Investments Article
What Is Wealth? 4 Types of Wealth
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper are going to define the four types of wealth to thoroughly answer the question, “What is wealth?” on America’s Wealth Management Show.
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Investments Article
A Banking Crisis Amid the Fed’s Fight Against Inflation
Whether it was major bank failures, another 0.25% increase of the Fed funds rate, or 10-year treasury yields falling, March didn’t lack any madness this year. We’ll look at all that and more during our March Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
The Effect of Rising Interest Rates on the Economy
In case you missed it, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced another 0.25% Fed funds rate hike on March 22. The Fed funds rate is now in the 4.75-5% range. So, where will interest rates go from here and what does that mean for you and your retirement plans? Dean Barber and Bud Kasper will discuss the effect of rising interest rates on the economy and much more on America’s Wealth Management Show.
Investments Article
Lost Decade of the 1970s and Why It Still Matters
Shane Barber looks back at the lost decade of the 1970s to see if we can glean some clues for what the 2020s could hold in store for us, and how we can navigate through what may indeed be difficult years ahead.
Investments Article
401k in Retirement: Managing Your Biggest Asset
According to Fidelity, retirees lost an average of 23% in their 401(k) savings in 2022. What should you do with your 401(k) in retirement? Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve discuss how to manage assets like your 401(k), both in retirement and as you're preparing for retirement.
Investments Article
Consumer Debt Is at an All-Time High
Dean Barber assesses consumer debt, consumer spending, and how it ties into inflation in his February Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
Corporate Earnings and Why They Matter
If you listen to any financial media, you’ll hear them talk repeatedly about “corporate earnings.” To give you an idea of how much talk there is about corporate earnings, a quick Google search of the term will net roughly 400 million results in about half a second. So, obviously corporate earnings are important to a lot of people. But what do they mean, and why are they so important? Today, we’re going to discuss just that.
Investments Article
Interest Rate Increases Continue in 2023
While all major indices were up in January, the U.S. treasuries yield curve is inverted more than it was at any point of 2022 and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is continuing interest rate increases in 2023. We'll cover all that and more in our January Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
Retirement Income During a Recession
Recession signals remain strong as we begin 2023. We discuss how to go about saving and protecting your retirement income during a recession.
Investments Article
What Is Yield Curve Inversion?
What is yield curve inversion? And why does it precede recessions? Shane Barber answers those questions in his latest article.
Investments Article
2022 Was Unusual for Bonds, Tough on Stocks
2022 is in the rearview mirror, and thank goodness, because it was a rough year. Watch Dean review the tough year on stocks, the unusual year for bonds, interest rates and the Federal Reserve, and our outlook for 2023 as it stands today.
Investments Article
Recession Fears Remain High for the Holidays
There’s plenty of holiday cheer to go around, but recession fears also remain high as we head into 2023. Let's look at where things stand following a 0.5% increase of the Fed funds rate in December.
Investments Article
Economic Outlook for 2023: What Do We Need to Prepare for?
In our last Modern Wealth Management Educational Series event of 2022, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper look back on the past year and provide an economic outlook for 2023. While they don’t have a crystal ball to predict exactly what the economic outlook will be for 2023, they want you to be prepared for some of the things that could happen.
Investments Article
Inverted Yield Curve Signals Recession
Along with looking at the latest trends in the stock and bond markets, Dean Barber discusses why the inverted yield curve is a signal of a recession in the November 2022 Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
Dead Cat Bounces
Is this another dead cat bounce or the beginning of the next bull market? Dean Barber and Bud Kasper look into the dead cat bounces that we’ve had so far in 2022 to get a better idea of what the answer could be.
Investments Article
More Interest Rate Hikes on the Way?
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the latest on inflation, more interest rate hikes, the likelihood of a global recession, and much more on this episode of America's Wealth Management Show.
Investments Article
When Will the Bear Market Be Over?
We saw a big market run-up in October. Dean Barber explores when the bear market will be over in our October Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
8 Retirement Challenges That You Didn’t Have While Working
Planning for a fulfilling retirement isn’t something that can be done in a blink of an eye. It takes time and a lot of preparation to overcome a lot of retirement challenges that many people don’t even think about. Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve review those retirement challenges and encourage you to start building your financial plan sooner rather than later.
Investments Article
Reading Your Balance Sheet and Income Statement
Will Doty reviews how to read your balance sheet and income statement, and how it all comes back to your comprehensive financial plan.
Estate Planning Article
5 Wealth Protection Tactics
If we’ve learned anything about what the market has done in 2022, it’s that being patient is pivotal. Rather than giving into fear and greed, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper share five wealth protection tactics to help give your clarity when financial planning.
Estate Planning Article
October Is National Financial Planning Month
Did you know that October is National Financial Planning Month? It honestly came close to slipping our minds because we believe every month should be National Financial Planning Month. Dean Barber, Bud Kasper, and Matt Kasper celebrated National Financial Planning Month by discussing the importance of having a comprehensive financial plan on America's Wealth Management Show.
Investments Article
Examples of Market Risk Abound in September
There is so much economic uncertainty, from interest rates to inflation to what's going on geopolitically. All of those are significant examples of market risk. Dean Barber talks about those examples of market risk and much more in September’s Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
8 Ways to Combat Financial Uncertainty
All the financial uncertainty that we’re dealing with seems to be coming at us from every angle. While this financial uncertainty is uncomfortable, it’s not uncommon. From the Dot-Com Bubble to the Financial Crisis, we’ve been through cycles similar to this. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper look back at some of those cycles and review eight ways to combat financial uncertainty.
Investments Article
Market Conditions Falter to Round Out August
Market conditions tumbled at the end of August after a summer rally. Dean Barber takes an in-depth look in August's Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
5 Factors More Important Than Rate of Return
When it comes to building your retirement plan, a lot of people think your rate of return is the No. 1 thing to keep in mind. While it is important, your investments aren’t the main factor when it comes to your plan. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper will review five factors that are more important than your rate of return on this episode of America's Wealth Management Show.
Investments Article
The Definition of a Recession
We now have a negative GDP for two consecutive quarters, which is the definition of a recession. Dean Barber reviews that and more in July's Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
6 Reasons Roth Conversions Could Work for You
If you read our blog post from earlier this month titled, 8 Ways to Prepare for a Recession, you might remember that Roth conversions were No. 1 on the list. While Roth conversions aren’t for everyone, there are quite a few reasons why they could be right for you.
Investments Article
4 Retirement Risks That Are Out of Your Control
A huge factor of financial planning is controlling what you can control. It’s pivotal to understand that as you’re determining if you have enough money to get to and through retirement. The fear of outliving your money is a retirement risk that’s big concern for a lot of people. However, with a financial plan, it’s a controllable retirement risk. In this episode of America's Wealth Management Show, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss four retirement risks that you can plan for but are out of your control.
Investments Article
Are We in a Recession?
Are we in a recession? Dean Barber raises that question and reviews the latest on interest rates and bonds in June's Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
Bear Markets and Mean Reversions
Shane Barber explores several methods of measuring how overvalued the markets became, how overvalued they remain, and how far they might fall if we are actually in the middle of a mean reversion event.
Investments Article
Bear Market Is Here, Is There More to Come?
The S&P 500 entered bear market territory, preceded by the NASDAQ index entering bear market territory a few weeks back. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss navigating the current bear market.
Investments Article
2022 Halftime Report
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the year so far and what they think about the balance of 2022 in our 2022 Halftime Report.
Investments Article
Finding Financial Clarity in Uncertain Times
With all the issues we’re facing domestically and globally that are impacting the economy, it’s pivotal to find financial clarity during these uncertain times. Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve talk about the importance of having a financial plan to navigate that uncertainty and help people reach their goals in retirement.
Investments Article
Bear Market Rallies
Dean Barber assesses the possibility of upcoming bear market rallies and reviews the bear market rallies of the Dot-Com Bubble and Great Recession.
Investments Article
A Recent History of Bear Markets
Clarity, confidence, and control within your financial plan is of the utmost importance right now amid these turbulent times in the markets so you can accomplishment your goals in retirement. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review a recent history of bear markets and how you can stress test your financial plan through periods like the Dot-Com Bubble and Great Recession.
Investments Article
Keeping an Eye on I-Bonds
Inflation is an i-word that anyone and everyone is tired of hearing. Then, there’s interest rates that are rising that are also making people feel uncomfortable. But there is another i-word that Modern Wealth Management clients have been coming to us with questions about that we want to address. We’re talking about I-Bonds.
Investments Article
529 Plans and Planning for Your Grandchildren’s Futures
There are few prouder moments for grandparents than their grandchildren's graduation. You can help plan their future by building them a 529 plan.
Investments Article
How Are Bond Mutual Funds Impacted by Interest Rates and Bond Prices?
The relationship between bond prices and interest rates has been a hot topic of discussion, but how does it apply to bond mutual funds? We examine that and how duration is such a big factor in answering that question.
Investments Article
When a Housing Market Shortage Becomes a Surplus
Shane Barber discusses what is going on in the housing market and how a housing shortage could become a housing surplus.
Investments Article
Inflation Rates and the Fed
Following a 50 basis point hike of the Fed funds rate last week, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the Federal Reserve's challenge of combating high inflation rates and the necessary factors to achieve a soft landing.
Investments Article
A Historic Half-Point Hike of the Fed Funds Rate
FOMC Chairman Jerome Powell announced on a 50 basis point increase of the Fed funds rate on Wednesday in hopes of slowing down rampant inflation. The half-point hike was the biggest hike from the FOMC since May 2000.
Investments Article
Interest Rates and Bond Prices
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper take a deep dive into the relationship between interest rates and bond prices and provide some education on bond alternatives.
Investments Article
Mortgage Rates and Interest Rates on the Rise
April showers tend to bring spring May flowers, but in the financial world, the forecast is filled with more market volatility. Dean Barber looks at the latest developments with interest rates, the bond and stock markets, and 30-year mortgage rates.
Investments Article
Stress Testing Your Financial Plan
The saying goes that history never repeats itself, but it often rhymes has been very relevant lately from a financial planning perspective. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the importance of stress testing your financial plan to see how it would perform in similar periods to what we’re currently experiencing.
Investments Article
Geopolitical Uncertainty Creates Chaos … And Opportunities
Shane Barber discusses the geopolitical uncertainty surrounding the war between Russia and Ukraine, the potential conflict between China/Taiwan, what commodities are being impacted, and the economic opportunities to be aware of.
Investments Article
What Is Going On in the Bond Market?
For the first time since late 2019, the two-year treasury is yielding higher than the 10-year treasury. This is called an inverted yield curve. Since the late '70s Every single time we've seen an inverted yield curve, It has led to a recession. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss what is going on in the bond market and what the inverted yield curve means to you.
Investments Article
A Recent History of Inverted Yield Curves
Dean Barber discusses the inverted yield curve, the likelihood of a recession, market volatility, and what to do moving forward.
Investments Article
The True Meaning of Tax Planning
Tax filing has been top of mind lately with the April 18 deadline fast approaching. While the tax compliance window is closing for this year, it’s important to remember that the tax planning window is always open. Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve discuss the true meaning of tax planning and how to best mitigate taxes over your lifetime.
Investments Article
The Impact of Rising Interest Rates
It's been just over a week since Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced a 0.25% hike of the Fed funds rate, and that six more increases have been penciled in for the remainder of 2022. The Federal Reserve's goal with these moves is to slow down inflation, but what can we expect the impact to be from rising interest rates? Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve discuss the importance of making necessary adjustments to your portfolio in a rising interest rate environment.
Investments Article
The Federal Reserve’s Monetary Policies
LSA Portfolios President Brad Kasper reminds us of the Federal Reserve's Monetary Policies as the Fed begins to raise interest rates.
Investments Article
Dot-Com Bubble History Remains Relevant
Shane Barber looks back at the bursting of the Dot-Com Bubble in March 2000 and compares and contrasts it with our current market conditions.
Investments Article
From Quantitative Easing to Quantitative Tightening
Bud Kasper explains the Federal Reserve's shift from quantitative easing to quantitative tightening ahead of the Fed's March 16 meeting.
Investments Article
Economic Impact of March Market Madness
March means it’s time for March Madness, but there’s a different March Madness that Dean Barber and Bud Kasper are talking about that has nothing to do with college basketball. Dean and Bud break down the economic impact we’re seeing from the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the likelihood of rising interest rates, and other contributors to this March Market Madness.
Investments Article
Staying Calm Amid Economic Uncertainty
Everyone has their opinions about the Federal Reserve’s plan of action with interest rates and the developing situation between Russia and Ukraine. Regardless of your opinions, Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve explain why it’s critical to keep your emotions in check and make sound financial decisions during these times of economic uncertainty.
Investments Article
Managing Risk in the Markets
Between the Federal Reserve’s decision on rising interest rates and the situation with Russia and Ukraine, there are a lot of unknowns right now. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the importance of controlling what you can control by managing market risk to alleviate the angst of the unknowns.
Investments Article
When Will the Fed Say, “Take a Hike?”
It feels like it’s only a matter of time before the Fed says to, “Take a hike?” Interest rate hikes are likely on the horizon. Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve look at what the impact could be from any of the Fed’s rate hikes and how big they could be.
Investments Article
What Is Going on with Interest Rates?
Shane Barber discusses what all is going on with interest rates and how impending rate hikes could impact the markets.
Investments Article
10 Ways to Fight Inflation in Retirement
In recent months, we’ve all felt inflation’s impact at restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and so many other places. There’s no question that inflation has made its presence known, especially among retirees. It’s important to us that you to continue to live your one best financial life despite these inflationary issues, so we’ve compiled a list of ways to fight inflation.
Investments Article
Navigating the Latest Market Fluctuations
The Federal Reserve is walking an absolute tight rope. Markets are going crazy. We’ve seen one of the most volatile months since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bud Kasper, Matt Kasper, and Jason Newcomer join Dean Barber discuss the latest on the wild market fluctuations and what you need to know moving forward.
Investments Article
Market Volatility: Short-Term or Here to Stay?
Market volatility is making its presence known as we begin 2022. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper break down whether we can expect it to be short-term or if we need to buckle up for the long haul.
Estate Planning Article
What Is the Guided Retirement System?
You’ve probably heard Dean Barber and Bud Kasper mention the Guided Retirement System several times on America’s Wealth Management. Here is their step-by-step breakdown of the Guided Retirement System to ensure people understand what it is all about.
Investments Article
Inflation and Supply Chain Issues Are Intertwined
Inflation continues to run rampant as we begin 2022. Shane Barber shares how the ongoing supply chain issues are the root of inflation.
Investments Article
5 Retirement Planning Tasks for a Better 2022
After coming off a strong year of market returns in 2021, let's look at five retirement planning tasks that can help make for an even better year in 2022.
Investments Article
Good Market Performances to Begin 2022
We had the Delta variant, the Omicron variant, and all kinds of crazy things happening in 2021. Nevertheless, Dean Barber is excited to review a solid year in the markets for 2021 and highlight how 2022 is already offering good market performances.
Investments Article
Portfolio Diversification: The Key to a Happy New Year
As you make your New Year’s financial resolutions, remember that risk will always be guaranteed within the markets. However, proper portfolio diversification can go a long way toward reducing that risk. Modern Wealth Management CEO and Founder Dean Barber and Director of Financial Planning Jason Newcomer discuss why it’s important to assess that risk by rebalancing as 2021 comes to a close.
Investments Article
The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in the Creation of Stock Portfolios
Bud Kasper and Matt Kasper discuss the evolution of artificial intelligence in the creation of stock portfolios and how it's developed throughout their careers.
Investments Article
Reviewing Rebalancing Strategies
Market performances continue to make investors jolly during the holidays, but there’s something else you should be doing right now rather than just enjoying the ride. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper share why the holiday season is a good time to be reviewing rebalancing strategies.
Investments Article
Safe Withdrawal Rates
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss safe withdrawal rates and why they should be different for each person based on their financial plan.
Investments Article
Is a Slowing Growth Period in Our Future?
Dean Barber predicts that we'll see a slowing growth period continue through the end of 2023 to avoid any type of recession.
Investments Article
The Fine Line Between Good Fear and Bad Fear
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper break down the differences between good fear and bad fear to help people live their one best financial life.
Investments Article
Predicting the Future of Your Retirement
There is contrast between the uncertainties in retirement and your career. Learn more about how you can predict the future of your retirement.
Investments Article
Market Volatility Adds to Spookiness of October
After the market experienced a negative month in September for the first time since January, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper suggest that the spookiness of October includes a lot of market volatility.
Investments Article
Owning Bonds in a Rising Interest Rate Environment
One of the more common questions clients have asked us over the past few years is, "Why would I want to own bonds right now, when they are barely paying any interest, and interest rates are going to be going up soon?"
Investments Article
Understanding US and Consumer Debt
Total US national debt now eclipses $28 trillion. Total US household debt eclipses $14 trillion. Both all-time highs. What does this mean to the US economy? What does it mean to you financially? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they examine the US national debt and consumer debt.
Investments Article
Investing in a Post-COVID Era
What’s more important when you head into retirement – your asset allocation or the financial planning techniques employed in your retirement plan? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they tackle investing in a post-COVID era. You’ll understand why financial planning techniques are far more critical than just looking at the asset allocation.
Investments Article
The Next Ten Years: Investing During and Beyond COVID-19
Welcome to the Monthly Economic Update. We have an extended program for you today. I'm joined by David Mitchell, Regional Director for Alliance Bernstein. We'll detail what's happening in the economy, what's happening in the market, and taking a look forward at what we can expect.
Investments Article
Bear Markets and Sequence of Returns
Bear markets and sequence of returns. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they tackle the question: Can retirees survive the next bear market? It's not a question of if – it's a question of when will the next bear market will occur. They're going to discuss strategies so that you can survive the next bear market.
Investments Article
Asset Location & Peter Thiel’s $5 Billion Roth IRA
A story has been making the rounds over the past few weeks profiling entrepreneur Peter Thiel. You may have seen he is the owner of a Roth IRA worth approximately $5 Billion. Yes, that's Billion, with a capital "B."
Investments Article
Breaking Down Inflation
Taxes and inflation. These are the two largest wealth eroding factors when it comes to your retirement. We see people all the time using an inflation rate in their financial plans well below what it should be. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they break down inflation historically and inflation today.
Investments Article
Market Valuations: Is it Time to Rebalance Again?
I walk through market valuations, expected long-term returns based on current market valuations, and where we are right now in the economic cycle, where the markets are, and what we think is ahead.
Investments Article
Why Bear Markets Matter
You know a lot of people say that asset allocation will take you through any bear market. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss why bear markets matter more than you think. Especially those of you that are nearing retirement or in retirement.
Estate Planning Article
The Son of SECURE: Here We Go Again
On May 5th of 2021, the House Ways and Means Committee passed the 2.0 of the SECURE Act, nicknamed the Son of the Secure, officially known as the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021.
Investments Article
Bond Market Outlook & May Market Performance
What is happening in the economy and the markets? Is inflation here to stay? Or is it a temporary phenomenon? Join me for just a few minutes here as we talk about what's happening in the markets and the economy, a bit on inflation, and a lot on bonds.
Insurance Article
5 Ways to Set Your Kids Up for Financial Success
Everyone wants the best for their kids and making sure they have the tools to create financial success for themselves is important.
Investments Article
401(k) Factors to Consider
You're 401(k), if you're like anyone else, is likely your largest asset. If it's not now, it probably will be in the future. What happens to that 401(k) when you change jobs? Should you do Roth or traditional contributions? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss your 401(k), your largest asset.
Investments Article
What to Do with a 401(k) After Leaving a Job
Have you ever left a job where you were actively saving in a 401(k) account? You may be wondering what your options are for that 401(k).
Investments Article
Should I Buy Gold?
"Should I buy gold?" I hear this question daily, multiple times, and it's not surprising. You can't turn on your radio, television, or open your email or social media accounts without being bombarded by gold commercials. They're everywhere.
Investments Article
April 2021 Market Performance
Today I'll review what happened in the markets during April. We saw some good things across the board. More importantly, however, we're going to talk about what we see coming for the balance of this year.
Investments Article
Are Annuities a Good Investment?
Has anybody ever said to you, I've got the best investment for you? If that happens, turn around and walk away. Here's the deal. Every investment was designed for a specific reason. Before you should ever talk about investments with anybody, they should fully understand your personal situation.
Investments Article
401(k) Employer Match (Free Money)
The 401(k) employer match is what I want to discuss today. The "free money" available to those of you who have a 401(k) or other qualified plan at work where your employer matches some portion of your contributions to the plan.
Investments Article
Money Velocity and March Markets
So everything started pretty decently in March, and then we had a little bit of a pullback. We will discuss why that pullback occurred, the 10-year Treasury, bonds, and money velocity.
Investments Article
Bonds Versus Bond Funds
A well-diversified investment portfolio is one of the cornerstones of a well-crafted financial plan. Not only is it a good idea to have a variety of different types of stocks in your long-term investment accounts, but it is also typically wise to own other types of assets, like bonds.
Investments Article
Income in a Low Interest Rate Environment
We've been in a low interest rate environment for quite some time, but we're in a little bit different situation today than we have been, say, over the last decade.
Investments Article
Buying Real Estate in Your IRA? Not So Fast
There is no shortage of people and companies out there trying to convince you that buying actual real estate in your IRA is a good idea. A quick google search of the term real estate IRA brings up about 63,800,000 results in just under a half a second. Really.
Investments Article
Traditional Versus Roth 401(k)
People frequently ask us whether they should contribute to a Roth 401(k) or a traditional 401(k). The answer to this question depends on your personal situation. There are several factors you should consider.
Insurance Article
Top 10 Risks in Retirement
When you ask the question, "What's your biggest fear in retirement?" Most people will say it's the fear of running out of money. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper, as they talk about the top 10 risks in retirement and what you can do to mitigate those risks.
Investments Article
11 Tax Tips for Tax Time
It's everyone's favorite time of year, it's tax time! Well, maybe not. Join Dean Barber and JoAnn Huber, CPA and CFP®, as they discuss 11 tax tips for tax time. Believe it or not, what you're doing during tax season is reporting history. The question really is: What can you do to reduce your tax bill in the future?
Estate Planning Article
Estate Tax: How Will My Assets Be Taxed When I Die?
You are probably aware that the government can tax you when you earn income from work, make money on investments, take withdrawals from accounts, and even tax the income you receive when you claim Social Security benefits. Were you aware that the government can also tax your estate (and your beneficiaries) on the assets you own when you die?
Investments Article
Target Date Funds in 401(k)s: Are They Hitting Their Targets?
Today, anybody in the workforce more than likely participates in their company's 401(k) retirement plan. Therefore, they should be familiar with an investment option known as a target date fund. While not part of the original 401(k) investing landscape at its inception in 1978, target date funds, launched in 1994, are the most popular way for participants to invest for their retirement future today.
Investments Article
Stock Market Valuations Have Never Been Higher
Look at where we are today. The average of these four, as we measure stock market valuations, have never been higher in the history of the market. We are sitting right now at 184% above fair value. So that in and of itself is enough to scare you.
Investments Article
What Should I Invest My Money In?
What should I invest my money in? It's a natural question to ask. Some would say it's a reasonable question to ask. For decades hucksters and prognosticators alike have convinced us that it's a question that can be answered easily.
Investments Article
Financial Planning: Why it’s NOT All About Investments
What's ahead for the stock market in 2021? In order to answer that question, we have to look back at 2020. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss their 2021 market predictions and look back at 2021.
Investments Article
Rebalancing Your 401(k)
Rebalancing your 401(k), or your portfolio at-large, is the process of resetting the weightings of the investments inside your portfolio to their original weights. For example, let's say your initial investment allocation in your 401(k) was 60% stocks and 40% bonds.
Investments Article
RMD Strategies for Before & After Retirement
Dean and Bud discuss required minimum distributions this week. You may be asking, “Why are you talking about RMDs so early in the year?” There are major RMD strategies for both before and after retirement. You don’t want to miss a moment of this episode.
Investments Article
Finding the Good Things in 2020 & Looking Ahead to 2021
Shane Barber breaks down the good things to come from 2020 in the markets, the economy, and more. He also looks ahead toward 2021.
Investments Article
2020 Market Wrap-Up & 2021 Outlook
If you fell asleep on January 1, 2020, and woke up today, you would see a stock market that's on fire. The NASDAQ is up over 40%, the Russell 2000 and S&P 500 are up in the mid-teens, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up nearly 10%. But guess what, it hasn't been a straight line. What does 2021 have in store for us? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they review 2020 markets and look forward to 2021.
Investments Article
Record November for Small Cap Stocks & 2020 Wrap-Up
It is December 2nd as we record this. I've got Jason Newcomer, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, joining me today to give you some updates on a record-breaking month in November. Everybody says we want to put 2020 in the rearview mirror, but I'll take many Novembers of 2020.
Investments Article
The Election and Wall Street: Special Election Update
It's Wednesday, November 11th, as we record this, and the election is over, right? Maybe not. It's Dean Barber, founder, and CEO of Modern Wealth Management, along with Bud Kasper. We come to you with a special election update, whether or not you believe that the election is over or that it's going to end up in the courts. We're here to talk to you about what has gone on so far. And what it means to you as an individual.
Investments Article
The Power of the Consumer
Today we're going to spend some time talking about a subject near and dear to my heart, demographics. With demographics, I'll illustrate to you the power of the American consumer. You might be wondering why I like demographics so much, and that would be a reasonable question to ask. My answer is this. Demographics are the closest thing we have to a crystal ball when predicting future trends in the economy.
Investments Article
Investing in Uncertain Times
If there is one thing that's certain in our economy and country, it's that there is always uncertainty. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they talk about investing in uncertain times. There are really no times that are certain, but right now there is more uncertainty than ever before especially around COVID-19.
Investments Article
Contested Elections and the Stock Market
We're coming up on elections; some of you may be reading this on election day. There is a global pandemic that we have rising cases going on right now, the election, and the economy. I know you have questions about how you should position yourself and what you should be doing. We're going to discuss all of that and how contested elections have impacted the stock market in the past.
Estate Planning Article
Top 10 Financial Planning Considerations
It's National Financial Planning Month! Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they outline the top ten financial planning considerations. This is by no means a complete list of everything you need to do, but if you get these top ten in your financial plan, it can help you get clarity, confidence, and control for your retirement.
Investments Article
Dean Addresses September Stock Market Questions
I am sure there are many questions on your mind right now. Is the stock market overvalued? What is driving the stock market? Are we going to get another stimulus plan? And what's going to happen once the November 3rd Election is over? Hey, it's Dean Barber, CEO of Modern Wealth Management. I'm going to address all of those questions on this month's economic update.
Investments Article
Beyond Tax-Efficient Investing
When it comes to investing, an essential measure of success is how much of your return ends up in your pocket instead of in Uncle Sam's. Many people focus on the return without factoring in the drag taxes have on the actual amount of money left to use.
Investments Article
Can I Beat the Market?
Many investors compare their investments to certain indices in an effort to beat the market. But are indices a good benchmark? You may have heard someone say there two emotions that can drive our investing decisions.
Investments Article
What if Trump Wins the Election?
Shane Barber and I shoulder the challenge of writing if Trump or Biden wins the election. Our task is providing facts and insights as they pertain to each candidate's platform. Neither my friend Shane (the Beethoven of words and the Sherlock Holmes of facts) or I chose which side to represent. Instead, we were assigned a candidate. Mr. Barber will present for former Vice President Biden's positions, while I undertake President Trump's positions.
Investments Article
Are Millennials Saving the Housing Market?
Looking at what the market did in August, you would think that we were in the best economic time in your life! Things have been off the charts. Join me for this Monthly Economic Update where we'll discuss the markets for August, understand how millennials are impacting the housing market, the disparity in certain sub-sectors, and my thoughts on the presidential election.
Investments Article
COVID-19 and the Real Estate Market
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the real estate market in a whole host of ways, and there is a high probability that some of the changes that are occurring will be permanent. Today I want to discuss what we see happening in real estate due to COVID-19 and how those things may affect not only the real estate market but also the stock and bond markets.
Investments Article
What is Driving the Stock Market?
COVID-19, presidential elections, stimulus, and zero interest rates. What in the world is going on with the markets? Join me along with Bud Kasper, President of our Lee's Summit office, as we discuss what is driving the stock market.
Investments Article
What is ESG Investing?
With the increased demand for so-called “socially responsible” investments, investors have never had such a wide array of choices. If socially responsible investing is important to you, focusing your investments on ESG factors may be of interest. So what is ESG investing?
Investments Article
Is the Stock Market Overvalued?
The question of whether the stock market is overvalued is one that we field on an almost daily basis. The problem is, there are no easy answers. That's because there are so many methods used to measure valuations that, unless you understand them all, it's hard to form an opinion on which one is correct at any given point in time. Add in a personal bias towards a particular method, and you've really complicated the discussion.
Investments Article
Economic Activity and Our Recession Oppression
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) officially announced in June that the U.S. economy is officially in a recession. The NBER committee determined that the peak in monthly economic activity occurred in February 2020. The peak marks the end of an expansion that began in June 2009. The expansion lasted 128 months, now the longest expansion in U.S. business cycles on record dating back to 1854.
Investments Article
Is the National Debt Too High?
I can't count the number of times that, during a discussion about the economy with a client or a friend, the question of our national debt has come up. To a person, they're worried about how far in debt our country is to other countries, and how significant that debt is as a percentage of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Investments Article
June Stock Market is Showing Big Divergences
Last month, Jason newcomer, CFP®, and Financial Planner, and I discussed how we thought volatility was bound to creep back into the markets. As I write this article, the markets are now over 2000 points below where they peaked earlier in June. Today we'll discuss that big divergence in June stock market performance.
Estate Planning Article
7 Retirement Strategies to Retire Successfully
This list of strategies will hopefully give you a great place to start if you're getting ready to retire or just curious about preparing for retirement. Our goal is to provide you with simple yet effective retirement strategies that do not only focus on investment tactics or savings percentages. Instead, we hope to give you a toolbox of strategies for retirement with which you can combine to build the retirement of your dreams.
Investments Article
PPP Flexibility Act, Forgiveness Rules Change
On June 5, 2020, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, or the PPP Flexibility Act (PPPFA), into law. The rule changes include extensions on deadlines and payroll requirement changes that impact loan forgiveness. These changes to the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loosen restrictions on forgiveness for borrowers.
Investments Article
Sequence of Returns: The Serious Consequences in Retirement
I'm guessing that most everyone has seen the movie Good Will Hunting. It starred Matt Damon as Will Hunting and the late great Robin Williams played the role of his psychiatrist Dr. Sean McGuire. You'll recall that Damon's character is a 20-year-old janitor from South Boston who was an unrecognized genius. To avoid jail time for assaulting a policeman, Will is invited into therapy with William's character by professor Gerald Lambou (played by Stellan Skarsgård).
Investments Article
Can We Trust May’s Market Recovery?
There are a lot of questions out there today. Can we trust May's market recovery? Is the worst behind us, or is there a second wave of a market down? Will we see the volatility come back? What about Coronavirus? Where's that headed? What's our economy going to do? Join me along with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Jason Newcomer for this month's economic update.
Investments Article
CARES Act Retirement Account Distributions
Before the pandemic, people weren't allowed to withdraw money from their IRAs for purposes not related to their retirement. However, the CARES Act includes special provisions permitting coronavirus-related distributions and loans from retirement accounts.
Investments Article
Rebalancing Your Portfolio in a Falling Market
There is an almond-shaped part of our brains called the amygdala. This part of our brain processes environmental stimuli and helps identify things we would perceive as threatening, initiating our “fight-or-flight” response. This response is deeply ingrained in our DNA.
Investments Article
Who Do You LUV? Recovery Shapes
I'll explain my crazy article title, Who Do You LUV? Please note that I have underlined four letters in the title. Each of these letters, W, L, U, and V, suggests different types of economic outcomes that hopefully result in an economic recovery! Remember, an "economic recovery" suggests recovery for both the stock and bond markets as well.
Investments Article
Comparing COVID-19 to Previous Bear Markets
Today, Bud Kasper and I compare COVID-19 and previous bear markets, and what we think is coming down the road. We're starting with a very ugly chart in Figure 1. What we're looking at here is major indices on a year to date basis. You can see that most of the indexes are off of their lows for the year by a pretty substantial margin.
Investments Article
The PPP: The Paycheck Protection Program
The government passed the CARES Act with loans designed to help these small businesses stay financially open and also to continue to pay their employees during the stay-at-home orders. One of these loans is called The Paycheck Protection Program or as it’s commonly referred to as The PPP.
Investments Article
Lessons Learned from Coronavirus
Today we want to spend a little time talking about the potential good things that will come out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sweeping attempts to deal with it, including the closure of a good portion of our economy for a brief period. Every cloud has a silver lining; we'll explore a few that we see coming out of this one.
Investments Article
Black Swan Events: The Reality of Unexpected Volatility
The majority of Americans have probably never heard the term "Black Swan events," especially when used in the context of an economic event. So why are we writing an article about this thing called a Black Swan event? It's because Black Swan events create an unpredictable, negative, and many times...
Investments Article
Negative Interest Rates in the United States
Welcome to the Monthly Economic Update, today we're going to discuss negative interest rates in the united states, economic stimulus, and more. It's a doozy—lots of records broken, and things that we've never seen before. Bud Kasper is going to join me today. And while we're doing our social distancing, give you as much information as we can about what we're seeing what we're doing, what we're hearing, and what we think is ahead, enjoy.
Investments Article
Bond Market Rally: Low Treasury Yields & Oil Prices
On March 9, 2020, 11 years to the day from the bottom of the Financial Crisis in 2009, yields on treasury bonds went lower than they’ve ever gone in our nation’s history. By the close of business on the 9th, 10-Year treasuries were yielding 0.56%, and 30-Year treasuries were yielding 0.99%. These are unheard-of levels.
Investments Article
US Household Debt at Record Levels
US Household Debt last peaked in 2008 at $12.68 trillion. This came with housing debt peaking in the 3rd quarter and non-housing debt peaking in the 4th quarter. The US consumer then began a slow deleveraging process that lasted for nearly five years. Total US household debt bottomed out in the 2nd quarter of 2013 at $11.15 trillion. During that time, I and countless others wrote that the deleveraging would eventually help the consumer to rebound...
Investments Article
The SECURE Act’s 10-Year Rule
As you may be aware by now, the SECURE Act completely changed the rules for the beneficiaries of retirement accounts. Possibly the most significant change is the new 10-year payout rule, which essentially eliminated the ability to stretch the IRA over a beneficiary's lifetime. Here are ten things you need to know about the new 10-year rule. Here are the ten most important things you need to know.
Investments Article
Will The Coronavirus Financially Impact Me?
It seems like an annual event occurring every winter season—the latest virus epidemic ends up causing worldwide concern and, in some cases, panic. Some of you may remember the year that SARS was infecting people around the world. There's been Ebola, Bird Flu, and the list goes on and on. The media usually encourages fear by blasting pictures of hospital wards or people walking to work in masks.
Investments Article
Stock Market and Super Bowl Odds Similarities?
What can the Super Bowl oddsmakers in Las Vegas teach us about the stock market? I'm going to show you some strange similarities to what the oddsmakers in Vegas were thinking versus what the stock market was doing in January 2020. Alright, let's have a little bit of fun here for all you Chiefs fans. I'm a Chiefs fan, what a Super Bowl! The first chart I want to show you is from the oddsmakers in Las Vegas talking about the probability of San Francisco winning the Super Bowl.
Estate Planning Article
Is the Stretch IRA Dead?
In December 2019, Congress passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement (SECURE) Act. One of the most significant changes is the elimination of the stretch provision for most beneficiaries of inherited retirement plans like IRAs and 401(k)s. What does this change mean for you? What opportunities does it present?
Investments Article
2019 Financial Year in Review
Stick with me as I look at the 2019 financial year in review and what we see coming for 2020. A near-record year for the stock market! Housing starts are way up and consumer confidence way up. There are a lot of great things that happened in the last quarter of 2019. I have to say; we're going to be sad to see it go.
Estate Planning Article
20 Things to Do Before You Retire in the 2020s
Well, here we are approaching the close of another decade. As many often do near the end of a milestone, we’re doing a countdown. However, this countdown isn’t looking back over the past decade, but rather forward toward the decade on the horizon. New decades often mean new goals, and for many, it’s likely the ultimate goal during our working years, retirement.
Investments Article
Economic News, Where is the Recession?
Hey economic news outlets, where is the recession? Stick with me for the next few minutes as I discuss economic news and the big question; where is the recession Alright, let's start with economic news, and I'm just going to cover a few articles and some headlines that came out since early November. As I write this, it's December 4, 2019, so we're a few days into December.
Investments Article
Presidential Elections and the Stock Market
As the year 2019 comes to a close and 2020, a presidential election year looms large on the horizon. I find myself answering the same question daily. The question is essentially this; "How will the Presidential Election affect the stock market?" And I know, as sure as I'm sitting here writing this article, the majority of you reading this want to know the same thing.
Investments Article
Stock Market News versus Fundamentals
What do you think drives the stock market? Is it news headlines reporting on a rumor or a tweet causing stock market jumps and dips? Or is the market-driven more by its fundamentals (the underlying data behind the price of stocks)? I don't know that there is one correct answer to this question.
Investments Article
Sprint T-Mobile Merger: What it Means for Kansas City
The FCC approved the Sprint T-Mobile merger in a 3-2 vote on November 5, 2019. It’s a deal that’s been looming large over the KC Metro the past several months, and the impact on Kansas City has yet to thoroughly discussed. Let’s take a look at the merger, how it’s affecting Sprint, its employees, and Kansas City.
Investments Article
Boeing 737 Max: Why Quality Control Matters
In March of this year, after 2 separate crashes killed a combined 346 people, the Boeing 737 Max was grounded. Details from the 2 incidents showed that they were both caused by the same issue…the MCAS, or maneuvering characteristics augmentation system malfunctioning. The MCAS is designed to keep the aircraft from stalling, by pushing the nose of the plane down.
Investments Article
The Rule of 72
How Long Does it Take for your Money to Double? If I had a penny for every time someone asked me how long it would take their money to double, I’d have…well…a lot of pennies. It’s an age-old question that everyone with money to save or invest wants the answer to. In today’s low-interest rate environment however, there is no easy answer. The rule of 72 can help you understand how long it will take your fixed interest investments to double, but we’ll discuss why the rule of 72 goes out the window when it comes to stock market investing.
Investments Article
Saudi Oil Attacks Impact on the Global Economy
If there is one thing retirees hate (and the markets as well), it's uncertainty! We received a heavy dose of uncertainty on September 14, 2019, at 4:00AM when an onslaught of more than two dozen Iranian made drones and low flying cruise missiles crippled Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil refinery.
Investments Article
Past Recessions & Recent Market Volatility
Today we’re going to go back by reviewing past recessions. We'll also be broadening the scope a little bit and taking long term look at the markets and market volatility over the course of the past year. We're then going to take a look at this yield curve. I have several different interesting charts to show you when it comes to this inverted yield curve.
Investments Article
Ultra-Long Treasury Bonds
Two years ago Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin took a look at the possibility of issuing ultra-long Treasury bonds with maturities between 50 and 100 years. The reason was to take advantage of the low-interest-rate environment and lock in extremely low borrowing costs.
Investments Article
Top 5 Things Investors Are Worried About Today
On August 26th of this year, sophisticatedinvestor.com released the results of a survey they conducted with 2,000 US investors. In the survey, respondents were asked which geopolitical or economic event they felt was most concerning where the health and safety of their investments were concerned. They surveyed men and women between the ages of 35 to 65+ from coast to coast. Here are the top 5 things investors are worried about today.
Investments Article
What Happens After a Yield Curve Inversion?
On August 14th, 2019 the Yield Curve between the 2-Year and 10-Year Treasury bond inverted for the first time since May 2007. This caused the stock market to sell-off, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping more than 800 points. What happens after a Yield Curve Inversion? Why were the markets so spooked?
Investments Article
Market Volatility & the Yield Spread
Today we're going to cover the recent market volatility, interest rates, and the historical move in treasuries. Also, the yield spread between the Three-Month and the 10-Year Treasury. We're going to cover what's going on in the stock market, why I think it's happening, and a little bit on precious metals.
Investments Article
Mutual Funds and ETFs, Which is Right for Me?
We get this question a lot from clients – what’s the difference between mutual funds and ETFs (exchange-traded funds)? Both are investment funds that will generally provide you with some level of diversification. There are mutual funds and ETFs that invest in US stocks, non-US stocks, real estate, and gold. There are even funds that allow you to invest in more developing areas like cannabis and blockchain technology.
Investments Article
2020 Contribution Limits for Retirement Plans
We’re halfway through the year. Are you on track to maximize your retirement savings? Here are the 2020 contribution limits for retirement plans. Last year, the IRS increased the 2020 contribution limits for retirement accounts.
Investments Article
Economic Indicators and the Market
This month I'm going to bring you up to date for the quarter. I'll discuss economic indicators like interest rates so far this quarter, year-to-date, and over the last 12 months. We'll also take a look at the markets over the second quarter and cover a little about precious metals, consumer...
Investments Article
How Likely is the Fed to Cut Interest Rates?
The question of the day is, how likely is the Fed to cut interest rates in the near term? Their rhetoric has certainly picked up. Last year’s rate hike in December—seen by many as a “mistake” was a continuation of the normalization of monetary policy that began in 2016. This is in contrast to the Fed’s sharp about-face not two months later, where rate hikes were effectively put on pause.
Investments Article
Financial Planning Lessons from Chernobyl
HBO’s Chernobyl is a five-part mini-series that dramatizes the story about the nuclear disaster that took place in 1986 in northern Ukraine. It just wrapped up a few weeks ago. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen on TV. My wife, Lauren, and I were hooked from the start. Spoiler Alert! for those interested in seeing the show but haven't or are unaware of the events of Chernobyl.
Investments Article
10-Year Treasury and Market Volatility
One thing is for certain; May was an exciting month overall - we have some updates on the 10-year Treasury, tons of news, lots of talk about the trade war with China, lots of talk about this new trade tariff deal that Trump is threatening on Mexico, and the markets are in a turmoil for May.
Investments Article
US Stocks: Investing for Retirement
Today we’ll be looking at what is arguably the most discussed part of your investment portfolio, US stocks. If you missed the last two installments of our Investing for Retirement series be sure to check them out. They were on bonds and international stocks. Turn on CNBC (no financial planner has never said this phrase before, probably), and you’ll be updated every minute of the day as to how this asset class is performing in bright, bold numbers. If you get online, watch TV, or listen to the radio throughout the day...
Investments Article
Tariffs, Trade, and the Economy
Turn on any news outlet, or pick up any news publication today and you’re likely to see or read about the tariffs that the U.S. has recently imposed on goods imported from China. Most people covering this developing story refer to what’s going on as a trade war. And most oversimplify the situation
Investments Article
Bear Markets and Your Retirement
Let's imagine that you are 60 years old, and you've saved well. You've got a good amount of money in your 401(k). You know that you're going to have your Social Security and your spouse is going to have their Social Security. You save some money outside the 401(k). You've enjoyed a good, nice run in the markets, and it's October of 2007. The bear markets of the Great Recession is around the corner.
Investments Article
Qualified Charitable Distributions and Your Taxes
Let's talk about QCDs, qualified charitable distributions. Now, QCDs are something that's been around for a number of years - yet hasn't been talked about. However, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it's really become something that is a windfall to a lot of people if they understand how to utilize the QCD.
Investments Article
Negative Interest Rates Around the Globe
We’re all used to the concept of earning interest on our money at the bank. We deposit money into a savings account, the bank pays us a nominal interest rate, and meanwhile, our principle (what we deposited) is safe. Oddly enough, however, negative interest rates exist and are in effect in the world today.
Investments Article
Interest Rates and the Yield Curve
Hi, I'm Dean Barber, Founder, and CEO of Modern Wealth Management. It's May 1st. Welcome to the economic update. Today we're reviewing a little bit about what the markets have done so far this year, where they're at today, and what's changed since the 4th quarter of 2018. We're going to discuss interest rates and the yield curve to give you an idea we are today. We'll talk about what we're thinking about the markets and what we're thinking about the economy. As well as what some of the indicators out there are telling us today.
Investments Article
Recessions and Bear Markets
According to JP Morgan, there have been 11 recessions in the US since the end of WWII. Recessions are defined as two consecutive quarters (6 months) of negative growth in gross domestic product or GDP. GDP is a measurement of our overall economic and business activity.
Investments Article
DIY Your Retirement, Can it Really Be Done?
There are thousands of online resources and books that claim to teach you how to DIY (do-it-yourself) your retirement. But is it really possible and does it work?
Investments Article
End of the Great Recession Was 10 Years Ago
I want to start by saying, happy anniversary to the 10th anniversary of the official end to the Great Recession. Of course, we only know now because it's all in the rearview mirror that the stock market hit its all-time low March 9, 2009, after falling 56% from its peak in October of 2007.
Investments Article
How Do My Investments Affect My Taxes?
The relationship between investments and taxes is perhaps one of the most overlooked areas of retirement planning. Decisions that are made on the investment side of your retirement plan will most likely have some type of impact on your tax return. Typically an investor will have three different tax buckets that they can...
Investments Article
You Can Save More Money in Your IRA in 2019
Saving for retirement? Then we’ve got some good news. The IRA contribution limit will increase to $6,000 in 2019, up from $5,500 in 2018. Even better news for some, if you’re over 50 in 2019 you’ll be able to contribute $7,000, as compared to $6,500 in 2018.
Investments Article
Is a Roth Conversion Right for Me?
There is story after story about people who come into a bunch of money. Where problems can arise is when they don’t know what to do with it, they don’t understand the concept of money, and they don’t know how much they can safely spend.
Investments Article
Women Navigating to Financial Success
What do women want when it comes to their financial future?
Investments Article
Interest Rates and the Stock Market
We’ll go over what’s gone on in the last four or five weeks and what we anticipate is coming for the balance of the year.
Estate Planning Article
Navigating Toward Your Financial Independence Day
In July 1776 our founding fathers declared independence from the British Empire, and earlier this week we celebrated that great feat with our family and friends over backyard barbecue and colorful explosions in the sky.
Investments Article
Spotting Email Phishing Scams
For some, spotting email phishing scams is a part of daily life. You check your email, see something that’s off in an email, and delete it shrugging it off as another attempt to get your personal data.
Investments Article
Taking Advantage of Stretch IRAs
If you weren’t already aware, a huge benefit of an IRA is its capability to generate tax-favored money to beneficiaries.
Investments Article
Q1 2018 Review and Q2 Outlook
Volatility, which was notable by its absence in 2017, came back with a vengeance in Q1 of 2018.
Investments Article
Talking to Your Spouse About Money
Have you ever had trouble talking to your spouse about money, or more specifically, the purpose of your money in life?
Investments Article
Determining Tax on Roth IRA Distributions in 5 Easy Steps
What are the ordering rules? Roth IRA distributions can consist of contributions, converted funds and earnings – or any combination of the three.
Investments Article
No More Roth IRA Do-Overs Under the New Tax Bill
Now that the Senate and the House of Representatives have both passed versions of the new tax reform law, one of the things that got the ax was Roth IRA recharacterizations after December 31, 2017.
Investments Article
End the Year on a Financial High Note
The holiday season is around the corner, and with the busy days ahead, 2018 will be here before you know it.
Investments Article
Fixing a Missed RMD in 5 Easy Steps
What is a missed RMD (required minimum distribution)? RMDs must be taken by IRA owners beginning in the year they turn age 70 ½ and by IRA...
Investments Article
Tax Reform Proposal Finally Unveiled
Note: After weeks of discussion, disagreements, and postponements, the House announced their plan for tax reform yesterday, November 2, 2017.
Investments Article
Important Read: Is the World Getting Worse?
It’s our pleasure to bring you an article from a man we had the pleasure to meet and hear speak at a TD Ameritrade conference a few years ago, Mr. Peter Diamandis.
Estate Planning Article
Tips for Families Who Have Children with Special Needs
When beginning to build their families, few parents expect to have a child with special needs. However, the experience is surprisingly common and affects millions of people throughout the United States.
Estate Planning Article
4 Pillars of Retirement Translated
From time to time, a new prospect that I’m meeting with asks me what the 4 pillars of retirement are and how they relate to retirement planning.
Investments Article
The High Cost of Divorcing Later in Life
Divorce is rarely easy. Most of the time, it is one of the hardest things to go through in life regardless what age you and your spouse are.
Investments Article
Protecting Yourself from Scams After the Equifax Hack
By now you have probably heard about the Equifax data breach and if the fact that millions of people’s personal information was linked to heaven knows who isn’t bad enough, here is even more concerning news.
Insurance Article
Equifax Breach Isn’t Just About the Risk to Your Credit Cards
Identity theft has been a problem for years. Practically everyone knows of someone who has had their debit or credit card number compromised at some point.
Investments Article
Important Information Regarding the Newly Enacted DOL Rule
Regardless if you are a financial news junkie or simply a 10 o’clock evening news viewer, chances are you’ve heard about the new DOL rule that went into effect June 9th, 2017.
Investments Article
Simple Tips for Ramping Up Your Retirement Savings
No matter where you are in your life, saving for retirement is likely one of your most important financial goals. But, even if you have professional guidance and a clear strategy for your desired future, you could still be missing some straightforward ways to maximize your savings.
The Guided Retirement Show
Investments Podcast
Proper Portfolio Construction with Stephen Tuckwood
Episode 87 | Stephen Tuckwood | Director of Investments
Modern Wealth Management's newest team member, Director of Investments Stephen "Tuck" Tuckwood, joins Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show to share a little bit about his background, proper portfolio construction, investment risk, and how a good CFP® Professional that has access to a Chartered Financial Analyst can make a major difference in your portfolio.
Investments Podcast
The Long-Term Market Outlook with David Mitchell
Episode 85 | David Mitchell | Director at AllianceBernstein
AllianceBernstein Regional Director David Mitchell recently joined Dean Barber on the Barber Financial Group Educational Series to discuss inflation expectations for 2023, but a lot has happened since he last appeared on The Guided Retirement Show two years ago to talk about the markets. David gave a long-term market outlook with Dean in March 2021. We’re going to review David’s predictions from two years ago and get his updated long-term market outlook.
Investments Podcast
Roth Conversions Before and After Retirement with Will Doty
Episode 84 | Will Doty | CFP® Professional
Will Doty and Dean Barber discuss their favorite part of the tax code: Roth IRAs—specifically, Roth conversions before and after retirement.
Investments Podcast
Investment Risk in 2023 with Garrett Waters
Episode 82 | Garrett Waters | Anchor Capital CEO
Dean Barber and Anchor Capital CEO Garrett Waters explain the importance of understanding investment risk on The Guided Retirement Show.
Investments Podcast
The Fed and the Markets Face Multiple Headwinds with Brad Kasper
Episode 69 | Brad Kasper | President & CFO at LSA Portfolio Analytics
In today's episode, Brad and I will go in depth on these headwinds that the Fed and markets are facing and how it impacts you. The bottom line is that having a financial plan is crucial right now.
Investments Podcast
Alternatives to Stocks and Bonds with John Hampton
Episode 66 | John Hampton | Executive Director
In this conversation, Dean and John discuss why stocks and bonds get so much of the attention in the mainstream media and what alternatives are available to investors.
Investments Podcast
Optimizing Your 401(k) for Retirement with Drew Jones
Episode 65 | Drew Jones | CFP®, AIF® and Financial Advisor at Modern Wealth Management
In today’s episode, Drew walks me and I discuss what is normally a person's biggest asset in retirement, their 401(k).
Investments Podcast
Accessing Liquidity in REITs and Private Real Estate Markets with Brian King
Episode 64 | Brian King - CEO | Realto
To help us improve our understanding of these investments, I’m thrilled to welcome Brian King. Brian is the CEO of Realto, a marketplace for non-traded securities that would otherwise be illiquid. Institutional and even retail buyers can use platforms like Realto to buy positions in REITs.
Investments Podcast
Investing in Private Equity with Michael Bell
Episode 58 - Michael Bell | Founder & Managing Director at Primark Capital
Today, Michael joins the podcast to discuss what private equity is, why it matters, and how you, the individual investor, can participate in private equity just like large foundations have done in the past.
Investments Podcast
The Basics of Bitcoin with Matt Kasper and Will Doty
Episode 56 - Matt Kasper | CFP®, AIF® & Will Doty | CFP®, AIF®
Joining me today to discuss the basics of Bitcoin are two of our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ Professionals at Modern Wealth Management, Will Doty and Matt Kasper. Without going down too many rabbit holes, this conversation is a top-level introduction to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency–and one you can use to make it a part of your portfolio in a meaningful way.
Investments Podcast
How Interest Rates and Inflation Impact Business with Don Wenner
Episode 55 - Don Wenner | Founder & CEO of DLP Capital
In this conversation, we dig into the challenges facing business owners in this time, the moves he made in the last 18 months to grow his business in spite of the COVID crisis, the impact that interest rates and skyrocketing values is having on the housing market, and the importance of having real strategies to operate in a recessionary environment.
Investments Podcast
Assessing Risk During All-Time High Markets with Brad Kasper
Episode 54 | Brad Kasper - President & CFO of LSA Portfolio Analytics
Our markets are at or near all-time highs. There are threats of inflation. People seem convinced that risk isn’t really present, even though it certainly is. What’s going on here, exactly? To help make sense of market risks and how they apply to you, I’m thrilled to be talking with Brad Kasper, President of LSA Portfolio Analytics.
Investments Podcast
Identifying Real Estate Opportunities with Don Wenner
Episode 46 - Don Wenner | Founder & CEO of DLP Real Estate Capital
In this conversation, Don and I talk about the pivotal moments that made him into the businessman he is today, the powerful tools he’s created to make expansion consistent and reliable for over a decade, and how to use them to scale any great business smartly and sustainably for years to come.
Investments Podcast
Understanding Supercycles and Overvalued Markets
Episode 43 - David Mitchell | AllianceBernstein
Today, David returns to the podcast to talk about where we are right now, why the markets are doing what they’re doing, and the parabolic move in the price-to-earnings ratios of the stock market.
Investments Podcast
The Advantages of Planning for Retirement at an Early Age
Episode 42 | Jason Newcomer - CFP®, AIF®, EA | Financial Planner at Modern Wealth Management
Joining me today is Jason Newcomer, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and advisor here at Modern Wealth Management. In this episode, we’ll share a list of great books geared towards young adults to learn more about the importance of retirement planning early on, we outline the fundamentals that they should be thinking about now, and we’ll share valuable information about the platform we’ve built at Barber Financial to help them get a head start on their retirement planning.
Investments Podcast
How to Build Better, More Predictable Portfolios
Episode 41 | Brad Kasper - President & CFO of LSA Portfolio Analytics
Today’s guest is Brad Kasper. He’s the president of LSA Portfolio Analytics, where he provides investment advisors with the tools and infrastructure they need to deliver incredible client services. In our conversation, Brad and I are talking about intelligent risk and fat tail analysis, how to use these tools to construct better portfolios, and what makes this approach different from modern portfolio theory.
Investments Podcast
The History of Index Investing and the U.S. Stock Markets
Episode 39 | Bud Kasper, CFP®, AIF® - President of Modern Wealth Management Lee's Summit Office
What exactly is index investing? Why do specific companies make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, and the NASDAQ? Should we be investing in index funds, or is there a better way? Here to help me answer all of these questions is the co-host of America’s Wealth Management Show, Bud Kasper. He has 38 years of experience in financial services, and we’ve done hundreds of radio shows and videos together.
Estate Planning Podcast
Understanding Donor-Advised Funds and Charitable Giving
Episode 38 | Christopher Rigsby, CAP® - Relationship Manager at Greater Kansas City Community Foundation & Greater Horizons
Joining me to talk about what happened and what to do about it is Chris Rigsby. Chris is from the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, where he’s helping people find new ways to continue their charitable giving with strategies such as donor-advised funds, and take advantage of the updated tax code.
Investments Podcast
How to Avoid the Biggest Tax Traps with Ed Slott
Episode 31 - Ed Slott | America's IRA Expert, Ed Slott & Company, LLC
In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigate the rapidly changing tax landscape we’re all living in. You’ll discover why it’s all but impossible to memorize the tax code and be 100% right in every situation - but how you can get the advice you need to make strategic decisions and plan for the best possible outcome.
Investments Podcast
Investing in Emergent Technology Like AI with Chris Buck
Episode 30 - Chris Buck | Head of Capital Markets & Sales at ROBO Global®
Today, Chris and I discuss his company and the financial products they’re making available to investors, how new technology transforms every industry it touches, and how you can potentially make some of his favorite innovative companies part of your retirement portfolio.
Investments Podcast
What Retirees Need to Know About Options with Lance Gaitan
Episode 26 - Lance Gaitan | Options Strategist & Portfolio Manager at Gaitan Strategic Ventures
Today, Lance joins the podcast to talk about how to craft an options strategy, whether they belong in your portfolio, and if this is something you can do on your own - or if you’re going to need the help of a professional. Stock options aren’t for everybody. A lot of amateur investors get burned trying to play the options game, and there’s a very good reason for this: they require a deep knowledge of strategy, of the win-loss ratio, and a strong understanding of what’s out there.
Investments Podcast
Managing Your Portfolio in Times of Crisis
Episode 24 - Bud Kasper, CFP®, AIF® | Managing Director at Modern Wealth Management
Returning to the podcast today for this special episode is Bud Kasper, Managing Director at Modern Wealth Management Lee’s Summit office. Bud has over 37 years in this industry, has seen all kinds of bear markets, and all kinds of recessions. He has helped countless clients make the most of what can be a painful, difficult time.
Investments Podcast
How to Invest in Real Estate for Retirement
Episode 23 - Dr. Randy Anderson | President Griffin Capital Asset Management Company, LLC
Joining me today is Dr. Randy Anderson. He holds a Ph.D. in economics and has focused his career on real estate investing. Together, we discuss the nuances and challenges of the real estate industry, the opportunities investors have to purchase high-quality real estate right now, and how to avoid complicating your taxes as you do it.
Investments Podcast
How to Add Private Equity to Your Portfolio
Episode 19 - Greg Anderson | Private Equity & Fixed Income Specialist
In today’s episode, Greg and I discuss what makes private equity so special, how to break into this world at a low cost, and how to find private equity funds that might make sense as a part of your portfolio. With millions of privately traded companies in the world, private equity can help you become a part of the story of great businesses while seeing great, tax-friendly returns.
Investments Podcast
What Retirees Need to Know about Roth Conversions
Episode 18 - JoAnn Huber | Modern Wealth Management & BFG Tax Service
Today, JoAnn and I are digging deep into Roth conversions: why you might want to do it when they make sense and the surprising reasons you may not want to do a Roth conversion. You’ll learn how to stop missing opportunities, take advantage of the unique benefits of the Roth while potentially avoiding hidden costs, and discover how some retirees have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by doing a Roth conversion the right way.
Investments Podcast
Economic Cycles & Avoiding Emotional Investing
Episode 17 - David Mitchell | AllianceBernstein
There’s nothing easy about building a portfolio designed to get you through retirement, and this is especially true in the event of an economic downturn. Emotional investing and aggressive reactions to bad news can make matters even worse, and these factors all have the power to turn your retirement from the greatest vacation of your life into something less fulfilling.
Investments Podcast
How to Assess Risk in Your Portfolio
Episode 15 - Brad Kasper | President & CFO LSA Portfolio Analytics
Today, Brad is here to dive deep into the nature of risk and what it really means. You’ll learn how to quantify risk, how to measure it, and what it really means as you build a portfolio that will help you live the retirement you’ve always wanted.
Investments Podcast
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs Pt. 2
Episode 13 - Bud Kasper | CFP® & Managing Director at Modern Wealth Management & Jason Newcomer | CFP® & Financial Planner
We're going to go into some more of the differences between ETFs and mutual funds, some advantages of ones over the other in certain circumstances, all designed to get you to understand what it takes in order for you to build the right portfolio for your own personal situation. Enjoy the conversation.
Investments Podcast
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Episode 12 - Bud Kasper | CFP® & President Modern Wealth Management Lee's Summit & Jason Newcomer | CFP® & Financial Planner
Many investors have had questions lately about the difference between mutual funds and ETFs: why choose one over the other? Are they the same? What differentiates these two products, why are there so many offerings that appear to be so similar, and which is the best choice for my portfolio, especially as I approach retirement?
Investments Podcast
Things to Know Before Building Your Portfolio
Episode 11 - Brad Kasper | President & CFO LSA Portfolio Analytics
There’s a lot that you need to understand before you set out building your portfolio for retirement. In the first part of my conversation with Brad Kasper, we had a big-picture discussion of what makes a portfolio successful, the dangers of emotional investing, and why math and data will always beat attempting to time the markets.
Investments Podcast
How the Economy Affects the Marketplace
Episode 10 - Brad Kasper | President & CFO LSA Portfolio Analytics
When it comes to retiring, nothing matters more than building a portfolio that allows you to achieve your goals, and no one knows this better than Brad Kasper. He believes in using math to create solid strategies to meet goals, and as simple as that may sound, it’s less common in the financial services industry than it should be.
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PDF Document
Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
When you reach age 73 you must begin to draw funds from your traditional (i.e., non-Roth) Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
PDF Document
401(k) Survival Guide
Not sure what to do with your 401(k) when you retire or are nearing retirement? Once you retire, a plan for withdrawing those funds that provides a constant source of income that isn’t eaten up by taxes and other costly traps must be constructed
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Video
Q1 2023 Quarterly Market Update
We’re constantly thinking about how to keep people updated about things that can impact their retirement. It’s important to us that you’re making informed financial decisions so that you can live your one best financial life. So, we’ve decided that we’re going to start sharing quarterly market updates from Dean Barber and Bud Kasper. Let’s get right into it with our Q1 2023 quarterly market update.
Video
Inflation Expectations for 2023
What is going on with the economy? From inflation expectations for 2023, how high interest rates could go, and the uncertainty within the stock and bond markets, there are so many pertinent questions right now and not many clear answers. David Mitchell of AllianceBernstein joins Dean Barber on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series to review some of those questions and what they could mean for you.
Video
Retiring During a Recession
Uncertainty has been the theme of 2022. We’ve experienced some jaw-dropping market volatility and inflation, and after back-to-back quarters of negative GDP growth, we’re technically in a recession. All this uncertainty has only enhanced our firm’s commitment to help people continuing living their one best financial life. In this Modern Wealth Management Educational Series event, Drew Jones joins Dean Barber to discuss what it’s like to retire during a recession.
Video
How Bonds Fit into a Financial Plan
One of the most common questions that our advisors here from clients and prospective clients is, “Why should I own bonds?” Considering how rising interest rates and inflation have been wreaking havoc on bonds, it’s a fair question to ask. Still, no matter the economic condition or how interest rates are doing, bonds can still make sense in your portfolio. Dean Barber and Chris Rett explain why in this Modern Wealth Management Educational Series event.
Video
Financial Literacy: How Do You Stack Up?
In honor of Financial Literacy Month, Dean Barber quizzes Logan DeGraeve on a recent financial literacy study from the TIAA Institute. Take the quiz yourself to see how you and Logan fared! If you didn't ace the quiz, that's OK. Our team of financial advisors is here to help.
Video
IRA Planning for 2022
After reviewing 401(k) planning for 2022 in January, we’re slightly shifting gears here for this Modern Wealth Management Educational Series event to discuss IRA planning for 2022. While a 401(k) is often people’s largest asset, IRAs are oftentimes their second largest asset. Chris Rett recently joined Dean Barber to break down IRA planning for people at various stages of their lives.
Video
10 Financial Spring Cleaning Tips
While it's February and has been cold, it’s time to talk about spring cleaning your finances. As you begin to gather all the necessary information to file your tax return, Dean Barber and Drew Jones are excited to give a few extra tips about things to look for to keep your finances in order.
Video
401(k) Planning for 2022
If your 401(k) isn’t already your largest asset, there’s a good chance that it could be very soon. It’s time to do some 401(k) planning for 2022, and Drew Jones and Dean Barber are here to help. They cover everything from a new employee choosing between a Roth and traditional 401(k) to decisions to make for people who are in their mid-working years, those approaching retirement, and retirees.
Video
Is Bitcoin Digital Gold?
With the popularity of cryptocurrency on the rise, Dean Barber sits down with Wayne Robinson to answer a question that has been on many peoples’ minds. Is Bitcoin digital gold?
Video
Financial Horror Stories
As the spookiness builds with Halloween on the horizon, Wayne Robinson & Dean Barber give their thoughts on some financial horror stories.
Video
Savvy IRA Planning for Boomers
Financial Advisor Drew Jones presents an updated version of our Savvy IRA Planning for Boomers webinar. IRA Planning is a complex process. Factor in recent changes from the SECURE Act, and it gets even further complicated. We're here to clear up the noise as Drew presents Savvy IRA Planning for Boomers.