Bob Schwarz's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Bob Schwarz
Self-Employment Plans to Consider/ Estate Panning for Farmers or Ranchers Without Children
History of Bob and how he became what he is today
Signs you'll run out of money in retirement
The current events might make someone hesitant about making a plan or making changes to a current plan. Today Bob talks about now being the time to make sure you have a plan in place, and to engage with a financial professional to make sure the plan is doing what it is supposed to no matter what is going on in the world around us.
With the Presidential election coming up and times being uncertain, how can you maintain confidence in your financial situation? Today Bob goes over certain items to assure investors of their plan going forward, including having an advisors to reassure people that their plan is solid.
There are these so-called "proven formulas" for a lot of things like weight loss, success at something, etc. But is a one size fits all plan good for retirement? Bob takes a look and discusses why, since no two retirements are the same, why a customized plan is best for anyone wanting to retire in modern times.
Today Bob gives his letter to his clients at the mid-point of 2020, and talks about some of the points going forward that he sees for the economy and investments in the coming months.
Today Bob addresses fees, both obvious and not-so-obvious, that come with investments and investment planners, how to find them and how to make sure they can be as low as possible so you can make more money.
Many people engage in spring cleaning of their homes this time of year. But it's also a good idea to take a look at your financial situation, especially during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. Bob takes a look at some things you can do to put your spending into context and look ahead for ways to better save for your retirement.
With the changes to daily routines due to Covid-19, it may be easy to doubt things concerning your future, but it doesn't have to be that way. Today Bob talks about how to focus on the silver lining, and how to find opportunity in even the toughest times.
Today Bob updates the latest market news and provides tips on staying the course in your retirement plan and making only whatever changes are appropriate for you. The show also features an interview with Dr. Alicia Arbaje of Johns Hopkins about the Corona Virus situation and how seniors can best take care of themselves to give them the best chance of not falling ill.
The Corona Virus correction recently turned into a bear market, down 20% from yearly highs in less than a month. Bob updates us on what is in the news and how going forward he is using it as an opportunity to position your portfolio for the eventual upswing when things settle down.
Bob updates us on the latest situation with the stock markets amidst all the Corona Virus news and how volatility could remain part of the landscape for the near term.
The recent Corona Virus concerns have hit the stock market with a big round of volatility. Today Bob takes a look at past health issues which affected the market, how it has bounced back from them, and how investors need to stay the course for the best long term results rather than getting out and trying to jump back in at the bottom.
Medicare specialist Cortney Dale of Sunflower Senior Solutions talks with Megan about Medicare, a complex program for health care for those age 65 and above. Cortney goes over the basic aspects of the program and ways it can affect individuals both from a personal and financial aspect.
Today Bob reads the letter he sent to his clients to start the New Year, and how important it remains to stick to the goals put forth in your plan regardless of national or world events.
Today Bob takes a look at the newly passed Secure Act and what it means to your retirement planning going forward.
Sources of income, when to take Social Security, future health care possibilities, and the possibility of increasing inflation. These areas are crucial to retirement planning, and Bob goes over scenarios that can help you make sure you are covered if any of these areas take a turn for the worse.
Today Bob looks at several areas you don't want to overlook in retirement planning, including assuming you won't live a long time, ignoring your spouse after you pass, not having debt, and three other important topics.
Today Cortney Dale joins Megan to go over the 2019 Medicare Open Enrollment period which begins this week, and some of the changes you need to be aware of. In the second half of the show, Bob talks about longevity and how that affects retirement planning.
Today Bob is joined by his son Kurt from Ag Risk Solutions to talk about agricultural issues, among them decisions coming up for farmers on new crop insurance programs.
When you are looking for the right professional to help you plan for retirement, there are things you should ask about during the process. Bob takes a look at what these are and how you can determine the right professional to take care of whatever financial needs you have.
Bob goes over a number of pieces of advise he has received over the years, starting when he was in college and continuing forward. Many of his suggestions revolve around staying away from debt in its many forms as much as possible.
Bob again addresses the issues which surround fees in their investment accounts and how most people don't realize how much they are being charged. He also has a mid-year update on how things are going in the investment world and that media claims or headlines shouldn't knock you off the plan you have going forward.
People are living longer than ever before, and retirements are longer, too. Today Bob addresses the factors involved including remaining engaged for a longer and more satisfying retirement.
Today Bob talks about the factors that make his most successful clients better off in a financial sense, especially the mistakes they avoid in building their nest eggs to make sure their retirement years are as worry free as possible.
On the eve of the tax filing deadline for 2019, Bob addresses how income taxes can snowball into an avalanche of making payments you never saw coming, and how proper tax planning can help you avoid a big tax bite.
No one likes to think about having to need long term care, especially because paying for it requires a lot of money. Today Bob addresses this issue, which is heavily on the minds of Kansans, and how to deal with it when putting together a solid retirement plan.
What kind of fees are you paying for your investments? The answer is probably more than you think - because so many of the fees are hidden. Today Bob talks about places where high fees may be chipping away at your returns and how a good planner can help bring them down with proper investment placement.
Today Bob talks about what is on the minds of Kansans going into the new year, with long term care as one of the major concerns. Also Washington correspondent Andy Friedman checks in with what he sees ahead politically which could affect the market landscape.
Today Bob talks about the idea of chipping away at various goals to make eventual big progress, and that the idea of just a little more return on investments can add up to big bucks for retirement in the long run.
Planners can use active or passive investment templates. Today Bob talks about each and how they can work for individuals depending on their appetite for risk and other factors.
Taxes are one of the most overlooked areas in retirement planning. Today Bob discusses the importance of tax planning and how taking some forward looking steps can save you a lot of money come retirement time.
Last October the stock market started a precipitous nosedive which lasted through the final quarter of the year. Bob looks at the causes and that the volatility may continue depending on various factors including interest rates. The show also features financial educator David Bach on the market situation and how higher rates could help retirees and their income situation.
Stocks and bonds are the traditional areas used by many planners for retirement. But Bob looks closer at bonds and talks about why they don't provide the kind of income needed by more and more of today's retirees, and offers some alternatives that are better for income planning.
Retirement planning takes, well, planning. And some of the ideas involved aren't always obvious. Today Bob looks at some bypasses, or shortcuts - different kinds of strategies people can benefit by that are hidden in plain sight.
Bob is joined by Mike Scherer of Ag Risk Solutions on this program. They talk about the current ag economy and how it effects farmers at present, and how it could effect them in planning for their future.
Everyone wants to get more from their plan, and that means putting enough into it to be sure that happens. Today Bob discusses some ways you may be able to increase your savings in unique ways, such as decreasing investment fees, or automating savings on a regular basis, or using unexpected things like bonuses or inheritances to put into your investment accounts.
If you feel your plan is not bringing you the returns you are expecting, it may not be the plan's fault. Bob goes over some reasons, such as not giving it enough time to work, or having unrealistic expectations. He also discusses ways to be sure you know what to expect from your plan or how to make adjustments so it stays on track for what you need.
We are always looking for the newest and best ways to address our physical health as we age. But what about our financial health? Today Bob discusses how to do this with the help of a qualified professional, and ways to help boost your savings, if needed, to be sure you have all the money you will need.
An annuity, when structured properly, is one of the few ways to provide guaranteed retirement income. But how can you determine if one if needed for your portfolio? Today Bob discusses this issue and how to get the right kind of annuity to fit your specific needs.
There are distinct stages of retirement as people start to slow down. Today Bob addresses each of them and the type of planning required for each to make sure your money lasts all the way.
You can say or believe you are set to retire, but your budget might tell you otherwise. Today Bob helps you answer the questions you need to ask before setting that date for good.
Many people look forward to retirement and the changes it can bring - but you have to have the money to make it happen. Today Bob talks about factors like taxes, inflation and health care that, if planned for, will help make your retirement a confident one.
That may be a question no one wants to think about, but if you plan ahead, you will have far fewer headaches if that time comes than if you don't. Today Cortney Dale is back to talk about the kinds of things to plan for and how they can prepare you for the unexpected, worst case scenario.
Do you want to be confident in your retirement? Then there are some things you need to ask yourself beforehand, and Bob talks about what those issues concern, such as lifestyle, having enough money, sources for income and more.
How do you manage your retirement accounts like 401Ks or IRAs to get the most out of them? Today Cortney Dale from Bob's Victoria office helps guide you through the world of developing a plan to make sure your money is in the right places at the right time to help maximize your retirement assets.
Today Bob talks about eight myths and misconceptions about various retirement topics and sets the record straight about investment strategies, Social Security, and even advisors themselves. Bob discusses what is true and what is not as true about each area and how you can best use the information to be sure your own plan is solid going forward.
You've saved for your retirement, and the day is now here. What will you do with that money? If you don't understand how to make that nest egg work for you, you could run through it in no time at all. Bob talks today about the ways to make that money work for you and keep it safe so you don't run out of it before you run out of life.
If you are getting closer to retirement, you need to know about various strategies and maneuvers to help get the most from your nest egg. Today Bob addresses some of these steps as well as making preparations emotionally for the day you stop working.
With the recent uptick in stock market volatility, you might be concerned about a correction robbing your retirement investments of value. Today Bob addresses this and the best ways to be sure you are protected.
Cortney Dale, the insurance specialist for Bob Schwarz Financial, joins Megan today to talk about her specialty, Medicare - mainly some updates to start 2018 and reviewing how the program works and ways to update your coverage and save money in the process.
Retirement today is all about income. Will you have what you need when that time comes? Today Bob goes through the sources where you save your funds, such as Social Security, retirement accounts such as 401Ks and the like, and other investments like land, rental properties, interest from stocks or other investments. Make sure these places are ready to provide what you need.
Retirement should not be stressful, and you shouldn't worry about your finances, either. Today Bob explores why it is important to have a stress test performed on key elements of their retirement plan. It helps folks gain a clearer picture of their financial future as they get closer to that retirement day.
If you are planning on applying for Medicare soon, Cortney Dale, the insurance specialist for Bob Schwarz Financial, talks about year end changes if you have it now and what you can do going forward, as well as what to do when you apply for it for the first time. Also be sure to look on this website for dates for upcoming Medicare information meetings throughout the state.
A long awaited edition of Financial Fitness where Bob talks with Paul Mussman from Ag West, a commodity marketing firm, on how best to take the products produced by farmers and use it to their financial advantage both now and in the future.
Including ways to improve your physical health, which is tied in directly with your retirement outlook. Bob talks about a number of ways where being physically healthy can help you be sure you are financially healthy in retirement, too.
Or, in a sense, ways to be sure your nest egg is maximized so you will never run out of money. Bob goes through the ways planning can help you accomplish your goals and dreams for the years after you quit working.
Why? So your nest egg can be the most efficient and effective for your retirement dreams and goals. Today Bob talks about how this can be best accomplished through many different strategies from which to choose.
It's that time again - time to make any changes in certain parts of Medicare coverage. Cortney Dale, the insurance specialist in the Victoria office, talks about what is on the table and what may be available for you.
There are a range of ages from 50-70 1/2 that you need to know when planning your retirement. These are the various points where you can make decisions like saving or withdrawing from retirement accounts, claiming Social Security benefits, and taking Required Minimum Distributions, among others. Bob discusses them and what you can do to help your nest egg along the way.
It is not easy to change the mindset from saving for retirement to taking the money out to spend it. Today Bob discusses the most efficient manners to do this, including taking taxes into account.
Annuties can be a source of guaranteed income for retirement - but they are also a sensitive subject because they are complex and not always understood well. Today Cortney Dale from the Victoria office discusses when they are best used in a retirement plan, along with the many different types and the best ones for today's retirees.
In the second of a two part show, Bob and Megan finish their discussion on what to ask any potential advisor you want to handle your retirement finances. They also address the subject of fees and ways to know yours are in line with what you are getting from your advisor.
In the first of a two part show, Bob and Megan address 19 questions to ask anyone you might consider to oversee your financial strategy for retirement. A task especially important as the new Department of Labor fiduciary rules begin to take effect.
The greater share of income in retirement that is guaranteed, the more confidence you will have going into retirement. Today Cortney Dale from Bob's office in Victoria addresses ways to maximize the guaranteed sources for retirement income.
Those include freedom from worrying about their finances, flexibility to do what they want and the ability to spend quality time with family. Today Bob talks about what is different about retirement and what people want from it, and how to plan properly to be sure you get what you want out of it.
Cortney Dale hosts the show today and talks about how to go about finding the best Medicare plan at the lowest cost - not just at the start of retirement, but also as retirement continues.
Nowadays it is becoming much less common for retirees to have pensions to cover their retirement income. So how can you replace it? One way is with a lifetime income annuity. Bob talks about how something like this could fit into your plan and help cover any gaps in guaranteed income over your lifetime.
Studies show that folks in retirement could spend a quarter million dollars or more during their retirement years just on health care - and that's out of pocket costs and do NOT include long term care. Today Cortney Dale, the insurance specialist at Bob Schwarz Financial, talks about how to plan for these costs, and also picking the best plan for your needs.
Who, what, where, when and why - the five W's are the key to telling a story, and also to your story for retirement. Bob talks about how knowing each of these elements as they relate to you can help put together the best retirement plan for your future.
Today Cortney Dale from the Victoria office talks with Megan about how to plan around the biggest stressors in getting ready for retirement so you can enjoy those golden years.
Some of which include inflation, covering for health care concerns, and in general, making sure you don't run out of money by making a solid spending plan. These are among the essential items which make up a good plan, and Bob addresses them and many more in today's program.
Who, what, where, when and why - and a bonus, how. These not only apply to journalism and story telling, but also to planning for retirement. Bob talks about how to form your story for retirement by careful planning.
Inflation has been low, but any change in that could have drastic effects on your retirement savings. Bob tells you how to plan to minimize those effects should they occur in the future.
Did you make resolutions at the beginning of 2017 to really shore up your retirement plan? Bob surmises that not very many people have, and how you can change that mindset at the halfway point to get back on track.
Are you a do-it-yourselfer for retirement planning, or have concerns about working with someone? Bob talks about why working with a professional - especially with a Certified Financial Planner such as himself - has many advantages for your retirement.