Investec Wealth Strategies: Recent Episodes
Investec Wealth Strategies
These are audio versions of the blog content we provide on our website. Investec is an independent, boutique wealth management firm based in Houston, TX. We have been serving affluent families with over $1M in investable assets since 1984. We specialize in working with Retirees, ExxonMobil professionals as well as those who have become Suddenly Single. We invite you to consider our forward-looking approach to wealth management. Learn more at investecwealth.com
You’re an ExxonMobil retiree and about to turn 65. You need to make a decision about health insurance. You can move seamlessly from the ExxonMobil Retiree Medical Plan option to the ExxonMobil Medicare Primary Option (MPO), also known as a Medicare Advantage plan, or you can opt-out of the MPO and go into traditional Medicare. How should you make the decision? What are the differences or key variables you should consider?
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on October 4, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: Information about the ExxonMobil Medicare Primary Option (MPO) is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication, but no guarantees can be made because Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. Medicare is complex. We recommend you seek the advice of a trusted insurance specialist with expertise in Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement policies to discuss your personal situation.*
If you’ve ever left an employer in whose 401(k) plan you participated, did you make an informed decision about what to do about your account? We offer five objectives to help decide what’s right for you. But please, don’t just forget you have the account!
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on August 27, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
As we grow older, I suspect we all have moments in which we wonder whether we’re experiencing normal forgetfulness…or are we showing the first signs of dementia? We may joke about it, but we have to think about the possibility if we’re realistic. Here are four steps to take to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the possibility you may at some point suffer from diminished mental capability or be at increased risk of financial exploitation.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on August 10, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
News that ExxonMobil will resume the company match to the ExxonMobil Savings Plan in October gives you a planning basis for maximizing after-tax dollars going into your account. If you're inclined to max out, follow along here to calculate the amount you can contribute as a Special Contribution.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on July 22, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
Life has likely felt like a whirlwind since the pandemic started. While adjusting to the new normal, it’s possible your insurance coverage has not been top of mind. But in reality, you could be missing out by not reevaluating your current coverage. Here are four insurance areas you should reevaluate right away.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on July 13, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
At its core, financial advice helps you with your money. What is it about your money that makes it susceptible to help? This blog explains why folks in mid- to late-career who are accumulating retirement savings should be working with a competent financial advisor.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on June 22, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Did you know people are Googling the word "Inflation" at a record-breaking rate? If the economic uncertainty of the past year has you scratching your head as well, here's what you need to know about inflation and your investments.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on June 8, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Whether to sell appreciated shares of XOM in the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is a tough question. Here are four questions we think XOM shareholders should consider as they think through next moves in their portfolio.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on May 25, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
Reluctant to share your financial information with your grown children? Here are some reasons why it might make sense to do so.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on May 11, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
If retirement is only five years or less away, you should have a pretty good notion of what life will look like for you in this next chapter. With so many moving parts, it's important to think through the implications of the various decisions you'll make. Have you considered the following six questions?
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on April 27, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
Wondering how to unequally divide your assets without dividing your family? If you’re thinking about leaving more for one child than the other, it’s important to know your options.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on April 15, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
ExxonMobil employees often sign up for the EMSP because a supervisor or a more tenured colleague tells them it’s a good thing to do. But many participants continue to contribute without thinking through a Savings Plan goal or strategy. Have you considered these four questions?
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on March 30, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
From the moment a doctor earns his or her MD to the day they hang up their white coat for good, medical professionals face unique financial hurdles, dilemmas and questions. Here are five key components every medical professional should consider when putting together his or her financial plan.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on March 23, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Now that the year is behind us, here are 7 ways that we should treat our money differently and plan for the future.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on February 24, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Learn from the mistakes of others? Our blogger reflects on investing mistakes he’s seen participants in the EMSP make over the past forty years.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on February 9, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
Whether you inherit an IRA from a spouse or non-spouse, there are important steps to execute as an heir and details to address along the way.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on January 27, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Is your EMSP account on auto-pilot? Take time to think through what’s best for you in the new year. We offer some ideas to help make your decision.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on January 14, 2021. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
If you are an ExxonMobil employee participating in the ExxonMobil Savings Plan, you have until December 15th to take advantage this year of a little-known provision in the Plan called making a "Special Contribution." Here's everything you need to know.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on December 8, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
According to an email ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods sent all employees on October 21, the company faces "significant headwinds, more work to do and, unfortunately, further reductions are necessary." For many, exiting ExxonMobil may become a reality. What should you do?
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on November 19, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, we must never forget. In the words of Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl, “If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on September 14, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
16.1% of employers have cut matching 401(k) contributions in light of COVID-19. If this happened to you, or you're worried it could, here are the next steps you should be taking right away to still save for retirement.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on September 9, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Should you consider taking Social Security early to cover financial hardships caused by COVID-19? Make these crucial considerations first.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on August 31, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
In our quest to understand our relationship with money, we need to be careful that we don’t develop a fear of spending. Here are four simple steps to align your spending with exactly what you value.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on August 24, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
72% of Americans have felt financially stressed at some point during 2020. Here are 6 of the most common stress triggers with ways to fix them.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on August 17, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant, or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
During retirement, your wealth needs to last for the rest of your life. Avoid paying more taxes than you need to by keeping these four tips in mind throughout the year.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on August 3, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant, or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Should you take your ExxonMobil, Chevron, or other company pension benefit as an annuity or as a lump sum? Our Investec blogger addresses issues you might be concerned about.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on July 27, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation. Information about the ExxonMobil Savings Plan is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees can be made, as Plan details are subject to change by the Plan sponsor. The author is not an employee of ExxonMobil and his views are his own.*
You don’t do estate planning just for yourself. The documents the estate attorney produces are important, but there are other things you can do now to show your love for your heirs. Don’t leave behind a mess.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on July 20, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: This is only intended to provide a general overview of important estate planning concepts. This document is not intended nor should it be considered as legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide legal advice. Since estate laws are always subject to interpretations and possible changes in the future, we recommend that you seek the counsel of your attorney concerning your specific situation.*
Ever wonder what difference financial planning might make in a person’s life? One Investec advisor went into this field in part because wealth management holds the promise of achieving four objectives he holds dear.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on July 6, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant, or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Do you think a financial plan is just about investments? Our blog challenges that thinking, asserting that financial planning is built upon a foundation of what you care about most in life. Here are five important reasons to have a financial plan.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on June 19, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant, or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Thinking of retiring? It’s certainly a matter of “can you afford it?” But we think a well-informed decision takes into account other factors as well, factors that may not be as black and white as your lump sum pension or your 401(k) balance. These are our thoughts on making a tough decision.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on June 9, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant, or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Did the tough days in the stock market that we experienced in March tempt you to bail out and go to cash? Seeing a sharp decline in the value of your portfolio is very painful. Experience suggests long-term investors should remember that “time in the market beats timing the market.” For some historical perspective, keep listening for a conversation with a hypothetical client named Gloria about “staying the course.”
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on May 4, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant, or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Uncle Sam is spending trillions of dollars on economic stimulus and relief measures. The deficit will grow. Your 401(k) or IRA portfolio has recovered somewhat. But your ExxonMobil or Chevron stock is still at multi-year lows. In the midst of this, you wonder: “Should I start Social Security earlier than I planned?”
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on April 23, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant, or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
“Sell a position for less than what I paid? Why would I want to do that?” How do we take advantage of a down market to save on taxes? There are times when selling an investment for less than what you paid for it makes sense.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on April 3, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant, or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
You’ve stocked up on toilet paper and disinfectant. You’re maintaining social distancing. How about your portfolio? Will it survive the crisis? Keep listening to learn how those drawing on their wealth are prepared for a bear market.
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on April 1, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*
Social distancing to avoid the coronavirus will give us back time we might have spent elsewhere. But in a few months (we hope it's only a few), we will have gotten through this. You will look back at how you spent the extra time you were given. What will you remember? Being paralyzed by fear and cooped up in your home?
This is the audio version of a blog posted on our website (investecwealth.com) on March 16, 2020. The blog post itself can be found here*.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is general and intended as educational in nature. It is not intended nor should it be considered as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Investec Wealth Strategies and its advisors do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. We recommend you seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant or other qualified tax advisor concerning your situation.*