As we all know, asset allocation is the implementation of investing in different types of assets like stocks, bonds, cash, etc. It is a strategy that balances risk and reward, but it is primarily based on you, the investor. Before you even think about asset allocation, you should really have your financial goals and a timeline figured out, so you know what you’re growing your money for and how you want your investments to work for you.

There are a lot of factors that go into this fundamental investment strategy, and in this episode, we’re going to touch on them all. We will cover:

• How to get started in asset allocation
• What types of investment options are available?
• Review how risky each type of investment is and why you’d want to invest, or not,
• Diversification
• Inflation
• Tips to change your views on investing
• How much to put in each asset class?
• Why should you rebalance your portfolio?

And more!

Asset allocation can be a challenging subject for many people because they just want to protect their money. And it truly can require a shift in mindset. Our goal is to help you get and stay on the right path so you can smoothly grow and enjoy your wealth. So, if you’re struggling with a riskier allocation, find yourself trying to time the markets, or just want a refresher to make sure you’re on the right track, then join us.

For the most part, everyone’s heard about Medicare, right? The problem is that many people don’t understand exactly what it is or how it works, which is crazy because everyone who turns 65 signs up for it. You would think that because it’s a government program, for virtually everyone, they would make it clear and easy to understand, but hey, we’re talking about the government here, so it comes as no surprise that it’s about as clear as mud.

This year, in 2021, the Medicare enrollment period is from October 15th through December 7th, so we’re in the thick of things at this point in time. If you’re facing this decision, we want you to be prepared. In this episode, we are going to go through the nuts and bolts of Medicare, including:

• The history of Medicare
• How you qualify for Medicare
• An in-depth breakdown of Parts A, B, C, and D
• What Medigap coverage is
• Why you DON’T want to miss your enrollment period

And more!

Choosing Medicare coverage is a big decision. One that can have many pitfalls where you may miss out on getting the correct type of coverage for your needs. Our goal is to help you get on the right path from the very beginning. So, we encourage you to grab a copy of the “Know Your Possibilities Guide,” listen in, and share this episode with anyone approaching 65.

Annuities sound great, right? Who doesn’t want a guaranteed income stream for the rest of their life? Yes, that may sound great, but these insurance contracts actually come with A LOT of warnings. Many people don’t understand them with all the confusing terminology and dozens of pages to go through. It’s no wonder issues arise—who’s going to read between the lines when what they think they see are dollar signs? If you’re thinking about buying one, or even if you already have one, this episode is for you.

We’re diving into a discussion on annuities and covering everything you should know, which includes:

• What an annuity is.
• How they work.
• Why they exist.
• The types of annuities available.
• The pros and cons.
• Special considerations.
• What you should do if you already have one.

And more!

Sure, annuities might make sense in your financial landscape and retirement plan. They might even offer you some benefits, but we’re here to make sure you do not just see smoke and mirrors. Our goal is to ensure you keep, grow, and enjoy your wealth. So, download your free copy of the Know Your Possibilities guide below and get to taking notes. We’re sharing stories, insights, and solutions to help you make the most of your retirement.

When it comes to financial planning, we always start with the goal in mind. What do we want to do, where do you want to go in life, etc., and then we apply capital to achieve that goal. We have many clients who talk about setting goals for higher net worth, and that’s a great goal to have. We make that happen. However, in the end, we find that clients aren’t fulfilled. You may be thinking, “but, if we’re not doing something productive with our money, what’s the point,” right? Wrong! Your most cherished memories aren’t, “oh hey, I made a million dollars,” they are family vacations or giving back to others–investing in yourself and those around you. If you cherish values of connectedness, adventure, or whatever that may be, why aren’t you investing in that? 

In this new episode of A Place of Possibility, we’re diving into discussion on aligning money and values. This includes:  

• How to recognize your values 
• What true money/values alignment might look like 
• Why you should invest in the darned vacation  
• How to get back on track if your actions aren’t aligned with your behavior 
• If family time or vacations aren’t your thing, how else can you integrate your values and financial decisions 

And more!  

It’s time to stop struggling and start enjoying the wealth you have, regardless of how much you have. Start thinking about your most cherished moments in life, and let’s take a look at if you’re investing in even more of those moments now. So join us, grab your headphones, and press play. 

Ah, inflation, the age-old monster in the money closet. It also happens to be a HOT topic of conversation these days. But right off the bat, we’re going to say, word to the wise, dial your panic down. Sure, there has been lots of press about it this year, but it’s also been a very different year than we’re used to. The COVID-19 situation has definitely impacted our economy, without a doubt, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to see the inflation rate skyrocket. There is a lot more to it. And we want you to have a clear understanding and knowledgeable insights, so you and your loved ones don’t have to worry.

So, in today’s episode, we will talk about EVERYTHING. This includes:

• The history of inflation
• What causes it
• How it’s managed
• What stops it
• Hyper-inflation
• Interest rates
• What to expect next

And more!

Looking for that sense of calm to return? We think the insights in this episode will help deliver it, so grab your headphones, download our Checklist, find a quiet corner, and listen in.

Being a small business owner, working for a small business owner, or even being self-employed certainly has its perks, but there is also more of a thought process behind benefits like medical coverage, for instance, or more specifically, in our case, retirement plans.

In fact, when it comes to small businesses, putting money away for retirement is even more crucial because you don’t have access to your typical 401k plans. You’re pretty much on your own.

The good news? There are quite a few options to explore. Some are wonderful and others, eh, not the greatest, but that’s what we’re here for.

In today’s episode, we will discuss all the options out there, ranging from the simplest to the most complex plans.

You know what they say, “Nothing lasts forever,” which is especially true for tax changes. How many have you seen in your lifetime? If you’re older, then probably quite a few, and if you’re younger, then saddle up.

It’s quite the roller coaster ride we’re all on. Updating our estate plans, rearranging our finances with this strategy, and that workaround to protect our hard-earned assets so our retirements and legacy don’t get blown up by various tax rate hikes, penalties, and whatnot.

With a new administration in office, we once again see some significant proposed changes. The infrastructure bill has been finalized, and now it’s on to negotiations in the House.

In today’s episode, we’re breaking down his proposals and changes because a couple of heavy hitters have the potential to impact everyone.

We all work hard for our money, right? So we can do all the things we want to do, but most importantly, we do it so we can retire comfortably. There’s this “savings account” and that “retirement plan,” but many people miss out on opportunities to maximize their savings.

One of the most coveted ways, or shall we say retirement accounts, out there is the Roth IRA. This account offers tax-free income after age 59 ½. But, quite honestly, if you don’t know how it works, or you don’t have a game plan, you’re potentially leaving thousands on the table that could end up becoming a mountain of tax-free money. 

Now, don’t panic if you feel like you’re missing out. Sure, it’s always best to start as early as possible, but there are also opportunities to be had no matter what stage of life you’re in.

With pensions becoming a thing of the past, what is one relatively steady income stream that will increase over time without having money in the stock markets? This is sort of a trick question because the answer is in the title, real estate. Yes, we understand this can be a bit of a hard and fast no for some people, but today, there are many ways to make it pretty low risk and quite rewarding.

Did you know that over the last 200 years, 90% of the world’s millionaires were created using real estate investing1? So, all we have to do is get into the real estate game to get rich? Well, not exactly. But it is wise to diversify your income sources, and if it’s not already, real estate should be among them.

In today’s episode, we’re going to walk you through how and why you should be building a real estate empire into your portfolio.

Let’s be real, the last thing any of us want to do after retirement, is end up working as a greeter at Walmart when we’re 85, right? If you want to get out and have something to do, that’s great, but usually, that’s not where we may see ourselves down the road.

You’ve worked your whole life saving in your 401k, getting your match, maxing out your contributions, and now, when it’s time to ride off into the sunset, all they hand you is your saddle and a check. A check is excellent. No one will look that gift horse in the mouth, and heck, this is YOUR money, but now what? You’re just supposed to put that in the bank and hope that you can make that last for the rest of your life? It’s a scary thing to think about and can be daunting. The good news? It can be done. Now, there are many things to consider, and it’s a humbling process, but it also reminds you how to think and plan realistically for the rest of your life.

In today’s episode, we’re going to teach you how to do it. We will go step by step, so you know where to start and how to set yourself up for true retirement success.