The American Dream Experience: Recent Episodes
Margaret Wittkopp
The American Dream Experience Podcast exists to empower families to discover their true purpose for investing and capture, reclaim and realize their American Dream.
In this episode, Margaret Wittkopp talks about social investing, a concept where investors want to put their money into companies that advocate (or not advocate) for certain things that align with their values. But does it actually work? Today, Margie provides some examples that will make you think, grow your money AND promote goodness in the world. Highlights 00:19 - Social investing: do companies actually adhere to their principles? 03:26 - Margie's advice: make your money and allocate it to causes you believe in 10:24 - Become stewards of your time, talent, and treasure: invest globally and diversify! Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In this episode, Margaret Wittkopp talks about the American Dream Experience and how some of the smartest people in history lost their own fortunes to wrong investing decisions. Today's examples prove that there is no one who is too smart to make mistakes! Highlights 01:01 - Sir Isaac Newton's example of putting all your eggs in one basket 04:59 - Ulysses S. Grant's example of unwittingly joining a Ponzi scheme 09:33 - The value of good financial counsel: financial freedom Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In this episode, Margaret Wittkopp returns to discuss what the American Dream Experience really is about and she starts by explaining two perspectives in the world of investing: investor prediction syndrome and academic investing principles. The differences of the two are glaring. Safeguarding your investments should not be left to a gambling and speculation. Instead, she discusses using proven principles and go with a mutual fund manager who will provide you with an efficient investment portfolio. Highlights 01:13 - Discerning investor prediction syndrome 04:20 - Using academic investing principles 08:19 - Key indicators for a mutual fund manager 11:53 - Citing studies and making decisions Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In this episode, Margaret Wittkopp talks about the American Dream Experience and how it is not about materialism. Margie further explains the difference between purposes and goals and how having a purpose makes decision-making easier. The American Dream Experience explores the freedom we yearn for and how we can empower ourselves to be accountable for our own investment decisions. On the other hand, Margie also discusses how fear and greed are the main obstacles to reaching your American Dream. Highlights 02:37 - The difference between purpose and goal 04:40 - Principles of the American Dream Experience 08:32 - Empowerment and being accountable for your investment 12:04 - Fear, greed & the scarcity mindset Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In this episode, Margaret Wittkopp discusses knee-jerk reactions to market fluctuations brought about by news, especially dips caused by negative news like war. She explains how a diversified portfolio of asset classes helps to adjust your investments during these times. And finally, Margie shares how doing a self-analysis on your own financial discipline is the first step to making the right choices for your American Dream. Highlights 01:01 - Emotional reactions caused by news 02:55 - Weathering fluctuations with a diversified portfolio 05:20 - Brexit and global disturbances 09:07 - Discipline to create the life you want 10:11 - Reflection on laws and buying low Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret Wittkopp talks about being a responsible saver at a young age and the value of seeking legitimate financial advice to grow your investments. She also mentions one of her investment success stories where Veritas played a crucial part in growing a client’s portfolio. According to Margie, the key habit that he and many others have is the discipline to not chase the next shiny object and focus on their American Dream! Margie recommends reading -The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy by Thomas J. Stanley Highlights 00:31 - The new RMD (required minimum distribution) age has changed 02:46 - Get started with investing with any amount 03:37 - Reflection: Good habits to create a large nest egg 08:04 - Case study of a millionaire - seeking financial advice, connect with a fiduciary and stay educated 11:29 - Disciplined investing is an important wealth building habit Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
On this episode, Margaret Wittkopp does a follow up on the discussion on The Investor's Dilemma. She starts off by stating that investors can't know it all and should instead focus on the few simple rules for successful wealth-building. Margie also explains how ego can lead your financial decisions (and how not to do it) and how imperative it is to have a fund set aside for loved ones. She also explores the idea of getting bad advice and paying for it and, lastly, how many investors lose wealth by buying high and selling low. Highlights 02:40 - The rules for successful wealth-building 04:27 - Returns: Don't let your ego lead you 06:18 - Having a fund for your loved ones 07:17 - Getting bad advice & paying for it 09:47 - Buying high & selling low 14:03 - Industry recommendations: Books & podcasts Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Today, Margaret Wittkopp talks about The Investor's Dilemma and other lessons from The American Dream Experience such as "chasing after the market" and why that's a bad idea, maintaining your standard of living at retirement, affording a high-quality education for children, and worrying about the next market crash or boom. Margie also discusses the analysis for portfolios to check if they are properly diversified and see the expected rate of return, how much risk you're taking, and other investment health factors you need to know as an investor. Highlights 01:14 - The Investor's Dilemma & "chasing after the market" 02:26 - Maintaining your standard of living at retirement 04:41 - Affording a high-quality education 08:27 - Needless worry: The next market crash/boom 10:54 - Analyzing portfolios for diversification 11:24 - Missing the latest & greatest stock tip 12:44 - Making sense of the information overload Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In this episode, Margaret Wittkopp returns to talk about money and wishful thinking and how, for many people, the future is hinged on winning the lottery, getting that pay raise, earning a promotion, etc. But for a variety of factors, the future is now and how you manage your finances today paves the way for your American Dream, your financial freedom, tomorrow. From living within your means to having a change in perspective, every bit counts when you are trying to build a life that you could only previously dream of. Highlights 00:55 - Financial decision-making: The future is now 03:59 - Living within your means 07:08 - Complacency vs contentment 09:04 - Instilling good financial habits Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Today, Margaret Wittkopp opens up a topic that affects way too many consumers: getting into debt buying things we simply do not need. Especially with Christmas coming up, it becomes way too easy to use that credit card and buy lavish gifts for people you love. But in more ways than one this is detrimental to you. What are the signs to watch out for? And what are some techniques to avoid this common problem? Margie discusses some ways to make this holiday season special without breaking the bank. Highlights 01:00 - Buying gifts that derail your American Dream 03:20 - How to avoid overspending 06:33 - Meaningful gift-giving 08:04 - Feasting on a budget 11:17 - Unpacking the reasons for overspending Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Today, Margaret Wittkopp follows up on her discussion on investing myths: what they are and what you can do to protect your investments from unscrupulous "gurus" and practices. She also talks about common pitfalls such as reliance on market timing and the "true" cost of investing, as well as the other side of the coin which is the path to success: diversification and asset classes of dissimilar correlation. Highlights 02:00 - Market timing 05:19 - Cost of investment 09:50 - Computing returns with a proven formula 11:17 - Turnover rates Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, sits down to shed light on common misconceptions and half-truths about investing. From stock picking to trusting sketchy mutual fund managers to track record investing, there are so many ways to go astray in the world of investing. Highlights 02:36 - Myths 05:36 - The SPIVA Report 08:04 - Track record investing Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
From not saving enough (or at all) to being too aggressive, Margie explains the usual pitfalls that regular Americans encounter when it comes to setting some cash aside. Highlights 01:46 - Saving 101: Start'em young 03:24 - Budgeting ins and outs 09:26 - Saving when you're older Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
After some success in day trading, self-traders may be tempted to go all in, like self-directing their 401k, but Margie shares some thoughts on this and why it is likely to be a bad idea. Margie provides real world examples of how DIY traders have tried and failed and why it always pays to be informed by a financial mentor before buying in to whatever stock that strikes your fancy. Highlights: 01:34 - What is a day trader? 05:12 - Value of regular training 08:15 - DIY trading: The price you pay Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret discusses the correct mindset of an investor. She makes a distinction between two opposing views: that of abundance and scarcity. Abundance lets you live your life and let go of the small things. Scarcity is survival mode that is self-destructive and wasteful. Highlights 01:57 - Abundance vs scarcity: Figuring out purpose and value 04:32 - The stress of survival mode 07:48 - Enjoying liberty and the American Dream Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, discusses the value of audited returns by a third party. Sometimes returns are actually used as sales pitches, so having a transparent and unbiased view on actual returns holds value for any kind of investor. Margie also takes it one notch higher and informs potential investors to always ask these questions: How do I know that these returns are any good? How do I know that these are calculated properly? And to answer that, she introduces the methodology of GIPS (Global Investment Performance Standards) and why investors should also use this global standard to measure their success. Highlights 01:19 - Returns used as a sales pitch 02:43 - What is GIPS? 07:06 - Controlling reactions 08:25 - Entering a fund? Ask these questions first Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret opens a discussion on fixed income and narrows it down further to focus on bonds. What bonds are and what kinds of bonds are best for your portfolio are just a couple of questions that she answers in this episode. Margaret talks about different kinds of volatile bonds and why, in general, it is best to avoid them to live a life of abundance. She also talks about some wise decision-making strategies when tapping into your portfolio, like how much is just enough to still live comfortably. Highlights 02:06 - Fixed income: All about bonds 04:16 - Avoiding volatile bonds 06:46 - Tapping into the portfolio 09:24 - Market fluctuations Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In this episode, Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, talks about the importance of discipline to reach your American Dream. Margie discusses the first thing about living within your means: a spending plan. No matter how much you make, without a spending plan you will be living from paycheck to paycheck. Discipline in investing is next. By having a structure and formula in investing, you help ensure that your portfolio actually gets good returns. Margie shares actionable tips that investors can use to help make sound investment decisions instead of emotional reactions, with a particular focus on 401k's. Highlights 01:46 - Spending plans versus paycheck to paycheck mentality 04:32 - Structure and formula: Discipline in investing 08:08 - 401k's: Avoiding emotional reactions 11:00 - You are your own best boss Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In today's episode, Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, sheds lights on three common pitfalls that turns investors into gamblers. From stock picking to track record investing to market timing, many would-be investors forget that having assets of dissimilar correlation is the key successful investing. Margie discusses in detail how even just one of the three pitfalls can derail your American Dream. She also shares practical tips so you can catch yourself when your investing starts becoming speculation and gambling. Highlights 02:02 - Warning sign 1: Stock picking 04:26 - Warning sign 2: Track record investing 07:50 - Warning sign 3: Market timing 11:15 - Turnover: Indicator of gambling vs investing Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Today Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, returns to the podcast to focus on a topic that needs more attention: investor biases and how these negatively affect your investment decisions. From the Great Depression to present times, investor biases have played a major role in the financial decisions of countless individuals. Margie introduces several investor biases to look out for, avoid, and conquer to fulfill your American Dream and gain financial freedom! Highlights 04:39 - Intro the investor biases: The herding bias 08:58 - Digging deeper into investor biases 13:15 - Rationalizing these biases Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
This week's podcast features Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, and she defines portfolio diversification and how to apply it to your own investment strategy. Margie touches on several academic concepts that are central to sound decision-making, such as the Markowitz Efficient Frontier and Assets of Dissimilar Correlation. Learn what these are and how they can help you make informed investment decisions to pave the way to your American Dream! Highlights 01:48 - Defining diversification with the Markowitz Efficient Frontier 08:25 - Assets of Dissimilar Correlation 11:14 - Investing in the market, investing in life Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Today's episode of the American Dream Experience welcomes back Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, as she illustrates clear cut ways to measure the success or failure of your investments. Margie begins with the Modern Portfolio Theory and explains how making money is not the sole barometer for success. For wise investors, an academic approach to investment decisions leads to the ultimate goal: Your American Dream! Highlights 03:00 - Explaining Modern Portfolio Theory 06:38 - Analyzing your portfolio and measuring against the market 12:04 - A pro-business government stance Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In today's podcast, Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, shares her thoughts on having a customized lifelong game plan and its positive impact on investing and spending decisions. Detours in life are inevitable, so being financially prepared for these ups and down keeps you well on your way to your American Dream. Also included in this episode is a discussion on investor policy statements and why this aligns with your customized game plan for life. Highlights 02:31 - Perks of a customized and lifelong financial game plan 09:20 - Investor policy statement 12:24 - Pursuing your passion and achieving your potential Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret gets down to the details about investing and drills down one of the biggest investment buzz words ever: the stock market. What investors may not realize is that the stock market is made up of more than just the Dow Jones and S&P 500. Diversify your investment portfolio by going global and claim your American Dream! Highlights 03:22 - Unlocking the possibilities of stock market investing 07:22 - Exiting the market to reduce the risk of a down market - here's why it could be very harmful 09:06 - Diversifying to weather the ups and downs Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In today's podcast, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services Margaret Wittkopp makes an important distinction between financial coaches and planners. Investors, no matter how experienced, will always benefit from an objective coach. On the other hand, planners and sales representatives may not have your best interests at heart since they're in it for their commissions. Your American Dream is within reach and the key may well be in finding the right financial coach! Highlights 02:33 - Coaches: How they guide your own financial decisions 08:16 - Watching out for sales talk 11:51 - Planning is the easy part Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, is back on air to share her industry insights on investing. And today's topic is all about the different kinds of costs and expenses associated with investment portfolios. Navigating through and around these costs can be tricky, so investors must arm themselves with the right knowledge. To reach your American Dream, the key is to drive your investments forward despite the cost of doing business. Highlights 01:30 - Defining costs and how to calculate them (09:11) The cost of lost opportunity 11:18 - Annuities-the fine print Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Once again Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, shares her thoughts on investing. This time around, she discusses a couple of the most important factors to investors: risk and volatility. To reach your American Dream, you need to design your portfolio that gets you there--and that involves how much volatility you can stand. Highlights 02:41 - Identify your personal risk tolerance 06:30 - Designing and structuring an investment portfolio 09:15 - Risk aversion and why that won't work Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services, joins us again today to drill down the different philosophies of investors, from gamblers to speculators to stock owners to the best ways to capture those market returns. She also runs through many important investing terminologies that investors of all stages need to know. Highlights 00:55 - Different philosophies to make money from the market 04:23 - Investing 101: Defining important investing terms 08:30 - Developing your philosophy Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Today's podcast welcomes back Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services Margaret Wittkopp. She explains how diversification of asset classes can offer maximum returns for the risk you are taking. Margie also introduces the concept of the Efficient Frontier--what is it and how does it relate back to your investment strategy? Highlights 03:53 - Diversifying to get maximum returns for risk 09:21 - What is the Efficient Frontier? Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services Margaret Wittkopp discusses the usual marketing tactics to get you to part with your hard-earned money; an important discussion and expansion of our theme from the last few episodes of scams, schemes, and scoundrels. She explores the central role ego plays in making bad financial decisions, as well as risk management. Highlights 02:14 - Inflated egos can lead you astray 07:28 - Starting on your American Dream 11:17 - Managing risk and financial education Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
We welcome back Margaret Wittkopp, Founder and CEO of Veritas Financial Services to talk more about investment scams and schemes. Today we focus on annuities, what they are, their various guarantees, and the real question you should be asking: is this long-term contract going to give me more money? Highlights 02:14 - Annuity as a contract: Make sure you're not shortchanged 10:27 - Financial planning: A must for the younger generation Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret Wittkopp of Veritas Financial Services brings to light a pension scam. She teaches the difference between the full payout and the replacement pension. Insurance companies will offer you an attractive alternative: take the full payout and get a pension replacement for your beneficiary where the remaining balance becomes a life insurance policy. Sounds good until you realize the premium to keep the insurance policy afloat is far more than the money you "saved" by taking the full payout. Highlights 03:01 - Pension discussion: For your lifetime only versus with beneficiary 06:26 - The fine print: How insurance companies dupe you with the pension replacement plan 09:49 - Insurance premiums skyrocket when you hit 80 years old Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
This episode of the American Dream Podcast is all about the scams, schemes, and cons in the financial industry. And more specifically, Margaret arms you with knowledge in an effort to safeguard you against the ever-pressing concerns of these investment related cons. Highlights 01:01 - On Bernie Madoff and the financial destruction his Ponzi scheme caused 04:40 - Tips from Margaret to evaluate if your money is in good hands 06:20 - What GIPS stands for and its significance Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Jim and Margaret talk about what the American Dream Experience really means and how the event is catered for “those who want more out of life than the mundane,” as Margaret says. And within this talk, our co-hosts explain the importance of well-being, freedom, and defining your own thoughts and values. In addition, Jim and Margaret talk about money schemes, how to tell if a fiduciary is trustworthy and holding up to their fiduciary duty, and how the wealthy sometimes can have more problems than those who earn less. Highlights 03:54 – Margaret talks about the first part of the American Dream Experience: delving into your own psyche to discover your personal values 07:16 – How those in the top-tier of wealth have just as many problems as those who are struggling financially. 10:40 – More information on the American Dream Experience events that Margaret and company put together 12:43 – Who is more susceptible to cons and money schemes. And an introduction to the types of schemes out there 16:25 – How to tell if someone is being a responsible fiduciary Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret and Jim are back for another episode! Today they’re talking about 401(k) plans, and by extension, retirement. In order to achieve your American Dream, you need to be financially secure enough to live out your dream. Margaret stresses the importance of knowing what types of retirement plans your company offers, the different variations of retirement plans, what fiduciary responsibility really means, why retirement happens at different ages for different people, words of wisdom from Fred Reish, protecting employee best interest, and how portfolio diversity and 401(k) plans will free you up to live your own American Dream. Highlights 00:33 - Margaret gives an overview of what retirement is 01:50 - On 401(k) plans and their utilization for retirement 03:45 - Definitions of ‘fiduciary responsibility’ 09:50 - 4 ways that companies need to look out for the best interest of their employees according to Fred Reish Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Within this episode, you can expect to hear all about turnover rates and how brokerage firms make a lot of their money through ‘under the table’ practices. In addition, Margaret and Jim discuss the ways you can protect yourself from needless fees that don’t show up on the expense ratio, the importance of portfolio diversification, and how finances can make your unique American Dream a reality. Highlights 01:51 - Margaret on not paying too much and on not wasting money on services you do not need 02:21 - Important information on turnover rates 05:40 - Revenue sharing and the conflicts of interest that arise during the practice 08:10 - The difference between relying on the financial industry and their techniques versus having a strong, well-balanced portfolio Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Fresh from an edifying time at the American Dream Experience, Jim and Margaret discuss what was talked about during the conference and explain a few key concepts that relate to the American Dream. Inside the episode, Margaret emphasizes the importance of creating an investing formula over relying on the prognostications of so-called ‘financial gurus’. She also explores why true purpose is so important and gives some information on the next American Dream Experience. And remember! As Margaret states, the real journey is not finding the perfect portfolio, but instead, the real journey towards the American Dream is internal and one which fully explores the values that you hold dearly. Highlights 02:06 - What Jim got out of Margaret’s American Dream Experience event 04:08 - On media hype and its role in influencing the decision-making process of most investors 07:35 - A discussion on why Veritas Investing starts off with exercises for finding “true purpose” for participants in the American Dream Experience 12:31 - Information on the next American Dream Experience in September Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Jim and Margaret are back for another podcast on the American Dream! This episode centers around something was hinted at last episode: returns on investment and in particular, the meager returns of the average equity investor. Margaret demystifies the reasons why ROI for equity investors is only about 3.5%-4.0%, the turnover rate that accompanies internal stock trading, dissimilar correlation, the three-factor model, and more. Most of all, Jim and Margaret want to remind you that your American Dream is achievable! And as Margaret likes to say, it’s a global dream for everyone, that education, training, and the right investing practices can unlock. Highlights 00:28 - Margaret clarifies the shocking 3-4% return on investment for the average equity investor (for stock mutual funds) 02:30 - Information on the ‘turnover rate’ that some investors and advisors are not even aware of 05:39 - A brief overview of diversification and its historical context 06:26 - Margaret discusses the three-factor model Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
In this episode, hosts Jim and Margaret are back to discuss the American Dream through a financial framework. Within, they utilize the play Hamilton and the American Revolution for inspiration and to explain what ‘true purpose’ means. In addition, coaching is mentioned as a valuable methodology for bringing clients to a transformation mindset about finances and the American Dream in general. During the talk, Margaret emphasizes her love for working with everyday Americans. She states that many don’t take the time to reflect on their portfolios from the focal point of the American Dream, but they definitely should! Jim and Margaret stress that it isn’t about being a transient billionaire and having the limelight for a few years; it’s about truly celebrating our nation’s history and unlocking our own personal American Dreams. To do so, requires the know-how. And Jim and Margaret provide a lot of valuable information in this episode. Highlights 01:15 - On turning the world upside down and how the American Revolution made our American Dream possible 03:29 - An important discussion on true purpose, creativity, and creating a positive impact 09:50 - Why coaching someone through a process rather than selling them an idea is a far more powerful teaching tool 11:11 - Various elements that disrupt and distract investors Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
If last episode was the American Dream 101, this is the 102 version of the concept. And like before, we have Margaret’s experience to utilize, which is an invaluable resource to draw from. But right away, you will be reminded that it’s not just the “American Dream” but instead, the ideal should be expanded even further to a Global Dream. Tune in as we talk about the importance of trusting the market and fiduciary members as a guide for investing, how speculative investments are not sustainable for longevity, dissimilar correlation and its importance, and further information on Veritas. Highlights 02:00 - On learning how to define your true purpose 03:38 - The pitfalls of speculating and gambling, even if you unaware that this is happening 06:55 - The importance of diversification and dissimilar correlation 12:00 - Information about the Veritas philosophy and coaching Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com
Margaret is the founder and CEO of Veritas Investing. We spearhead a talk on the “American Dream”. What it is, what others perceive it to be, and overall, just a discussion on the nuances of the concept from a financial standpoint. When expounding upon the American Dream, we delve into the importance of freedom for creating the life we envision for ourselves, how a materialistic definition of the ideal is too narrow, what investing and financial security has to do with the American Dream, the idea of dissimilar correlation, and a myriad of other noteworthy tidbits regarding the American Dream--a concept which needs to be revitalized, especially in the minds of the nation’s youth. Highlights 01:15 - The importance of freedom and opportunity when defining the American Dream for those coming to America and within 04:22 - How investing and finance ties into the American Dream in a big way 14:35 - Market timing and what this has to do with the difference between long-term investment and speculation & gambling types of investments 18:40 - On coaching someone through their long-term goals for achieving their own American Dream 26:05 - Information on Margaret’s 2-day program and how it transforms the way people see finances to align with their own American Dream Key Links • Veritas Financial Services, LLC Website: http://veritasinvesting.com (http://veritasinvesting.com) • For questions, educational resources, or to sign up for the next American Dream Experience event, call the Veritas Office: (920) 893-5262 You can also get in touch with Margie directly via email at margaret.wittkopp@veritasinvesting.com