Friends Talk Money

Is your financial advisor truly working in your best interest — or theirs? In this eye-opening episode, the Friends Talk Money team turns the mic toward their own co-host, Pam Krueger, as she reveals the personal story behind Wealthramp, the platform she created to connect investors with trustworthy, vetted financial advisors.

Pam shares the shocking truths she uncovered about conflicts of interest in the financial industry and why too many investors unknowingly work with advisors who don't prioritize their clients' financial well-being. Learn how Wealthramp is disrupting the traditional advisor model by putting integrity, transparency, and fiduciary responsibility front and center.

If you've ever wondered how to find a financial advisor you can actually trust — this conversation is a must-watch.

• Key Social Security changes for 2025 and beyond
• How these updates may affect your benefits
• Strategies to optimize your Social Security claiming decisions
• Common mistakes to avoid when planning for retirement

Ready to explore the world without breaking the bank? The Friends Talk Money crew sat down with Barbara Talisman from Talisman Travel Tribe, who shares her top tips for traveling the world on a shoestring budget! From finding cheap flights to scoring affordable accommodations, Barbara's got you covered. What's your go-to tip for saving money while traveling?

Looking for help this tax season? The Friends Talk Money team welcomes IRS spokesperson Eric Smith to discuss important tax changes and tax planning strategies. As a trusted tax accountant for the IRS, Eric breaks down the difference between tax credits and deductions, and shares valuable insights into new tools 'direct file' and 'free file' and other crucial matters that could affect your finances. Listen for more informative tips on how you should navigate the complex world of taxes!

Rebuilding your finances after a disaster can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. The Friends Talk Money crew sits down to learn more from Wealthramp-network advisor Mitchell Freedman, CPA/PFS, who's lived through this before himself. His personal and practical tips on preparing for and recovering from financial crises are invaluable. Mitch highlights how working with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor can help those affected by a disaster recover financially. Listen to learn more!

Worried whether the stock market is too risky for your retirement money? You're not alone! We're going to help you decide how to sleep at night and still invest so you're money's working for you. Tune in as the Friends Talk Money team chats with Jim Stack from InvesTech Research to uncover smart strategies for navigating your retirement journey.

Thinking about a Roth conversion but not sure if it's the right move? The Friends Talk Money team breaks down six key things you need to know before making a decision! From tax implications to future benefits, we've got you covered. Curious about how a Roth conversion could impact your financial future?

The Friends Talk Money team is here to help you start 2025 off right!

From organizing your important documents to aligning your investments with your goals, we've got the tools and tips you need for a successful financial year! What financial goals are you going to cross off your list this year?

Debra Whitman Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP joins the Friends Talk Money crew to give us a glimpse into her latest book, 'The Second Fifty'. Dive into the conversation as Richard, Pam, and Terry discuss the big questions about health, wealth, and longevity in midlife and beyond. What's the biggest question you have about navigating this new chapter? Listen to learn more!

1. Unlock Your Financial Future - Begin by consolidating all your year-end IRA statements and harness the power of an online RMD calculator to determine your 2025 minimum distributions. This crucial step ensures you're setting aside the right amount for a secure future.
2. Refresh Your Records - Keep your IRA beneficiaries up-to-date to safeguard your legacy.
3. Optimize Your Portfolio - Align your investment allocations with your 2025 goals by reviewing your retirement portfolio.
4. Explore Secure Investments - Consider securing a 4% CD, available online, to bolster your financial safety net.
5. Seek Expert Insight - Gain a fresh perspective on your financial strategies by consulting a trusted professional.
6. Enhance Your Security - Use a password manager to protect your personal information and investments.
7. Guard Against SIM Fraud - Contact your phone provider (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) to establish a password-protected process, shielding your SIM from fraudsters.
8. Prepare for Tax Season - With potential tax changes on the horizon, start organizing now to navigate the upcoming tax season smoothly.
9. Reimagine Retirement - As retirement landscapes evolve, envision your future with flexibility, considering the trend of working into later years.