Planning for your child’s college education can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with skyrocketing tuition costs and countless savings options. This week on the show, we’re discussing the question of exactly how much you should save in a 529 college savings plan.

• [00:00] Decide your college funding goal before saving in a 529 account.
• [02:06] An overview of college costs.
• {02:35] Advantages of the 529 Plan.
• [03:54] Weighing college savings vs. retirement savings.
• [05:31] What happens if I save too much? 
• [07:35] Expanded legislation as part of the OBBB.

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Recently, an executive order has set the stage for 401 (k) providers to potentially start offering investments like private equity, private real estate, digital assets (think bitcoin), commodities, and more—options typically reserved for pension funds and institutional investors. But what does this really mean for everyday savers?

We break down the differences between traditional 401k offerings and these new alternatives, discuss the risks and potential rewards, and share questions you should ask yourself before making any changes to your investment lineup.

• [00:00] Exploring 401k alternative assets.
• [05:56] 401k market shift & fee impact.
• [06:57] Potential high returns vs. risks.
• [11:06] Private equity and closed-end funds.
• [13:59] The differences between public REITs and private real estate.
• [16:34] Private investments and evaluating portfolio fit.

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Are you taking advantage of all your Roth opportunities? We break down the differences between the Roth IRA, Roth 401(k), or the Mego Backdoor Roth 401(k). by comparing your choices with another favorite summer treat - ice cream.

We break down the basics, benefits, and ideal life stages for each account type—whether you’re just scooping your first vanilla cone with a Roth IRA, adding some flavor with a Roth 401(k), or going all-out Neapolitan with the Mega Backdoor Roth.

We also share smart tips on tax brackets, income planning, and how to maximize your options for a sweeter financial future. If you’re looking to optimize your retirement savings and want more flexibility, this episode is the perfect treat.

• (00:00) Roth IRA Overview.
• (04:00) Mid-career Roth 401(k) strategy.
• (06:42) 401(k): Traditional vs. Roth Benefits.
• (11:08) Optimizing retirement savings strategies.
• (12:57) Tax strategies for retirement flexibility.
• (18:04) Retirement tax flexibility insights.

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The second quarter of 2025 was anything but dull in the financial world. But despite the turbulence, both US and international stocks finished the first half of the year up over 10%. Over the last 12 months, markets have performed robustly, returning 14-19%. 

Bonds have also held their own, with 6% returns over the last year. Investors have endured a roller coaster ride, especially after the dramatic market drop following tariff announcements and the subsequent quick recovery.

• [00:00] More about market volatility and recovery in 2025.
• [03:40] Tariff uncertainty challenges markets.
• [08:08] Gold offers inconsistent long-term real returns, unlike investments that generate cash flow.
• [09:49] The federal funds rate is expected to decrease, leading to lower bank interest rates for consumers.
• [12:56] Stick to your financial plan and ignore distractions to ensure long-term stability.

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Tax season may feel far off, but with sweeping legislative changes just passed, proactive financial planning starts now. In this episode, we’re sharing our accessible, in-depth breakdown of the new Big Beautiful Bill, highlighting ten key tax provisions that every taxpayer should understand.

• [00:00] Summarizing the latest major legislation in 10 key tax provisions.
• [04:59] Be mindful of income limits for a taxpayer deduction.
• [08:05] Consider collating deductions into a single year to maximize tax benefits due to the temporary higher SALT limit.
• [11:44] Starting in 2026, non-itemizers can claim a permanent below-the-line deduction for charitable donations.
• [14:24] Many individual clean energy credits are being repealed.
• [18:16] Certain income isn't subject to federal tax, but deductions vary by filing status.

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When is enough, enough? Many investors have recently found solace in growing their cash reserves, whether in their checking accounts, savings accounts, or certificates of deposit (CDs). With attractive yields and recent market turbulence still fresh in mind, it’s easy to assume that loading up on cash is a safe strategy.

But there’s a hidden cost to keeping more money than you need. Not only does excessive cash limit your growth potential, but it can erode your long-term wealth, all because of a mix of emotional biases, historical events, and overlooked risks.

• [03:56] Artificial anchoring and recency bias can lead to overly cautious investing decisions.
• [09:14] Cash underperforms stocks and bonds long-term.
• [11:30] Market timing is risky; missing the 10 best days can significantly reduce returns.
• [15:10] Optimize cash flow through strategic sales while considering tax efficiency.
• [19:50] Maximize equities in a portfolio for high returns.
• [20:39] Focus on planning goals for the next 5 to 7 years.

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At Financial Symmetry, our internship program has become a core pillar of our growth, innovation, and client experience.

Over time, our program grew from simply filling resource gaps to a foundational development engine, helping to shape the services Financial Symmetry offers and the team culture itself.

What has emerged from these iterations is the recognition that our best chance of success comes from integrating interns directly into the firm’s core wealth management processes. This hands-on approach creates a feedback loop where interns don’t just complete busywork; they contribute valuable perspectives and even shape workflows that staff rely upon to this day.

• [00:00] Financial Symmetry’s influential internship program, with insights from Heather Gudac.
• [04:13] Refining processes through internships.
• [06:42] Internship growth and uniqueness.
• [12:06] Intern assessment and development process.
• [14:50] Empowering interns through engagement.
• [17:49] Internship planning and goal setting.

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Claiming Social Security as soon as you become eligible at age 62 is a common choice for Americans. While understandable, this decision can have significant, and often underappreciated, long-term consequences. For many, the urge to claim early may stem from financial necessity, lack of other income sources, or simply a desire to “get what you’ve paid for.” However, claiming early can reduce your benefit by as much as 30% compared to waiting until your full retirement age (typically around 67).

If you are in the fortunate position of having other income sources, such as a pension, 401(k), brokerage accounts, or IRAs, delaying Social Security becomes a viable strategy. This moves the decision away from immediate need and toward maximizing lifetime income, building multigenerational wealth, and supporting charitable or legacy goals.

• [00:00] Most Americans claim Social Security at 62 due to a lack of other income, but those with additional resources or financial advice might delay claiming for long-term wealth planning.
• [04:16] Consider life expectancy in financial planning, especially for married couples.
• [08:56] Evaluate claiming benefits at different ages to optimize long-term financial outcomes, considering life expectancy and age gaps between spouses.
• [11:38] Social Security benefits, combined with other income, affect your tax bracket.
• [16:00] It’s important to integrate Social Security decisions into your broader retirement plan, considering income sources, tax liabilities, legacy goals, and timing.
• [17:18] Retirement tax decisions are complex, involve varying tax rates, and impact Social Security timing strategies.

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Chad and Mike break down the major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter, revealing why diversification works unexpectedly. They chat through the impact of recent tariff news, what those headlines might mean for the economy and your portfolio, and share evidence-based strategies for taking action (or not!) when markets get rocky.

• [0:00] Major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter
• [4:22] The benefits of diversified portfolios 
• [9:15] Trade deficit and tariffs explained
• [9:54] Tariffs impact product prices, and consumer costs increase 
• [13:03] Historic tariff surge of 22% shocks the stock market
• [16:27] Top Tech Chart Insights
• [20:39] Interest rates are expected to decline, making equities better for long-term growth

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Market volatility is never comfortable, but with the right mindset and a thoughtful plan, you can face downturns not as a victim, but as an opportunist. On this episode of the Financial Symmetry Show, we’re sharing our advice on managing your finances amid turbulent markets and giving you a helpful checklist to guide your decision-making when headlines make your stomach flip.

• [0:00] We discuss the importance of planning, reviewing its steps, and controlling expectations during unforeseen events.

• [4:29] Evaluate income, expenses, job security, income sources, and potential risks in financial planning.

• [7:14] Consider delaying major purchases or expenses if income is uncertain. Assess whether postponing could increase costs or cause issues.

• [12:53] Prepare for significant financial events that may impact your portfolio, like downsizing a home or receiving a large sum.

• [14:17] Evaluate your portfolio by considering your stock choices.

• [17:32] Avoid panic selling stocks, which often leads to long-term financial regret.

• [22:50] Take informed action for peace of mind; mindset and planning are key.

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