The Financial Translator: Recent Episodes

Kirk Kreikemeier, CFP®

Kirk Kreikemeier, CFP® and Principal Advisor of Pebble Valley Wealth Management, gives his guidance and opinion on financial, market, and economic topics to help listeners move from confusion to confidence. Visit our website at pvwealthmgt.com.

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This episode provides a market update through July 31, 2026! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Expected college expenses, how to pay for them and savings v. investing.

Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through June 30, 2026! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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SS and Medicare Trust Funds are projected to hit $0 in less than eight years. Payroll taxes will continue, but only cover 83% and 89% of benefits. Here is an overview of these programs in a Q&A format.

Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through May 31, 2026! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Before moving your 2025 tax return to the electronic file, take a look at some key lines to guide 2026 tax planning.

Head over to my recent blog post for more information, including visuals to walk you through this blog.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through April 30, 2026! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Here is a financial framework for those starting their first job – and a refresher for others already working.

Head over to my recent blog post for more information, including visuals to walk you through this blog.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through March 31, 2026! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Free money is good – from both Treasury and individual donors – but be sure to consider existing alternative accounts for new deposits.

Head over to my recent blog post for more information, including visuals to walk you through this blog.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through February 28, 2026! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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The key documents your accountant needs – and yes, there is still time for contributions to impact the 2025 tax year.

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This episode provides a market update through January 31, 2026! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Tax planning is a year-round topic. Be sure to incorporate the new OBBBA changes.

Head over to our recent blog post for more information.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through December 31, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Here is my traditional holiday post. Happy Holidays!

Head over to our recent blog post for more information.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through November 30, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Not all tax planning moves can wait until next spring. Here are some things to consider now.

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It’s that time of year. Don’t just click on last year’s options - take a closer look and pick up some value.

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This episode provides a market update through October 31, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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It’s that time of year. Don’t just click on last year’s options - take a closer look and pick up some value.

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This episode provides a market update through September 30, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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A recent family vacation provided a refreshing “nature bath” and reinforced some fundamental retirement planning concepts.

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This episode provides a market update through August 31, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Here are some financial tips to add to your “packing list” as you head off to college.

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This episode provides a market update through July 31, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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The tax bill signed into law July 4th will impact everyone starting in 2025. Which features and size of impact depends on income and other items.

Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through June 30, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Less than 10 years before Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds hit $0. Then mostly payroll taxes only will be available to cover promised benefits. Here is a financial overview of these programs in a Q&A format.

Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through May 31, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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An overview of options and a few common uses.

Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through April 30, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Before tossing your 2024 tax return in the electronic file, take a look at some key lines and engage in tax planning for a better 2025 return.

Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this topic.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through March 31, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Here are the documents accountant is looking for – and yes still time to impact 2024 tax year.

Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this topic.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through February 28, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Here is a financial framework for those starting their first job – and a refresher for others already working.

Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this podcast.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through January 31, 2025! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Here are a few new features effective in 2025 from SECURE Act 2.0. Also note Social Security Fairness Act passed in early January.

Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this podcast.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through December 31, 2024! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Here is my traditional holiday post. The energy and excitement of youth is especially noticeable this time of year. Soak it in but also remember to recognize and encourage this energy year-round but without "measuring you by the yardstick of my own years."

Happy Holidays!

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through November 30, 2024! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Not all tax planning moves can wait until next spring. Here are some moves to consider now.

Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this podcast.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through October 31, 2024! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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It’s that time of year. Don’t just click on last year’s options - take a closer look. Also note higher contribution limits, especially if age 60 - 63!

Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through September 30, 2024! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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After 8.7% for 2023 and 3.2% for 2024, the SS inflation adjustment for 2025 is expected to be around 2.5%; finalized on October 10.

Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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This episode provides a market update through August 31 2024! Want to learn more about this? Head over to our recent blog post for more information, including graphs and visuals to walk you through this market update.

Interested in learning more about our firm? Click here to schedule a call!

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Here are some financial tips to add to your “packing list” as you head off to college.

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This episode provides a market update through July 31 2024!

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US Large Cap equities have performed extremely well lately. Can that continue?

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This episode provides a market update through June 30 2024!

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Here is my graduation gift for those starting their first job - and a refresher for others already working.

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This episode provides a market update through May 31 2024!

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The latest funding status of Social Security and Medicare is available. Yes, the programs will be around when you retire, but benefits may be reduced. Here is a financial overview of these programs in a Q&A format.

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This episode provides a market update through April 30 2024!

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Before tossing your 2023 tax return in the electronic file, take a look at some key lines and engage in tax planning for a better 2024 return.

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This episode provides a market update through March 31 2024!

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I provide some last minute tax-planning moves for the 2023 tax year and a quick summary of key tax documents needed for your accountant.

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This episode provides a market update through February 29 2024!

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Inflation has been heading lower, but the Fed needs to see more. The bond and equity markets are watching closely.

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This episode provides a market update through January 31 2024!

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Do you recall the attention SECURE Act 2.0 received in early 2023? Here is a refresher on the 2023 changes and new features effective for 2024.

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This episode provides a market update through December 31 2023!

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Here is my traditional Holiday post. The energy and excitement of youth is especially noticeable this time of year. Soak it in – but also remember to recognize and encourage this energy year-round… but without “measuring you by the yardstick of my own years.”

Happy Holidays!

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This episode provides a market update through November 30 2023!

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Wedding bells bring excitement, hope for the future and sharp-dressed guests. It also brings new considerations in your financial life.

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This episode provides a market update through October 31 2023!

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It’s that time of year. Don’t just click on last year’s options - take a closer look.

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This episode provides a market update through September 30 2023!

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After the high 8.7% for 2023, the 2024 SS cost of living adjustment is expected to be above 3%; will be finalized on October 12.

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This episode provides a market update through August 31 2023!

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Headline inflation – as measured by CPI – was 3.2% last month.  But that is well above the 2% Fed target and other measures are much higher.

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This episode provides a market update through July 31 2023!

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In addition to the excitement (and nervousness) of heading off to college, here are some financial tips to help with the transition.

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This episode provides a market update through June 30 2023!

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Here is a financial framework for those starting their job - and a refresher for others already working.

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This episode provides a market update through May 31 2023!

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Before tossing your 2022 tax return in your files, take a look at some key lines and engage in tax planning for 2023.

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This episode provides a market update through Apr 30 2023!

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Social Security and Medicare are important programs providing income and health coverage during retirement.  Yes the programs will be around when you retire, but benefits may be reduced.  Here is a financial overview of these programs in a Q&A format.

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This episode provides a market update through Mar 31 2023!

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Banks are in the news.  Here is a summary of the recent events and why this differs from 2008.

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This episode provides a market update through Feb 28 2023!

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Last month I summarized 25 key provisions for both individuals and businesses.  This time I dig a little deeper on five provisions that apply to – or piqued the interest of - many individuals and are worth repeating.

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This episode provides a market update through Jan 31 2023!

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This episode highlights key provisions of SECURE Act 2.0 impacting retirement plans

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This episode provides a market update through Dec 31 2022 – Happy New Year!

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Here is my traditional Holiday post.  The energy and excitement of youth is especially noticeable this time of year.  Soak it in – but also remember to recognize and encourage this energy year-round… but without “measuring you by the yardstick of my own years.”

Happy Holidays!

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This episode provides a market update through Nov 30 2022 – US $ and rates were down.

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My topic today covers the recent FTX bankruptcy, the major players and issues, and what it means for crypto moving forward

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My topic today covers the market update through Oct 31 2022 – plus the new I Bond rate.

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My topic today covers the 2023 SS inflation adjustment – a silver lining in this cloudy inflationary environment.

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My topic today is an overview of the markets through 9/30/2022.  Also check out the graphs on my blog.

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My topic today covers annual benefits enrollment.  Don’t just default to last year’s choices.

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My topic today is an overview of the markets through 8/31/2022.  Also check out the graphs on my blog.

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My topic today is providing tips on withdrawing 529 funds for college bills and a heads-up to the end of student loan moratorium on 9/1/22.

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My topic today is an overview of the markets through 7/31/2022.  Also check out the graphs on my blog.

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Investment considerations for someone with first earnings, summer job, etc.

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My topic today is an overview of the markets through 6/30/2022.  Also check out the graphs on my blog.

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My topic today is SS and Medicare funding status.  Will they be around for you? Follow along in easy Q & A format.

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My topic today is an overview of the markets through 5/31/2022.  Also check out the graphs on my blog post.

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My topic today is 529 Plans. Know the two main types.  Follow along in easy Q & A format.

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My topic today is an overview of the markets through 4/30/2022.  Also check out the graphs on my blog post.

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My topic today covers the Federal Reserve and how action from the FOMC impacts your investments and cost of debt.

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My topic today covers steps to take now that impact your 2021 tax return.  I also mention strategies to implement for the current tax year.

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My topic today is Roth vs. Traditional.  I explain 1) key differences; 2) eligibility and amount can save; 3) when withdraw without penalty; 4) how to decide which to use.

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My topic today is taxes.  I break it into 4 steps to provide a base understanding – 1) types of income; 2) what tax rates apply; 3) tax brackets; 4) how summarized on the 1040.

Visit pvwealthmgt.com

Follow Kirk Kreikemeier CFP® on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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My topic today is a reserve fund – What is it?  How much is needed?  Where to invest?  I discuss additional sources beyond just a bank savings account, including the double-duty of a Roth IRA!

Visit pvwealthmgt.com

Follow Kirk Kreikemeier CFP® on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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In this first episode of The Financial Translator, learn about Kirk and his podcast mission to provide financial confidence and clarity for his listeners.


Visit pvwealthmgt.com

Follow Kirk Kreikemeier, CFP® on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.