Dolphin Financial Radio

Toward the end of 2024, there has been a lot of talk about an upcoming "Lost Decade" for the US Stock market. This is where the stock market performs relatively poorly for a full ten year period, much like the decade from 2000-2010 in which the S&P 500 index was negative. What strategies should those approaching retirement consider under these circumstances?

If you can afford to pay for your grandchild's or child's college education, should you do it? In this show we talk about the reasons why paying for college might not be the "best" decision financially and socially/emotionally.

Has it become cheaper to rent than to buy and own a home in retirement? In this show we discuss some of recent conditions that are suggesting renting might actually be cheaper. We also discuss the biggest factor in this decision - home equity.

Natural disasters can be financially devastating. In this show we discuss the tax relief and breaks available to you. Hopefully you only have to deal with financial losses associated with a natural disaster. If so, document everything and know the rules.

Delaying Social Security can lead to more money later, but what if you have to spend down your IRA to do so? In this show we do the math with specific numbers for an average retiree to see if delaying Social Security makes sense.

Should you delay Social Security if it requires you to deplete your IRA? Does it matter if you are single or married? In this show we discuss how spending down IRA assets early in retirement in order to get a higher Social Security income later can make sense in many situations. Being single does make a difference.

The rise in financial scams and fraud is disheartening and many retirees are failing victim to these crimes. To help prevent fraud, a simple tactic to to freeze your credit. In this show we talk about the how and why of implementing a credit freeze.

There are many ads on TV and radio to diversify your retirement funds by buying Gold/Silver in your IRA. The pitch to avoid stock market volatility and a potential U.S. currency collapse is appealing. Does this strategy makes sense and is everything as great as the spokespeople are suggesting.

According to a recent study, online gambling has had a negative impact on retirement savings. Gambling has always been a part of society, what is different now? Isn't investing in the stock market a form of gambling anyway? In this show we discuss how gambling in all forms has recently changed the way people are saving for retirement.

Social Security needs to be fixed and someone needs to step up and be a leader to make the changes needed. Who is going to be that leader? Will it be Trump or Harris? Or, perhaps it will be Biden as he finishes his term as President. Tune in as we discuss these possibilities.