Financial Choices Matter: Recent Episodes
Charles Scott
Weekly financial and retirement planning guidance from Scottsdale's Charles Scott of Pelleton Capital Management.
Most retirees take their required minimum distributions (RMDs) in cash without realizing there's another option that might offer more long-term value. In this episode, Charles highlights a lesser-known strategy: taking RMDs “in-kind” by moving stocks or mutual funds from a retirement account into a taxable account, without actually selling anything. It’s a tactical move that creates a new cost basis and may reduce future tax exposure.
Tune in as we cover how the strategy works, how it compares to a Roth conversion in down markets, and who’s best positioned to use it. Plus more!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📊 When it means to take RMDs “in-kind”
💡 How an in-kind distribution sets a new cost basis for your stocks
📈 Inflation on general goods vs. healthcare over the last 20 years
❗ Variable annuities: what you need to ask before signing
CONTACT ☎
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Phone: 480-513-1830
Email: info@pelletoncapital.com
Guide and Resources: https://pelletoncapital.com/ltc-resources
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Schedule a discovery call with Charles: https://pelletoncapital.com/contact-us
April was a volatile month, and if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. But how we respond in moments like this often has roots in the crashes we’ve lived through before. In this episode, Charles looks at how past market meltdowns shaped investor psychology, how today’s chaos might be leaving its own mark, and what lessons we can take with us to navigate what’s next.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 What past crashes can teach us
📊 Market whiplash: reacting to headlines vs. real trends
🚨 What happens when people forget the market always comes back
🛠️ Why diversification is your best defense in chaos
CONTACT ☎
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Phone: 480-513-1830
Email: info@pelletoncapital.com
Guide and Resources: https://pelletoncapital.com/ltc-resources
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Schedule a discovery call with Charles: https://pelletoncapital.com/contact-us
What if you could be held financially responsible for your parents' unpaid medical or long-term care bills? It’s not a theoretical question- in 25 U.S. states, filial support laws are on the books, and enforcement may be on the rise. In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles and Marc shine a spotlight on a little-known legal concept with potentially huge implications for families.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📺 Why financial media creates stress, not clarity
💭 The illusion of predictions, forecasts & outlooks
⚖️ What filial responsibility laws are and where they exist
🛡️ Modern long-term care insurance options
🧩 Why planning ahead is more important than ever
CONTACT ☎
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Phone: 480-513-1830
Email: info@pelletoncapital.com
Guide and Resources: https://pelletoncapital.com/ltc-resources
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Schedule a discovery call with Charles: https://pelletoncapital.com/contact-us
Ever wondered how members of Congress manage to grow their wealth while in office? In this episode, Charles Scott dives into the controversial topic of investing like politicians. We explore the ETFs tracking political investments- NANC and KRUZ- and unpack the historical (and sometimes shady) relationship between lawmakers and insider trading.
We'll also touch on why everyday investors might find these political ETFs fascinating (or risky). As always, this discussion is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. But it will definitely make you think…
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:20 – What are NANC and KRUZ ETFs?
2:48 – Which political portfolio performs better? The numbers so far
3:45 – Insider trading was legal for Congress?!
4:58 – The STOCK Act: Why Congress had to make a rule to stop themselves
6:24 – Why political trading ETFs exist today
7:16 – The stress of watching stock prices every day
9:06 – What does "fiduciary" really mean?
12:49 – The reality of financial sales pitches & how to vet advisors
CONTACT ☎
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Phone: 480-513-1830
Email: info@pelletoncapital.com
Guide and Resources: https://pelletoncapital.com/ltc-resources
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Schedule a discovery call with Charles: https://pelletoncapital.com/contact-us
In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles and Marc dive into the top fears that have been gripping Americans for years according to a recent Chapman University study. From fears of illness to financial instability, they break down why these concerns persist and how modern technology might be amplifying our anxieties. More importantly, they discuss how fear often influences financial decisions and why taking control of what you can manage- your financial strategy- can help bring peace of mind.
Then, Charles tackles a listener's question about rebalancing investment portfolios. Is it really necessary, or is it just an arbitrary financial ritual? Tune in to hear Charles' unique take!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:06 – The fear of corrupt government officials
5:01 – Media and information overload
9:57 – The fear of running out of money
11:57 – Listener question on rebalancing
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 74% of retired Americans have enough money to live comfortably- and no, you don’t need to be a millionaire to get there. But there are some mistakes you can actively avoid to steer your financial future in the right direction. In today’s conversation, Charles and Marc will cover 6 retirement blunders that successful American millionaires tend to avoid.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:35 – Investing too conservatively in retirement
4:13 – Forgetting about healthcare costs
9:38 – Spending too much on housing
12:41– Sinking too much money into a car
15:17 – Funding grown children’s lifestyles
17:49 – Mismanaging RMDs
19:32 – Listener question
Click HERE to check out the article that inspired today's show
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
In today’s episode, we’re playing a little game of what are the odds? For example, do you know the chances of being in a house fire, or having your car totaled? What about the likelihood of being hospitalized? Listen in as we break down these probabilities and compare them to the chances of having a long-term care event.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:56 – The odds you might be in a house fire
2:59 – The odds your car is totaled
3:58 – The odds of being hospitalized
5:00 – The odds of having a long-term care event
7:05 – The changing landscape of long-term care insurance
9:45 – Listener question: 401(k) income projections
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
As we wrap up the whirlwind that was 2024, many of you at home may be reflecting on the past year- both personally and as a whole. While you’re in that reflective mindset, it’s the perfect time to ask: Are your insurance policies still meeting your needs?
Join Charles as he explains the importance of an end-of-year insurance review. Whether it’s life insurance, health insurance, or long-term care insurance, it’s important to stay aware of any updates or adjustments that could impact your policies. You want to make sure that your insurance policies match up with your financial goals!
Plus, we’ll tackle a mailbag question about trying to time the market. Don’t miss this week’s insightful show!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:37 – Life insurance
2:25 – Making sure your insurance matches your legacy goals
3:52 – Long-term care
6:09 – Mailbag: why timing the market is a fool’s gambit
9:23 – Market volatility that could come with a new administration
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles recounts a time when he and Sheri helped two sisters navigate a tough financial situation. After watching one of Charles’ webinars, the sisters sought his advice after a troubling annuity product was sold to them. Tune in as Charles explains how they fought for their clients' best interests, ultimately helping them get back nearly $1 million from a poor investment choice.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:52 – The tale of two sisters
7:39 – Doing the right thing
10:02 – Working with the right professional
Resources for this episode:
Finra
https://www.finra.org/
Broker Check
https://brokercheck.finra.org/
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Inflation is one of those financial topics that can feel elusive and often misunderstood. Despite recent reports showing a decline in Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers, many of us still haven’t felt any real relief when it comes to our day-to-day expenses. Why does this disconnect exist? Listen in as Charles makes it easy to grasp the impact of inflation on everyday life.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:07 – Milton Friedman’s monetary phenomenon example
4:55 – Government regulation and inflation
7:38 – Compounding effects of inflation
9:20 – Planning for inflation in retirement
Resources for this episode:
Money To Apples Charts
https://www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/EconomicResearch/2024/10/24/three-on-thursday---inflation-simplified
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Obviously, we all have to pay taxes. But, depending on income levels, some people are paying more into the system than others. In this episode, Charles breaks down exactly who is paying what, using clear charts and visuals to make it easy to understand.
This can stir up a lot of frustration, especially if you or someone you know feels they’re shouldering more (or less) of the tax burden than they should. We’ll explore the sources of these frustrations and shed light on where tax dollars come from and how they’re distributed.
There’s a lot of valuable insight in this episode that you don’t want to miss, so enjoy the show!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:43 – Who is paying what
6:15 – Where the frustration is coming from
8:32 – Working with a tax professional
10:14 – The impact of tax efficiency on retirement
Are The Wealthy Paying Their Fair Share?
https://www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/EconomicResearch/2024/10/10/three-on-thursday---are-the-wealthy-paying-their-fair-share
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Think of your financial future like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece- whether it's taxes, insurance, retirement accounts, or estate planning- represents a critical part of your financial life. Without the box cover it’s hard to know how each piece fits.
Understanding how the pieces of your financial puzzle interact is key to achieving your long-term goals. That’s why having someone to help you put it all together who understands the big picture can be incredibly beneficial.
As you listen to this episode, consider how your own financial puzzle is coming together. Do you have a clear view of the box cover? Are there pieces that don't quite fit? Tune in and let’s explore this concept together!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:58 – The key pieces of the retirement puzzle
4:21 – The risks of DIYing your retirement
6:29 – Why you should talk to a professional
8:31 – Finding the right fit
11:41– Listener question
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Long-term care is a topic that often gets swept under the rug, but it is such a critical part of retirement planning. In this week’s episode, Charles and Marc discuss an article from Investment News that highlights some interesting statistics and misconceptions surrounding long-term care. Did you know that three out of four people will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime? Despite this, only a small percentage actually have long-term care insurance.
Charles explains how many people mistakenly confuse long-term care insurance with other types of coverage, like disability or health insurance, which can lead to expensive consequences later on. Join us as we explore the realities of long-term care needs and share practical advice on how to approach this important topic with your financial advisor.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:09 – Long-term care misconceptions
5:22 – Average length of long-term care
8:13 – The importance of long-term care discussions
11:31 – Listener question about financial involvement
Resources for this episode:
Article from Investment News
https://digitaledition.investmentnews.com/articles/draining-the-pool-of-confusion-surrounding-long-term-care-insurance
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
We’ve got another listener question episode for you today! Tune in as Charles answers a few questions from podcast listeners like you. In this week’s edition, a listener named Wendy asks if it's okay to have all her 401k money invested in American Funds or if she should diversify into other investments.
Charles also tackles a question about how aggressive one’s retirement savings goals should be to retire by 60. He explains how these goals can vary depending on your retirement timeline and shares what future factors you would need to consider. While the right savings amount differs for everyone, Charles walks us through the process of setting those goals.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:07 – Wendy asks “I rolled over a 401k to an advisor a couple of years ago, and he put all the money into something called American Funds. Is that an okay fund, or should I be invested in other things as well? Kind of feels like one thing seems a little weird. What are your thoughts?”
5:07 – Tony asks “I'm 50 years old. Would like to retire before I'm 60. I'm willing to save aggressively to make that happen. How do you determine how much you’ll need to save for something like that each month?”
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
According to a recent survey by Bankrate, roughly 25% of Gen Zers and 21% of Millennials are not saving enough for emergencies. This statistic is alarming, considering that 44% of Americans said they couldn't cover a $1,000 emergency out of pocket. What’s causing this?
While some claim that inflation is to blame, Charles points out that one of the biggest obstacles to financial stability is financial illiteracy. The lack of financial education in American schools means that many young people feel ill-prepared to manage their finances. Let’s chat about creating healthy financial savings habits and what you can do to set yourself up for success.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:49 – Gen Z and Millennial saving regrets
1:59 – The importance of financial literacy
5:20 – Being responsible over your actions
8:36 – Finding financial resources and advice
Check out the Bankrate article:
https://www.bankrate.com/investing/americans-biggest-financial-regrets-survey/
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Ever had that “light bulb” moment when everything just clicks? Retirement planning is full of them. Charles has had many clients experience these moments of clarity throughout the planning process, one of which he’s going to share with us today.
If you're ready to experience your own "aha" moment and take control of your retirement planning, reach out to Charles Scott and his team at Pelleton Capital Management.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:34 – A memorable client experience
2:42 – What is the “aha” moment?
5:36 – Intellectually and emotionally owning your plan
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement
Charles frequently receives financial planning questions via email. This week, he addresses Mary's concern about her portfolio, which dropped significantly earlier this year, recovered somewhat, but is still down from its peak. Relying entirely on this money for income, Mary is considering starting Social Security earlier than planned. Stay tuned to see what Charles has to say!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:40 – Email question
1:25 – Looking at risk allocation
3:55 – Knowing what you own
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
In today's episode, we're taking it back to the basics to start 2024 on the right foot. Listen in as we cover the 5 crucial parts of financial planning. From understanding income and expenses to risk management, we'll cover the pillars that make up a comprehensive plan.
Show Notes:
0:48 - Main Topic: 5 Part To Financial Planning
2:00 - Income
4:41 - Tax Planning
8:22 - Estate Planning
11:10 - Investment Planning
14:44 - Risk Management
18:12 - Mailbag: Carl Asks About Selling Land
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
In today's episode, we're focusing on a critical aspect of retirement planning: healthcare costs. How well-prepared are you to handle medical expenses after you retire? We'll discuss everything from Medicare complexities to strategies for managing unexpected health-related expenses. Tune in as we break down the essentials of healthcare financial planning for retirees.
Show Notes:
0:45 - Main Topic: Strategic Planning for Retiree Healthcare
1:55 - Misconceptions
4:35 - Major healthcare related expenses
9:36 - Long term care insurance
13:59 - Mailbag: Jenny asks what she should do with her raise
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
There's a lot going on in the financial industry. In today's episode, Charles is going to address some of the things that are driving him crazy in the community, from the plethora of confusing financial designations to the lack of attention given to long-term care planning. At the end of the episode, Charles answers a listener question about combining finances and discusses the importance of financial communication in a relationship.
Show Notes:
1:05 - Main Topic: What’s Buggin’ Charles?
1:54 - Designations
6:11 - Not Enough Emphasis On Long Term Care Conversations
17:54 - Mailbag: Valerie Asks For Advice On Combining Finances
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Are we on the brink of a retirement renaissance or stormy seas ahead? On this episode, we jump into the pressing issues of Social Security, healthcare, taxes, stock market trends, and long-term care. Whether you're an eternal optimist or cautious pessimist, this episode will equip you with perspectives to plan your retirement years with confidence as we ask the longstanding question, “Is the glass half full or half empty?"
Show Notes:
0:55 - Main Topic: Future Of Retirement
2:49 - Long Term Care
6:37 - Longevity
9:01 - Taxes
13:38 - Stock Market
16:38 - Mailbag: Randall Asks If He Should Start Working With A Financial Advisor
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Are you nearing “retirement age?” If so, let’s explore that pivotal question you’ll soon face: Should you retire or continue working? We’ll unravel the intricacies of this decision, addressing both financial and emotional aspects, and help you find out if you’re truly ready to retire.
Show Notes:
0:32 - Main Topic: Ready Or Not Retirement
2:18 - Don’t Want To Retire
7:46 - Lack Of Confidence
11:09 - Not Enough To Retire
15:38 - Mailbag: Greg Asks If He Should Take The Pension Buyout, Or Go With The Monthly Payments
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
In this episode, we tackle the common complaints and fears about financial situations during retirement. We'll discuss which concerns are well-founded, which are based on misconceptions, and offer insight on how retirees can best navigate their financial future.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:37 - Main Topic: Retirement Planning Complaints 2:18 - Too Much Risk 4:39 - Fees Are Too High 7:50 - Social Security Won’t Be Enough To Cover My Expenses 9:08 - My Account Didn’t Do Very Well 10:57 - I Only Hear From My Advisor When They Want To Sell Me Something 13:32 - Mailbag: Brian Asks About Long Term Care Policies
It’s not just the financially uncertain who need to think carefully about their retirement plan. Even those who feel confident in their retirement savings might still have important questions to answer and decisions to make. In this episode, we'll explore the three retirement planning mindsets: those who have no idea if they can retire, those who think they have enough money to retire, and those who know for sure they have enough money to retire. We'll discuss the key considerations and next steps for each of these mindsets to help you prepare for a fulfilling retirement.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:23 - Main Topic: Unsure, Confident, or Certain: Retirement Planning Next Steps 1:59 - I Have No Idea If I Can Retire 5:11 - I Think I Have Enough Money To Retire 7:57 - I Know I Have Enough Money To Retire 9:35 - New Long-Term Care Product 14:07 - Mailbag: Laura Asks If Her Account Is Too Small For Her Financial Advisor To Care About
In the complex world of retirement planning, there are countless pitfalls one could fall into. In this episode, we've distilled it down to what we believe are the top 5 mistakes to watch out for. Avoiding these crucial missteps can have a significant impact on the success of your retirement plan. So, join us as we delve into these key issues and learn how to navigate them effectively when it's your turn to plan for retirement.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:33 - Main Topic: The 5 Biggest Money Mistakes In Retirement Planning
2:00 - Ignoring Tax Implications
5:01 - Starting Social Security Too Early
6:34 - Ignoring Long-Term Care Costs
8:24 - Update Your Plan
9:19 - Poor Communication Between Spouses
13:22 - Mailbag: Bill Is Concerned About Bank Investments
17:54 - New Long Term Care Product
Are you aware that not all retirement accounts are created equal? It's crucial to understand the purpose and advantages of each type of account to make the best choice for your future. In this episode, we'll delve into the different types of retirement accounts, including 401(k)s, IRAs, Roths, and several other examples. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each and give you insights into the purposes they serve so that you can make an informed decision. Join us and discover why understanding the purpose of these accounts is essential for securing a comfortable retirement.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:30 - Main Topic: Retirement Savings Basics
2:10 - 401(k)s, 403(b)s, & 457 Plans
3:17 - Pros Of Traditional Accounts
5:32 - IRAs
7:22 - Simple IRAs
8:16 - HSAs & FSAs
11:35 - Annuities, CDs, & Dividend Stocks
12:35 - How Do You Choose Which Account Is Right For You?
14:42 - Mailbag: Claire Asks If She Should Push Her Retirement Date Back
Are you preparing for retirement but feeling confident that you have covered all the expenses? Well, think again... It turns out that many retirees overlook some crucial expenses that can leave them financially vulnerable. In this episode, we explore the retirement expenses that most people tend to forget, including skyrocketing medical bills, unexpected travel costs, taxes, and much more. We'll discuss practical tips and strategies to help you plan for these expenses and ensure a secure and comfortable retirement.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:39 - Main Topic: Retirement Expenses For Which You Forgot To Plan
1:57 - Medical Expenses
4:50 - Unexpected Travel
6:31 - Taxes
8:20 - Housing Maintenance
9:48 - Inflation
13:26 - Mailbag: Jackson Asks How To Handle Fear Of The Market
16:05 - Upcoming Online Workshop
A million dollars is a goal that many people strive to earn for their retirement nest egg, but how far can that lump sum actually carry you? Today we will be looking at an article that breaks down how far a million dollars go in various states.
CNBC Article: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/17/states-where-1-million-dollars-retirement-savings-runs-out-fastest.html
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:34 - Main Topic: How Far Does A Million Bucks Go
1:34 - Most Expensive States
3:57 - Surprising Finds
8:38 - Why You Need To Plan
11:09 - Mailbag: Martha Asks About RMDs
16:45 - New Long Term Care Solution
Another year is upon us and it’s a great time to ask yourself 10 questions to assess how ready you are for retirement to kick off 2023. If you’re retiring this year, it’s essential to have some concrete answers to these questions. If you’re still a few years from the milestone, tune in so you can start thinking about these critical conversations.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:09 - Main Topic: Retirement Checklist
2:26 - How Much Monthly Income You Need In Retirement
4:49 - Ideal Time To Take Social Security
6:19 - Longevity Risk
8:22 - Market Volatility
9:30 - Inflation
10:48 - Tax Increases
13:37 - Healthcare Costs
14:45 - Legacy
15:57 - Current Investments
17:34 - What Do You Want Retirement To Look Like?
19:03 - Mailbag: Richards Asks If A 529 Plan Is The Best Vehicle For College Savings
22:16 - Upcoming Long Term Care Workshop
As we approach the end of the year, saving money on taxes becomes a bigger focus for many people. But let’s broaden the scope out for this particular episode and focus on some of the most common retirement planning questions about taxes. We’ll talk about mistakes to avoid and how a proper plan can make a significant difference in someone’s tax savings.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:45 - Main Topic: Most Common Retirement Planning Questions About Taxes
1:51 - Am I Going To Have Deductions In Retirement?
4:09 - Being In A Lower Tax Bracket In Retirement
5:26 - Are All Of My Retirement Accounts Taxed The Same?
7:15 - Bad Tax Mistake
9:20 - Tax Free Retirement
11:11 - Moving To A No Tax Income State
13:24 - Tax Planning Strategy Story
15:31 - Mailbag: Wendy Asks About The Roth Option For Her 401(k)
17:01 - Upcoming Online Workshops
Too many folks misunderstand bonds, how they work, and what role they play in a proper financial plan. We’ll address some of those bond related issues on today’s show.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:41 - Main Topic: How Bonds Work
1:39 - Basics Of Bonds
2:22 - Individual Bond Vs Bond Fund
6:57- Target Date Funds
7:42 - Should You Move To Bonds For Safety?
9:06 - Mailbag: Kevin Asks About Company Stock
11:41 - Upcoming Online Workshops
It’s been said that “the sales brochure giveth and the fine print taketh away.” On this episode, we’ll talk about some of the things we hear from people when they don’t pay enough attention to the fine print.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:38 - Main Topic: Fine Print
4:03 - Increase On Long Term Care Insurance
5:42 - High Fees On Annuity
7:03 - Mutual Fund Performance
8:40 - Life Insurance Increase
10:23 - REITs
13:57 - Mailbag: Elizabeth Asks What To Do With Her Inheritance Money
There are plenty of decisions that you’ll make in the retirement planning process that can’t be undone, so you want to make sure that you make the right call. On this episode, we’ll explain why these decisions are so important and can’t be undone.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:35 - Main Topic: Irreversible Financial Decisions
1:29 - Social Security
4:30 - Spousal Benefits For A Pension
6:01 - Getting Life Insurance
8:59 - Choosing A Retirement Date
10:57 - Mailbag: Grace Asks About Keeping Finances Separate In A Marriage
14:06 - Upcoming Webinar
There are many things that we know we’ll have to deal with in retirement, we just don’t know how to predict when or to what degree. How do you construct a plan that deals with the unpredictability of these different factors?
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:50 - Webinar
2:21 - Main Topic: Planning For Retirement’s Uncertainties
2:47 - Be Flexible
4:14 - Longevity
5:32 - Interest Rates Going Up
7:18 - Future Tax Rates
10:52 - How Do We Plan For These Items?
12:26 - Social Security
15:37 - Stock Market Returns
17:30 - Inflation
22:27 - Mailbag: Jim Asks About Where He Can Save Money For Retirement
Being a good advisor isn’t about winning a popularity contest or just saying the same things that everyone else in the industry says. It’s about giving the best advice that you can for each individual situation. On today’s show, we’re going to peel back the curtain to discuss some areas where a good financial advisor’s opinions might go against the grain with mainstream ideas in the industry.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:43 - Webinar
2:08 - Main Topic: Against The Grain
4:11 - Appropriate Amount Of Risk
6:00 - Appropriate Use Of Life Insurance
8:09 - How To Handle Debt
9:27 - Paying Off The House
11:11 - Annuities
12:25 - Mutual Funds
14:13 - How Much Cash Should You Have?
16:17 - Mailbag: Carrie Asks If It’s Okay To Use Commissions For Her Retirement Savings
Finding yourself between jobs can be frustrating—whether you were fired, laid off, or just had to step away of your own choosing. But it can also present some opportunities. Let’s discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that you need to consider if you’re between jobs.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:33 - Main Topic: Financial Planning Considerations When You’re In Between Jobs
3:00 - Career Change
4:07 - Self Employment
6:37 - Health Insurance
9:00 - Rolling Over Your 401(k)
10:34 - Severance Package
14:04 - Taxes
16:48 - Mailbag: Rita Asks If She Needs A Financial Advisor
Going through a divorce at any age is difficult, but doing it near or in retirement adds all sorts of additional complications. On this episode, we’ll talk about some of the financial mistakes we see people make in the midst of a divorce.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:41 - Being a certified divorce planner
2:37 - Choosing the house as a safety blanket
5:37 - The tax implications of retirement funds
7:28 - Qualified domestic relations order
11:11 - Going to a single tax status
13:56 - Mailbag: Should I load up on stocks?
18:48 - Join us at future webinars!
In some ways, retirement planning was easier for past generations. Let’s explore how a good financial advisor helps people overcome the additional challenges of today. Our parents and grandparents may not have had to face these things, so just relying on the experiences of family members might not be enough to help us achieve our own financial success.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:07 - Main Topic: Retirement Planning Ain’t What It Used To Be
2:00 - Pensions
5:30 - Living Longer
8:54 - Interest Rates
11:49 - Too Much Information
14:45 - Mailbag: Marty Asks When He Should Get Back Into The Market
18:49 - Upcoming Workshops
On this episode, we’ll try to pick sides of some important financial debates. From bonds to life insurance, credit card debt to starting Social Security, we’ll propose several different topics to see which sides of the debates you and your advisor should probably fall on.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:09 - Main Topic: Important Financial Decisions
1:46 - Paying Off The House
6:01 - Life Insurance
8:19 - Deferring Taxes
11:11 - Credit Cards
13:18 - Start Social Security As Soon As Possible
15:56 - Mailbag: Buddy Asks How To Fill Medicare Time Gap
17:49 - Upcoming Workshops
Student loan forgiveness is a hot topic of discussion right now. Many people fear the cost of something like this and the lessons it will teach the younger generation, while others argue the cost of higher education is exorbitant and we need to extend help for those who have a lot of debt. There are both pros and cons to each side that we will be discussing on today's show.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:00 - Main Topic: Potential Student Loan Forgiveness
3;19 - Lessons Learned
7:37 - Boost In GDP
9:12 - Getting A Plan
11:11 - Knee Jerk Reactions
13:48 - Mailbag: Janice Asks About Finding The Right Advisor
17:36 - Workshops & Webinars
Healthcare can be one of the biggest expenses in retirement and it keeps steadily increasing. We will look at some statistics and numbers as it relates to paying for healthcare and how to plan for these costs.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:23 - Main Topic: The Rise Of Healthcare Costs
4:17 - Medicare Premiums
6:10 - Early Retirement
8:06 - Social Security Percentage
9:04 - How To Combat Rising Costs
13:05 - Mailbag: Ross Asks About Tax Implications When Selling An Inherited House
Sure, life insurance is one of the more boring topics to cover on a podcast. And a lot of what you hear is going to warn you why you should NOT get various types of life insurance. But our goal on this episode is to focus on the positive and analyze the reasons why you should get life insurance, or at least consider it. Many people think that once the kids are out of the house, you don’t need insurance anymore. But there are some other reasons why life insurance can be a useful part of your retirement plan.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:32 - Main Topic: Why You Should Consider Life Insurance
2:54 - Income Replacement
4:37 - Tax-Free Income
8:40 - Long Term Care Coverage
10:05 - Second Topic: American Retirement Statistics
10:52 - Retirement Age & Income
11:57 - Life Expectancy
14:12 Long Term Care
18:23 - Mailbag: Catherine Asks For Advice On Investing A Lump Sum Of Money
There are some important terms you’re going to come across as you prepare for retirement. Having a basic understanding of these will help you achieve financial success, so we’ll cover what they mean and what you should know on today’s episode. And don’t worry. We won’t go quite so far down the rabbit hole where we expect you to be able to explain how a company’s P/E ratio meshes with it’s Alpha and Beta ratings to determine how much stock you should buy.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:24 - Main Topic: Financial Jargon
2:00 - Fiduciary
3:50 - Volatility
5:29 - Risk Tolerance
6:27 - Dollar Cost Averaging
8:26 - Asset Allocation
10:22 - Second Topic: Common Housing Questions
10:50 - Does It Make Sense To Pay Off The House?
12:22 - Signing It Over To A Family Member
15:17 - Reverse Mortgage
17:08 - Mailbag: Tracy Asks What To Do If You’re Too Scared To Put A Plan Together
It does seem like anyone can call themselves a financial advisor these days. So how can you sort through the different levels of qualification in the industry? On this episode, we’ll try to explain some of the most common designations you’ll encounter on your financial planning journey.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:18 - Main Topic: Financial Jargon
2:04 - IAR & RIA
4:28 - Different Licenses
8:23 - College Degree
10:51 - Mailbag: Doug Asks How 401(k) Rollovers Work
13:57 - What’s Buggin’ Charles?
Most people, when trying to plan their retirement, have to guess about the answers to some important questions. Let’s talk about some of those questions and why you need to have a better answer than just a guess.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:21 - In The News: Inflation
7:24 - Main Topic: Guessing In Retirement
7:43 - How Much Money Will We Need Monthly In Retirement?
9:36 - Emergency Fund
12:05 - Plan For Inflation
14:30 - Healthcare Costs
16:58 - Mailbag: George Asks About Diversification In His IRA
We all should realize that planning for retirement is relatively complex. There are a lot of different moving parts and factors to consider. Adjusting any of these variables can impact the end result. But is there one part of the retirement planning process that’s most important? We’ve assembled several opinions on the topic from across the internet. Let’s see if the advice hits the mark or needs further exploration.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:12 - Main Topic: Most Important Parts Of Retirement Planning
2:41 - Start Now
3:50 - Risk Tolerance
5:47 - How To Make Your Retirement Fulfilling
7:49 - Sam Asks About A Life Insurance Strategy
10:09 - Charles Explains His Newest Certification
Some people feel that they’ll save money by handling their investments themselves instead of working with an advisor. Others may like the challenge of doing it themselves. Still others just don’t know who to trust so they end up not working with anyone. Let’s talk about some reasons that you might need an advisor.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:37 - Main Topic: Who Even Needs A Financial Advisor?
2:15 - You’re A Procrastinator
4:31 - You Have No Idea What To Do
7:07 - You Want To Enjoy Retirement
9:33 - Mailbag: Vicky Asks If She Should Split Her Retirement Assets
13:03 - Charles Is Now A Certified Dementia Practitioner
At the beginning of every year, people love to make predictions and prognostications about what’s going to happen to the economy in the coming months. Let’s take a look at what the “experts” are saying about the economic outlook of 2022.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:03 - In The News: San Francisco Suspended The City’s Cannabis Tax
4:53 - Main Topic: 2022 Predictions
5:16 - Inflation
7:32 - GDP Forecast
11:29 - Mailbag: Steve Asks If It’s Wise For His Mom To Sign Over Her House To Him
15:05 - Mailbag: Laura Asks About Early Retirement Considerations
Time for a little fun on this episode. We’ll use some fill in the blank prompts to spark good discussion about relationships between advisors and their clients, the stock market, common planning mistakes, and much more!
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:15 - Main Topic: Fill In The Blank
1:30 - The Best Way To Be Sure You Don’t Run Out Of Money?
2:49 - The Stock Market Has The Ability To?
4:36 - First Time Clients Are Mostly Worried About?
6:15 - Most Common Mistake?
8:28 - The Most Gratifying Part Of The Job?
11:09 - Mailbag: Cliff Asks How Much Company Stock Is Too Much
13:12 - Mailbag: Rebecca Asks How To Stay Motivated When Saving For Retirement
This is part 2 to our resolutions for 2022. See if you might be able to implement a couple of these to kick off the new year in good, financial health.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:20 - Check Your Credit
4:00 - Check Your Fees
6:36 - Share Your Knowledge
8:49 - Donation Opportunities
10:52 - Review Your Tax Bracket
13:13 - Ask If A Roth Conversion Is Right For You
14:48 - Update Your Paycheck Withholdings
15:52 - Rebalance Your Portfolio
16:56 - Plan Your Transition To Retirement
19:02 - Consolidate Accounts
20:25 - Listen To More Episodes Of This Podcast
You might not be able to follow through on all 22 of these resolutions, but implement even just a few of these and you’ll be well on your way to a more prosperous financial life in the coming year. We will go over the first 11 resolutions on today's show.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:34 - Main Topic: 22 Resolutions For 2022
2:24 - Reduce Your Debt
3:50 - Boost Your Retirement Savings
5:15 - Emergency Fund
6:18 - Don’t Overreact To Headlines
7:46 - Implement A Budget
9:08 - Meet With A Financial Professional
10:48 - Check Beneficiary Designations
12:24 - Have Tough Conversations
13:54 - Audit Your Insurance
15:19 - Refinancing Your Mortgage
16:44 - Get Organized
18:10 - What’s A Fiduciary?
Let’s look at the ways that some people try to cut corners in their retirement planning.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:38 - Thanksgiving
2:54 - Main Topic: Quit Cutting Corners In Financial Planning
3:33 - Getting Legal Documents In Place
6:53 - Not Getting Organized
8:57 - Avoiding Long Term Care Discussion
13:21 - Mailbag: Elizabeth Asks If She Should Rollover Her Pension Fund
16:41 - Mailbag: Mary Asks If It's Wise To Start Budgeting
To successfully complete a jigsaw puzzle, there are some strategies that you’ll want to keep in mind. And many of those same strategies apply to retirement planning.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:44 - Main Topic: Retirement Jigsaw Puzzle
2:05 - The Big Picture
3:47 - Building The Framework
5:08 - Sorting Out Your Priorities
8:30 - End Game
11:34 - Mailbag: Wade Asks About Early Retirement
16:46 - Mailbag: Vicki Asks About Working In Order To Receive The Maximum Social Security Benefit
Having a good financial plan can help you resist some of the financial temptations that the average person will face. Let’s talk about some of these common temptations that we often see people fall victim to.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:15 - Big Purchases Before Retirement
5:21 - 401(k) Match
7:39 - Deferring Taxes
11:05 - Working Until You Die
13:14 - Relying On The Government
16:28 - Not Leaving The Kids Anything
19:22 - Roy Asks For Suggestions On How To Get His Spouse More Involved With Their Finances
Make sure you’re well-versed in these retirement income planning essentials before you head off into retirement.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:47 - Planning To Retire For Decades, Not Just Years
5:35 - The Rule Of 72
6:36 - Safe Investments
8:43 - Inflation
13:23 - Being Able To Narrow Down Information
16:22 - Self-Motivated
18:33 - Time To Work On Plan
There’s an old quote that says, “Age is the price of wisdom.” Let’s talk about how that applies to the financial world.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Essentialism: https://amzn.to/3DI8Af5
Digital Minimalism: https://amzn.to/3DyHCX2
Show Notes: 2:19 - Age, Wisdom, & Information
4:52 - Things We Wished We Had Known Sooner
6:39 - Do People Tend To Worry About Finances More, Or Less When Approaching Retirement?
8:50 - Leaving A Legacy
12:18 - Mailbag: Karen Asks If She Should Use A Robo Advisor
15:42 - Summer Reading
We are back after taking a short break for the summer. We catch up with what Charles has been up to all summer. We will also break inflation down with some simple examples.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 0:42 - Summer Break
2:55 - Definition Of Inflation
5:47 - Is It Temporary?
8:29 - Dealing WIth Inflation During Retirement
11:11 - Adding Tweaks To Your Plan
13:02 - Closing Thoughts
Sometimes the easiest way to learn about something is make it really simple. Like some of the first true/false tests you might have taken in school, let’s play a round of fact or fiction to test your financial planning acuity.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:21 - How Would Charles Would Advise Warren Buffett
4:53 - Your Social Security Is Taxable
6:05 - Taxes Will Likely Be Lower in Retirement
9:05 - Term Life Insurance Is Better Than Whole Life Insurance
11:14 - Medicare Will Cover Most Of Your Needs In Retirement
13:27 - The Older We Get, We Should Shift From Stocks To Bonds
17:34 - Mailbag: Andy Asks How Much Of Your Portfolio Is It OK To Have In One Stock
By ignoring the simplest fixes in your financial plan, you could be setting yourself up for a potential disaster. Don't wait until it's too late to make these changes.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:16 - Charles Shares His Picks For March Madness On The Men’s And Women’s Sides
3:04 - The Risk Of Having Out Of Date Legal Documents
5:06 - Not Correcting Beneficiary Designations
7:35 - Avoiding Tax Problems Of The Future
11:00 - Not Having A Plan For Long-Term Care Expenses
14:27 - Getting To Know You: What Is The Luckiest Thing That Has Ever Happened To You?
Let’s step into the classroom again to cover some financial buzzwords. Are these important to know? What are they? How do they impact you? We’ll answer those questions and more as we always look to educate you a little bit on the show.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:16 - Getting To Know: Favorite Restaurant?
3:07 - Main Topic: The Financial Dictionary
3:19 - The Go-Go Years
4:55 - The High-Yield Bond/Junk Bond
7:08 - Index Fund
9:36 - Mailbag: Erin Asks About Financial Advisors Who Works Exclusively With High Net Worth Clients
We often see people making certain assumptions about retirement that just aren’t correct. Let’s explore some of those on today's show.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:07 - Headline: General Motors Selling Only Electric Vehicles By 2035
4:42 - Main Topic: Never Make Assumptions
5:16 - I’ll Spend Less In Retirement
8:08 - My Taxes Will Be Lower In Retirement
10:19 - Helping Children
13:01 - I’ll Never Be Able To Retire
16:01 - Boe Asks If He Can Leave His Entire 401(k) To His Son
We run through the laundry list of top concerns that many retirees and pre retirees have. Charles discusses how he address them and what is the underlying theme that is causing those concerns.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:04 - Main Topic: Client Concerns
2:17 - What Are Some Top Concerns?
4:01 - Dog Analogy
8:00 - Wall Street Has Set Low Expectations
14:00 - Elon Musk’s Recent Rise In Wealth
What’s the most interesting thing in the investment world? We talk about the concept of innovation causing disruption in various industries, what that means and why it might be something worth paying attention to.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:46 - Main Topic: Innovation Causing Disruption
3:22 - Ecommerce
5:53 - Interesting Statistics
11:21 - People Don’t Like Change
Have you ever stopped to think about your journey of learning all that you have about money and finances? Did you parents shape your financial views most heavily? Is there a TV or radio expert that has influenced you most? Or have you learned everything from a book or Google?
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:13 - Main Topic: Retirement Statistics
2:30 - 17% Of American Workers Are Confident They Can Retire
5:04 - The Average 65 Year Old Woman Has A Life Expectancy Of 20.7 More Years
8:00 - 16.5% Of Our Country’s Population Is 65+
11:09 - The Average Retiree Faces Around 300K Of Out Of Pocket Medical Expenses
12:39 - 20% Of People Have Had A Written Plan Done
16:12 - Getting To Know: Who Besides Your Parents, Taught You The Most About Life?
Have you ever stopped to think about your journey of learning all that you have about money and finances? Did you parents shape your financial views most heavily? Is there a TV or radio expert that has influenced you most? Or have you learned everything from a book or Google?
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:01 - Main Topic: Where All My Financial Knowledge Comes From
2:35 - Financial Celebrities
6:39 - Best Financial Books
9:34 - Family Members
10:26 - What Got Charles Into The Financial Realm?
11:38 - Is Technology Helping, Or Hurting?
13:44 - Favorite Economist?
15:46 - Diana Asks If Life Insurance Is A Legitimate Retirement Strategy
There are many more risks to guard against in retirement planning than most people realize. Let’s explore some of the planning risks we all face and how to prepare for them.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:38 - Main Topic: The Different Types Of Risk
2:17 - Market Risk
3:29 - Inflation Risk
5:01 - Tax Rate Risk
5:44 - Longevity Risk
10:04 - Mailbag: Ellen Asks If She Should Refinance Her Mortgage
15:24 - Getting To Know You: How Did You Decide On Your Children’s Names?
Let’s explore some of the things you should be thinking about and checking on as we wrap up 2020 and begin 2021.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 2:40 - Main Topic: End Of Year Planning
2:55 - Should We Be Maxing Out Our Retirement Contributions?
3:48 - Reviewing The CARES Act
5:04 - Tax-Loss Harvesting
5:33 - Evaluating Tax-Deductible Charitable Contributions
7:45 - Roth Conversions
10:05 - What’s A CFP & RIA?
14:07 - Mailbag: What’s Your Opinion On Flipping Houses As An Investment Strategy?
Want to grade your preparedness for retirement? Here are five key questions you need to ask yourself. Your answers will help determine how ready you are for retirement.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:29 - Main Topic: Retirement Preparedness Quiz
1:58 - Do You Know How Much You Have?
3:46 - Do You Know How Much You Spend?
6:05 - Do You Know How Much Risk You Have?
10:20 - Do You Know What You’re Paying In Fees?
12:44 - Do You Know What Your Retirement Income Streams Will Look Like?
16:30 - Getting To Know You: What’s Something You Look Back On And Say, “What Was I Thinking?”
If you look up quotes about diversification from famous investors, you might come across one from renowned investor Warren Buffet that will certainly raise your eyebrows. It goes, “Diversification is protection against ignorance. It makes little sense if you know what you are doing.” Yet, we’ve always heard about diversification being one of the keys to success for retirement planning. How can these seemingly different ideas both be right?
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:29 - Main Topic: Is Diversification For Suckers?
2:33 - How Does The Average Person Usually Define Diversification?
4:40 - Charles’ Perspective On Diversification
7:00 - How Much Does Charles See The Average Investor Placing An Emphasis On Diversification
8:00 - Is It Possible To Be Too Diversified?
11:58 - Mailbag: Diane Asks About Self-Insuring For Long-Term Care
This episode is all about addressing the most frequently asked questions about 401(k)s.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:30 - Main Topic: 401(K) FAQs
1:49 - Taking A 401(K) Loan
4:13 - Roth Option
6:15 - Finding The Right Advisor
10:52 - Mailbag: Sally Asks If She Is Eligible For Half Of Her Ex-Husband’s Social Security Benefit
People often overlook the estate planning side of preparing for retirement. There are a lot of misunderstandings about trusts and wills and the roles they play in the equation. On this episode, we’ll explore some of the critical questions you should ask about these strategies as you prepare for retirement.
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
Show Notes: 1:29 - Main Topic: Wills & Trusts
2:03 - Why Are Wills & Trusts Important?
3:52 - How Do You Know If A Will Or Trust Is Right For You?
5:00 - A Will Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Avoid Probate
5:49 - Is A Trust Just For Money?
7:28 - How Much Do They Cost?
8:31 - What Role Does An Advisor Play When Considering These Options?
10:32 - Mailbag: Ian Asks If His Long-Term Care Policy Has Enough Coverage
Vanguard’s “How America Saves 2020” report is packed with lots of intriguing stats and findings about Americans and how they save for retirement in the crazy year that is 2020 (most of the recent data is technically from 2019 although some figures are current through the Spring of 2020). Let’s look at some of the top takeaways from the study and how you might compare to the “normal” savings behaviors of Americans.
Show Notes: 1:14 - Main Topic: Statistics On How Americans Save
1:47 - 100 Million Americans Use A Defined Contribution Plan
4:00 - Average Number Of Funds Used In These Plans Are 2.4
5:36 - 34% Of Participants Didn’t Contribute Enough To Meet Their Employer’s Match
6:46 - Is There A Reason To Not Meet An Employer Match?
7:56 - 80% Of Participants Still Had Assets With A Previous Employer
9:26 - 96% Of Those Assets Are Able To Be Rolled Over Into Something Else
11:16 - Tristen Has Asks About How Divorcing Later In Life Might Affect Retirement
We get a lot of questions about how the house (or houses) fit into retirement plans. From downsizing to rental properties to interest rates, let’s explore some of the top retirement questions as it relates to all things housing.
Show Notes: 2:03 - Main Topic: This One’s On The House
2:25 - Pay Off The House, Or Enjoy The Low Interest Rates?
3:30 - Is It Wise To Downsize?
5:14 - Is A Rental Property A Good Idea?
7:06 - What Complications Have You Seen When Handling Real Estate In An Estate, Or Legacy Plan?
8:53 - Taking Care Of Our Bodies As We age
9:57 - Life Is About Contribution
12:52 - Shelby Asks If Retirement Spending Starts To Decrease After The First 5 Years
Living a long time isn’t supposed to be a bad thing and it almost seems counterintuitive to categorize it as a risk. But it is. Let’s take a look at how longevity plays a role in a financial plan and have an honest conversation about how deal with the “problem” of living too long.
Show Notes: 1:12 - Main Topic - Longevity Risk
2:25 - How Old Is Your Oldest Client?
2:39 - Oldest Person In Your Family?
3:20 - Who Is The Oldest Person You Have Personally Known?
4:00 - Why Is Living Long Risky?
7:02 - Have People Prepared For Longevity Appropriately?
9:10 - Client Story
11:00 - Starting The Conversation
15:07 - Millie Says She Was Going To Get Serious About Retirement Within The Next Year, But Wants Out Of Her Job Now
Many financial issues impact us all the same. But, of course, other challenges have varying impacts from person to person because our situations are all unique. Let’s take a look at some of the financial and retirement challenges that are unique to women. We also discuss some rules of thumb and get Charles' take on them.
Show Notes: 2:00 - Main Topic - Financial Issues That Are Challenging For Women
3:29 - Level Of Engagement Women Have Throughout Retirement Planning Process
5:00 - Spouse That Handled Money Passes Away First
6:49 - Why Do Some Women Find Themselves In A Difficult Situation?
8:14 - Specific Challenges Faced By A Widowed Woman
9:50 - Piece Of Advice For The Husbands
10:42 - Second Topic - Retirement Rules
11:06 - The 10%, 4%, 25X, & The 80% Rule
13:13 - The Rule Of 72
14:06 - The Rule of 2.67
15:14 - The Rule Of 100
How complex should a financial plan be? On one hand, a single page plan sounds nice and easy to understand. But is that comprehensive enough if it can fit on one page?
Show Notes: 2:07 - Headline: The Market Rebounding
5:44 - Main Topic: Are Complicated Portfolios Necessary?
6:19 - What Do You Typically See When It Comes To The Length Of The Financial Plan?
7:11 - Misconception Between Portfolio And The Plan
8:49 - The Rule Of 11
10:22 - Not Every Advisor Is The Right Fit
13:44 - Mailbag: Nancy Asks If She Should Invest In Her Employer’s Stock
There are some financial planning blunders that are interesting to talk about but are quite rare in reality. On the other hand, there are some financial planning mistakes that happen far too often. Let’s talk about the mistakes so many people have made in the past it has made them “classic”.
Show Notes: 1:13 - Headline: 72% Of American Say They Will Prioritize Financial Planning Once Pandemic Is Over
3:15 - Classic Pre-Retiree Mistakes
4:03 - Mistake #1: Investing Like You’re In Your 20’s
5:09 - Mistake #2: Taking Social Security As Soon As Possible
6:49 - Mistake #3: Focusing On Tax Preparation Rather Than Tax Planning
8:10 - Mistake #4: Assuming The Majority Of Healthcare Expenses Will Be Covered By Medicare
9:15 - Mistake #5: Taking On Additional Risk To Make Up For Lost Time
11:20 - Mailbag: Rork Asks If His Is Getting All The Information He Needs From His Financial Advisor
Step into the classroom and let’s take a look at some financial terms, define them, and find out if they’re important for the typical investor and saver to know about them.
Show Notes: 3:06 - Main Topic: Financial Dictionary
3:35 - Accelerated Death Benefit
4:21 - AGI
5:28 - Fundamental Analysis
6:09 - Margin Account
7:11 - High Yield/Junk Bonds
9:31 - Sammantha Asks, “Should I Let The Kids Know About Our Plans To Leave An Inheritance?”
11:25 - What”s Buggin’ Charles?
It seems that most people don’t have a clear picture of whether they should contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth. Let’s discuss how to determine what’s best for you.
Show Notes: 1:23 - Headline: More Than 25% Of Americans Are Raiding Their Retirement Accounts Because Of COVID-19
4:16 - Traditional IRA Vs. Roth IRA - The Basic Definitions
5:10 - Why Are So Many In The Traditional Account?
6:11 - Is The Current Tax Environment We’re In A Catalyst For More People Wanting To Do Roth Conversions?
8:04 - Who Should Be Contributing To A Roth?
8:23 - Who Should Not Be Contributing To A Roth?
10:14 - Marshall Wonders If Paying The Penalty To Take Out His Variable Annuity Is Worth Avoiding The High Fees
12:37 - What’s Buggin’ Charles?
Let’s talk about some of the common mistakes that we see being made time and time again by retirees and pre-retirees.
Show Notes: 2:24 - Bonds Are A Safe Investment
5:19 - Avoiding The Idea of Long Term Care Needs
8:43 - Guarding Against Market Declines
10:49 - Categorizing Different Investment Vehicles As Always Good, Or Always Bad
14:03 - Not Having A Plan In Place
16:06 - Beverly Asks If She Has Enough Diversification Between Her 33 Mutual Funds
If you really took inventory of your financial situation, you might find that you’ve been taking for granted some assets that make up a huge piece of your puzzle. Is it possible you should be putting a little more thought into some of these assets?
Show Notes: 1:56 - Are you paying attention to your biggest assets?
2:32 - Should we be putting more thought into these assets?
3:32 - Asset #1: 401(k)
5:45 - Asset #2: House
8:54 - Asset #3: Social Security
11:15 - Asset #4: Smaller Accounts
13:38 - Mailbag: I have a lot of money in savings earning very little interest.
16:53 - Getting To Know Charles: What item would you want to be buried with?
Sometimes events happen in life that make it really important for you to carefully assess your financial situation. Let’s explain why each of these events is usually a good reason for a financial review.
Show Notes: 2:32 - Will Rogers Quote
4:00 - Life Events Can Spark Major Changes
9:50 - Unplanned Events Of Jobs
7:31 - Serious Medical Issue
11:09 - Estate Planning
17:56 - Mailbag Rick Worries About Running Out Of Money With Recent Downturn In The Market
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a dramatic impact on our daily lives and many people are taking a huge financial hit from lost wages, a volatile stock market, and general economic uncertainty. Charles will talk about his thoughts on this situation and we will briefly mention a couple elements of the new CARES Act.
Show Notes: 1:18 - How Business Has Been For Charles
3:27 - Being Able To Help A Client With The New CARES Act
6:03 - RMDs Are Not Required For 2020
8:51 - Taxes Will Have To Go Up, Which Is Why A Roth Conversion Might Be A Good Idea Right
12:00 - Great TP Shortage
13:49 - April Fools Story
15:53 - Mailbag Lucile Wonders What The Best Way To Save For Retirement Since She Cannot Contribute To A Roth
There are many "it depends" situations in financial and retirement planning. On today's show we look at some truths we can state with confidence.
Show Notes: 2:07 - Financial Truths
3:17 - TV Can Be A Big Enemy
5:49 - The Market Moves In Cycles
8:10 - There’s No Magic Bullet
9:30 - Why Diversification Is Important
13:04 Mailbag Tim asks “My advisor is retiring and passing on the business. Should I Find A New Advisor?"
On today's episode Charles explains why people who give investment advice without a securities license are bugging him. We also talk about how past epidemics have affected the stock market and we answer a couple email questions that have come in.
Show Notes: 1:46 - What's Bugging Charles?
6:25 - How Past Epidemics Have Affected The Stock Market
7:46 - You Need A Plan To Help During These Pullbacks
9:35 - Mailbag Question from Conner: "How To Pay For College In Retirement?'
13:07 - Mailbag Question from Denver: "How Much Long Term Care Is Recommended?"
With the national elections in November, the parties have VERY different opinions regarding who should be paying their fair share of income taxes. But do we really know who pays what? You certainly can’t rely on either political party to give you the straight information. We also dive into a discussion on how to reasonably incorporate emotions into your financial plan.
Show Notes: 1:32 - Who Pays Income Tax?
2:20 - Income Tax Statistics From 2016
5:12 - Top Wage Earners
7:01 - Emotions In Financial Planning
7:29 - Fear And Greed
9:59 - Invest For The Long Term
10:55 - Using Emotions For A Good Cause
12:23 - Taking Clients' Emotions Into Consideration
16:49 - Mailbag Question from Frank: "My 401 (k) got rolled over into American Funds, is this a good thing?"
After it simmered in Congress for a year, the SECURE Act is now law. If you have a retirement account of any kind, or will one day inherit a retirement account, this will affect you. Matt will hit the main points of this new bill and how it will change retirement planning.
Show Notes: 0:58 - The SECURE Act
1:23 - Death Of The Stretch IRA
2:14 - Small Businesses And Retirement Plans
2:48 - Required Minimum Distribution Change
3:38 - 10 Year Window Eliminated
5:36 - Multiple Beneficiaries
6:41 - Trusts Cannot Be A Contingent Beneficiary For An IRA
8:49 - Life Insurance As An Alternative Solution
14:17 - Mailbag Question from Emily: "Did 401 (k) Contributions Go Up?"
Mutual funds have long been the most popular way for people to invest, but is that landscape changing?
Show Notes: 1:45 - Financial Dictionary: Tax Loss Harvesting
5:06 - Ins And Outs Of Mutual Funds
5:19 - Point #1: What Percentage Of Clients Have Mutual Funds When They First Come To See You?
6:24 - Point #2: Expense Ratios
7:58 - Point #3: Front Load, Back Load, No Load
9:20 - Point #4: Tax Issues Mutual Funds Can Create
11:07 - Point #5: Should Mutual Funds Be Eliminated?
12:59 - Mailbag Question from Confused: "How to consolidate multiple investment accounts?"
Trustworthy. Likable. Problem-solving. Good listener. We should be describing your financial advisor or a potential advisor if you’re in the process of finding one. On today’s show, we’ll talk about why it’s so important for your advisor to embrace these kinds of characteristics. That’s the easy part. But we’ll also tackle the harder part and discuss some tangible ways how you can determine if an advisor has these characteristics or not.
Show Notes: 1:38 - Headline: Rand Paul Bill
6:45 - Traits A Financial Advisor Must Have
7:12 - Trait #1: Trust
8:56 - Trait #2: Likability
10:03 - Trait #3: Area Of Expertise
11:17 - Trait #4: Listening Ability
13:00 - Trait #5: Problem Solver
14:58 - Mailbag Question from Norm: "How much risk to take now that I'm in retirement?"
Myths, rumors, and misunderstandings are pervasive in the world of Social Security. On this show, we’ll look to clear up the top 5 misunderstandings about Social Security.
Show Notes: 1:33 - Mailbag Question from Randall: "Places to start investing in for retirement."
5:21 - Top 5 Social Security Misunderstandings
5:42 - Misunderstanding #1: Social Security Is Going Broke
6:43 - Misunderstanding #2: You Should Start Social Security As Early As Possible
7:31 - Misunderstanding #3: You Should Start Social Security As Late As Possible
9:25 - Misunderstanding #4: The SSA Can Help You Choose The Best Strategy When You Go And See Them
11:37 - Misunderstanding #5: You Don't Pay Taxes On Social Security Benefits
14:48 - Do You See People Often Overestimating Their Risk Tolerance?
There are some people who don’t care at all about leaving a financial legacy, but for those who do, it’s important to eliminate some of the common estate planning mistakes.
Show Notes: 0:56 - In The News: How the stock market might react to the result of the upcoming election
5:27 - Avoiding Critical Estate Planning Mistakes
5:43 - Mistake #1: Not Planning Your Expenses In Retirement
7:17 - Mistake #2: Beneficiary Designations
10:01 - Mistake #3: Not Considering The Tax Implications Of Your Estate
13:25 - Mailbag Question from Helen: "Are there really no tax implications to rolling over the 401 (k)?"
Sometimes being a good financial advisor means having uncomfortable conversations. We’ll take a look at how advisors should help clients navigate various tricky situations.
Show Notes: 0:48 - Story Time: Tax Planning
3:48 - It's Good To Have Awkward Conversations
4:30 - Conversation #1: Death Of A Spouse
6:11 - Conversation #2: Nursing Home Care
8:50 - Conversation #3: Working Longer Than Expected
12:01 - Conversation #4: Legacy Planning
15:21 - Mailbag Question from Kevin: "My employer plans to stop matching 401k contributions..."
18:02 - Mailbag Question from Annie: "Most of my 401k is invested in company stock..."
While there are some factors that are different for everyone in retirement planning (variables), there are also constants that affect everyone, no matter the specifics of your situation. How do we plan around these constants?
Show Notes: 2:13 - Retirement Constants That Affect Everyone
2:34 - Retirement Constant #1: Inflation
4:45 - Retirement Constant #2: Rising Taxes
6:37 - Retirement Constant #3: Market Volatility
9:15 - Retirement Constant #4: Healthcare
11:54 - Mailbag Question from Sally: "Are fees and commissions the same thing?"
13:48 - Mailbag Question from Lucy: "How often should I meet with my advisor?"
15:59 - Getting To Know Charles: What is your favorite movie genre?
There are some important lessons that flying can teach us about retirement planning. So check your luggage, strap into your seat and let's take a trip with Charles.
Show Notes: 0:56 - What Flying Teaches Us About Retirement
2:11 - Lesson #1: Flight Plan
4:26 - Lesson #2: Turbulence
7:31 - Lesson #3: Air Traffic Control
11:13 - Mailbag Question from Tom: Term vs. Whole Life Insurance
13:41 - Getting To Know Charles: What job would you be terrible at?
Even for people who have been very responsible with their money over the years, entering retirement can still be a challenge because it’s such a different stage of life. Let’s talk about some of the missteps that even responsible savers can make…
Show Notes: 1:16 - In The News: Wedding Loans
3:53 - Even Responsible Savers Make Mistakes
4:24 - Mistake #1: Don't Get Too Enamored With Cash
5:57 - Mistake #2: Don't Take Too Much Risk
7:27 - Mistake #3: Don't Forget About The Tax Time Bomb
9:09 - Mistake #4: Live A Little
11:06 - Mailbag Question from Raymond: "I haven't paid much into Social Security..."
Today’s episode is simple. We’ll look at some of the most widely believed financial myths and try to bust them wide open. The scary thing is that a lot of people base their financial plans on some of these myths.
Show Notes: 2:17 Helping clients understand how their financial jigsaw puzzle fits together
5:58 Myth 1: Shifting from stocks to bonds removes the volatility from your portfolio
7:32 Myth 2: Once you've retired, life insurance is no longer necessary
9:12 Myth 3: You will need less income when you retire than you do when you're working
10: 26 Myth 4: You will probably be in a lower tax bracket when you retire
11:43 Myth 5: Financial planning is much easier to do without professional help because of all of the technology that is now available
13:40 Email Question: Investing in oil wells
Very often, we find that people wil stick with a broker or financial advisor who's doing a less than stellar job, and there's usually a handful of reasons why. Charles will poke some holes in those excuses, and give you a healthier picture of what your financial advisor should be doing for you if he or she is truly a good fit. We'll also take a look at some recent news items related to the student loan debt crisis.
Show Notes: 1:45 - In The News: Proposed solutions to student loan debt crisis
5:41 - Why Are You Making Excuses For Sticking With The Wrong Advisor?
7:42 - Common Excuses: "I get confused when there's a meeting."
11:16 - Mailbag Question from Alex: Should I take risk off the table with my 401(k)?
Some people (in fact, probably most people) find it easy to procrastinate when it comes to financial planning issues. But let’s talk about some scenarios that might cause people to have a bit more sense of urgency.
Show Notes: 1:43 - Mailbag Question from Blair: Why am I not in a lower tax bracket in retirement?
5:45 - Sense of Urgency: Scenario 1 - Loss of a job
7:09 - Sense of Urgency: Scenario 2 - Receiving a retirement buyout offer
8:39 - Sense of Urgency: Scenario 3 - Procrastination in planning for retirement
11:20 - Sense of Urgency: Scenario 4 - Death of a spouse
13:07 - Sense of Urgency: Scenario 5 - Market takes a dip
15:07 - Charles makes an important announcement about financial education
17:25 - Getting to know Charles - What area is Charles an expert in outside the financial world?
Your 401k can be your most powerful retirement savings tool. But it’s not perfect. Let’s talk about some of the weaknesses that you should be aware of in your 401k (or 403b, or TSP, or 457 plan).
Show Notes: 1:24 - News headline about the SECURE Act
4:33 - Exposing 401(k) weaknesses
7:43 - Charles shares a tip on moving 401(k) plans outside your company
10:36 - Mailbag Question from Angie: Are all long-term care policies this expensive?
Of course, saving money on taxes is important. But when tax advantages are being pitched as the primary benefit of an investment, should we be concerned? Charles will help us tackle the pros and cons on this week's episode. We'll also answer a question from Roberta about investing a large amount of her 401k in company stock.
Show Notes: 2:00 - Mailbag question from Roberta: Is it okay to have a majority of my 401k in company stock since I know the company well?
7:14 - Are tax advantages in investments overrated?
13:06 - Getting to know Charles: Did you ever get into any trouble when you were younger?
The term “fake news” has become synonymous with the political climate of the past few years. But the phenomenon has spread to other parts of our culture as well. What about fake news in the financial space? We’ll look at some recent news headlines to see if they qualify to be labeled as “fake news”.
Show Notes: 0:28 - Say "Hi" to new co-host, Marc.
2:05 - Quote of the Week from Pablo Picasso.
4:50 - Financial Fake News #1: Social Security is going broke.
8:18 - Financial Fake News #2: The crash of the dollar is imminent, so buy gold now.
10:52 - Mailbag Question from Jim: Is it OK to start Social Security while still working?
Hopefully your famous last words in life won’t be “Hey y’all, watch this!” And in the financial world, there’s quite a few phrases that you don’t want to be your famous last words either…
Some of retirement planning’s most important questions seem so simple at first. They can be asked in just 4-5 words and give the impression the answers are a simple “yes” or “no”. But it’s tricky because many of these questions can become overwhelming to answer. Let’s cover some of the important retirement questions that are harder to answer than you might think.
Not everything in financial planning is black and white. In fact, most things aren’t black and white — there’s usually a lot of gray area. Let’s identify some of the issues that usually require a nuanced discussion…
It’s easy to get distracted by “shiny objects” of the financial world. Let’s cover some of the distractions for which we should be on the lookout.
Any advisor worth his or her salt is going to have a conversation with you about risk. But what in the world is “risk tolerance”? It’s a buzzword that gets used a lot in meetings with financial advisors, but we’ve found that a lot of people don’t have a great understanding of how their risk tolerance truly impacts their financial and retirement plans. Let’s fix that and give you the 411 on risk tolerance.
A lot of people have questions about their retirement plan, but we find that they’re often asking the wrong questions. We’ll cover some of these common questions and learn about the different questions you should be asking instead.
Most people think that a financial advisor’s primary job is picking investments. That’s only a small part of it. The reality is that the primary job is solving problems. Let’s look at some situations that have happened over the years where the financial planning became less about picking investments and more about solving problems.
Depending on who you ask, you could get very different answers to some of retirement planning’s most important questions. Let’s see where our opinions all stand on issues like insurance, mutual funds & annuities. And we’ll try to answer why there are so many different opinions on these concepts.
We won't be getting political about this, but the national debt is skyrocketing faster than you can imagine. At some point, it could become a huge issue for the economy if it isn't already. How could our increasing national debt impact your retirement? Charles explains.
A lot of financial terms can get confusing, even if you’ve heard them talked about a lot in the news or in a financial meeting at work or even around the dinner table with family. Let’s explore some important terms you might have heard before, but also might need a better understanding of what they mean.
There’s a lot more to retirement planning than just picking investments. Is your advisor helping you navigate all the other essential areas?
It’s important to be able to recognize the difference between an advisor who actually has a planning process and one who just gives sales pitches all day. Let’s go over how you can identify the difference.
A lot of investors (and quite frankly a lot of advisors) fall victim to fuzzy math when it comes to their retirement planning. Let’s explore some of the areas where someone might be employing fuzzy math.
Some folks feel shell-shocked after seeing their assets get cut in half from a divorce. Charles will share with us some ways that he helps clients navigate through tough life events like divorce. And we'll answer a listener question about fee-only advisors. Are they really the "best" kind of financial advisor to work with?
Creating a customized retirement plan for any individual can mean addressing some unique challenges. With each of these scenarios, let’s discuss the challenges presented, as well as the solutions you might come up with…
Be careful of making assumptions about certain areas of retirement planning before you really know the facts. Some of these assumptions could be correct, but they could just as likely be wrong… We'll also ask Charles to tell us about a time someone didn't follow his advice and they came back later and admitted that they should have.
It’s probably common sense when you think about human nature, but some of the riskiest investments are also the most popular. At least the risky ones generate a lot of interest, even if most folks don’t end up actually making an investment. Let’s look at some of these popular and risky investments because, after all, your financial choices matter.
Some advice just makes good sense. But sometimes the guidance we get doesn’t align with our expectations. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Let’s talk about some of the counterintuitive financial advice you may, or may not, receive. We'll answer some questions from the "mailbag" and bust up some "rules of thumb" along the way. Plus, we'll see what's buggin' Charles this week.
We often talk about the importance of not leaving a 401(k) with your old company after you no longer work there. Let’s explore some of the benefits of a 401(k) rollover, why you might want to move it to an IRA, what the tax implications are and some of the other essential things to consider.
To get the guide, "To Rollover, Or Not To Rollover", call 480-513-1830 or e-mail charles@pelletoncapital.com.
Do you know what the 4% rule is? That's what Lisa wants to know on this week's edition of Financial Choices Matter. We'll answer her question and also field concerns about getting benefits from an ex-husband's Social Security, what it's like to work with big companies vs. smaller ones, and we'll see what's buggin' Charles.
Have you ever put on a lot of weight at some point in your life? It’s frustrating because you don’t really notice it at first. Even the people you see every day might not notice for a while. Then all the sudden someone you haven’t seen in several months notices. And then you all the sudden can tell in the mirror. “Whoa,” you realize, “I need to do something about this.” That slow creep of weight was hard to notice day-to-day, but before you even noticed it, it had already made a significant change in your body. The same thing happens to financial plans exposed to inflation. You might not notice it for a while, but after many years, an illprepared might get ravaged by the subtle, long-term increases of the prices of things all around us. Let’s explore some ways we can guard against that creep of inflation. Plus, we'll introduce a segment of the show we like to call "Storytime". This week, we'll ask Charles to tell us a story about someone who was getting ripped off by another financial advisor. We'll see how Charles helped solve the problem.