The Essential Podcast: Recent Episodes
Barko Financial
Detach from the constant noise of the financial world and focus on what's essential - family, occupation, and recreation. Tommy discusses financial and life strategies you can use to essentialize your life.
Finding time to experience nature can be one of the greatest pleasures both before and during retirement. Here is some highlights, tips and inspiration from our time visiting 15 of our great National Parks.
Recession or Bear Market? 2022 is shaping up to be one of the worst starts ever for the markets. Here are our thoughts on where we are, what's ahead and 3 really great reasons to Invest anyway.
Effortless (by Greg McKeown) is the highly anticipated follow up to one of our most favorite books ever - Essentialism. How does it compare? Does it live up to the hype? Check out this essential review.
Small-business owners spend so much time and energy building their company that they often neglect their personal financial future. Are you making any of these 5 retirement planning mistakes?
Financial planning doesn't have to be overwhelming. On this episode we discuss a simplified framework built with 8 Timeless Investing Insights. Grab the free eBook: barkofinancial.com/8timelessinsights
After nearly 4 weeks of eliminating the distractions (and convenience) of a Smart Phone, we check in with Matt for an update.
The Essential Podcast is 3 years old! We end the year with a look back at some of our favorite episodes. Join us for this stroll down memory lane.
It's time for another book review (or two). On this episode, we discuss two books that deserve a spot on your reading list. Grab one to enjoy during this approaching holiday season and get ready for 2021.
Who wins? When will we find out? And how will the markets react? While our votes should reflect our personal beliefs and preferences, it's important to remember what affects markets in the long run.
Matt's new hobby is one to consider. Recreation is Essential and a hobby is a great way to manage stress while having fun. Here's one anyone can try.
You need a vacation! Here is our recommended destination for Fall 2020. Hint: The mountains are calling...
The world is noisy, filled with intense distractions and almost endless road blocks to our ability to focus. With so many things competing for our attention, these 4 tips will help.
The world is noisy, filled with intense distractions and almost endless road blocks to our ability to focus. With so many things competing for our attention, here are 4 tips to help!
Even though Presidential Elections happen every four years, they often breed uncertainty or anxiety about the financial markets and other investment matters. How should investors react to what may be a bitter campaign? Should investors fear either party winning the White House? Is it best to sit on the sidelines until the dust settles? On a short-term basis, election headlines have the power to move markets and create stock market volatility. Here are the facts.
Whether spending an evening out by the grill or smoker, or serving a perfect steak cooked indoors, here are 4 essential recipes to finish the Summer strong and kick off your Fall gatherings with delicious ease.
What else is new for 2020? A national pet shortage. True story! Here are some things to consider when adding a furry friend to your family.
Tommy talks about traveling during the pandemic and provides tips and insights from a recent road trip that covered 3 states and 5 different hotels.
Here's a short message from Tommy as you prepare to celebrate our great country this weekend!
If you've felt confused or anxious as a result of recent events, here is an action plan you can follow to regain focus, boost confidence and provide a much needed sense of control.
Life as we all knew it came to an abrupt halt. As things begin to return to "normal", consider the perspective to view this "Great Reset" as an opportunity to live a more intentional and essential life.
The CAREs Act has provided some options to access 401k and other retirement accounts in the face of historic unemployment and the COVID-19 pandemic. What are the details and what should you do?
Risk Management is Essential, and with 1 in 15 consumers falling victim to Identity Theft annually, we should be intentional to minimize our vulnerability. Here are some helpful steps you can take now.
Our brains are great at thinking and problem solving - not remembering. That's why we find ourselves often feeling forgetful and frustrated, overlooking mundane, essential or even lifesaving details. Want to know the solution? We review a book that has the answer.
Here is what you need to know about the COVID-19 stimulus bill. We discuss key provisions of the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act.
On this special edition of The Essential Podcast, we cover what you need to know about the stock market moves and the recent panic. Listen in for our perspective.
We take time out to share and discuss some of our favorite quotes and clichés. Have a listen and if you have a favorite, we'd love to hear it.
Here are 4 key financial factors you can't control. Be aware of them, and then let them go.
Retire (well) before 50 and live your best life!
This is the message of the FIRE Movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early), which is drawing interest worldwide. Is it really possible to retire so young? Or is this radical idea, also radically unrealistic? Listen in for our perspective.
The New Year can be a great time to reset, establish new goals and create habits. Are you still on track? Recent research indicates that only 8% of New Years Resolutions stick. Here are 3 keys to help you stay focused or get back on track.
Everyone needs clear retirement goals, but it’s just as important to focus on the actions that will get you to those goals. Here are 4 Essential Factors you CAN control to help you move towards those retirement savings and planning goals.
Here are 5 easy pro tips to take better photos with your phone from a very special guest, who happens to be a Professional Photographer.
Sleep. It's awesome. We discuss some little known benefits and give 6 tips to help you cultivate this hidden super power.
Be Intentionally Thankful this year withour "W5" goal setting process. In addition to enjoying family time, relaxing travel and great food, use this season to reflect and prepare for 2020.
Recreation is Essential. Prioritize and cultivate "play" for your family and friends with these suggestions.
No matter your current season of life, we should all be striving to clarify our purpose. Here are 3 keys to help unlock and identify yours.
Kids vacationing with grandparents can be a win-win. The benefits are far reaching for everyone involved, and on this episode, we discuss some tips for making it a little easier.
Ever wonder what we do all day? Hint: It's not like the movies.
We reveal a little of the day to day at Barko Financial and discuss the most difficult and most rewarding aspects of being an Advisor.
The research is in —> Optimistic people live longer! Here are 4 tips to cultivate optimism in your life and make it happier and (hopefully) longer.
Use these 3 Productivity Tips to remain focused and boost productivity in either your Personal or Professional Life.
It’s important to ask the right questions before partnering with an advisor. On this episode, we answer all 7 of the "Interview Questions" Dave Ramsey recommends you ask during the first meeting:
- What do you love about your job?
- What services do you provide clients?
- What is your investment philosophy?
- How will we communicate about my investments?
- How do you get paid?
- How will you measure and evaluate my investment performance?
- Can you tell me why the last two clients you lost stopped working with you?
The Dow recently set (another) record, closing at 27,359.16. Curious what should you do? With the market's near all-time highs, it's crucial to keep emotions in check and remain focused on your objectives. Here is some timely perspective to help identify the essentials.
There are some basic aspects of financial life that everyone should have a good handle on. We've made some of our powerful financial tools available for free because we believe everyone deserves access to them. On this episode, we discuss three key features and explain how anyone can take control and start using them now.
Wishing you a fun and safe 4th of July! Here are a few fun facts about the holiday for conversations at the family BBQ.
Traveling this summer? Here are 5 tips to help you get by with just a carry-on.
Air travel is stressful. While some stress may be unavoidable, like the long lines at security, other sources of stress, like dealing with luggage check-in and baggage claim, can be reduced. If you think checking in luggage for your two-week vacation is inescapable, think again. We discuss some ideas to help you get by with just a carry-on and by-pass the hassles (and fees) of checking in luggage.
Technology is moving fast and likely won't slow down. We consider a few everyday things that could be on their way to obsolescence. Join in for this episode and consider the possibilities with us.
Tommy read 3 really good (dare we say essential) books in 3 weeks and discusses the highlights and how they were indirectly connected. Tune in for our first Essential Reading book review!
We get a lot of financial questions. A lot. One of the most frequent is something like "what do you think about Dave Ramsey" and "do you agree with his financial philosophies?" Want to know where we stand? Have a listen.
Summer is almost here and for many folks, that means V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N. Here are two destinations to consider now and to definitely put on your "Life List."
Slavery still exists today. In this episode our chat with Brian Russo, the founder and Executive Director of EHW, is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Listen to learn the vision of EHW and then visit www.eyeheartworld.org to join the movement. Eye Heart World is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking and has roots and resources right here on the Gulf Coast.
A common question in the current economic environment, and for good reason. The causes of Recessions are often complicated, and they can be misunderstood and sometimes downright scary.
In this episode we answer these questions and more:
- What is a Recession?
- What are the 5 key Recession indicators to watch?
- How close is the next Recession? When will it occur?
What is recreation? Is it really essential? We answer these questions and provide some tips on how to create a "life list" and protect our ability to play.
A Work-Optional Lifestyle is more than a mindset. We explain what it is and how you can identify and achieve (or maintain) the Work-Optional Lifestyle you aspire to.
Season 2 is here! We're pumped for what's in store for 2019 and this season of the show. Preview what to expect as you edit your life, filter out the noise and focus on the Essentials - Family, Purpose, and Recreation.
Happy New Year! The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan. Use our Essential Planning Approach to help you identify and achieve your goals this year, and finally make those New Year's Resolutions a reality.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Barko Financial! Wishing you and your family all the joy of the season as we celebrate the greatest gift of all - Jesus!
Merry Christmas! On this episode we discuss how to tune out the noise and have an Essential Christmas. 'Tis the season!
Wishing all of our Podcast friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for you!
Do you have gratitude for today, ambition for tomorrow? Our "W5" goal setting process can help, and it all begins with being grateful for where we are and what we have accomplished.
Do you ever find yourself in the middle of the year wondering how you missed your health goals? If so, this episode is for you! We discuss tactics to reach a healthier lifestyle which is an Essential activity!
We unpack the importance of having a process to accomplish your Essential goals around Family, Occupation, and Recreation.
We spend more time planning for our vacations than we do our future. Our latest podcast episode discusses a quick fix to uncovering your future career, financial and family life goals.
We revisit and further unpack Essentialism. This time we discuss how it can improve your personal life.
We unpack what Critical Financial Events are and how they can impact your financial future.
We answer those questions we regularly receive from our clients. Ask your questions at www.barkofinancial.com/faq
Have you ever found fraudulent charges on your bank card? We did, $508 actually, this episodes outlines a process to dispute them and essential habits to monitoring your accounts.