficient protection and how to ensure you're adequately covered.
Whether you're looking to save, invest, or simply gain a better understanding of your financial habits, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and advice. Tune in now and equip yourself with the knowledge and mindset to avoid common financial mistakes and thrive in your financial journey.
Ed's Food for Thought: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12965-spaghetti-carbonara
Website: www.EdgeFA.com
Inheritance can be a game-changer, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Join us as we delve into the nitty-gritty of handling an inheritance responsibly, from navigating tax implications to creating a legacy that goes beyond just financial assets.
www.EdgeFA.com
In this episode of Ed's Edge, Ed and James embark on a journey through the intricate landscape of financial planning. As seasoned financial planners, they unravel the complexities and bring you a digestible discussion on the fundamental question: What is Financial Planning?
Join Ed and James as they break down the five pillars of financial planning, offering insights, anecdotes, and practical tips to help you navigate the often daunting world of personal finance.
Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting to dip your toes into the realm of financial planning, this episode will provide you with valuable takeaways that can empower you to make informed decisions about your money. Tune in, buckle up, and get ready to embark on a journey towards thriving financially, with Ed and James as your trusty guides!
www.edgefa.com
In this insightful conversation between Ed and James, they delve into the topic of transitioning to retirement. Ed and James explore a range of valuable tips to help individuals address both financial and non-financial concerns as they approach this significant life stage. From financial planning discussions to considerations about maintaining a fulfilling and purposeful lifestyle, these ideas should help provide to a happy next chapter. Whether it's securing one's financial future or finding new passions and interests, Ed and James offer practical examples from clients they’ve worked with to help people embark on this exciting journey with confidence and peace of mind.
www.edgefa.com
Join Ed and James for a 20-minute journey into the fascinating world of money, where they delve into the most valuable lessons about your financial behavior and mindset. Ed and James have decades worth of experience working with clients and share the most commonly forgotten lessons. In this episode, they explore relatable real-life scenarios and expert insights that help you make smarter decisions with your money. Whether you're aiming to save, invest, or simply gain a better understanding of your relationship with finances, this podcast equips you with the knowledge and mindset to thrive in your financial journey. Tune in now and pave your way to financial success!
We've all heard of the common financial tips on how to build wealth. Examples are to within our means and put money aside for our retirement, just to name a few. But what about when we've built up a solid nest egg and are close to needing to live off of it? In this podcast episode, we discuss how different the financial game is when we are close to the finish line, sharing our tips on what to consider at this stage of life.
Have you ever heard from someone that everything will be great in the world and not to worry? Be honest...are you likely to either shrug them off or offer a skeptical eye? Conversely, hearing you are in danger and that person has your undivided attention. These natural tendencies stem back to thousands of years ago in how we operate as human beings. When we use this behavior with our investing decisions, we are playing with fire. In this podcast episode, we discuss exactly why we are "seduced" by pessimistic news and how you can separate facts in the market from your own feelings.
The Defined Benefit Plan is a pre-approved retirement plan solely for business owners or self-employed individuals who want to take advantage of massive tax savings each year in order to accelerate their retirement. We discussed exactly what this plan is in our first podcast episode, but we realize there are still many outstanding questions. For example, what are the limitations? How flexible is the plan? More broadly, what exactly is one getting themselves into by utilizing this plan? In part 2 of the Defined Benefit Plan podcast, we discuss those outstanding questions, highlighting exactly how the plan works for those that qualify.
If you are a small business owner or independent contractor with a high income who is tired of paying the government too much in taxes, you need to watch this! This little-known, IRS pre-approved retirement plan called The Defined Benefit Plan, can save you more in taxes than you thought was possible and help accelerate your retirement timeline. In this first episode, we provide an overview of the plan and discuss how it could help you.
One of our clients who recently implemented the plan said "Instead of writing a check for $40,000, I am now receiving a refund." That’s right, money back from the IRS. If you qualify, this strategy could mean tens of thousands of dollars back every year!
Have you ever been a victim of fraud or identity theft? Or perhaps you know a close family member or friend who was? Chances are you have. In this episode, we want to share our best tips to help you protect your assets from cyber-attacks.
With the market certainly being very volatile this year, there’s a common misconception that the market has now become in fact, risky. In this podcast episode, we address the true difference between risk and volatility, including why it is so important to separate the two concepts.
With the market continuing to stay volatile, we wanted to bring to your attention an alternative investment that aims to protect against market downturns while still allowing plenty of upside potential. These investment vehicles, called structured notes, are in use for many of our clients already and we are seeing them work very well during times like these. This episode seeks to help you better understand what structured notes are and how they work.
We’ve officially entered a bear market, and the word recession is dominating news headlines. How bad is it? And why is this happening? Furthermore, what should you do to make sure you are in fact, taking advantage of this bear market? In this episode, we talk through the Bear Market Playbook, a proven plan created to help ensure you are strategizing appropriately and putting yourself in a position to best maximize your wealth during times of uncertainty.
When you’ve worked hard and your nest egg more than covers your financial goals, you may also want to provide financially for your loved ones. In this episode, we dive into the details of gifting and discuss three key questions you should ask yourself when considering making a financial gift.
When the stock market takes a dip, it’s hard to ignore the fear that “the sky is falling.” However, investors are well-served when they can harness their emotions and stick to their plan. In this episode, we will review three important principles to cling to during a market downturn.
When it comes to setting goals, financial goals can be among the hardest to identify, set, and measure. Even within the same household, everyone has a different idea of what it means to set a “money goal.” In this episode, we discuss how to best approach goals regarding our financial needs, wants, and wishes.
Please join us for our first ever video podcast where we will take a deep dive into a key aspect of financial planning: 401(k)s. We explore the important features of 401ks, how they’re different from IRAs, and what this all means for you.
When attempting to understand the world of cryptocurrency, it is vital to understand what is arguably it’s most important component: blockchain. In this episode we are joined by Mike Venuto and Dan Weiskopf, co-managers of the Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK), who share their expertise regarding blockchain, how it works, and its potential influence on the future of global trade.
Cryptocurrency. You’ve heard about it, maybe you even own some, but…what is it? In today’s episode we are joined by special guest Tom Aagaard of Amplify ETFs, who helps us provide answers to some of the most common questions about crypto. We also attempt to dive deeper into some of the more mysterious elements of this exciting new asset class.
As any parent will tell you, the wellbeing of their children is always at the forefront of their mind. We worry about their future. We worry about how to set them on the right course so that they can have the life we’ve always wanted for them. It’s an unfortunate reality that our school system does not make financial literacy a priority, and as parents we often shy away from having uncomfortable conversations about wealth and money with our kids.
So, how can we communicate with our children about money in a way that we can feel confident about? In Episode 17 “Talking With Your Kids About Money” we’ll give you a playbook to help teach your kids about this important topic. Take a listen!
You know interest rates are very low, and you’ve heard the rumors. They are expected to rise in the future. So what does this really mean for YOU, your investments, and the bonds you own? We’ve got your back.
In our latest podcast episode, we bring in our market experts to discuss the risks currently facing the bond market and what we’re telling our clients to do with the bonds they hold in their portfolios.
Join us today as we help provide some education and language around the financial pillars that deserve some TLC in your life and who to seek out if you determine that you need an extra hand.
Whoever you may share financial responsibility with whether it be your partner, your child, your parent, or someone else close to you, understanding their Money Mind is pertinent to having a healthy and harmonious relationship with one another. Similar to love languages, it is not detrimental to communicate using different languages, it’s just a matter of understanding, respecting, and working with each other so that nothing becomes lost in translation.
If you haven’t taken the free Money Mind quiz yet to find out for yourself, click here.
Give yourself ONLY 3 seconds to answer this question - If you were given $500 today, what would you do with it?
How you answer that question reveals your instinctive, gut reaction when it comes to decision-making around money and the true nature of your relationship with it. Understanding this is the key to constructively moving towards a healthy financial wellbeing. Better yet, if you have a partner and or a family, understanding their instinctive behavior around money will provide insight and direction on how you can positively approach your decisions around money as a team. Join us today as we discuss how you can discover this on your own.
We all know SOS as a universal call for help but here’s a fun fact - it isn’t a phrase with abbreviated words as you might have assumed, it’s Morse code! We took this as an opportunity to assign a meaning to it that’ll hopefully help you draw some neglected attention back to planning your financial future – Structure, Organize, & Simplify.
The more complex our financial lives can get, the more we desperately require some tools to help us wrap our minds and hands around preparing for our financial future. In this podcast, we discuss the incredibly important and often avoided area of our financial life, preparing your estate. Virtually no one is comfortable thinking about the future with you no longer apart of it, but it is so vital to step out of that discomfort to ensure you take the burden off of your loved ones when the time comes.
It has finally arrived with an underwhelming entrance…2021.
Creating a list of New Year's resolutions, during this year especially, feels like a worn out & cliché concept that paralyzes many of us. We feel pressure to accomplish new goals in the new year while simultaneously lacking motivation to accomplish them. For many of us, financial goals often fall first victim to this mental hurdle. If you find yourself dodging your finances this year - sit back, don’t stress, and join us in our podcast while we share a simple but powerful financial checklist to help start your year off right.
Believe it or not, 2020 is coming to an end. Uneventful year, right?
Though many of us are ready to turn the page to 2021 and start anew, don't forget to stop and look at where you stand financially to see if there are opportunities to save money in both the short and long term. We're not talking about stashing more money away, we're talking about saving more money on taxes. Join us in this podcast to take home some tax savings strategies for 2020 and even for future years.
So you did it! You are not only retired, but you are confident in your own plan to live the life you want moving forward. Throughout your retirement years there are some minor adjustments to make once your plan is in place, and we tackle them here. In this episode we talk about the best ways to PROTECT your assets. We will cover how to:
- Minimize taxes in retirement
- Know if you have the right insurance
- Take care of your loved ones upon passing
The day has finally come – your retirement date. Now what? In this second episode of our three part retirement series, we talk through all the facets of preparation that go into this long awaited transition. It’s finally time to turn away from your paycheck and turn on your faucet of income – we like to think of it like chess. There are a lot of moving pieces with tiered levels of importance that in order to win the game, must work cohesively together.
The Mortgage Boom. Our special guest today, an expert who has 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, believes that is the best term to represent the state of the industry today. Whether you or someone you know is refinancing or purchasing a home, now is a great time to do so. Join us in this episode as we discuss why rates are where they are today by taking a dive into the history of the mortgage industry and focusing on some foundational concepts that seek to educate both first time and experienced home owners.
Retirement. Whether we are near or far from it, we have been trained since we were young to keep this goal at the forefront of our minds. Though you always hear retirement being referenced as a universal goal, it can look vastly different for everyone. With our 40 years of combined experience working closely with retirees, we have observed the many implications retirement has on people’s lives each step of the way…that’s why we’ve split it into three different areas and three separate podcasts: adjustingfor retirement, adjusting at retirement, and adjusting in retirement.
In this episode, Ed and James talk openly about the challenges facing every investor during this time in human history. The task to is learn how to manage one's emotions in a volatile market.
It's what everyone can't stop talking about - the upcoming election. Not only the election, but the impact the election could have on the market. On your money. In this episode, James and I welcome on a special guest to help us make sense of it all by taking a neutral and factual look at historical trends and current research.
There's no greater financial jolt than going from two incomes to one. The expenses just keep coming, even on one income. Sometimes, families don't have a choice; divorce and death are never easy. Other times, families make the decision that one parent will stay home to raise the family. In this episode, Ed and James provide some practical help for those in this difficult transition.
It was up. And then the stock market collapsed. Now it's back up, but inevitably, the stock market will go down again. How should you as an investor think about a down market? And what should you do, if anything, when it happens again? In this episode, Ed and James offer four sound investment tips when the market is down.
In this inaugural episode of Ed's Edge, Ed Meek and James Alexander discuss three primary ways to maximize your retirement income.