Rather than focus on a single topic this week, we thought we’d take some time to answer the many and varied questions we’ve been getting via email from our podcast subscribers and listeners.Just a few of the topics we’re covering this week: the sale of a primary residence, inheriting a home, annuity payments, taxes, Roth IRAs, and more.Tune in and get your most pressing questions answered from podcast host Johnny Dean and his guest, “Professor” Rick Plum, CFP® on this week’s episode!

Rather than focus on a single topic this week, we thought we’d take some time to answer the many and varied questions we’ve been getting via email from our podcast subscribers and listeners.Just a few of the topics we’re covering this week: the sale of a primary residence, inheriting a home, annuity payments, taxes, Roth IRAs, and more. Tune in and get your most pressing questions answered from podcast host Johnny Dean and his guest, “Professor” Rick Plum, CFP® on this week’s episode!

401k or IRA – Where Should You Keep Your Retirement Money?

The idea behind a Target Date Fund would seem logical – a kind of “set and forget it” investment that (presumably) gets safer as you age, giving you less exposure to stock market volatility the closer you get to retirement.  But on closer examination, Target Date Funds are not the panacea they appear to be. Yes, there are some qualities that make them worth owning, but as an investment that can carry you from youth to retirement – their original design – they fall short of the mark. What’s the reality regarding Target Date Funds? Tune in to today’s episode with podcast host Johnny Dean and Rick “The Professor” Plum, CFP® and find out more! 

The idea behind a Target Date Fund would seem logical – a kind of “set and forget it” investment that (presumably) gets safer as you age, giving you less exposure to stock market volatility the closer you get to retirement.   But on closer examination, Target Date Funds are not the panacea they appear to be. Yes, there are some qualities that make them worth owning, but as an investment that can carry you from youth to retirement – their original design – they fall short of the mark.  What’s the reality regarding Target Date Funds? Tune in to today’s episode with podcast host Johnny Dean and Rick “The Professor” Plum, CFP® and find out more!

Why Target Date Funds Are Not What They Seem to Be

"Traditional" investments consist mainly of stocks, bonds, and cash.  Many people get by just fine with these, and simply alter their allocation as they age or as their goals and needs change.Others, though, may want to consider investments that fall outside of the traditional group.  Why?  They may be looking for further portfolio diversification, or a potential hedge against market volatility, or they're able to withstand a greater degree of risk in exchange for the possibility of greater returns.Should you consider owning alternative investments?  And what exactly is an alternative?  Learn more from podcast host Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future!

"Traditional" investments consist mainly of stocks, bonds, and cash.  Many people get by just fine with these, and simply alter their allocation as they age or as their goals and needs change. Others, though, may want to consider investments that fall outside of the traditional group.  Why?  They may be looking for further portfolio diversification, or a potential hedge against market volatility, or they're able to withstand a greater degree of risk in exchange for the possibility of greater returns. Should you consider owning alternative investments?  And what exactly is an alternative?  Learn more from podcast host Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future!

Why You Might Consider Owning Alternative Investments

It would seem to make sense that if you're retired, you can't "afford" the volatility of the stock market - thus, as you age, common advice is that you should own fewer stocks in retirement.But is that good advice?  The answer may depend on your withdrawal strategy.  Do you need to access the money in your portfolio to help fund your near-term liabilities?  Or do you have enough income from other sources, giving those volatile assets the time they need to potentially grow?It may actually turn out that it's better to own more stocks in retirement, not fewer. Get the details from podcast host Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future!

It would seem to make sense that if you're retired, you can't "afford" the volatility of the stock market - thus, as you age, common advice is that you should own fewer stocks in retirement. But is that good advice?  The answer may depend on your withdrawal strategy.  Do you need to access the money in your portfolio to help fund your near-term liabilities?  Or do you have enough income from other sources, giving those volatile assets the time they need to potentially grow? It may actually turn out that it's better to own more stocks in retirement, not fewer. Get the details from podcast host Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future!

Should You Really Own Fewer Stocks in Retirement?

You've been working your whole life, and retirement for you has always been "at some date in the future." As you get older, the question becomes more real, and will eventually require an answer.  This is something that financial advisors and planners deal with every day.How do you know when you're really able to hang it all up?  Maybe your portfolio balance hasn't reached the number you've always figured was the minimum amount you'd need.  As it turns out, there's a chance, given certain generous tax laws and some basic strategy techniques, that you may be able to retire well before you thought you could.On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, Podcast host Johnny Dean and financial advisor "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® discuss what you need to know when asking that all-important question: "When can I retire?"

You've been working your whole life, and retirement for you has always been "at some date in the future." As you get older, the question becomes more real, and will eventually require an answer.  This is something that financial advisors and planners deal with every day. How do you know when you're really able to hang it all up?  Maybe your portfolio balance hasn't reached the number you've always figured was the minimum amount you'd need.  As it turns out, there's a chance, given certain generous tax laws and some basic strategy techniques, that you may be able to retire well before you thought you could. On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, Podcast host Johnny Dean and financial advisor "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® discuss what you need to know when asking that all-important question: "When can I retire?"

Figuring Out When You're Actually Able to Retire

As our parents age, it's only natural for us to want to keep an eye on them to make sure their finances stay in good order: bills paid, taxes done correctly, RMDs taken, etc. Sometimes that's much easier said than done.How do you make sure your parents are on top of their financial situation as they get older? Is there a way to protect them from scams?  How do you spot the signs that something might be wrong?Podcast host Johnny Dean tackles these questions with his special guest Ara Freedman, wealth manager at Lucia Capital Group on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future!

As our parents age, it's only natural for us to want to keep an eye on them to make sure their finances stay in good order: bills paid, taxes done correctly, RMDs taken, etc. Sometimes that's much easier said than done. How do you make sure your parents are on top of their financial situation as they get older? Is there a way to protect them from scams?  How do you spot the signs that something might be wrong? Podcast host Johnny Dean tackles these questions with his special guest Ara Freedman, wealth manager at Lucia Capital Group on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future!

How To Keep Your Parents Financially Safe

Have you heard that you're going to be taxed on the Social Security benefits you receive?  Or have you heard that they're never taxed at all? Many people have no idea what to expect.This is because sometimes a recipient's Social Security benefits will wind up being taxed under certain conditions, while others may never pay a dime on their benefits at all, even if they receive the maximum amount allowed.  confused yet? You're not alone.When might your benefits be subject to income tax?  How much will actually be taxed if that's the case?  And most importantly: what can you do about it?  Find out more with podcast host Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future!

Have you heard that you're going to be taxed on the Social Security benefits you receive?  Or have you heard that they're never taxed at all? Many people have no idea what to expect. This is because sometimes a recipient's Social Security benefits will wind up being taxed under certain conditions, while others may never pay a dime on their benefits at all, even if they receive the maximum amount allowed.  confused yet? You're not alone. When might your benefits be subject to income tax?  How much will actually be taxed if that's the case?  And most importantly: what can you do about it?  Find out more with podcast host Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future!

Will You Have to Pay Taxes On Your Social Security Benefits?

For the past year or so, I-Bonds have come into favor among people who are looking for a higher rate of return on Treasuries. A little over a year ago, they were paying an annualized 9.6 percent rate of return. Today, they’re paying right around 4.3 percent. It would seem, then, that you’d have been better off buying them at that higher rate. But maybe not – because of the way I-Bonds pay their interest, the current “lower” rate may actually be more attractive today. How is that possible? Learn all about it from podcast host Johnny Dean and “Professor” Rick Plum, CFP® on this week’s episode of Managing Your Financial Future!  

For the past year or so, I-Bonds have come into favor among people who are looking for a higher rate of return on Treasuries. A little over a year ago, they were paying an annualized 9.6 percent rate of return. Today, they’re paying right around 4.3 percent. It would seem, then, that you’d have been better off buying them at that higher rate. But maybe not – because of the way I-Bonds pay their interest, the current “lower” rate may actually be more attractive today. How is that possible? Learn all about it from podcast host Johnny Dean and “Professor” Rick Plum, CFP® on this week’s episode of Managing Your Financial Future!

I-Bonds: When 4.3% Is Better Than 9.6%

Tax time may be over for most people, but for financial advisors, tax management is a year-round task.  One of those tasks involves a “postmortem” of their client’s tax situation, where they can determine what may have gone right – or gone wrong – with their most recent tax return. If you’ve ever wondered what a financial advisor looks for when managing taxes, and what you yourself may want to look at more closely, today’s episode is a peek inside that world. Podcast host Johnny Dean and “Professor” Rick Plum, CFP® welcome both LCG advisor Jonathan Savona, CFP® and wealth manager Ronnie Sanchez to the studio desk as they discuss some simple methods you can use to manage your taxes more efficiently. 

Tax time may be over for most people, but for financial advisors, tax management is a year-round task.  One of those tasks involves a “postmortem” of their client’s tax situation, where they can determine what may have gone right – or gone wrong – with their most recent tax return. If you’ve ever wondered what a financial advisor looks for when managing taxes, and what you yourself may want to look at more closely, today’s episode is a peek inside that world. Podcast host Johnny Dean and “Professor” Rick Plum, CFP® welcome both LCG advisor Jonathan Savona, CFP® and wealth manager Ronnie Sanchez to the studio desk as they discuss some simple methods you can use to manage your taxes more efficiently.

An Inside Look at How Advisors Manage Your Taxes 

Managing Your Financial Future with Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® Brought to you by the advisors and investment professionals at Lucia Capital Group, a registered investment advisor. Integrating financial planning and investing decisions, designed to help you reach your own financial goals. Want the best tips on which hot stocks you should buy this week? Go somewhere else - we don't do that. It's all about planning, strategy, managing your future and taking control of your financial life. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.

Managing Your Financial Future with Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum, CFP® Brought to you by the advisors and investment professionals at Lucia Capital Group, a registered investment advisor. Integrating financial planning and investing decisions, designed to help you reach your own financial goals. Want the best tips on which hot stocks you should buy this week? Go somewhere else - we don't do that. It's all about planning, strategy, managing your future and taking control of your financial life. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.

Managing Your Financial Future with Lucia Capital Group

You may have heard or read that Americans aren't saving enough for their retirement years.  If so, there's a good chance that the phrase "retirement crisis" was part of the story. It's easy to scare people into reading an article online, but while everyone could probably stand to save more then they are, is there really a retirement crisis in America?  Maybe not.Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP®, and Johnny Dean, along with Ray Lucia Jr. and Joe Lucia, talk about this issue and why the doomsday headlines could very well be wrong, on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

You may have heard or read that Americans aren't saving enough for their retirement years.  If so, there's a good chance that the phrase "retirement crisis" was part of the story. It's easy to scare people into reading an article online, but while everyone could probably stand to save more then they are, is there really a retirement crisis in America?  Maybe not.Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP®, and Johnny Dean, along with Ray Lucia Jr. and Joe Lucia, talk about this issue and why the doomsday headlines could very well be wrong, on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

The Myth of the "Retirement Savings Crisis"

Did you know that the location of your assets - 401(k), IRA, personal account, Roth - is a big determinant of your ultimate tax bill?  By simply locating your assets in the proper account(s), you may be able to drastically reduce your tax bill. Find out how with Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP®, and Johnny Dean, along with Ray Lucia Jr. and Joe Lucia, on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that the location of your assets - 401(k), IRA, personal account, Roth - is a big determinant of your ultimate tax bill?  By simply locating your assets in the proper account(s), you may be able to drastically reduce your tax bill. Find out how with Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP®, and Johnny Dean, along with Ray Lucia Jr. and Joe Lucia, on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Controlling Your Tax Bill - It's Easier Than You Think

When taking out a mortgage, people often wonder if it's better to have a 15-year loan instead of a 30-year loan.  They think of all the interest payments they'll save by shortening the loan period, and the fact that the home would be owned free and clear in half the time.Of course, they have to be able to afford the higher payments of a 15-year loan, which for some people is a deal-breaker.  But there may be a way for you to take the 30-year loan option and still be free of mortgage payments in 15 years.  On today's podcast, we talk about a strategy to do exactly that.We'll also give you an explanation of the $1,200 stimulus check, dispelling common rumors that it will have to be paid back next year, and answer an email about paying cash for a home versus having a mortgage and investing the difference.  Join hosts Johnny Dean and Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP® for this week's edition of Managing Your Financial Future!See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

When taking out a mortgage, people often wonder if it's better to have a 15-year loan instead of a 30-year loan.  They think of all the interest payments they'll save by shortening the loan period, and the fact that the home would be owned free and clear in half the time.Of course, they have to be able to afford the higher payments of a 15-year loan, which for some people is a deal-breaker.  But there may be a way for you to take the 30-year loan option and still be free of mortgage payments in 15 years.  On today's podcast, we talk about a strategy to do exactly that.We'll also give you an explanation of the $1,200 stimulus check, dispelling common rumors that it will have to be paid back next year, and answer an email about paying cash for a home versus having a mortgage and investing the difference.  Join hosts Johnny Dean and Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP® for this week's edition of Managing Your Financial Future!See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

A Mortgage Payment Strategy You've Never Heard Before

Many people know that long-term care costs are expensive.  In spite of that, they're often reluctant to buy an insurance policy to cover those costs because they don't want to pay for something that they may never need to use.  After all, not everyone ends up in a nursing home or care facility.But what if you could both insure against those costs AND retain ownership of your premiums so that you or your heirs can have that money if you never need long-term care? Is that even possible?  Yes.  Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP®, and Johnny Dean, along with Ray Lucia Jr. and Joe Lucia, talk about how "Linked Benefit" plans may be the wave of the future on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Many people know that long-term care costs are expensive.  In spite of that, they're often reluctant to buy an insurance policy to cover those costs because they don't want to pay for something that they may never need to use.  After all, not everyone ends up in a nursing home or care facility.But what if you could both insure against those costs AND retain ownership of your premiums so that you or your heirs can have that money if you never need long-term care? Is that even possible?  Yes.  Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP®, and Johnny Dean, along with Ray Lucia Jr. and Joe Lucia, talk about how "Linked Benefit" plans may be the wave of the future on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

How To Manage the Scare of Long-Term Care

Stock markets are volatile, people are hunkered down in their homes, and life as we know has been put on pause, at least for a while.  In spite of that, though, all of the regular financial issues still exist, pandemic or not.  And today we're answering those emails that have come in from you, our loyal listeners, over the past few weeks.The issues at hand:  taking distributions from your IRAs even without RMD's, fleeing the stock market out of fear, and the up-front bonuses that insurance companies often offer to people who are considering buying annuities.  Questions, answers, and commentary along the way in this week's edition of Lucia Capital Group's worldwide podcast, Managing Your Financial Future.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Stock markets are volatile, people are hunkered down in their homes, and life as we know has been put on pause, at least for a while.  In spite of that, though, all of the regular financial issues still exist, pandemic or not.  And today we're answering those emails that have come in from you, our loyal listeners, over the past few weeks.The issues at hand:  taking distributions from your IRAs even without RMD's, fleeing the stock market out of fear, and the up-front bonuses that insurance companies often offer to people who are considering buying annuities.  Questions, answers, and commentary along the way in this week's edition of Lucia Capital Group's worldwide podcast, Managing Your Financial Future.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Answering the Everyday Financial Questions

The standard, cookie-cutter portfolio often consists of just three main assets: stocks, bonds and cash.  One may argue that this is not enough diversification, but that discussion aside, some investors seem to find themselves these days replacing some of their "riskier" stock portfolio with the relative safety of US Government bonds.  But interest rates are at historic lows, and the reward for owning bonds is minimal, at best.  Are people really satisfied with a 10-year rate of return that's currently paying less than 1 percent annually?  Maybe: but there may also be some bond alternatives available to you that pay a bit more than that.  What are these bond alternatives, and how do you know if their potentially right for you? Listen to this week's edition of Managing Your Financial Future with Rick "the Professor" Plum and Johnny Dean to learn about ways you may be able to squeeze a little more juice from the orange.  Also: a few more of your emails are answered!See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

The standard, cookie-cutter portfolio often consists of just three main assets: stocks, bonds and cash.  One may argue that this is not enough diversification, but that discussion aside, some investors seem to find themselves these days replacing some of their "riskier" stock portfolio with the relative safety of US Government bonds.  But interest rates are at historic lows, and the reward for owning bonds is minimal, at best.  Are people really satisfied with a 10-year rate of return that's currently paying less than 1 percent annually?  Maybe: but there may also be some bond alternatives available to you that pay a bit more than that.  What are these bond alternatives, and how do you know if their potentially right for you? Listen to this week's edition of Managing Your Financial Future with Rick "the Professor" Plum and Johnny Dean to learn about ways you may be able to squeeze a little more juice from the orange.  Also: a few more of your emails are answered!See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Why Own Bonds in This Low Interest Rate Environment?

Many people who aren't old enough to receive their benefits yet don't give much thought to Social Security. They figure it will be there for them in some form or another when they retire, but as to when they should begin taking it, well, that's not something they keep on their mental front-burner. It's often not until they approach or reach retirement that they give it any serious consideration.But when you should take your benefits, and which benefits you should take, is an important decision. The trouble is that you're presented with a confusing array of choices, and there's no shortage of conflicting advice that tells you to always do this, or never do that. No wonder people don't like to think about it.On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, we try to take some of that worry and confusion out of the picture. Even if you're not yet taking your benefits, it's a good idea to know the basics so that you're prepared when your decision time finally arrives.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Many people who aren't old enough to receive their benefits yet don't give much thought to Social Security. They figure it will be there for them in some form or another when they retire, but as to when they should begin taking it, well, that's not something they keep on their mental front-burner. It's often not until they approach or reach retirement that they give it any serious consideration.But when you should take your benefits, and which benefits you should take, is an important decision. The trouble is that you're presented with a confusing array of choices, and there's no shortage of conflicting advice that tells you to always do this, or never do that. No wonder people don't like to think about it.On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, we try to take some of that worry and confusion out of the picture. Even if you're not yet taking your benefits, it's a good idea to know the basics so that you're prepared when your decision time finally arrives.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Making Your Social Security Decisions Easier

With everything that's been going on these days in the stock market, the economy -- the uncertainty of it all -- you might think that the confidence of those who are nearing retirement, or who are already retired, would be shaken more than a little bit.  But that's not entirely true.The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) conducted their 30th annual Retirement confidence Survey back in January, and again at the end of March - two very different times. And they found that while overall confidence did go down somewhat, the decline was almost negligible.  Why would that be?In this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, hosts Johnny Dean and Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP® talk about reasons why those who have a strategy tend to be less irrational and less afraid of bad market and economic conditions.  They also answer more of your emails, including one about using IRA money to purchase a home.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

With everything that's been going on these days in the stock market, the economy -- the uncertainty of it all -- you might think that the confidence of those who are nearing retirement, or who are already retired, would be shaken more than a little bit.  But that's not entirely true.The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) conducted their 30th annual Retirement confidence Survey back in January, and again at the end of March - two very different times. And they found that while overall confidence did go down somewhat, the decline was almost negligible.  Why would that be?In this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, hosts Johnny Dean and Rick "The Professor" Plum, CFP® talk about reasons why those who have a strategy tend to be less irrational and less afraid of bad market and economic conditions.  They also answer more of your emails, including one about using IRA money to purchase a home.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Maintaining Your Confidence in Retirement

With everything we have going on in our lives right now, with all the new things we have to deal with, it's important to keep in mind that ordinary events still happen during extraordinary times.  Births, deaths, marriages, divorces, family events -- things both in and out of your control -- continue.  Part of the essence of financial planning has to do with making sure that both expected and unexpected events are properly dealt with.  This should be the goal of every financial advisor -- to minimize the surprises that inevitably crop up during your lifetime.  Yes, extraordinary events do happen, but if you're ready for them, if you've prepared to deal with them, then your advisor has done their job.On this week's edition of Managing Your Financial Future, host Johnny Dean and co-host Rick "The Professor" Plum talk about the importance of remembering to take care of the ordinary things, because life at some point will return to normal -- even if it's a "new" normal.  They also answer a few more of your emails.  Tune in to find out more!See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

With everything we have going on in our lives right now, with all the new things we have to deal with, it's important to keep in mind that ordinary events still happen during extraordinary times.  Births, deaths, marriages, divorces, family events -- things both in and out of your control -- continue.  Part of the essence of financial planning has to do with making sure that both expected and unexpected events are properly dealt with.  This should be the goal of every financial advisor -- to minimize the surprises that inevitably crop up during your lifetime.  Yes, extraordinary events do happen, but if you're ready for them, if you've prepared to deal with them, then your advisor has done their job.On this week's edition of Managing Your Financial Future, host Johnny Dean and co-host Rick "The Professor" Plum talk about the importance of remembering to take care of the ordinary things, because life at some point will return to normal -- even if it's a "new" normal.  They also answer a few more of your emails.  Tune in to find out more!See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Don't Neglect the Ordinary Things

It's a fairly well-known and well-accepted fact within the investment world that market timing - attempting to get in or out of equities on the highs or lows - doesn't work.  Most investing novices (and even veterans) who trade on daily trends will lose money, and some will lose all of their money.  The stock market is simply too unpredictable.But that doesn't mean that when market conditions change you can't or shouldn't make some adjustments.  You can still stick with your long-term goals while making certain short-term changes when big events take place (like the end of a bull market).  In fact, that may be advisable in certain circumstances.What kind of an adjustment should you make, if it's indeed warranted by your individual situation?  On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, our "Professor" Rick Plum and host Johnny Dean explore the notion of how a bear market may change your investing style, and why having a strategy is crucial for someone who may have just retired in early 2020.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

It's a fairly well-known and well-accepted fact within the investment world that market timing - attempting to get in or out of equities on the highs or lows - doesn't work.  Most investing novices (and even veterans) who trade on daily trends will lose money, and some will lose all of their money.  The stock market is simply too unpredictable.But that doesn't mean that when market conditions change you can't or shouldn't make some adjustments.  You can still stick with your long-term goals while making certain short-term changes when big events take place (like the end of a bull market).  In fact, that may be advisable in certain circumstances.What kind of an adjustment should you make, if it's indeed warranted by your individual situation?  On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, our "Professor" Rick Plum and host Johnny Dean explore the notion of how a bear market may change your investing style, and why having a strategy is crucial for someone who may have just retired in early 2020.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Does a Bear Market Change Your Investing Style?

During normal times, it's easy to put our financial lives on autopilot.  Our 401(k) contributions happen without us having to do anything, many of our bills are paid with auto pay, and once we're set up with the proper amount of life insurance, health insurance, and maybe long-term care insurance, we tend to resort to a "set-it-and-forget-it" mode.  There are times, though, when we need to review what we have and make sure that it's all still aligned with our goals.  And since our goals can change as life changes, it's likely that you need to make some adjustments to certain assets.  This pandemic lockdown, which has given many of us more down-time than we ever have before, may be the best opportunity you've had in years to do just that.  Of course, needing to do it, and actually doing it, are two different things.  On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, we talk about the tools available to you that can make getting your financial house in order a lot less stressful.  We also answer some email questions that have come in over that past couple of weeks, reminding us all that there are normal financial issues that still crop up even during extraordinary times.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

During normal times, it's easy to put our financial lives on autopilot.  Our 401(k) contributions happen without us having to do anything, many of our bills are paid with auto pay, and once we're set up with the proper amount of life insurance, health insurance, and maybe long-term care insurance, we tend to resort to a "set-it-and-forget-it" mode.  There are times, though, when we need to review what we have and make sure that it's all still aligned with our goals.  And since our goals can change as life changes, it's likely that you need to make some adjustments to certain assets.  This pandemic lockdown, which has given many of us more down-time than we ever have before, may be the best opportunity you've had in years to do just that.  Of course, needing to do it, and actually doing it, are two different things.  On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, we talk about the tools available to you that can make getting your financial house in order a lot less stressful.  We also answer some email questions that have come in over that past couple of weeks, reminding us all that there are normal financial issues that still crop up even during extraordinary times.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

The Best Opportunity to Get Your Financial House in Order

One of the most potentially useful tools a financial planner has is the ability to create some form of lifetime income for those who need it. In much the same way that a company could provide a pension to its employees, so may an advisor offer “pensionized” income as a way to provide guaranteed lifetime income to someone who might otherwise have none. This week’s episode of Managing Your Financial Future features one of our favorite guests, Chris Lloyd, CFP, who has some useful insight into how lifetime income works, and how to tell if it may be right for you. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

One of the most potentially useful tools a financial planner has is the ability to create some form of lifetime income for those who need it. In much the same way that a company could provide a pension to its employees, so may an advisor offer “pensionized” income as a way to provide guaranteed lifetime income to someone who might otherwise have none. This week’s episode of Managing Your Financial Future features one of our favorite guests, Chris Lloyd, CFP, who has some useful insight into how lifetime income works, and how to tell if it may be right for you. See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Talking Lifetime Income with Chris Lloyd

Fear does strange things to people.  It can motivate us to take immediate action when a threat is imminent, or it can cause us to retreat, cover up the issue, and hope it will go away. Retirees have many financial concerns. But their biggest one -- the one that can be connected to all of the others -- is running out of money.  This fear often causes them to either be frugal to a point beyond reason, or to ignore their finances completely and just pray it all works out.Neither option is ideal.  What if we told you that just by using a few simple planning techniques, you may be able to lose those fears for good?  You may have a lot less to fear in retirement.  Find out more on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.

Fear does strange things to people.  It can motivate us to take immediate action when a threat is imminent, or it can cause us to retreat, cover up the issue, and hope it will go away. Retirees have many financial concerns. But their biggest one -- the one that can be connected to all of the others -- is running out of money.  This fear often causes them to either be frugal to a point beyond reason, or to ignore their finances completely and just pray it all works out.Neither option is ideal.   What if we told you that just by using a few simple planning techniques, you may be able to lose those fears for good?  You may have a lot less to fear in retirement.  Find out more on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.

Killing Your Fear of Running Out of Money

So the long bull market finally came to an end.  The drop in equity values was quick, sudden, but not unexpected.  The markets simply did what they've always done, and while we never knew the exact date it would happen, we knew it was inevitable.  And because we know it's inevitable but cannot predict when it will happen, we have a strategy that anticipates this kind of volatility and aims to have you prepared to weather the storm.  So while no strategy is infallible, it's always a good idea to have a plan, a road map, for what you should do when you're faced with a down market.On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum talk about the importance of being prepared, and how just a little bit of strategizing may go a long way.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

So the long bull market finally came to an end.  The drop in equity values was quick, sudden, but not unexpected.  The markets simply did what they've always done, and while we never knew the exact date it would happen, we knew it was inevitable.  And because we know it's inevitable but cannot predict when it will happen, we have a strategy that anticipates this kind of volatility and aims to have you prepared to weather the storm.  So while no strategy is infallible, it's always a good idea to have a plan, a road map, for what you should do when you're faced with a down market.On this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future, Johnny Dean and "Professor" Rick Plum talk about the importance of being prepared, and how just a little bit of strategizing may go a long way.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Keeping Your Cool When the Markets Drop

When it comes to finance, conflicting advice is everywhere.  This is especially true when people have questions about when they should start taking money from their traditional IRAs: Should I start early, or wait until I'm required to take the money out?  Is my withdrawal going to be taxed?  Does an IRA withdrawal affect my Social Security, or change the cost of Medicare Part B and D?  Very few of these (and other) questions are ever answered with any consistency online.Yet they're important issues.  How are you supposed to make an informed decision if the advice you're getting from one source is telling you to do the opposite of what someone else told you to do?  Knowledge is power.  Listen to this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future and we'll help to sort it all out for you.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to finance, conflicting advice is everywhere.  This is especially true when people have questions about when they should start taking money from their traditional IRAs: Should I start early, or wait until I'm required to take the money out?  Is my withdrawal going to be taxed?  Does an IRA withdrawal affect my Social Security, or change the cost of Medicare Part B and D?  Very few of these (and other) questions are ever answered with any consistency online.Yet they're important issues.  How are you supposed to make an informed decision if the advice you're getting from one source is telling you to do the opposite of what someone else told you to do?  Knowledge is power.  Listen to this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future and we'll help to sort it all out for you.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

IRA Withdrawals: Take Them Now, or Later?

A few episodes back, we talked about the benefits of charitable giving for both the recipient of the gift and the giver.  The one who receives the gift gets the benefit of the gift itself.  The one who gives the gift may be entitled to (among other things) a tax benefit for their generosity.  Some people, though, for a variety of reasons, aren't able to deduct what they give to charity -- at least not directly. How can someone who doesn't qualify for a charitable tax deduction potentially receive a "de facto" deduction for their donations anyway?  And how can this strategy potentially limit other taxes they may have otherwise paid?Find out on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

A few episodes back, we talked about the benefits of charitable giving for both the recipient of the gift and the giver.  The one who receives the gift gets the benefit of the gift itself.  The one who gives the gift may be entitled to (among other things) a tax benefit for their generosity.  Some people, though, for a variety of reasons, aren't able to deduct what they give to charity -- at least not directly. How can someone who doesn't qualify for a charitable tax deduction potentially receive a "de facto" deduction for their donations anyway?  And how can this strategy potentially limit other taxes they may have otherwise paid?Find out on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

A Tax Strategy You Never Knew Existed

The current bull market is 11 years old as of March, 2020.  This seems to have given more than a few investors the mistaken idea that stocks will continue to climb forever.  Whenever markets are flying high, or (on the other side) when they’re sinking into oblivion, people tend to overreact and do something that they later on wished they hadn’t - often times, something irreversible. If you’re about to make a risky money move, either out of fear or jubilation, there are three questions you should ask yourself first; three questions that every investor who's thinking of straying from their long-term plan should consider.  What are those questions? Find out on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

The current bull market is 11 years old as of March, 2020.  This seems to have given more than a few investors the mistaken idea that stocks will continue to climb forever.  Whenever markets are flying high, or (on the other side) when they’re sinking into oblivion, people tend to overreact and do something that they later on wished they hadn’t - often times, something irreversible. If you’re about to make a risky money move, either out of fear or jubilation, there are three questions you should ask yourself first; three questions that every investor who's thinking of straying from their long-term plan should consider.  What are those questions? Find out on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

The 3 Questions That Every Confident Investor Should Ask

Stripe

Between the CARES Act and the SECURE Act, both of which have been enacted, 2020 has turned out (so far) to be a year of change and uncertainty.  The SECURE Act was passed in December of 2019, aiming to make retirement saving easier for individuals, increasing access to tax-advantaged accounts, and preventing older Americans from outliving their assets.Certain provisions of the SECURE Act have direct implications for people who are already retired and/or who have reached required minimum distribution age.  By taking advantage of what the Act allows you to do, you may be able to save both time and taxes.  You simply need to know what to do.On this week's Managing Your Financial Future podcast, host Johnny Dean talks with long-time Lucia Capital Group advisor Janean Stripe, CFP® about the important provisions of the SECURE Act that may have the biggest impact on you.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Between the CARES Act and the SECURE Act, both of which have been enacted, 2020 has turned out (so far) to be a year of change and uncertainty.  The SECURE Act was passed in December of 2019, aiming to make retirement saving easier for individuals, increasing access to tax-advantaged accounts, and preventing older Americans from outliving their assets.Certain provisions of the SECURE Act have direct implications for people who are already retired and/or who have reached required minimum distribution age.  By taking advantage of what the Act allows you to do, you may be able to save both time and taxes.  You simply need to know what to do.On this week's Managing Your Financial Future podcast, host Johnny Dean talks with long-time Lucia Capital Group advisor Janean Stripe, CFP® about the important provisions of the SECURE Act that may have the biggest impact on you.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

Why the SECURE Act Is So Important to You - with Janean Stripe

The SECURE Act, passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and effective on January 1, 2020, provides several reforms to 401(k) accounts, IRAs, college savings accounts, and more.  A couple of long-standing rules, including the age at which most people must begin taking their required minimum distributions, were amended.  These changes created both opportunities and obstacles for people who are making plans for retirement, as well as for those with legacy plans for heirs.What do you need to know?  What important changes were made that could directly affect you, your spouse, and your ultimate heirs?  Find out on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

The SECURE Act, passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and effective on January 1, 2020, provides several reforms to 401(k) accounts, IRAs, college savings accounts, and more.  A couple of long-standing rules, including the age at which most people must begin taking their required minimum distributions, were amended.  These changes created both opportunities and obstacles for people who are making plans for retirement, as well as for those with legacy plans for heirs.What do you need to know?  What important changes were made that could directly affect you, your spouse, and your ultimate heirs?  Find out on this week's episode of Managing Your Financial Future.See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

How the SECURE Act Affects You

FLASH

So maybe you looked at your 401(k) balance as recently as mid-February, and then decided you'd finally enough saved up to retire.  You put your notice in at work, everyone wished you well, and then...And then.  From bull market to bear market in a flash, without warning.  What have you done?  Can you really afford to retire now?  Good question.In this week's podcast, Johnny Dean and Professor Rick Plum talk about the importance of having a strategy, and how defending your portfolio against the inevitable volatility and market downturns well ahead of time can potentially make a huge difference between retiring when you want to, and having to postpone your retirement indefinitely. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

So maybe you looked at your 401(k) balance as recently as mid-February, and then decided you'd finally enough saved up to retire.  You put your notice in at work, everyone wished you well, and then...And then.  From bull market to bear market in a flash, without warning.  What have you done?  Can you really afford to retire now?  Good <a href="http://question.In" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">question.In</a> this week's podcast, Johnny Dean and Professor Rick Plum talk about the importance of having a strategy, and how defending your portfolio against the inevitable volatility and market downturns well ahead of time can potentially make a huge difference between retiring when you want to, and having to postpone your retirement indefinitely. See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/policies/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/policies/listener</a> for privacy information.

From Bull Market to Bear Market in a Flash

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