Don Sowa's MoneyTalk

A recent study shows that, for the first time in nearly 50 years, half of private sector workers are contributing to a 401K. Donna and Nathan discuss the factors contributing to this increased participation, and whether this trend will be enough to close the retirement savings gap in our country. Also on MoneyTalk, Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 2/6/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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The VIX is an index that measures market volatility, or the rate of fluctuation in the price of securities over a given period, which is why it is known as "The Fear Index". Donna and Nathan offer context to help us understand what drives periods of volatility, and why investor fear tends to feed on itself. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, how the current President's aggressive use of tarriffs is actually a return to the revenue policies of the early US government. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 2/5/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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One of the most common questions we hear has to do with decisions around money received, particularly when that money was not planned for, like an inheritance. Donna discusses the process of determining how to use that money to best serve your particular needs. Also on MoneyTalk, the removal of the government pension offset and Windfall Elimination Provision for social security, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 2/4/2025; Original Air Date: 1/16/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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Donna welcomes listeners into the office, addressing some of the questions she’s been hearing from clients over the past few weeks, including: Can I use a 60 day rollover for bridge financing? When should I consider a debt consolidation loan? What should I consider when buying a second home in retirement? And, do I need a trust? Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 2/3/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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When we plan for retirement, we tend to spend the majority of our time thinking about money, but research shows that there is much more to a happy retirement than dollars and cents. Nathan interviews Morningstar columnist Christine Benz, author of “How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful and Wealthy Retirement”, to discuss perspectives from thought leaders on what contributes to a truly successful retirement. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Special Guest: Christine Benz, Morningstar; Air Date: 1/31/2025; Original Air Date: 11/1/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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Choosing your financial advisor is a decision that should not be taken lightly, because any professional relationship that could span decades is worthy of a formal vetting process. Donna and Nathan discuss the questions you should ask when shopping around for a new financial advisor. Also on MoneyTalk, how do you decide your asset allocation, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 1/30/2025; Original Air Date: 3/21/2024. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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Financial planning is primarily about defining goals, and the further out you are planning, the harder it can be to bring those goals into focus. Donna and Nathan discuss goal setting strategies when planning for different phases in your life. Also on MoneyTalk, an update on 529 rules, and the history of banking in the US. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 1/29/2025; Original Air Dates: 3/12/2024 & 6/8/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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We often talk about how retirement is changing, because understanding these trends can help us get a better handle on how it might look for you. Donna and Nathan discuss how to ensure that your plan is properly positioned for the evolving state of retirement. Also on MoneyTalk, retirement plan fee deductibility and risk tolerance. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 1/27/2025; Original Air Dates: 3/12/2024 & 6/8/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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We typically only hear about bonds when we experience spikes in interest rates or inflation, but understanding how bonds work helps us to better understand how the economy functions. Nathan takes us through 10 things you should know about bonds. Also on MoneyTalk, how advisors use Monte Carlo simulations to project your retirement savings needs, and the price of time. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 1/24/2025; Original Air Dates: 4/26/2024, 7/12/2024 & 6/12/2023. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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In 2026, a change to the rules on IRA catch-up contributions will take effect requiring individuals earning over $145,000 to make their catch-up contribution to a Roth IRA rather than a Traditional. Donna and Nathan discuss the reasons behind this change, and how to prepare. Also on MoneyTalk, does it ever make sense to stop contributing to your 401(k) and invest elsewhere, sizing up active vs passive bonds funds, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®; Air Date: 1/23/2025. Have a question for the hosts? Visit sowafinancial.com/moneytalk to join the conversation!

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