BCSWM’s The Benchmark

Are you keeping up with the markets? Understanding financial trends can make all the difference in your investment strategy. In this episode of the The Benchmark Podcast, advisors—Scott Linn, Nick Clay, and Nathan Goodwin—break down the key factors shaping the financial landscape.

What moves the markets and the S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones, and international indexes.

Whether you’re an experienced investor, a business owner, or just looking to make informed financial decisions, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the markets with confidence.

In this episode of The Benchmark, John and Eliza dive into forgotten 401(k)s. Did you know there are over 29 million missing 401(k) accounts in the U.S. worth almost $1.65 trillion?

Listen in to learn how to track down your lost retirement funds and why it’s crucial for securing your financial future. Don’t let your hard-earned money slip through the cracks!

In this episode, Nathan and John discuss some of the more frequently asked questions surrounding social security. Is it taxable? When should I start? What about survivor benefits? Get the answers to these and other popular questions on your morning or evening commute!

In this episode of The Benchmark by BCS Wealth Management, Myra, Scott, and Andrew explore the key financial and economic events of 2024. They discuss market performance, with a spotlight on AI-driven tech growth and crypto milestones, including Bitcoin ETFs and the $100K milestone. Key economic themes include inflation control, Federal Reserve rate cuts, and real estate trends. The hosts also share lessons learned, strategies for 2025, and the importance of staying diversified and disciplined in volatile times. Whether you’re a new or experienced investor, this episode is packed with insights to help you prepare for the year ahead.

Philip and Scott talk about how to be a good steward of a windfall. To begin, they share perspectives about how to handle your emotions in light of a sudden boost to wealth. They next discuss the financial best practices to follow after receiving a windfall. This episode touches on many areas of financial planning to consider or revisit. Perhaps most importantly, it also reminds us to be true to who we are, regardless of any windfall.

Philip shares his thoughts about The Wealth Money Can’t Buy: The 8 Hidden Habits to Live Your Richest Life, a book that impacted him this year for the better. Full of timeless wisdom, it’s a 2024 publication by acclaimed leadership coach Robin Sharma. The book reminds us that true wealth is so much more than cash in the bank. The book follows the structure of Sharma’s Eight Forms of Wealth model, of which money is only one. Philip summarizes the Eight Forms of Wealth. He then highlights just a few of the book’s many good takeaways about approaching money and also deepening our non-financial wealth.

As the end of the year approaches, many folks have charitable giving on the mind. In this episode, Scott and Philip discuss how you might be able to use your IRA when making contributions to your preferred charities by utilizing qualified charitable distributions, or QCDs. Scott and Philip discuss what a QCD is, the requirements and limits around QCDs, and the financial advantages of utilizing QCDs. They wrap up by discussing the kinds of charities that qualify for a QCD. Join them as they pack a lot of information into this short Daily Drive episode!

John and Philip provide insight into the how the investment advisory industry is regulated and the standards of care that its professionals abide by. They discuss what it means to be a fiduciary financial advisor. Additionally, they chat about the two distinct regulatory frameworks that cover Registered Investment Advisory firms and Broker-Dealer firms. As more firms and professionals move into the fiduciary obligation due to industry trends and regulatory enhancements, this episode reassures listeners that the investment advisory industry is more client-centered than ever.

With the year drawing to a close, it’s a great time to evaluate your tax situation, investments, retirement plans, and estate strategies. Join Nick, Scott, and Nathan in this insightful episode as they dive into year-end planning strategies that can help you make the most of your financial situation.

In this episode, we cover:

• Key income and tax considerations to optimize your financial position

Whether you're looking to reduce your tax liability or ensure a smooth transfer of assets, this conversation is filled with actionable insights to set you up for success in the coming year.

Nathan and Philip offer tips about safeguarding your identity and credit report information in today’s digital age. They discuss common cybersecurity threats and what to look out for. They review cybersecurity best practices. Lastly, Nathan and Philip share the names of five companies that provide identity theft protection and monitoring.