Do you ever watch or read investment news, only to feel more confused and uncertain than you did before? In this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John team up with special guest Jeff Hybiak to delve deeper into the world of investment jargon. They begin by defining what the market truly is, stressing the crucial distinction between televised market discussions and the actual impact on individual portfolios. They also emphasize the significance of maintaining a diverse portfolio and caution against comparing personal investment performance to arbitrary indexes. 

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Ever wondered how a bull and a bear could hold the key to understanding the stock market? Join Michael, John, Tommy, and special guest Jeff Hybiak, Chief Investment Officer at SEM Wealth Management, as they unravel the enigmatic language of investments. They break down the importance of diversification, cautioning against blindly chasing the best-performing ETFs or mutual funds as it may lead to purchasing duplicate investments rather than diversifying your portfolio.

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In this episode, John, Tommy, and Ben delve into the intricacies of the Tax Torpedo and its impact on the taxation of Social Security. The Tax Torpedo is appropriately named because it has the potential to sink your tax situation if you're not vigilant and attentive to its effects. Typically, individuals who solely rely on Social Security income do not have taxable income, meaning they don't need to file a tax return. Things get more complicated when you have additional sources of income such as dividends, interest, and IRA distributions, as these factors can significantly impact your tax liability.

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Are your spouse and children supported by your Social Security benefits? What happens in the unlikely event that you pass away suddenly and unexpectedly? In this episode, Michael, John, Tommy, and Ben explain some of the lesser-known aspects of Social Security. Diving into the realm of family benefits, they discuss scenarios where non-contributing spouses or children can still access significant returns.

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Get ready to take your retirement benefits to the next level! As a federal employee, you've got a lot to look forward to: guaranteed FERS benefits and Social Security, plus a steady income that keeps the bills paid. But what if we told you there's a way to add some extra icing to the cake? In this episode, Michael, John, Tommy, and Ben are back to help you do just that. They're continuing the conversation about Social Security benefits and revealing how to stack the deck in your favor.

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Do you ever wonder if you're making the right decisions when it comes to Social Security? With countless advertisements bombarding us with a million ways to claim our benefits, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. In this episode, Michael, John, Tommy, and Ben will be shedding light on the complexities of Social Security so that you can plan for a financially secure future.

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Are you approaching the age of 65 and worried about your Medicare premiums? Do you know what IRMAA is and how it can affect your monthly payments? In this episode, Michael, Tommy, John, and Ben will be discussing everything you need to know about Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) and how it relates to your Medicare coverage. This episode will be especially valuable for all federal employees, but specifically to those approaching the age of 65.

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Are you ready to retire comfortably and enjoy the fruits of your labor? Retirement planning is not just a reactive process—it's a proactive one. It's crucial to start planning for your golden years as early as possible to ensure you have the financial stability and peace of mind you deserve. But where do you start? That's just one of the many questions that Michael and Tommy will be answering in this eye-opening episode. 

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Today we are talking about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for military retirees. The open season allows retirees who did not take survivor benefits initially to reverse that decision and potentially secure up to 55% of their pension for their spouse if they predecease. In this episode, Michael, John, Tommy, and Ben, will be explaining the cost of purchasing military survivor benefits, the changes in cost over the years, and who is most likely to benefit from this opportunity.

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Have you ever been told to “consult your tax advisor?” Are you left wondering who your tax advisor is—or how to find one? Taxes are a year-round aspect of financial planning, and it is essential to seek out comprehensive financial planning that includes tax planning advice. In this episode Michael, Tommy, and Ben discuss the crucial role taxes play in financial planning.

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