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Roth Conversion Case Studies
We went through three Roth conversion case studies to help you make well-informed decisions when considering Roth conversions.
Education
Below you’ll find articles, downloadable guides, videos, and more all created to help you get to and through retirement.
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Retirement Article
2024 Retirement Planning Calendar
The Retirement Planning Calendar is here to help you through 2024 as you venture to and through retirement. This calendar will be updated regularly to include new dates, links, and more.
Taxes Article
What If We Go Back to Old Tax Rates?
We take a deep dive into the recent history of tax rates and preview how they could change with the end of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2026.
PDF Document
Retirement Plan Checklist
This checklist was created to give you a timeline of items that should be done prior to and during retirement.
PDF Document
Tax Reduction Strategies
Here’s a list of a few tax strategies to consider that could improve your overall tax structure during your retirement years and for your beneficiaries inheriting your estate.
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Investments Article
How Much Cash Reserves Should You Hold?
It’s crucial to have cash reserves to secure financial stability. However, how much you need will depend on your personal situation.
Retirement Article
Monthly Expenses for Everyone’s Budget
Let's review monthly expenses to include in your budget, how to categorize those items, and other financial planning considerations.
Taxes Article
5 Tax Planning Examples
We frequently talk about tax planning at Modern Wealth Management. Why? Because we believe it can have a significant impact on your financial future. With that, we’re going to dive into some simple examples to show you the power of tax planning.
Retirement Article
5 Signs You’re Saving Too Much for Retirement
Could you be saving too much for retirement? Let's review five signs that could indicate whether that's the case for you.
Retirement Article
7 Money Management Tips to Consider
Does talking about money management make you feel uncomfortable? There are a variety of factors that can cause financial stress, which is why we prioritize planning for those factors at Modern Wealth Management. We’re going to review seven money management tips that can hopefully be helpful for you.
Investments Article
Understanding Cost Basis
If you're thinking about selling an investment, do you know what your cost basis is? Here are a few considerations for calculating your basis.
Insurance Article
Mitigating Inflation on Healthcare Costs with These 7 Strategies
Are rising healthcare costs on your mind? Let's explore potential strategies for mitigating inflation on healthcare costs.
Investments Article
What Is Market Risk?
There are two primary categories when it comes to investment risk: market risk and specific risk. Market risk alludes to the uncertainty and possibility of losses that comes with an investor’s decisions that are related to factors that impact overall market performance.
Insurance Article
Naming a Life Insurance Beneficiary
It's critical that policy holders and beneficiaries are on the same page when it comes to naming a life insurance beneficiary.
Retirement Article
5 Fun Summer Activities to do with Your Family
June being in full swing typically means that the summer heat is already here or very close to it for much of the U.S. How are you going to beat the heat this summer? Summer also means that school is out (or soon to be out), so it’s time to think of some fun summer activities to do with your family.
Estate Planning Article
What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Die?
If you have a significant other, children, grandchildren, or other family members who you love dearly, you need to understand what happens to your 401(k) when you die. When you die, your 401(k) typically is inherited by the beneficiaries that you’ve listed on your 401(k) plan. However, there are different rules for different beneficiaries. Let's review those rules and the importance of keeping your beneficiaries up to date.
Taxes Article
Taxes on Roth IRAs
To make sense of taxes on Roth IRAs, it's important to understand the ordering rules on Roth IRA distributions. Roth IRA distributions can consist of contributions, converted funds and earnings – or any combination of the three.
Retirement Article
Short-Term, Mid-Term, and Long-Term Financial Goals
What are your short-term, mid-term, and long-term financial goals? It's important to have a financial plan that's designed around your goals.
Insurance Article
Health Insurance Options for Retirees Under 65
When people younger than 65 are pondering if they have the means to retire early, there's usually one obstacle that's bigger than the rest. That's health insurance coverage. It's no doubt a valid concern. So, we want to review some health insurance options for retirees under 65 to help give you some clarity with your chances of retiring early.
Taxes Article
5 Reasons NOT to Convert to a Roth IRA
We’ve published a lot of content that highlights how Roth conversions can be a helpful tax planning strategy for someone who is preparing for or going through retirement. However, Roth conversions aren’t for everyone. Here are five reasons not to convert to a Roth IRA.
Retirement Article
Benefits of Volunteering in Retirement
As Bruce Godke continues his worldwide cruise following his retirement as a Modern Wealth advisor, he's thought more and more about what he wants his lifestyle to look like moving forward. One thing he know he wants to do is help others determine their purpose in retirement, and he'll be doing exactly that while leading our Your Encore program. Retirement looks different for everyone, but one popular activity for many retirees is volunteering. So, Bruce thought this would be a great opportunity to share some of the benefits of volunteering in retirement as he begins to wrap up his trip.
Investments Article
529 Plans and Planning for Your Grandchildren’s Futures
Special moments always happen in a flash—especially the times you treasure with your grandchildren. One minute, they’re starting to take their first steps. Then, suddenly, they’re taking much bigger steps across a stage for high school and even college graduations. One way you can support your grandchildren as they’re growing up is to lay the foundation of their futures by setting up 529 plans. Let’s investigate some of the nuances of 529 plans, including their tax benefits.
Investments Article
4 Retirement Risks That Are Out of Your Control
Your investments are something that you have control over. However, there are also retirement risks that are out of your control. Your investments coincide with market volatility, which is one of those uncontrollable retirement risks. Market volatility, inflation, interest rates, and tax rates are four retirement risks that are out of your control, but that you can and should plan for.
Investments Article
10 Ways to Fight Inflation in Retirement
The fear of running out of money in retirement can be a huge financial stressor. One of the primary factors that has fueled that fear in recent years has been inflation. While inflation is a risk factor that is out of our control, it’s something that everyone can and should plan for. We’re going to review 10 ways you can fight inflation in retirement.
Retirement Article
New IRA RMD Rules Announced as IRS Offers Relief on 2024 RMDs
In case you missed it, Tax Day wasn’t the only noteworthy day for the IRS in April. While some people might dread thinking about the IRS and Tax Day, the IRS shared some exciting news on April 16 for IRA beneficiaries who are subject to the 10-year rule on RMDs. That came in the form of IRS Notice 2024-35, which stated that the IRS would excuse RMDs for 2024.
Retirement Article
How to Calculate Your Pension in 3 Steps
Are you one of the few people who is fortunate to have a pension as an employee benefit? If so, check out Matt Kasper's three steps for how to calculate your pension.
Investments Article
Is the Stock Market Overvalued?
The goal of this article will be to help you understand all the different methods—at least in a cursory fashion—and the pros and cons of each. That way you can begin to form your own opinion on if the stock market is overvalued. Some of you will change your minds. Some of you will have your opinions validated. And hopefully, all of you can take away some knowledge that you didn’t have before.
Taxes Article
How Filing for a Tax Extension Works
The Internal Revenue Service projected that 19 million taxpayers would file for an automatic extension on their 2023 taxes. But what does it mean to file a tax extension? There can be a lot of confusion about tax extensions, so even though Tax Day is behind us, we want to make sure that everyone is crystal clear about how they work.
Retirement Article
Are You Overspending or Underspending?
How do you know if you're overspending or underspending? We reviewed some key findings from a 2023 BlackRock study, To Spend or Not to Spend?, that further explains why it's critical to create a spending plan for retirement.
Estate Planning Article
Financial Checklist After the Death of a Spouse
A lot can get put on the surviving spouse's plate when their spouse dies. We're hoping that our death of a spouse checklist can help.
Taxes Article
How Do I Pay Less Taxes?
Everyone in America who pays taxes feels like they have paid their fair share, and in some cases, far more than their fair share. This causes people to be very shortsighted when it comes to reducing your tax bill.
Retirement Article
6 Habits of Self-Made Millionaires and Their Expectations
Were you a big fan of the game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, with the late Regis Philbin? Of course, everyone wants to be a millionaire, but unless you were a rare winner of the popular game show, becoming a millionaire isn’t as easy as answering 15 trivia questions. Let’s review some habits of self-made millionaires and how their expectations compare to aspiring millionaires.
Taxes Article
7 Benefits of a Roth IRA
As self-proclaimed Rothaholics, Bud Kasper, CFP®, AIF® and Dean Barber could talk to you for hours about benefits of a Roth IRA. Bud and Dean strongly believe that the Roth IRA is one of the best things ever written within the tax code, so they compiled a list of seven primary benefits of Roth IRAs to back up their reasoning. Who knows? Maybe after learning about these benefits of a Roth IRA, you’ll become a Rothaholic too.
Investments Article
Assessing Your Financial Literacy
Where do you think you stand when it comes to financial literacy? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper in taking FINRA's quiz to find out.
Retirement Article
Transition into Retirement by Following These 5 Steps
If you’ve spent the past 30-40 years working, think about how many hours you’ve spent at work if you’ve averaged a 40-hour work week. 40 hours a week multiplied by 52 (weeks in one year) multiplied by 40 equals 83,200 hours over 40 years. If you suddenly decided to retire tomorrow, what if you live for another 30-40 years? Once you’re no longer working, you could have tens of thousands of hours of free time. What are you going to do with them? Let’s talk about the importance of planning to transition into retirement.
Retirement Article
Setting Up Your Portfolio for Retirement
It’s one thing to know what age you want to retire, but it’s another to know you can get to and through retirement without too much financial stress. How much do you need to live your desired lifestyle in retirement? That answer is different for everyone. Let’s review a few steps to help you make sure your portfolio for retirement can go the distance.
Retirement Article
Have I Saved Enough to Retire?
Is the question, "Have I saved enough to retire?" constantly on your mind? Here's how to go about figuring that out.
Retirement Article
Skills to Expect of a Financial Advisor
Dean Barber and Chris Rett, CFP®, AIF® review some skills that people value (and don't value, as much) from financial advisors.
Retirement Article
Your Retirement Date Decision – Is It Only About the Numbers?
As a financial advisor who recently took a step back from actively providing investment advice, Bruce Godke helped many people financially prepare for retirement and assisted them with managing their post-retirement lives. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to getting you to your desired retirement date and then getting you through retirement. And throughout that process, he can confidently report that it’s not all about “the numbers.”
Retirement Article
Is Inflation Still Cooling?
Inflation cooled considerably in 2023, but it remains well above the Fed's 2% target rate. Let's look at the latest inflationary trends.
Retirement Article
What’s the Meaning of Wealth Management?
What's the meaning of wealth management? It's important to realize that there's much more to wealth management than managing your money.
Estate Planning Article
What Is a Living Trust and Do I Need One?
How could a living trust be utilized as a key part of your personal estate planning strategy? That’s something that’s important to think about as you’re figuring out how to manage your assets—both while you’re living and after you die. We’re going to review the components of a living trust to help determine if you need one as a part of your estate plan.
Retirement Article
Seeking a Comfortable Retirement: Avoid These Common Bad Habits
How do you plan to achieve a comfortable retirement? Let's review three common bad habits to avoid as you're planning for retirement.
Investments Article
Understanding Retirement Asset Allocation
When our Director of Investments Stephen Tuckwood, CFA joined Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show to discuss strategic investing through retirement, there was one thing in particular that he wanted to make very clear. Very early on in that conversation with Dean, Tuck said that asset allocation is the biggest driver of your portfolio’s return over time. We’re going to elaborate on why Tuck believes that so that you have a firm understanding of retirement asset allocation.
Retirement Article
Should I Get Out of Debt Before I Retire?
Should I get out of debt before I retire? It's one of the more common questions we get when we meet with people getting closer to retirement. It’s important to understand that not all debt is the same. Let’s examine different types of debt to help determine whether you should get out of debt before you retire.
Retirement Article
5 Spring Activities for Retirees
Is spring one of your favorite seasons? Here are five spring activities that retirees can enjoy with spring right around the corner.
Retirement Article
Taxes on Retirement Income
When you leave your job and enter retirement, your tax situation can drastically change. We're often asked by clients, "How will my retirement income be taxed?" The short answer: it depends. Let's take a closer look at some of the typical income sources in retirement and learn more about how that income could be taxed.
Retirement Article
Introducing Your Encore
Few people realize that planning for retirement contentment is as important as planning for economic health. That will be at the heart of our new Your Encore program.
Retirement Article
What Is the SECURE Act?
So many things changed on the retirement planning front when the SECURE Act was signed into law in 2019.1 And so many things related to the SECURE Act have changed since then, including SECURE 2.0 being signed into law in 2022.2 Let’s review what the SECURE Act is and how it has impacted retirement planning.
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.
Retirement Article
5 Common Risks in Retirement
When you ask the question, "What's your biggest fear in retirement?" Many people will say it's the fear of running out of money. Let's review five common risks in retirement and what you can do to mitigate those risks.
Investments Article
Target Date Funds: What You Need to Know
Target date funds have become a very popular investment vehicle that are structured to automatically adjust their asset allocation over time depending on an investor's target retirement date. LSA Portfolio Analytics President and CFO Brad Kasper helps us break down the pros and cons of target date funds, and key considerations about target date funds to keep in mind.
Insurance Article
Health Care Costs During Retirement
If you're gearing up for retirement, you may be wondering how your health care costs during retirement are going to look. Let's dive into it.
Investments Article
Active Versus Passive Management
The active versus passive management debate has been with us for a long time, going back almost to the issuance of the first ETF in the U.S. in 1993. When they were first issued, ETFs were used almost exclusively by institutional investors to execute sophisticated trading strategies. However, it wasn’t long until financial advisors, and individual investors took to them as well.
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.
Retirement Article
7 Overlooked Budget Items in Retirement
Most people have, at best, a rough idea of how much they spend each month. Money comes in from a paycheck, and money goes out for various expenses. When it comes to planning for your retirement, it's good practice to have a detailed understanding of how and where your money goes once it leaves your bank account. In retirement, some expenses won't look a lot different than they do while you are working.
Taxes Article
9 Tax Filing Errors to Avoid
As you start gathering your tax documents and completing your return, here are some common tax filing errors to avoid.
Investments Article
Can I Beat the Market?
Beating the market is something that many people have tried to do, but a rare few have succeeded. Many investors compare their investments to certain indices when attempting to beat the market. But are indices a good benchmark?
Retirement Article
5 Money Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement
Some things can be downright frightening for those of you planning for retirement. Let's look at some of the money mistakes to avoid.
Investments Article
The 4-Year Presidential Election Cycle and the Stock Market
It's an election year! We examined the relationship between the 4-year presidential election cycle and the stock market.
Retirement 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.
Taxes Article
What If We Go Back to Old Tax Rates?
We take a deep dive into the recent history of tax rates and preview how they could change with the end of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2026.
Retirement Article
Top 5 Financial Planning Considerations
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review their top five financial planning considerations on America's Wealth Management Show.
Investments Article
Rebalancing Your 401(k)
Another year has come to pass, and with it, new challenges and opportunities will present themselves. The past year certainly wasn't without its own challenges, as the stock and bond markets attempted to recover from a very rough 2022. Most of the return in the entire market for 2023 came in November and December. We certainly continued to see some wild market volatility throughout 2023 and have speculated about what could be in store for 2024. One of our main takeaways from the past year, especially given the market volatility, was to remember to regularly rebalance your 401(k).
Taxes Article
How to Maximize In-Plan Roth Conversions in 401(k) Plans
Many employer 401(k) plans offer in-plan conversions (referred to as in-plan rollovers in plan documents) of pre-tax amounts to the designated Roth accounts. Doing the in-plan Roth conversion will result in a current income tax bill on the converted amount in most cases. Many plan participants are unaware this option exists.
Investments Article
RMD Strategies for Before & After Retirement
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss Required Minimum Distributions by sharing major RMD strategies for both before and after retirement.
Retirement Article
Peak 65: Nearly 4.4 Million Americans Projected to Turn 65 in 2024
Have you heard of the term "Peak 65?" It's a meaningful milestone, as more than 12,000 Americans are expected to turn 65 each day in 2024.
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.
Retirement Article
Why When You Retire Matters
Do you know when you want to retire? There’s more to it than you might think. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper explain why when you retire matters.
Taxes Article
Charitable Giving in Retirement
As the end of the year approaches, many individuals make charitable donations to the charitable organizations they care about. Most charitable giving is for reasons other than the tax benefit. However, tax benefits are an important consideration that can help offset the cost of the donation.
Investments Article
Reviewing Rebalancing Strategies
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss offensive and defensive rebalancing strategies and when to consider them.
Retirement Article
Reviewing Your Retirement Checklist
As we look forward to the new year, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the importance of reviewing your Retirement Plan Checklist.
Retirement Article
2024 Retirement Planning Calendar
The Retirement Planning Calendar is here to help you through 2024 as you venture to and through retirement. This calendar will be updated regularly to include new dates, links, and more.
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.
Taxes Article
What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA?
What is a backdoor Roth IRA? No, it's not a type of retirement account. It's a tax planning strategy for high-income earners who exceed the Roth IRA contribution limits to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
Retirement Article
5 Long-Term Strategies for a Better Retirement
There are few things that make Dean Barber and Bud Kasper happier than seeing the fruits of the forward-looking planning pay dividends for their clients. In this week's edition of America's Wealth Management Show, they offer five long-term strategies for a better retirement.
Retirement Article
Stress Testing Your Financial Plan
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss stress testing your financial plan and why it's important to confidently get to and through retirement.
Retirement Article
5 Common Misconceptions About Retirement
Retirement can be very exciting, but there can also be many misconceptions about retirement. Let's set the record straight on some of those.
Taxes Article
Tax Planning Case Study
There are two married couples—Sam and Samantha and Paul and Polly—in this tax planning case study. One has a tax plan and one doesn’t. Let's see the difference in their tax bills.
Estate Planning Article
Don’t Give Your Grandchildren Money … Give Them the Gift of Learning About Money
Shane Barber shares how giving your grandchildren the gift of financial education is more powerful than giving them money.
Taxes Article
2024 Tax Brackets: IRS Makes Inflation Adjustments
The IRS announced several inflation adjustments for the 2024 tax year. We examine the 2024 tax brackets, standard deduction, and much more.
Retirement Article
7 Wealth Protection Tactics
Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve share 7 wealth protection tactics that can be helpful with planning for how to get to and through retirement.
Retirement Article
Planning for Uncertainty in Retirement
In the quest for financial clarity and confidence, there's no doubt that today's decisions and actions can create your future. Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve discuss how those decisions and actions are critical when it comes to planning for uncertainty in retirement.
Retirement Article
2024 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits
The IRS announced increases to 401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2024 on November 1. Let’s review those increases, explain why they happened, and the importance of maximizing your contributions.
Retirement Article
Where Should I Be Saving for Retirement?
Most people understand the importance of saving for retirement and are always wondering how much they need to save. That is going to depend on several different factors, including your retirement goals, how you think and feel about money, and where you’ve been saving. We’re going to focus more on that last point. So many people get caught up in how much they need to save and don’t realize how critical it is to understand the importance of where they’re saving for retirement.
Taxes Article
4 Big Tax Mistakes Retirees Need to Avoid
Do you think you know everything there is to know about the tax code? The truth is that you likely won’t even find a financial advisor that know everything about the tax code. Our advisors are even willing to acknowledge that. That’s exactly why we have CPAs on staff. Our CFP® Professionals work alongside our CPAs to make sure that people aware of tax planning opportunities and steering clear of big tax mistakes they need to avoid.
Investments Article
The S&P 500 Cap-Weighted vs. Equal-Weighted Index
The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ are in correction territory, meaning that there’s been a 10% drop from previous highs. The S&P equal-weighted index is in negative territory year-to-date. And the yield curve is still inverted. We’re going to tackle all that and more in our October Monthly Economic Update.
Insurance Article
5 Long-Term Care Questions to Ask
As you age, calculating the chances that you’ll need long-term care—and the associated costs—is incredibly important.
Retirement Article
Financial Stress: How Do You Deal with It?
There are a variety of things that can cause financial stress. It's critical to have a financial plan that addresses your specific stressors.
Estate Planning Article
What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?
When a loved one passes away, most heirs are concerned about what will happen to their outstanding debt.
Retirement Article
When Is It Time to Retire?
Logan DeGraeve & Chris Rett explain what needs to be done to get an accurate answer to a very important question: When is it time to retire?
Retirement Article
7 Financial Planning Opportunities That You Don’t Want to Miss
Logan DeGraeve, CFP®, AIF® and Chris Rett, CFP®, AIF® celebrate National Financial Planning Month by sharing seven financial planning opportunities you don’t want to miss.
Retirement Article
Retirement Essentials: 4 Things Most Retirees Aren’t Doing (But Should Be Doing)
Every day can feel like a Saturday in retirement, but you need to properly plan for it. Let's review some retirement planning essentials.
Estate Planning Article
5 Estate Planning Documents That Everyone Needs
As we celebrate National Estate Planning Awareness Week, let's review these five estate planning documents that everyone needs to have.
Social Security Article
Social Security Administration Announces 3.2% COLA Increase for 2024
Social Security recipients will receive a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase to their benefits in 2024.
Retirement Article
Martin James, CPAs Join the Modern Wealth Team
When it comes to money matters, experience counts. Martin James, CPA, our new Managing Director at Modern Wealth Management, brings 37 years of financial wisdom to the table.
Retirement Article
Disinflation vs Deflation: How Are They Different?
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper, CFP® share their insight on inflation, disinflation and deflation with what they are, how they're different, and most importantly, how to plan for them.
Retirement Article
Reasons People Run Out of Retirement Money
Outliving your money is a very legitimate fear. We look at seven reasons people run out of money in retirement and how to avoid them. It all goes back to having a comprehensive, goals-based financial plan.
Insurance Article
What Is Medicare Open Enrollment?
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7. Here's a quick overview of what to consider during this timeframe.
Retirement Article
Thinking About Unretiring? Why Retirees Are Rejoining the Workforce
Retirees are going back to work at an alarming rate. Logan DeGraeve, CFP® and Chris Rett, CFP® review a 2022 Paychex survey to help us understand why people are unretiring, and more importantly, how to avoid doing so.
Retirement Article
What Millionaires Do in Times of Economic Uncertainty
Have you been negatively impacted by the economic uncertainty we’ve experienced over the past couple of years? If so, how? It’s not a fun conversation to have, but it’s a necessary one. Not having a conversation about it at all can only increase the anxiety of economic uncertainty, which is why it’s so critical to plan for economic uncertainty. We’re going to discuss what millionaires do in times of economic uncertainty to illustrate the importance of planning for it.
Investments Article
Bond Yields Keep Rising
Our Director of Investments Stephen Tuckwood, CFA is stepping in for Dean Barber for our September Monthly Economic Update. See what Tuck has to share about the relentless rising bond yields, key takeaways from the yield curve, a spike in energy prices, and the pullback in the equity market.
Taxes Article
5 Tax Secrets Retirees Need to Know
Tax planning isn't just for the ultra-wealthy. We reviewed five tax planning secrets that you need to know in retirement.
Retirement Article
You Can’t Take It with You When You Go, So Don’t Blink
Shane Barber discusses how people can struggle with saving too much and not spending enough. Remember that life is short and you can't take your money with you when you pass on. Let's create a fluid, goals-based financial plan that allows you to spend more time doing the things you love with the people you love.
Investments Article
Retirement Rules of Thumb: Let’s Bust Them
Do you have some retirement rules of thumb that you follow? Some of them might be helpful with getting you in the right mindset to save for retirement, but there are issues with every one of them. Why? Because your financial plan needs to be built based upon your unique situation.
Retirement Article
What Is a QCD? Qualified Charitable Distribution
You may have heard the term QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution), but what is a QCD? If you’re 70½ or older, charitably inclined, and have money in tax-deferred accounts—such as traditional IRAs—QCDs might be right up your alley. A QCD is a distribution from an IRA that goes directly to a qualified charity. QCDs aren’t taxed and won’t show up on your tax return. Does that sound intriguing? Let’s learn a little bit more about what a QCD is.
Retirement Article
RMD Questions: What Are Required Minimum Distributions?
Understanding Required Minimum Distributions rules isn't easy. We addressed the most frequently-asked-questions we receive about RMDs.
Retirement Article
5 Fall Activities for You and Your Grandchildren
Are you ready for fall to be in full swing? Here are some fall adventures that our Modern Wealth team is excited about and five fun fall activities that you can do with your grandkids.
Retirement Article
Retirement Savings by Age
Wanting to know how much you should have in retirement savings by age is a simple question to ask, but there are several questions that need to be asked before that to help get your unique answer. We'll take you through some of those questions and provide a hypothetical scenario of what retirement savings by age journey can look like.
Retirement Article
Financial Planning in Your 30s and 40s
Are you taking a forward-looking approach with financial planning? Here are some financial planning strategies to consider in your 30s and 40s.
Estate Planning Article
How to Build Generational Wealth
Did you know that we're in the midst of The Great Wealth Transfer? Let's talk about the importance of how to build generational wealth.
Investments Article
How Does a Roth IRA Grow?
How does a Roth IRA grow? Dean Barber and Bud Kasper explain that while sharing how the Roth IRA can play a huge role in saving for retirement.
Retirement Article
Retirement Readiness: Are You Ready to Kick Off Your Retirement?
Are you ready for retirement? We’re going to discuss some key factors concerning retirement readiness to that you’ll be ready to retire.
Taxes Article
How Do Capital Gains Taxes Work?
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper explain how capital gains taxes are a tax that you do have some control over on America's Wealth Management Show.
Investments Article
Federal Reserve Takes Recession Out of Its Forecast
Can the Federal Reserve engineer a soft landing and avoid a recession? Dean Barber dives into that and more in his August Monthly Economic Update.
Retirement Article
Getting Ready for Retirement: Don’t Retire without Doing These Things First
Retirement can be one of the most exciting times of your life if you plan for it. That “if you plan for it” part is critical. It can be hard for some people to believe that there’s more that they need to do to get ready for retirement than save, save, save. The goal isn’t just to get to retirement; it’s to get through retirement. We’re going to review some key things to think about as you’re getting ready for retirement.
Retirement Article
Richcession or Recession: Where Are We Heading?
You probably have an idea of what a recession is, but have you ever heard of a richcession? Let's look at what it means, who it affects, and how it differs from a recession.
Retirement Article
Rightsizing vs. Downsizing: What Are the Differences?
What is rightsizing and how does it differ from downsizing? Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discussed the ins and outs of rightsizing and why it's so important on America's Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
How to Reduce RMDs with 5 Strategies
Eventually, Uncle Sam will want his share and require funds to come out of your accounts. Let's look into how to reduce your RMDs.
Insurance Article
Life Insurance in Retirement: Do I Still Need It?
Life insurance can be a key component in your financial plan, but it depends on your financial goals, lifestyle, and other circumstances. There are various reasons for why someone should purchase life insurance while they’re working, namely to provide for your loved ones if you pass away. But do you need life insurance in retirement? Well, it depends. We’re going to review a few reasons for why someone might want to carry life insurance into retirement.
Retirement Article
Talking to Your Spouse About Money
Whether you've been married for one year or 40-plus years, talking to your spouse about money is a critical component of retirement planning.
Retirement Article
National Financial Awareness Day
August 14 is National Financial Awareness Day. To celebrate, we're sharing a few financial planning tips to improve your financial literacy.
Investments Article
Pension Plans: Defined Benefit Plans vs. Defined Contribution Plans
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss pension plans while breaking down the differences between defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
Retirement Article
Will I Pay Taxes on My Inheritance?
Will you pay taxes on your inheritance? That sounds like it should have a clear-cut yes or no answer, but it's contingent on a few factors.
Retirement Article
Longevity Risk in Retirement and How to Plan for It
One of the top concerns that our advisors hear from clients and prospective clients is running out of money in retirement. We all want to live long, healthy lives, but just how big of a concern should longevity risk be with retirement planning? Well, the best way to mitigate longevity risk in retirement is to plan for it. We’re going to explain how to go about doing that to help you have more confidence, freedom, and time in retirement.
Retirement Article
Retirement Planning for Self-Employed Individuals and Small Business Owners
Are you a self-employed individual or small business owner and need assistance with retirement planning? Here are some strategies to consider.
Estate Planning Article
Rules for Inherited IRA Distributions – What Are the Latest Changes?
IRS Notice 2023-54 provides relief for 2023 missed RMDs for non-eligible designated beneficiaries who must follow the 10-year payout rule. And for those who took or who were given unnecessary IRA distributions in 2023, the notice extends a 60-day rollover deadline to roll them back into their accounts.
Investments Article
“Magnificent Seven Stocks” Continue to Drive the Market
Jerome Powell decided to raise rates by another quarter of a point. The equal-weight S&P 500 is gaining ground on the S&P 500, but it’s still a very narrow market with seven stocks—also known right now as the Magnificent Seven stocks—leading the way. We’ll discuss all that and more in our July Monthly Economic Update.
Retirement Article
Unexpected Expenses and How to Plan for Them
What do a flooded basement, trip to the emergency room, and helping one of your children who was laid off have in common? Well, obviously none of them are ideal situations, but there’s more to it than that. They’re all unexpected expenses that can significantly impact or even derail your retirement if you haven’t planned for them.
Estate Planning Article
What is Probate and Why Should I Avoid It?
What is probate? If you want peace of mind with knowing that your loved ones are in good hands after you pass on, probate is something that you’ll want to avoid. Probate is the process of collecting your assets, paying your debts and taxes, and transferring your property, at your death, to your heirs. We’re going to start breaking down what probate is for two demographics—decedents with a will and decedents without a will.
Insurance Article
Retiring Before 65: What You Need to Consider
Are you waiting til 65 to retire since that's when you can get on Medicare? Well, what if you didn't have to? Let's look at retiring before 65 and the importance of having a financial plan when making that decision.
Retirement Article
Retiring Before 62: What You Need to Consider
Do you want to retire at or before 62 because that's when you can start claiming Social Security? Here's what all you need to consider.
Investments Article
Retirement Cash Flow: What You Need to Know
What is retirement cash flow and why is it so important? Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve answer those questions on America's Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
8 Retirement Planning Strategies That Are Outdated
Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve review a list of eight outdated retirement planning strategies and explain the flaws that they have.
Retirement Article
Can I Retire Early? Becoming Financially Independent
The question “Can I retire early?” crosses a lot of people’s minds. You’re probably asking yourself that question quite a bit if you don’t like your job. But even if you do like your job, that question is worth thinking about as you start planning for retirement. You need a forward-looking financial plan to get a concrete answer to that question.
Retirement Article
What Is Financial Wellbeing?
Financial wellbeing is a term frequently mentioned, but what does it really mean? Bud Kasper and Logan DeGreave dive into the concept of financial wellbeing and explore its various aspects on this episode of America’s Wealth Management Show. From measuring financial success to the importance of planning, we will provide insights and tips to help you achieve financial wellbeing in your life.
Retirement Article
5 Big Things that Happened in 2023 So Far
As we approach the midway point of 2023, it's an opportune time to look at the big things that have happened to shape the financial landscape.
Retirement Article
Can You Save Too Much for Retirement?
Happy Fourth of July Eve everyone! We hope that you’re having a wonderful time celebrating with your friends and family. As long as you’re being safe, it’s hard to have too much fun celebrating the Fourth of July, but here’s something to think about—can you save too much for retirement?
Investments Article
What is Driving the Stock Market?
What is driving the stock market? Dean Barber looks at the top holdings of the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, and RSP Equal-Weighted to find an answer.
Investments Article
Rebalancing Your Portfolio: Looking at a Midyear Rebalance
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper explain the concept of rebalancing and its role in maintaining a well-diversified and optimized portfolio.
Retirement Article
Retirement Planning Resources: Modern Financial Planning
From our financial planning tools to relationships we've built in the financial services industry, learn more about our retirement planning resources.
Retirement Article
Your Retirement Lifestyle: What Do You Want Your Retirement to Look Like?
Retirement is a time for new beginnings and enjoying the lifestyle you've always dreamed of. But what exactly does that mean to you? Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss what goes into defining your retirement lifestyle on America’s Wealth Management Show to help you figure out what you want your retirement to look like.
Investments Article
Interest Rate Forecast for the Rest of 2023
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper give their interest rate forecasts for the rest of 2023 and break down the Fed's decision to pause rate hikes.
Social Security Article
Social Security Benefits for a Surviving Spouse
Social Security benefits for a surviving spouse can oftentimes be overlooked until one spouse passes away. It's one of the many reasons why planning ahead on how to claim Social Security is so critical.
Investments Article
The U.S. Banking Crisis – Is It Over? Or Was It Even a Thing?
After all the turmoil in March, is there a U.S. “banking crisis” right now? Shane Barber explains why the short answer right now is no.
Retirement Article
6 Things the Wealthy Do with Their Money (That Most People Don’t)
How much do you need to feel wealthy? According to Charles Schwab’s 2023 Modern Wealth Survey, it’s $2.2 million. Does that seem like a high bar to you to be considered as wealthy? Dean Barber and Bud Kasper will share their insight on the study along with six things the wealthy do with their money on America’s Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
How to Spend When You First Retire
The first year of retirement can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review how to spend when you first retire so that you can have more confidence, freedom, and time during your first year of retirement and beyond.
Investments Article
Should I Have a 401(k) and a Roth IRA?
Planning for retirement is an essential part of securing your financial future. The 401(k) and Roth IRA are popular options that individuals consider. While both offer attractive benefits, understanding the differences and advantages of each can help you make an informed decision. We're going to explore the benefits of having a 401(k) and a Roth IRA to optimize your retirement savings.
Retirement Article
Couples Retirement Planning: What You Need to Know
Are you on the same page as your significant other about financial planning? Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the must-knows of couples retirement planning on America's Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
DIY Retirement Planning: What Can Be Overlooked?
Are you someone or do you know someone who takes a DIY (do-it-yourself) approach to retirement planning? We understand that it can be easy to be passionate about managing your own finances. But are you truly prepared for retirement? That includes how to maximize Social Security benefits, understanding tax efficient withdrawal strategies, and so much more.
Taxes Article
The IRA Early Withdrawal Penalty: How to Avoid the 10% Penalty
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review Ed Slott's list of 20 exceptions to the IRA early withdrawal penalty on America's Wealth Management Show.
Investments Article
Another Tech Bubble in 2023?
There’s no shortage of crazy things happening right now. We're going to dive into the inverted yield curve once again and dig into what's driving the markets higher. There are some interesting things going on in the markets, specifically in tech. Is another tech bubble taking shape? Dean Barber looks at that and much more in his May Monthly Economic Update.
Retirement Article
What to Know About CDs, Bonds, and Treasuries
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper share some insight about CDs, bonds, and treasuries on America's Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
How Much Do People Actually Spend in Retirement?
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review data from an Employee Benefit Research Institute survey to answer the question, "How Much Do People Spend in Retirement?"
Taxes Article
Converting to a Roth IRA: What Are the Pros and Cons?
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss some of the pros and cons of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
Estate Planning Article
529 Rollover to a Roth IRA – What You Need to Know
Thanks to the SECURE Act 2.0, a 529 plan can rollover to a Roth IRA under certain conditions, effective January 1, 2024.
Taxes Article
Asset Allocation Versus Tax Allocation
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss asset allocation versus tax allocation and why both are critical when planning for retirement.
Retirement Article
Why the 5 Years Before Retirement Are So Important
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper make their own lists of reasons why the five years before retirement are so important before reviewing a portion of our Retirement Plan Checklist to help back up their reasoning.
Estate Planning Article
Special Needs Trusts Rule Changes from SECURE 2.0
While it wasn’t as earth shattering as the SECURE Act, Congress did implement some important new retirement rules in the SECURE Act 2.0. We’ve reviewed several of those rules since SECURE 2.0 went into effect on January 1, 2023, but there are a few rules that haven’t received much publicity that we still need to go over. Today, we’re going to review special needs trusts and other important financial planning strategies for those who are caring for children with special needs.
Retirement Article
The World’s Reserve Currency: What Challenges Does the U.S. Dollar Face?
Shane Barber assesses the U.S. dollar's grasp on being the world's reserve currency and its top challengers. Is its position in danger?
Retirement Article
5 Reasons to Retire
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper outline some key aspects of the financial planning process as they review five reasons to retire.
Retirement Article
Retiring with Debt: What’s OK?
Debt can be a complicated topic—both financially and emotionally. Should you pay it all off prior to retirement or is there some debt that’s OK to take into retirement? Is there debt that you shouldn’t even think about retiring with? Dean Barber and Bud Kasper examine retiring with debt on America’s Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
Mother’s Day Reflections
A few of the mothers on our Modern Wealth Management team share their Mother's Day reflections ahead of Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, and motherly figures out there!
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.
Retirement Article
The Roth IRA Five-Year Rule
In true IRS fashion, there are five-year rules for Roth contributions AND Roth conversions. Let's review both Roth IRA five-year rules.
Retirement Article
Time Is Your Scarcest Resource in Retirement
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper share some old and recent stories to help explain why time is your scarcest resource in retirement on America's Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
Is a Recession Coming in 2023?
Is a recession coming in 2023? Dean Barber breaks down some key data to help people make an educated guess when answering that question.
Retirement Article
Roth Conversion Rules
There's much more than meets the eye when deciding to contribute to Roth or traditional. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review the Roth conversion rules on America's Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
Meet Modern Wealth Management
Meet Modern Wealth Management President and Co-Founder Jason Gordo as he shares his vision for Modern Wealth Management with Dean Barber and Bud Kasper on America's Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
Barber Financial Group & Osiwala Financial Group Are Now Modern Wealth Management
That’s right, we’re now Modern Wealth Management. Welcome to the next chapter of our story!
So, what is Modern Wealth Management? At Modern Wealth Management, our goal is to deliver financial advice. We are designed to anticipate the needs of Americans at every stage of life by providing a full suite of wealth management services. The Modern Wealth Management team is built with experts specializing in financial planning, investment management, tax planning and preparation, estate planning, risk management, and more.
Retirement Article
2023 Taxes: Time to Start Planning
Another tax filing season is in the books, which is probably a big relief for some of you and our CPAs. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to take an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach with your tax documents and 2023 taxes. Why? Because 2023 tax planning season is underway. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper will share why now is the optimal time to take advantage of tax planning opportunities so that tax filling won’t be so stressful in the future.
Retirement Article
Is Inflation Slowing?
"Is inflation slowing" is a question that a lot of people have been curious about, but there are a couple other things about inflation that we want to address first. One, what do we mean by inflation slowing. That means that the rate of increase for inflation has started slowing, not that prices are going to immediately start coming down. Two, do you have a financial plan that properly applies inflation to your spending? Dean Barber and Bud Kasper will take a deeper dive into all those questions on America's Wealth Management Show
Retirement Article
How the Phillips Curve Became Flat
Shane Barber looks at the evolution of the Phillips Curve and how it became flat. How can we accurately assess inflationary pressures?
Retirement Article
Retirement Age: It’s Just a Number
Did the headline of this article catch your eye? Don’t get us wrong. We take retirement planning very seriously. The point of this headline and article is to explain that you don’t need wait until a certain age to retire. Many people think that they need to wait to retire until 65 when they become eligible for Medicare or when they reach full retirement age for Social Security.
With the proper planning, you may be able to retire earlier than you might think. But you won’t know that without having a financial plan. Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve will expand on that to highlight why retirement age is just a number on America’s Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
Retirement Withdrawal Strategy: You Need a Plan
There are many factors when considering when and from which accounts to make withdrawals from in retirement, such as sequence of return risk, Required Minimum Distributions, and tax implications. Navigating the dynamics of retirement planning is what Dean Barber, Logan DeGraeve, and the rest of our team do every day. Dean and Logan will elaborate on that and explain why having a retirement withdrawal strategy when you’re in or approaching retirement is critical on America’s Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
Things Retirees Should Stop Doing
We try to share as much education with you as possible on things you should do to prepare for and do in retirement so that you can live your one best financial life. But there are things that you need to avoid doing in retirement as well. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review a few things that retirees should stop doing on the latest episode of America’s Wealth Management Show.
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.
Retirement Article
RMD Age for 2023: What’s Your Required Beginning Date?
There are new rules about Required Minimum Distributions and the RMD age after the SECURE Act 2.0 went into effect on January 1, 2023. RMDs can be very tricky, but it’s critical to understand how to plan for them. What are your RMDs going to look like in retirement? Will they influence your taxes or your probability of success? Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve discuss how to go about doing that and 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.
Taxes Article
What Are Tax Brackets?
Even after basketball season ends, brackets will be a hot topic. Not NCAA tournament brackets, but tax brackets. But what are tax brackets?
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.
Retirement Article
What’s Going on with Bank Failures?
Shane Barber shares the latest on bank failures in the U.S. and why it's time to do some research rather than panic.
Retirement Article
What Is Tax Planning?
Tax Day is near, but tax compliance isn't our focus when it comes to taxes. It's tax planning. What is tax planning, you ask? Let us explain.
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.
Retirement Article
Want to Retire in 10 Years? Here’s What You Need to Know
Do you want to retire in the next 10 years? Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve explain why you need a financial plan to see if you can do so successfully.
Estate Planning Article
Transferring Wealth: IRAs Are a Bad Option
Do you remember when IRAs were good? Congress messed that up with the SECURE Act. IRAs are now a bad wealth transfer option. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper will help explain why that is and what all to consider when transferring wealth to your loved ones.
Retirement Article
7 Reasons Why Retirement Planning Is Important
There's no doubt that saving for retirement is crucial. But there's a lot more to it. Let's review why retirement planning is important.
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.
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?
Retirement Article
Preparing for Retirement: How to Win the Big Game
Are you ready for the big game? Of course, the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up to play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday in Phoenix, Ariz. The anticipation has definitely been building among Chiefs fans in the Kansas City area. But that’s not the only big game that is on our minds at Modern Wealth Management. We always thinking about preparing for your retirement because retirement is arguably the biggest game of your life.
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.
Retirement Article
Are Retirement Benefits Taxable?
Are retirement benefits taxable? The quick answer is, probably, but not always. It depends on your unique situation. While you can control your taxes in retirement better than at any other point of your life, that doesn’t mean that it’s not complex. Because it is very complex. We’re going to look at several retirement benefits and assess if and how they’re taxable.
Retirement Article
What Is Financial Planning?
What is financial planning? We’ll look at the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards’ definition of financial planning and the four main components of financial planning—risk management, taxes, estate planning, and investment management—to help answer that question.
Retirement Article
Starting the Retirement Planning Process
The hardest part of any long process tends to be getting started. Retirement planning is no exception. Let's look at how to start the retirement planning process.
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.
Retirement Article
What Is Financial Wellness?
Did you know that January is Financial Wellness Month? Financial wellness can't be achieved overnight, but with some sound planning, you can achieve it. Here are some financial wellness tips to get you on your way.
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.
Insurance Article
5 Financial Updates for 2023
We're excited to put 2022 in the rearview mirror. As we round out the first week of 2023, here are five financial updates to keep tabs on.
Retirement Article
New Retirement Rules Passed by Congress
The SECURE Act 2.0 was signed into law last week. Learn about the new retirement rules passed by Congress and how they could impact you.
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.
Retirement Article
4 Things We Learned in 2022
Happy New Year, everybody! We’re going to take a step back and reflect a little bit because we need to learn from history. In this case, we’re calling 2022 history! 2022, was a year with insane inflation, bumbling bonds, a fumbling fed, and some simmering signals. So, sayonara 2022, get in the rearview mirror! While we learned a lot more than just these four items in 2022, we wanted to focus in on these specifically, as they were the biggest impacts in 2022. Here are four of the things we learned in 2022.
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.
Retirement Article
Financial Year in Review for 2022
We looked back at our some of our articles, podcasts, webinars, and radio shows from the past year to do a financial year in review for 2022.
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.
Retirement Article
8 Tips on Saving for Retirement
Saving for retirement can feel like a daunting task. It doesn’t need to be, though. Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve offer eight tips on saving for retirement that can begin giving you clarity and confidence on your path to and through retirement.
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.
Retirement Article
5 Retirement Mistakes to Avoid
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss five of the biggest retirement mistakes to avoid on America’s Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor Group℠ Gathers in Las Vegas for Fall Conference
Dean Barber, Will Doty, Logan DeGraeve, & Drew Jones share their main takeaways from the Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor Group℠ conference in Las Vegas.
Retirement Article
4 Ways Retirees Can Give Back
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Dean Barber and Bud Kasper have so many things that they’re thankful for. As they celebrate Thanksgiving, they want to talk about the giving part of Thanksgiving. Dean and Bud will highlight four ways that retirees can give back on this holiday edition of America's Wealth Management Show.
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.
Retirement Article
Housing Market Predictions Heading into 2023
Shane Barber breaks down the latest developments in the housing market and makes some housing market predictions heading into 2023.
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.
Estate Planning Article
Inherited IRA Rules and the SECURE Act
The rules of inherited IRAs are extremely difficult to understand due to the SECURE Act, yet they must be understood. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review the inherited IRA rules and explain how they can affect different beneficiaries.
Estate Planning Article
RMD Penalty Waived for 2021 and 2022 Missed RMDs within 10-Year Rule
The IRS has issued a notice that waives the 50% penalty on missed RMDs from 2021 and 2022 on IRAs that fall within the 10-year payout rule.
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.
Social Security Article
2023 Social Security Benefits to Increase
Starting in 2023, 70 million Social Security recipients will see an 8.7% bump in their benefits with the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For reference, last year beneficiaries saw a 5.9% increase, and in 2021 there was a 1.3% increase.
The increase comes as most Americans battle increased prices caused by rampant inflation throughout 2022. The goal is to give seniors more peace of mind as costs increase.
Estate Planning Article
Understanding Your Tax Allocation
Logan DeGraeve breaks down the three tax allocation buckets and how proper tax diversification can make a big difference in your retirement.
Retirement Article
Retirement Analysis: Current vs. Proposed Plan
Drew Jones shares his perspective on retirement analysis while going through a sample couple's plan with our financial planning tool.
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.
Estate Planning Article
7 Reasons Why Tax Planning Is So Important
When it comes to advanced tax planning, unfortunately many people either just don’t do it or they wait until the last minute only to find out that there aren’t any options to take advantage of at the point of filing their tax return.
Retirement Article
Yet Another Interest Rate Hike — What Does It Mean for You?
FOMC Chairman Jerome Powell announced a third straight interest rate hike of 75 basis points Wednesday in effort to slow rampant inflation. As we look ahead to see where interest rates could go from here, our very own Bud Kasper was interviewed by KMBC 9 News to discuss what it all means.
Retirement Article
The Inflation Reduction Act Has No Impact on Inflation
What if we told you that the Inflation Reduction Act has no impact on inflation? Shane Barber details why that could likely be the case.
Retirement Article
What Is a Monte Carlo Simulation?
What are Monte Carlo simulations and how do they relate to your retirement? We answered those questions and more in our latest blog post.
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.
Retirement Article
9 Items Retirement Calculators Miss (That Our Tool Doesn’t)
Our financial planning tool goes beyond the scope of retirement calculators in many ways. Here are nine items that retirement calculators miss.
Retirement Article
5 Types of Financial Plans
Going to the doctor for a checkup usually isn’t the most fun thing to do, but it’s necessary so that you’re up-to-date on your health situation. The same can be said about meeting with a financial planner to find out where you’re at with planning for retirement. Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve discuss the five types of financial plans and how a comprehensive approach to financial planning is critical to getting to and through retirement.
Retirement Article
The Housing Recession Is Here According to Homebuilders
On August 15, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Index announced builder confidence in the market of new single-family home builds fell to 49 in August. The last time the confidence score fell below 50 was in May 2020. Anything below that threshold of 50 is considered negative.
“Tighter monetary policy from the Federal Reserve and persistently elevated construction costs have brought on a housing recession,” NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said.
Retirement Article
Tax Rates Sunset in 2026 and Why That Matters
The current tax rates of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will be sunsetting in 2026, meaning tax rates will be going back up to the rates from 2017. Here are a few things to keep in mind for how to put yourself in the best possible tax situation now, 2026, and beyond.
Retirement Article
The Great Recession’s History Remains Relevant
After reviewing how the Dot-Com Bubble's history remains relevant earlier this year, Shane Barber looks at how the Great Recession's history also remains relevant.
Retirement Article
Special Guest: Steven Jarvis, CPA
Modern Wealth Management is excited about our new strategic partnership with Retirement Tax Services. RTS’s Steven Jarvis, CPA joins Dean Barber and Bud Kasper on America's Wealth Management Show to discuss that partnership and the importance of CPAs and financial advisors collaborating in the best interests of the client.
Retirement Article
How Much Do I Need to Retire?
Have you been asking yourself, "How much do I need to retire?" a lot lately? A financial plan is critical to getting an honest answer to that.
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.
Taxes Article
Taxes on Inherited Property
Inheritance situations can be very complicated, especially if they aren't quickly addressed. Today, we discuss taxes on inherited property.
Retirement Article
Your Retirement Timeline
Along with 30 checklist items to gauge your retirement readiness, our Retirement Plan Checklist include an age-based timeline to help you be aware of certain things while planning for retirement. Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve cover some of the key aspects of that retirement timeline on this week's edition of America's Wealth Management Show.
Retirement Article
8 Ways to Prepare for a Recession
It’s been nearly a month since we officially entered a bear market. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the markets in recent months, that wasn’t much of a surprise. Now, the question is if (or more realistically when) we’ll go into a recession. While we can’t give a straight answer to that, we’ve compiled a list of eight things to do when markets decline that can hopefully be helpful to you during these uncertain economic times.
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.
Retirement Article
Achieving Financial Freedom
Happy Fourth of July to all the pre-retirees and retirees out there! Along with celebrating America’s independence this weekend, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper hope you take a moment to assess where you stand in the journey to achieving financial freedom. Dean and Bud discuss what financial freedom is and how you know you’ve achieved it in this Fourth of July weekend edition of America's Wealth Management Show.
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.
Retirement Article
Rising Interest Rates and Your Retirement
The Fed raised interest rates by the most in nearly three decades, a 0.75% rate hike, and is set to do it again in July. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper examine how rising interest rates can impact your retirement.
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.
Retirement Article
Celebrating Father’s Day and Fluid Financial Plans
As we look forward to celebrating Father's Day, our content manager, Chris Duderstadt, remembers his late father and shares the importance of incorporating family time into your fluid financial plan.
Retirement Article
Mortgage Applications Hit 22-Year Low
Shane Barber reflects on mortgage applications hitting a 22-year low and where the housing market could go from here.
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.
Retirement Article
How Our Financial Planning Tool Works
So, you’re curious how our financial planning tool works? That’s great! Below, we’ll go through the steps of creating your account and inputting the necessary information to get you started. The tool then analyzes your plan and shows your plan’s probability of success.
Retirement Article
Kansas City Hosts Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisory Group℠ Workshop
Being charter members of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisory Group℠ has helped connect Dean Barber and Bud Kasper with other advisors all over the country. In the coming weeks, you will hear much more from Dean and Bud on their main takeaways from Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisory Group℠ latest workshop, which was hosted in Kansas City. For this article, we caught up with a few other members of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisory Group℠ to share what they've learned over the years about wide range of topics related to IRAs.
Retirement Article
5 Volunteer Opportunities in Kansas City
Are you looking for ways to stay active this summer in Kansas City and also beat the heat? Here are five volunteer opportunities in the KC area.
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
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
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.
Retirement Article
The Impact of SECURE Act 2.0
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper joined hundreds of other financial advisors and CPAs at Kansas City's Crown Center two weeks ago for Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisor GroupSM workshop, where they spent a lot of time reviewing the impact of SECURE Act 2.0. Dean and Bud share some of the biggest takeaways of the SECURE Act's proposed regulations and how they could impact you.
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.
Retirement Article
Retiree Feature: Rodney and Lindra Woodard
It’s a consensus among our Modern Wealth Management team that the relationships that we’ve built with retirees and pre-retirees are core to our firm’s existence. In March, we started to highlight those relationships and how they’re centered around providing financial education. We hope you enjoyed our first retiree feature with Mike and Carol Heiting. Now, we’re excited to share how Rodney and Lindra Woodard are living their one best financial life.
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.
Retirement Article
Today’s Global Economic Outlook
One thing that Dean Barber and Bud Kasper are certain of is that there is a lot of domestic and geopolitical uncertainty to go around. Dean and Bud sort through some of that uncertainty to give their thoughts on today’s global economic outlook.
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.
Retirement Article
Reviewing the Latest SECURE Act Proposed Regulations
Amid all that has been going on in the financial world this year, don't overlook the IRS's latest proposed regulations on the SECURE Act.
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.
Retirement Article
Retiree Feature: Mike & Carol Heiting
The relationships that we have with retirees and pre-retirees are very special to all of us at Modern Wealth Management. Along with providing financial education and advice to retirees, we’ve decided to start sharing some of their personal stories about how financial planning has helped them live their one best financial lives. Please enjoy our first retiree feature with Mike and Carol Heiting.
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
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
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.
Retirement Article
5 Fun Activities for Retirees This Spring in KC
Following the snowstorm that just hit the Kansas City area, it’s hard not to get excited about the possibility of some nice spring weather being right around the corner. Here are five fun activities for retirees to do in Kansas City this spring.
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.
Retirement Article
Setting Retirement Savings Goals
We all have our own special goals that we’d like to achieve in retirement, but some of them are much easier to accomplish than others. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the importance of setting retirement savings goals sooner rather than later to attain clarity, confidence, and control in your retirement.
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.
Retirement Article
Understanding US Inflation
From prices at the grocery store to the cost of filling up your gas tank, we have all seen the impacts of inflation in recent months. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper give their thoughts on the current inflationary pressures and what US inflation could look like going forward.
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.
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.
Retirement Article
7 Ways to Build the Best Retirement Plan
No one retirement plan is exactly the same, nor should it be. While your friends and family might have retirement plans that work well for them, that doesn’t mean they'll work for you.
At Modern Wealth Management, we understand the importance of building the best retirement plan for YOU. Here are seven ways in which you can build your best retirement plan.
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.
Retirement Article
Benefits of Charitable Giving During the Holidays
Do you enjoy spreading holiday cheer by reaping the benefits of charitable giving? Here are a few things to keep in mind on Giving Tuesday.
Retirement Article
Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment Set for 5.9% Increase in 2022
The Social Security Administration announced that the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will increase 5.9% in 2022, which is the biggest annual uptick in 40 years.
Retirement Article
Don’t Miss Out on Your Money: Redefining Risk Management
Shane Barber redefines risk management to help mitigate the occurrences of people missing out on their money in retirement.
Retirement Article
5 Ways to Avoid College Debt
Are you or your children looking for a head start in the Game of Life? Matt Kasper can help by offering five ways to avoid college debt.
Retirement Article
3 Steps to Help Evaluate Your Pension: Lump Sum or Regular Payments
Pensions as an employee benefit are on the decline, but for some, pension benefits will contribute to a meaningful and lasting retirement, and you need to make sure you are prepared to make the right decision.
Retirement Article
Retiring with $1 Million
What could retirement look like with $1 million? We're going to show you four different couples. One couple, which we referred to as the average couple, with a 60/40 portfolio, claiming Social Security at 62, would be able to spend $3.5 million over a lifetime.
Retirement Article
How $750k Can Go as Far as $1 Million in Retirement
Would you rather have $750,000 or $1 million? On its face, this question seems like a no-brainer. One million dollars is a larger number than $750,000, so that has to be the correct answer – right?
Retirement Article
Lumber, Commodities, and Inflation Fears
If recent events are any indication, and I believe they are, we may already be seeing the end of this inflationary trend and the beginning of a return to more normal prices. I'm going to focus a lot on lumber in this article. However, I am also discussing the big three agricultural commodities we farm in the Midwest: corn, wheat, and soybeans.
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
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.
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
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.
Retirement Article
Paying for Your Child’s Wedding Costs
There are few things more exciting than learning about your child's engagement. Sometimes, that news can come as a big surprise, like in this clip from Father of the Bride. Hopefully, that surprise eventually comes as a delight to you and your family. That delight can quickly turn into stress once it is time to discuss your child's wedding. Paying for your child's wedding costs will come later in your career when retirement saving is critical. That's why it's crucial to have a solid plan, so you can avoid derailing your retirement.
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?
Estate Planning Article
SECURE Act Changes Retirement Planning
In 2019, there was a lot of buzz about the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement or the SECURE Act. Early on, this bill had bipartisan support, unusual in today's political climate. The SECURE Act passed both chambers of Congress, and on December 20, 2019, was signed into law by President Trump. This single piece of legislation will have significant impacts on retirees and their beneficiaries. So, let's dive deeper and discuss how the SECURE Act changes retirement planning.
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
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.
Taxes Article
Tax Reform: What First In, First Out (FIFO) Means for Investors
You have probably heard much about the pending tax legislation and all the provisions that are being debated.
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.
Retirement Article
5 Fun Activities for Kansas City Retirees
Reaching retirement brings many benefits, one of which is having more time to relax and explore.
The Guided Retirement Show
Retirement Podcast
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Retirement with Chris Rett, CFP®, AIF®
Episode 114 | Chris Rett, CFP®, AIF® | Modern Wealth Management Senior Advisor
It’s our Season 10 finale of The Guided Retirement Show, which means it’s time for Chris Rett, CFP®, AIF® to join Dean Barber as the featured guest. Chris and Dean are going to review 10 questions that everyone should ask themselves before retirement. If you’re planning to retire around three to five years from now, make sure to take some notes and to ask yourself these questions before retirement. Let’s review the questions and then we’ll explain why everyone should think about them before retirement.
Estate Planning Podcast
Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid with Tim Denker
Episode 113 | Tim Denker | Denker Law Firm, LLC
Dean Barber could talk for hours about estate planning mistakes to avoid. On Episode 113 of The Guided Retirement Show, Dean decided to cover some of the most common estate planning mistakes that he and Tim Denker of Denker Law Firm, LLC have witnessed. Tim founded Denker Law Firm, LLC in 2006 and has practiced estate planning and business law since 2003.1 Dean and Tim want you to be informed when it comes to estate planning and are going to nine mistakes to avoid.
Taxes Podcast
Tax Planning Tips with Corey Hulstein, CPA and Marty James, CPA, PFS
Episode 112 | Modern Wealth Management Director of Tax Corey Hulstein, CPA and Modern Wealth Management Managing Director Marty James, CPA, PFS
How can you pay less taxes over your lifetime? That’s a question everyone wants to know the answer to, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone’s financial situation is different. Along with explaining the importance of having a forward-looking tax plan as a part of your personalized financial plan, Corey Hulstein, CPA and Marty James, CPS, PFS joined Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show to share some tax planning tips.
Retirement Podcast
Retiring Single with $1.5 Million Saved: How Much Can You Spend with Will Doty, CFP®, AIF®
Episode 111 | Will Doty, CFP®, AIF® | Modern Wealth Management Executive Advisor
Many of the case studies we’ve reviewed in our podcasts, articles, and other content have focused on couples retirement planning. Today, Will Doty, CFP®, AIF® and Dean Barber are going to dive into a case study that geared toward all the single folks out there. Everyone’s situation is unique when it comes to retirement planning, whether you’re retiring single or married. Maybe you’ve been single for most or all your life. Or maybe you were married and are now single following a divorce or death of a spouse. No matter your situation, you need to have a plan for retirement. In this article and podcast, we’re going to run through a case study of someone retiring single with $1.5 million in retirement savings. Let’s review some things they’ll need to think about.
Investments Podcast
How Does a 401(k) Work with Michelle Cannan, CPFA™, QKA®, QKC
Episode 110 | Michelle Cannan | Modern Wealth Management Managing Director and Head of Company Retirement Plan Services
As Modern Wealth Management continues to grow, one of the additions we’re very excited about is our office in Rochester, New York. Our Rochester-based team members specialize in 401(k) plans, which are typically people’s largest asset as they head into retirement. So, we figured it would be good idea to have Michelle Cannan, CPFA™, QKA®, QKC, our head of company retirement plan services and managing director of our Rochester office, join Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show to discuss how a 401(k) plan works and many other nuances about 401(k)s.
Investments Podcast
Market Sentiment and Inflation’s Impact with David Mitchell
Episode 109 | David Mitchell | AllianceBernstein Regional Director
As we attempt to help educate people about market sentiment, we’ve continued to welcome back AllianceBernstein’s David Mitchell as a guest on The Guided Retirement Show. David last appeared on The Guided Retirement Show with Dean Barber in October 2023 to give his market outlook and review market trends from the previous six months. Dean and David will review some of the things they discussed during that episode. David will also review the last six months of market performances again and give his updated market outlook to help people develop a better understanding of market sentiment.
Estate Planning Podcast
A Successor Trustee Checklist with Matt Kasper, CFP®, AIF®
Episode 108 | Matt Kasper, CFP®, AIF® | Modern Wealth Management Executive Advisor
Estate planning can be a complicated issue. It can run smoothly or there can be a lot of pitfalls that you don't foresee. As Matt Kasper, CFP®, AIF® makes his third appearance on The Guided Retirement Show, he and Dean Barber will go over some key items for successor trustees while discussing the importance of having a solid estate plan and being transparent about your wishes with the next generation.
Retirement Podcast
Wealth Planning: Securing Your Financial Future with Jeremiah Johnson, AIF®
Episode 107 | Jeremiah Johnson, AIF® | Modern Wealth Management Managing Director
A lot of people think that wealth planning is just about the management of money. That is part of wealth planning, but it’s far from being the only part. Modern Wealth Management Managing Director Jeremiah Johnson, AIF® is going to elaborate on that with Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show. Having a good understanding of what wealth planning is all about is pivotal to securing your financial future.
Retirement Podcast
Planning to Retire on $10,000 a Month
Episode 106 | Chris Rett, CFP®, AIF® and Logan DeGraeve, CFP®, AIF® | Modern Wealth Management Advisors
How much do you think you need each month to spend in retirement? There are many factors that will go into determining that number. On this episode of The Guided Retirement Show, Logan DeGraeve, CFP®, AIF® and Chris Rett, CFP®, AIF® are going to walk you through a case study that looks into how much money you would need to spend $10,000 net a month in retirement.
Retirement Podcast
Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners with Drew Jones
Episode 105 | Drew Jones, CFP®, AIF® | Modern Wealth Management Executive Advisor
Drew Jones, CFP®, AIF® has a passion in working with small business owners, helping them get their business to be as valuable as it can possibly be before facilitating an exit strategy. As Drew makes his third appearance on The Guided Retirement Show, he and Dean Barber will discuss what small business owners need to do when it comes to retirement planning.
Insurance Podcast
Affordable Care Act Subsidies – How to Qualify for Them with Marty James, CPA, PFS
Episode 104 | Marty James, CPA, PFS | Modern Wealth Management Managing Director
Making his third appearance on The Guided Retirement Show, Marty James, CPA, PFS joins Dean Barber to discuss how to qualify for Affordable Care Act subsidies. Qualifying for the Affordable Care Act subsidies can greatly reduce the cost of health insurance prior to becoming eligible for Medicare. Who doesn’t want that?! Marty and Dean are both excited to touch on this topic, so let’s see what they have to share.
Investments Podcast
Growth vs Value Investing in 2024 with Brad Kasper
Episode 103 | Brad Kasper | LSA Portfolio Analytics Founder and President
Back for his eighth appearance on The Guided Retirement Show, LSA Portfolio Analytics President and Founder Brad Kasper joins Dean Barber to discuss growth vs value investing in 2024. Brad shares that growth could potentially outperform value as we look at investing for the rest of the year. Why might he think that? Brad has plenty of data to share with Dean to back up his reasoning.
Investments Podcast
Strategic Investing Through Retirement with Stephen Tuckwood, CFA
Episode 102 | Stephen Tuckwood, CFA | Modern Wealth Management Director of Investments
Our Director of Investments, Stephen Tuckwood, CFA, has quickly become one of the most frequently featured guests on The Guided Retirement Show. For the Season 10 premiere, Tuck and Dean Barber will discuss the critical topic of constructing the right portfolio via strategic investing as you transition into and go through retirement. They’ll discuss the nuances of proper portfolio construction and the changing dynamics of investment rules during the retirement phase.
Retirement Podcast
Retirement Planning 101: Back to the Basics with Chris Rett, CFP®, AIF®
Episode 101 | Chris Rett | Lead Advisor
Chris Rett and Dean Barber discuss Retirement Planning 101 by reviewing BRITE: bookkeeping, risk management, investing, taxes, and estate planning.
Retirement Podcast
Nonfinancial Life Planning with Bruce Godke
Episode 100 | Bruce Godke | Executive Advisor
We have a very special guest for a very special episode of The Guided Retirement Show. We’re thrilled to have soon-to-be retired Modern Wealth Executive Advisor Bruce Godke join Dean Barber for our 100th episode! Bruce joined Dean in the financial industry 18 years ago and is getting ready to embark upon an amazing journey. And as part of this amazing journey, Bruce is launching a nonfinancial life planning program, Your Encore, at Modern Wealth. Today, Bruce and Dean are going to talk about some important aspects nonfinancial life planning to help people prepare for retirement.
Investments Podcast
2023 Market in Review with Garrett Waters
Episode 99 | Garrett Waters | Anchor Capital CEO and Portfolio Manager
For the second time in 2023, Anchor Capital CEO and Portfolio Manager Garrett Waters is joining Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show. Earlier this year, Garrett and Dean discussed investment risk for 2023. Now that 2023 is coming to a close, Garrett is returning to do a 2023 market year in review and 2024 market outlook. He and Dean will talk about the stock market, bond market, and economy.
Taxes Podcast
Tax Advantages of HSAs with Marty James, CPA
Episode 98 | Marty James, CPA | Modern Wealth Management Managing Director
Marty James, CPA and Dean Barber discuss the tax advantages of HSAs and how they're one of the most underutilized and misused parts of the tax code.
Investments Podcast
Market Outlook and the Last Six Months with David Mitchell
Episode 97 | David Mitchell | AllianceBernstein Director, Regional Manager
AllianceBernstein's David Mitchell give his market outlook and recap the last six months in the markets on The Guided Retirement Show.
Retirement Podcast
The CFP® Professional and CPA Relationship with Logan DeGraeve, CFP® and Corey Hulstein, CPA
Episode 96 | Logan DeGraeve, CFP® and Corey Hulstein, CPA | Modern Wealth Management Executive Advisor and Modern Wealth Management Director of Tax
Logan DeGraeve, CFP® and Corey Hulstein, CPA describe the working relationship between a CFP® Professional and CPA.
Retirement Podcast
Financial Planning for Retirement: Our Team Approach with Jason Gordo
Episode 95 | Jason Gordo | Modern Wealth Management President
Modern Wealth Management President Jason Gordo joins Dean Barber to explain why it's crucial to have a team professionals working for you to meet your financial planning needs and goals for retirement.
Retirement Podcast
Revisiting Roth vs. Traditional with Bud Kasper and Corey Hulstein, CPA
Episode 94 | Bud Kasper and Corey Hulstein | Modern Wealth Management Managing Director and Director of Tax
Modern Wealth Management Managing Directors Dean Barber and Bud Kasper and Director of Tax Corey Hulstein, CPA review many key considerations when choosing between Roth vs. traditional.
Investments Podcast
Monetary Policy Tools: The Fed’s Latest Actions with Brad Kasper
Episode 93 | Brad Kasper | LSA Portfolio Analytics President and Founder
LSA Portfolio Analytics President and Founder Brad Kasper makes his seventh appearance on The Guided Retirement Show, as he joins Dean Barber to discuss some of the latest news with the economy, markets, interest rates, and the Fed’s monetary policy tools.
Investments Podcast
Tax-Efficient Investing with Stephen Tuckwood
Episode 92 | Stephen Tuckwood | Director of Investments
Modern Wealth Management Director of Investments Stephen "Tuck" Tuckwood joins Dean Barber again on The Guided Retirement Show to discuss direct indexing and the importance of tax-efficient investing.
Retirement Podcast
Defining True Wealth with Ken Osiwala
Episode 91 | Ken Osiwala | Managing Director
For our Season 9 premiere of The Guided Retirement Show, Ken Osiwala joins Dean Barber to define true wealth. To truly understand what wealth means to you, you first need to define what's important to you. Ken and Dean will explain why there's so much more to defining true wealth than how much money you have.
Retirement Podcast
8 Questions Retirees Are Asking with Chris Rett
Episode 90 | Chris Rett | Lead Advisor
For our Season 8 finale of The Guided Retirement Show, Chris Rett and Dean Barber address eight questions that retirees are asking. These questions that retirees are asking have been frequently asked by our clients and prospective clients. If you’re retired or are planning for retirement, you need to know the answers to these questions as well.
Retirement Podcast
Components of a Complete Financial Plan with Logan DeGraeve
Episode 89 | Logan DeGraeve | Executive Advisor
Logan DeGraeve joins Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show to review the components of a complete financial plan. These discuss several critical things to think about before and during retirement.
Retirement Podcast
Older Americans Month with Dean Barber
Episode 88 | Dean Barber | Managing Director
Dean Barber shares how his late grandfather and our loyal Modern Wealth Management clients give him several reasons to celebrate Older Americans Month.
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.
Retirement Podcast
Things to Consider Before Retiring with Drew Jones
Episode 86 | Drew Jones | CFP® Professional
Drew Jones joins Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show to review several things to consider before retiring.
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 Modern Wealth Management 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.
Retirement Podcast
Understanding the SECURE Act 2.0 with Ed Slott
Episode 83 | Ed Slott, CPA | America's IRA Expert
Dean Barber and America's IRA Expert Ed Slott, CPA take a deep dive into understanding the SECURE Act 2.0 and outline what has and hasn't changed within the original SECURE Act.
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.
Estate Planning Podcast
Family Financial Planning with Matt Kasper
Episode 81 | Matt Kasper | Modern Wealth Management CFP® Professional
Leaving a legacy is very important to a lot of people. Dean Barber and Matt Kasper discuss how to go about family financial planning.
Retirement Podcast
Tax Planning During Tax Preparation Season with Corey Hulstein
Episode 80 | Corey Hulstein | Modern Wealth Management Director of Tax
Our Director of Tax, Corey Hulstein, joins Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show to discuss tax planning during tax preparation season.
Insurance Podcast
Medicare Changes in 2023 with Taylor Garner
Episode 79 | Taylor Garner | Owner | Garner Insurance Agency, LLC
Garner Insurance Agency, LLC Owner Taylor Garner joins Dean Barber again on The Guided Retirement Show to discuss Medicare changes in 2023.
Retirement Podcast
20 Retirement Questions You Should Be Asking with Chris Rett
Episode 78 | Chris Rett | CFP® Professional at Modern Wealth Management
Dean Barber and Chris Rett review 20 questions that you should be asking your financial advisor on the Season 7 finale of The Guided Retirement Show.
Taxes Podcast
Don’t Overpay Your Taxes: Giving Thanks for Tax Planning with Dean Barber
Episode 77 | Dean Barber | Managing Director at Modern Wealth Management
With Thanksgiving upon us, Dean Barber is thankful for tax planning strategies that can help people to not overpay their taxes.
Retirement Podcast
Mortgage Tips for Different Phases in Life with Tim Kay
Episode 76 | Tim Kay | Branch Manager at Guild Mortgage
Tim Kay and Dean Barber discuss some key mortgage tips to think about when financial planning for people of different ages.
Retirement Podcast
Financial Planning for Veterans
Episode 75 | Chad Webb | US Marine Corps First Sergeant Retired
Modern Wealth Management Chief of Staff Chad Webb shares his perspective on financial planning for veterans after serving 21 years in the Marines.
Estate Planning Podcast
Planning for RMDs with Will Doty
Episode 74 | Will Doty | CFP® Professional
Will Doty and Dean Barber explain RMDs, tax planning opportunities surrounding RMDs, how RMDs factor in when leaving money behind for the next generation, and so much more.
Retirement Podcast
Taxes in Retirement with Steven Jarvis
Episode 73 | Steven Jarvis, CPA | CEO & Head CPA at Retirement Tax Services
Retirement Tax Services Founder Steven Jarvis joins Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show to discuss taxes in retirement and why the collaboration between a CFP® Professional and CPA is a critical part of the financial planning process.
Retirement Podcast
Private Equity Explained with Michael Faciana
Episode 72 | Michael Faciana | Executive Director
There are a lot of things that are misunderstood about private equity markets. And somewhat understandably so. The landscape of private equity markets has changed considerably over the past few years to the point where individual investors can now participate. Michael Faciana joins Dean Barber on The Guided Retirement Show to help explain the many nuances of private equity.
Retirement Podcast
Don’t Wait, Act – Overcoming Uncertainty with Logan DeGraeve
Episode 71 | Logan DeGraeve, CFP® | Financial Advisor at Modern Wealth Management
Whether it's the markets, interest rates, inflation, political and geopolitical environments, or the complicated and ever-changing tax code, uncertainty seems to be everywhere we look in 2022. While uncertainty can be overwhelming, there are many ways to mitigate it. The first step is to overcoming uncertainty is to start a comprehensive, forward-looking financial plan. Logan DeGraeve and Dean Barber highlight how the different components of a financial plan can help you overcome uncertainty on the latest episode of The Guided Retirement Show.
Retirement Podcast
Tax Planning Strategies with Marty James
Episode 70 | Marty James | President & Managing Member at Martin James Investment & Tax Management
Many people believe that tax planning strategies are only for the ultra-wealthy. Marty James helps Dean Barber explain why that's simply not true on the latest episode of 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.
Retirement Podcast
Mail Bag: Answering More Questions from Listeners with Chris Rett
Episode 68 | Chris Rett, CFP® | Financial Advisor at Modern Wealth Management
In this episode, Chris and I dig into a wide array of topics, including how to accurately estimate your income and taxes in retirement, how to determine which retirement vehicle is best suited to your needs, and a ton of other issues facing people in their pre-retirement and early retirement years.
Taxes Podcast
Ed Slott In-Studio!
Episode 67 | Ed Slott, CPA | America's IRA Expert
In this conversation, Ed and I discuss why retirees often get such bad guidance, the new time bombs ticking in the world of retirement (and how best to avoid them), and why now may very well prove to be the best time in your life to pay taxes for years (or decades) to come.
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.
Social Security Podcast
Avoiding Costly Mistakes When Claiming Social Security with Ken Sokol
Episode 63 | Ken Sokol - Owner | Financial Spreadsheets, LLC
In today’s episode, we discuss the best (and worst) things you can do in claiming Social Security, why your retirement strategy could be the difference between bringing in or losing $100,000 or more in income, and the financial questions you should be asking yourself as you prepare for retirement.
Insurance Podcast
Navigating Health Care Costs in Retirement with Taylor Garner
Episode 62 | Taylor Garner - Agency Manager & Insurance Consultant - American Republic Insurance Services®
In today’s episode, Taylor and I talk about the traps and challenges of the healthcare industry that affect countless retirees, why the right plan can bring down your healthcare costs substantially, and how to put the many different forms of supplemental coverage to work for you.
Retirement Podcast
Creating a Financial First Aid Kit with Will Doty
Episode 61 - Will Doty | CFP®, AIF® | Partner & Financial Advisor at Modern Wealth Management
Today’s episode is all about how to create a financial first aid kit. You’ll hear from CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Will Doty about the documents and resources you need to have ready if you’re dealt with a worst-case scenario event.
Insurance Podcast
The Ins & Outs of Property & Casualty Insurance with Sarah Askren
Episode 60 - Sarah Askren | PRM Business Development Manager at The Miller Group
Joining me to talk about this is Sarah Askren. Sarah is a property and casualty insurance expert at The Miller Group. With over 20 years experience in the field, she’s passionate about making sure that her clients protect their loved ones and have access to the resources they need.
Retirement Podcast
The Difference Between Good Debt & Bad Debt with Logan DeGraeve
Episode 59 - Logan DeGraeve | CFP®, AIF® | Financial Advisor at Modern Wealth Management
Joining me to help answer this question is Logan DeGraeve, CFP® at Modern Wealth Management. We discuss the differences between good debt and bad debt, the discipline that is needed when using debt and leverage, and the right (and wrong) times in life to carry debt at every stage of life.
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.
Retirement Podcast
Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk with Bud Kasper
Episode 57 - Bud Kasper | CFP®, AIF® | President of Modern Wealth Management Lee's Summit
To make sense of how sequence of returns risk plays out over the course of retirement, I’m talking to Bud Kasper. In this conversation, we discuss his writing on this topic, what the sequence of returns risk is, and how it can affect not just your ability to retire, but your ability to get through retirement.
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.
Taxes Podcast
Prepare for Tax Law Changes by Having a Tax Plan with JoAnn Huber
Episode 52 | JoAnn Huber - CPA, CFP®, PFS - Managing Partner & Tax Specialist at Modern Wealth Management
We dig into the breakneck pace at which Congress is introducing new tax legislation, and how you can prepare for potential tax law changes
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.
Insurance Podcast
Health Insurance in Retirement with Taylor Garner
Episode 53 | Taylor Garner - Agency Manager & Insurance Consultant - American Republic Insurance Services
In today’s conversation, we explore how the insurance industry has been transformed over the last decade, how to find plans that meet your unique needs, and what to do to make your insurance coverage a balanced part of a comprehensive financial plan.
Retirement Podcast
What is a Registered Agent? with Kent Rockwell and Patrick Eyberg
Episode 51 | Kent Rockwell | Founder & Patrick Eyberg | Director of Partner Development atf Universal Registered Agents
In this episode, we discuss what exactly a registered agent is, why they’re so relevant to business owners, when you might need one, and how to find a great one to help keep your wheels turning.
Retirement Podcast
Addressing YOU: Answering Questions from Our Listeners
Episode 50 | Dean Barber & Chris Rett, CFP®
Here at the Guided Retirement Show™, we receive questions from YouTube viewers and podcast listeners from all over the world. We have a variety of specific questions, and we’re excited to answer as many of them as we can.
Social Security Podcast
How to Claim the Most from Your Social Security with Marc Kiner & Jim Blair
Episode 49 | Marc Kiner & Jim Blair - Social Security Experts
In this episode, we explore the many different options retirees have when it comes to claiming Social Security. We get into how Social Security is taxed, why different types of retirement income don’t play nice together, and how to put a stop to preventable losses and make the most of this extraordinarily complex program.
Estate Planning Podcast
Saving Lives and Saving Dignity with Dr. Alan Molk
Episode 48 | Alan Molk - Physicial & Author of Saving Lives. Saving Dignity: A Unique End-of-Life Perspective From Two Emergency Physicians
In today’s conversation, Dr. Molk and I talk about the unintended consequences of the incredible medical innovations developed over the last several decades. We discuss the growing need for palliative care (and what makes it different from hospice care), and why planning for healthcare emergencies of all kinds is a vital part of any retirement plan.
Insurance Podcast
Proper Risk Management with Darren Newell & Jason Newcomer
Episode 47 - Darren Newell | Insurance Agent at Midwest Professional Insurance & Jason Newcomer | Dir. of Centralized Financial Planning at Modern Wealth Management
Joining me to talk about this are Jason Newcomer and Darren Newell. Jason is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the Director of Centralized Finance Planning at Modern Wealth Management, and Darren is an insurance agent at Midwest Professional Insurance. In today’s conversation, we talk about how to view risk management across different age ranges, how financial advisors and insurance agents often fail to help their clients mitigate risk, and how to take a holistic look at your risk exposure and best protect yourself right now.
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.
Taxes Podcast
Creating a Tax-Free Retirement with Ed Slott
Episode 45 - Ed Slott, CPA | America's IRA Expert at Ed Slott and Company, LLC. & Author of The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb
In this episode, Ed and I talk about why your IRA or 401(k) might be turning into a ticking time bomb of unpaid debt, how to stop your Social Security check from going entirely toward paying tax in retirement, how we may see the tax code change during President Biden’s time in office, and how to rethink your assets so you can safely take money out of your accounts and grow tax-free.
Retirement Podcast
The Power of Positive Aging with David Lereah
Episode 44 - David Lereah, PhD. | Economist & Author of The Power of Positive Aging
We can have all the money in the world, but if we don’t have our physical and mental health, that money means nothing. Few people understand this better than Dr. David Lereah, PhD. He’s the founder of United We Age, an organization working to inspire a movement where all generations of people are more aware and supportive of people aging. He's also the author of the recently released book The Power of Positive Aging.
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.
Retirement Podcast
The Power of Building Great Relationships with Dr. Charlie Cartwright
Episode 40 | Dr. Charlie Cartwright - CEO of People Success Labs & Keynote Speaker
In this conversation, Dr. Charlie and I talk about the scientific method he uses to help people grow, the importance of community and meaningful relationships in everything we do, and the lessons he learned from 30 years working for major companies, including FedEx and UPS.
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.
Retirement Podcast
What Retirement Looks Like After a Career in Professional Sports
Episode 37 | Mark Collins Sr. CEO at 2FiveSports LLC., Former NLF Player & 2x Super Bowl Champ
Today, Mark joins the podcast to tell the story of the many roles he’s taken on since leaving the NFL, building a legacy, and giving back by creating opportunities for other kids just like him.
Retirement Podcast
The Future of Work, Connectivity, and Technology with Jeff Alholm
Episode 36 | Jeff Alholm CEO and Co Founder at Digital Aerolus
Today, Jeff and I are talking about the technological revolution we’re living through right now, some of the incredible innovation he’s witnessed over the course of his career, and the devices that are already transforming life as we know it.
Taxes Podcast
The Power of Creating a Long-Term Tax Plan with JoAnn Huber
Episode 35 | JoAnn Huber, CPA, CFP®, & Partner at Modern Wealth Management
Today, JoAnn returns to the podcast for the fourth time to talk about the ways 2020 has changed how people of all ages need to look at retirement, the importance of having a solid plan in place long before you take your first RMD, and how to protect yourself, no matter how much the tax code changes.
Social Security Podcast
How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits with Marc Kiner & Jim Blair
Episode 34 - Marc Kiner | CPA at Premier Social Security Consulting LLC & Jim Blair | Lead Consultant at Premier Social Security Consulting LLC
Today, Marc and Jim join the podcast to talk about the major mistakes that people make as they claim Social Security, how to craft a strategy designed to avoid these pitfalls once and for all, and how to find an advisor who can help you navigate this astoundingly complex system.
Retirement Podcast
Owning a Small Business from a Family Perspective with Jan & Adam Fichman
Episode 33 - Jan Fichman | Founder & Owner of 7th Heaven and Adam Fichman | Founder & President of Lifted Logic
Today, Jan and Adam join the podcast to share the story of their family history in owning a small business. You’ll hear about the companies they built alone, lessons passed across generations, and how Adam’s small business has served Jan’s in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Estate Planning Podcast
How to Leave a Legacy that’s More Than Just Money with Ben Weisshaut
Episode 32 - Ben Weisshaut | Founder & CEO of Wishlife
Today, Ben joins the podcast to talk about how families can go deeper than money and create an emotional legacy to leave to your family. You’ll find out what he learned from interviewing countless families about what matters the most to them, what it means to build a responsible legacy, and how retirees are changing their plans in a world where it’s unsafe to travel to stay closer to family in difficult times.
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.
Retirement Podcast
How Preventative Care Can Keep You Healthy in Retirement with Dr. Laura Lile
Episode 29 - Dr. Laura Lile | M.D., R.PH. at Lile Wellness Partners
Though we normally focus on the financial aspect of retirement, this week’s episode is all about healthcare - and specifically how to live healthy at every stage of life. You’ll learn how to work with your body to address the declines we go through as we age, how to take preventative steps now to avoid worse outcomes later, and why it’s never too late to start taking steps to change your health.
Retirement Podcast
How to Give to Charity and Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving with Gary Pratt
Episode 28 - Gary Pratt | Senior Director of Development at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
Here to help navigate the world of charitable giving is Gary Pratt, the Senior Director of Development for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. In 2019, Catholic Charities served about half a million people in need through over 20 programs across 21 counties, helping empower them to get jobs, learn new skills, receive food and housing, and even hospice care.
Retirement Podcast
Finding Purpose in Retirement with Joe Duran
Episode 27 - Joe Duran | Managing Director of Goldman Sachs, Head of Goldman Sachs Personal Wealth Management
Today, Joe joins the podcast to share stories from his own life, as well as his experience in financial services, about why it’s so important to live life in alignment with your priorities. If you’re trying to shape a financial plan - and a retirement - that gives you purpose and satisfaction, as opposed to merely helping you survive, this episode is a must-listen.
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.
Retirement Podcast
Hard Work, Habits, and Baseball with Joel Goldberg
Episode 25 - Joel Goldberg | Kansas City Royals Broadcaster, Keynote Speaker, Host of Rounding the Bases with Joel Goldberg
Joel is the host of Rounding the Bases, a podcast where he interviews entrepreneurs and leaders in sports and business. He’s also the announcer for the Kansas City Royals and an experienced TV sportscaster. In our conversation, Joel doesn’t just share stories from his astounding career, but digs deep into the lessons he’s learned from the extraordinary people he’s met along the way.
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.
Insurance Podcast
Medicare Supplement Plans, A Closer Look
Episode 22 - Tom Allen | Medicare Expert, CMS, Insurance Consultant
Today, Tom and I dive deep into the differences between Medicare supplement coverage options, how to avoid potentially devastating expenses when dealing with prescription drug costs, and how to find a plan that will cover any conditions you may have and keep you healthy for decades to come.
Retirement Podcast
How to Be the CEO of Your Retirement
Episode 21 - Tony Lewis | Former CEO of ConAgra & Chair at Vistage International
Today, Tony joins the podcast to discuss the business leadership lessons that cross over into retirement and family planning, how to avoid missing out on major opportunities (financial and otherwise), and the power of communicating your intentions.
Retirement Podcast
Why Self-Awareness is Crucial to Retirement Planning
Episode 20 - Joe Lieberman | Author & Entrepreneur
Today, Joe joins the podcast to share the hard lessons he learned about life, business and self-awareness. How the mindset of blaming others and not recognizing your own impact affects you in retirement, and why no one should attempt to prepare for retirement alone – especially if they think they’re the smartest person in the room
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.
Retirement Podcast
What Retirees Need to Know About Cybersecurity
Episode 16 - Wayne Robinson | Financial Planner Modern Wealth Management
Today, Wayne joins the podcast to talk about the many different ways retirees can fall victim to cyberattacks, why the criminals responsible for them are all but impossible to catch, and the simple steps you can take right now to reduce your risk factors by as much as 85%.
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.
Retirement Podcast
Travel in Retirement to Create Memories
Episode 14 - Mark Comfort | Owner of Cruise Holidays KC
Retirement is all about checking things off the bucket list. It’s a time to turn hard work into incredible experiences, truly connect with loved ones, and create memories that will last a lifetime - and for many retirees, that means plans to travel in retirement.
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.
Estate Planning Podcast
Estate Planning Pitfalls of Going Online
Episode 9 - Jason Salinardi | Attorney, J.D., LL.M Taxation & Garrett Griffin | Attorney, J.D., LL.M Taxation
Today, we continue our discussion by diving a little bit deeper. We focus predominantly on how DIY planning often leads to massive complications for survivors, how events like divorce can lead to serious estate issues after one family member dies, and why you need to work with a counselor or advisor who truly understands the nuances of estate...
Estate Planning Podcast
Estate Planning Wills and Probate
Episode 8 - Jason Salinardi | Attorney, J.D., LL.M Taxation & Garrett Griffin | Attorney, J.D., LL.M Taxation
One thing is certain: at some point in time, all of us won't be alive on this Earth. This means that we all need proper estate plans. Many people, however, fail to set their estate plans up correctly...
Insurance Podcast
Understanding Medicare Options, Costs, and Coverage Pt. 2
Episode 7 - Tom Allen | Medicare & Supplemental Insurance Expert
In our previous episode, certified Medicare specialist Tom Allen and I discussed what Medicare actually is and what it’s designed to do. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, I strongly recommend you do so now. There are so many nuances to health insurance, and it’s very easy to get caught in financially devastating traps if you aren’t careful.
Insurance Podcast
Understanding Medicare Options, Costs, and Coverage
Episode 6 - Tom Allen | Medicare & Supplemental Insurance Expert
For many retiring seniors, Medicare is super confusing. There are lots of misconceptions about how it works, how supplements work, and what you should be doing in your retirement years to ensure that you’re covered. Tom Allen is a Medicare and supplemental insurance expert. Every year, he stays on top of the latest and greatest in this extraordinary...
Retirement Podcast
Top 10 Financial Scams Targeting Seniors
Episode 5 - Brie Williams | VP State Street Global Advisors
You don’t have to read stories about people like Alan Stanford and Bernie Madoff or The Wolf of Wall Street to learn about scams and abuses in the financial services industry. In fact, fraud and abuse often hits much closer to home, and the growing senior population all over the world gets more likely to be taken advantage of with every passing year.
Estate Planning Podcast
Your Realistic Retirement Plan with Brie Williams
Episode 4 - Brie Williams | VP State Street Global Advisors
When many people build their financial plans, they only envision an ideal retirement where nothing goes wrong. They assume they’re going to live long, happy, healthy lives, that nothing’s ever going to get in their way, and that the future is going to go exactly to plan.
Retirement Podcast
Creating Better Financial Outcomes
Episode 3 - Brie Williams | VP State Street Global Advisors
Why do we do what we do? What motivates us? These are big questions - and they apply just as much to financial services as they do everything else in our lives. Brie Williams, the Vice President of State Street Global Advisors, has dedicated her career to helping financial advisory firms facilitate efficiency and growth
Retirement Podcast
IRA vs. Roth IRA Pt. 2 with JoAnn Huber
Episode 2 - JoAnn Huber, CPA, CFP®
In the last episode, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and CPA JoAnn Huber and I kicked off the podcast with a discussion about the differences between the IRA and the Roth IRA.However, we barely scratched the surface, and if you’re feeling confused after listening to Part 1 of our conversation, that’s okay.
Retirement Podcast
IRA vs. Roth IRA – How to Make Both Work for You
Episode 1 - JoAnn Huber, CPA, CFP®
For many people, the 401(k) is their largest asset. However, there are several different types of 401(k) plans, each of which follows a different series of rules and regulations. Choosing the wrong type of 401(k) can have significant consequences in retirement - and can drastically affect your quality of life for years to come.
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PDF Document
Roth Conversion Case Studies
We went through three Roth conversion case studies to help you make well-informed decisions when considering Roth conversions.
PDF Document
Tax Reduction Strategies
Here’s a list of a few tax strategies to consider that could improve your overall tax structure during your retirement years and for your beneficiaries inheriting your estate.
PDF Document
Retirement Plan Checklist
This checklist was created to give you a timeline of items that should be done prior to and during retirement.
PDF Document
Social Security Decisions Guide
Regardless if Social Security will or will not be your primary source of income in retirement, if you take your Social Security benefits at face value you could be leaving money on the table.
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
Estate Planning Guide
One of the most important things you can do for them is to ensure that when you pass away, your estate is protected.
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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Year-End Tax Planning for 2023
Managing Directors Dean Barber and Marty James, CPA discuss some key things to keep in mind while doing year-end tax planning for 2023.
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Pursuing Passions in Your Financial Plan
Commemorative Air Force Heart of America Wing Leader Steve Zimmerman shares how his financial plan has given him the confidence to further pursue his passion for flying and much more on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series with Wayne Robinson, CRPC®, AIF®.
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Q3 2023 Quarterly Market Update
Dean Barber, Ken Osiwala, and Bud Kasper give their main takeaways from Q3 2023 and their expectations for Q4 in our Quarterly Market Update.
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The Lifetime Learning Credit vs. the American Opportunity Tax Credit
Given the complexity of the tax code and how often it changes, the education never stops for our Director of Tax Corey Hulstein, CPA. He continuously studies the tax code to help our clients and prospective clients make informed decisions when it comes to tax planning. Today, Corey is going to educate us about tax credits for qualified tuition and related costs for eligible students on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series. Let’s learn about the Lifetime Learning Credit and how it compares and contrasts to the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
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How to Build Wealth in Your 20s
From saving early to understanding where you're saving to, Logan DeGraeve reviews some quick tips on how to build wealth in your 20s on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series
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Retirement Regrets at the End of Your Life
Chris Rett shares five regrets that people have at the end of retirement and how to plan accordingly so that you don't have those regrets.
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Roth Conversion Decisions for 2023
Matt Kasper reviews Roth conversion decisions for 2023 in a case study on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series.
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When Is It Time to Stop Saving for Retirement?
We always talk about the importance of saving early for retirement, but how do you know when it's time to stop saving for retirement? Drew Jones gets down to the bottom of how to answer that on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series.
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What to Do with Your 401(k) After Retirement
Chris Rett discusses what to do with your 401(k) after retirement—leave it in your previous employer plan or roll it over to an IRA?
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Q2 2023 Quarterly Market Update
Back in April, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper did something new on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series when they gave their Q1 2023 Quarterly Market Update. Now that Q2 2023 is behind us, it’s time for them to give their Q2 2023 quarterly market update.
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Retirement Preparation: 5 Things You’ll Wish You Knew Before Retiring
Preparation is key when it comes to retirement as well. That’s why Logan is going to discuss retirement preparation and the five things that you’ll wish you knew before retiring on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series.
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Why Compound Interest Is Key
Chris Rett, CFP® discusses compound interest, the difference between compounding interest and simple interest, the value of compounding interest for retirement, the Rule of 72, and how to use compound interest for your retirement on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series.
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Your First Year of Retirement: Here Are 4 Things You Can Expect
Have you thought about your retirement goals? So many people get caught up in trying to save as much as possible and haven’t thought about what they want their retirement to look like. Your retirement goals are obviously part of what will make your plan unique. But there are several things that many people will experience in retirement that we want to prepare you for. Modern Wealth Management Managing Directors Dean Barber and Ken Osiwala are going to review four things that you can expect in your first year in retirement to help you in your retirement planning process.
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Rules on Gifting Money to Family
How do wealth transfer and gifting affect your taxes? What are some strategies that you can use to transfer wealth to the next generation as tax efficiently as possible? Director of Tax Corey Hulstein answers those questions and review rules on gifting money to family on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series.
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Rising Long-Term Care Costs
Matt Kasper and Logan DeGraeve tackle the crucial topic of rising long-term care costs on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series.
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Items to Review as You Step into Retirement
Logan DeGraeve shares several key items to review as you step into retirement and why it's important to review them well before retirement.
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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.
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Tax Planning for Individuals: 5 Tips to Save
Tax planning is important. There’s no disputing that. After answering the question, “What is tax planning?” on America’s Wealth Management Show, our Director of Tax Corey Hulstein, CPA discusses tax planning for individuals and five tips for saving during our Barber Financial Group Educational Series.
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Considering RMDs Before and After Retirement
There have been some major changes regarding Required Minimum Distributions thanks to SECURE 2.0. Dean Barber and Will Doty, CFP® will look at Considering RMDs Before and After Retirement in our latest Modern Wealth Management Educational Series webinar.
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Financial Planning Tips for 2023
For our second Modern Wealth Management Educational Series event of the year, Logan DeGraeve shares some financial planning tips for 2023.
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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.
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ABCs of Medicare
Tom Allen, Insurance Consultant & Medicare Expert, breaks down the many letters of Medicare in this webinar. The intention of the ABCs of Medicare is to help people understand what Medicare Parts A & B cover, and more importantly, what they don't cover and what you need to do about it. You'll learn how the Medicare Open Enrollment Period actually works, how to find out what prescription drugs are covered under certain plans, what Parts C & D cover, and more.
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What Is Tax Diversification?
Tax Diversification may not sound like a very exciting topic, but if done correctly over your lifetime, you can pay substantially less in taxes. Our Director of Tax, Corey Hulstein, joins Dean Barber on the Barber Educational Series to explain what tax diversification is and why it’s so important to achieve a successful retirement.
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Creating a Game Plan for Retirement
A lot of us at Modern Wealth Management are excited about football season finally being underway. Football and sports can be used as parallels to teach many life lessons. One of those parallels that football can be used for is with retirement planning. As football season kicks off, Logan DeGraeve joins Dean Barber to discuss creating a retirement game plan.
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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.
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Maximizing Social Security Benefits
Will Doty joins Dean Barber to talk about Social Security claiming strategies and why maximizing your Social Security benefit is a critical part of your overall financial plan.
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Setting Up a Spending Plan for Retirement
Setting up a spending plan for retirement is one of the most critical components of a financial plan. Will Doty joins Dean Barber to help explain a few reasons why that’s the case on the Modern Wealth Management Educational Series.
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Finding Financial Independence
Bud Kasper joins Dean Barber for the Barber Educational Series to discuss the journey toward reaching financial independence and what financial independence could mean for you.
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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.
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The Guided Retirement System
Logan DeGraeve and Dean Barber discuss how the Guided Retirement System gets people to and through retirement.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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Preparing Financially for 2022
As 2021 comes to a close, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper highlight a few things to consider when preparing financially for 2022.
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Financial Planning for the Holidays
Are you budgeting for a special gift this holiday season? Dean Barber and Drew Jones provide some tips on financial planning for the holidays.
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Financial Horror Stories
As the spookiness builds with Halloween on the horizon, Wayne Robinson & Dean Barber give their thoughts on some financial horror stories.
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Dr. Alan Molk Presents “Saving Lives, Saving Dignity”
In this webinar, Dr. Alan Molk tells the story of why he wrote his book, Saving Lives, Saving Dignity. He presents his background as an emergency room physician of 40 years, and why he believes having advanced health care directives is imperative for you and your family.
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Retiring at Market Highs
Dean Barber and Jason Newcomer look at the recent history of 60/40 portfolios and withdrawal rates by measuring inflation, bonds, and equities. They analyze every rolling 20-year period since 1972 to see how annually increasing withdrawal rates—while accounting for inflation—accommodated for a constant standard of living.
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Making a Big Purchase in Retirement
In this webinar, Dean and Logan discuss making a big purchase in retirement. Retirement is supposed to be that time of your life where you're doing all the things you want to do. Sometimes we see people foregoing things that they can do because they don't have the clarity they need.
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Roth Conversions Before & After Retirement
In this webinar, Dean and JoAnn discuss the best part of the tax code that was ever created, the Roth IRA. Specifically diving into Roth conversions both before and after retirement.
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Planning a Large Family Vacation
In this webinar, Dean Barber and Will Doty, CFP®, AIF®, discuss how many people's number one desire in retirement is to spend time with their loved ones. So, why not plan a large family vacation into your retirement plan? Join Dean and Will as they break down how they were able to do just that for their clients.
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10 Financial Planning Steps
In this webinar, Will Doty, CFP®, discusses reviews 10 Financial Planning Steps that are a basic overview of financial planning. These action items will benefit those early on in their career, approaching retirement, and anyone in between. Join us to ensure your taking the right steps in your financial journey.
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Claiming Your Social Security
In this webinar, Will Doty, CFP®, discusses the importance of properly claiming your Social Security. During this on-demand webinar, Will covers the differences in claiming strategies, spousal situations, the impact of Social Security on taxes, and more. This webinar is designed to give you a better understanding of how Social Security fits into your overall financial plan.
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Steps to Reduce Your Cyber Security Risks
Wayne Robinson, Financial Planner at Modern Wealth Management, discusses the complex world of cybersecurity. He'll cover some ways that you can eliminate up to 85% of your cybersecurity risks. The purpose of this webinar is to show you steps to reduce your cyber security risks and prevent yourself from being low-hanging fruit for nefarious online predators.
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Are You Fully Covered?
In this webinar, Darren Newell, Insurance Advisor, breaks down the intricacies of property and casualty insurance to address the question, "Are you fully covered?" The intention of the Are You Fully Covered? is to help people understand property and casualty insurance. What you need, and, just as important, what you don't need in coverage.