Guarding Your Nest Egg

Guarding Your Nest Egg

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Guarding Your Nest Egg episodes

  • When Should You Hire or Fire an Advisor?

    After highlighting one of our Talon Wealth team members' skills, we share how one listener recently reached out for a second opinion because he’s concerned about his portfolio being down lower than he'd like. But he's conflicted about what to do because he really likes who his advisor is. Mike talks about what to consider when faced with the tough decision of hiring or firing an advisor. Then we shift the conversation to Social Security. Most of us have heard we should wait as long as we can to draw benefits so that we ultimately bring in more money during retirement. However, could there be good reasons to start receiving benefits as soon as you can? Every situation is different, but Mike points out what to watch out for. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min
  • What is a Bear Market Portfolio?

    The Fed continues increasing rates to fight inflation, but the latest CPI data shows that we're not much better off than we were in March when the aggressive monetary tightening began. Listen to hear Mike’s opinion as to what he believes the central bank’s goal is now that ISN’T being talked about, and how it could impact your retirement money in the future. He also explains how Talon Wealth is working to help clients protect and hopefully make money in a down market with a bear market portfolio, when appropriate. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    10 min
  • I Like My Advisor But Not My Portfolio’s Performance & Are I Bonds a Good Idea?

    Are you frustrated with the performance (or lack thereof) of your investment accounts? This is unfortunately more common than you may realize. That doesn’t mean you should accept being told to just “hang in there.” Plus, we discuss one of the wealthiest men in the world, Jeff Bezos saying it’s time to “batten down the hatches” economically. Mike also simplifies the pros and cons of a trendy option many have been researching to combat inflation in retirement… I bonds. Especially now that the Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates again this week.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min
  • Managing Market & Medicare Capitulation

    The Fed has obviously been very aggressive with interest rate hikes, and many are concerned about the short & long-term impact this will have on our economy and individual retirement accounts. Mike shares his opinion about the recent wall street swings and the pain the Fed is inflicting with their goal of reducing inflation. Also, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of calls and commercials regarding Medicare open enrollment (now through December 7th), Mike explains how you can possibly simplify your approach to finding the best option for you, and NOT get overwhelmed by the marketing. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    17 min
  • Seeking Safety During a Scary Economic Time

    After checking in with a few kids about their Halloween costume plans, we focus on how this fall has been a spooky time for the market. With stocks down an average of 20% and bonds down about 14% for the year, many are unfortunately finding out their portfolio isn’t as diversified as they thought for their retirement timeline. Plus, Mike discusses Jamie Dimon’s latest comments about a recession looming and possible future S&P 500 drops. Most importantly Mike shares what you should consider if your advisor keeps telling you to hang in there with a cookie-cutter diversified portfolio. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min
  • Inflation & Your Portfolios Performance

    Mortgage rates recently reached their highest level since July of 2007. Instead of focusing on a 2008 flashback, Mike explains why it’s more important for you (or you and your advisor) to focus on where the economy is likely to go and how the stock market might react. He also dives into how Fed’s inflation plan is not only impacting household expenses… but the performance of your retirement accounts. If you’re tired of “hanging in there,” this episode is for you.  

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 min
  • Should You Postpone Retirement Because of Volatile Markets?

    The Federal Reserve made history by approving its 3rd consecutive 75-basis-point interest rate hike on September 21st, and wall street didn’t take the news well… Neither did many 401(k)’s. Mike talks about why these fluctuating numbers shouldn’t change your lifestyle, especially if you have a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor actively managing your investment accounts. If you’re part of the growing trend of Americans feeling you might need to postpone your retirement, Mike simplifies how to figure out if you need to delay… or if you’re on track and just don’t realize it.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min
  • Navigating Economic Pullbacks

    Historically, September is a rough month on wall street. With recent stock market pullbacks, investors close to and already in retirement have valid concerns about protecting their portfolios. This week Mike spotlights some of the inverse options for income and growth that Talon’s fiduciaries are explaining to listeners like you. Every situation is different, but this could possibly be a good option for your family if you explored all of the details. So, if you’re looking for a more conservative approach to your retirement accounts, this episode is for you! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    20 min
  • Doing the Math on Economic Data That Doesn’t Seem to Add Up

    With so much heightened economic news on the agenda, Kristen starts this episode with a little fun by revealing the latest endeavor by Snoop Dogg the entrepreneur. Then it’s back to Biden and his latest proposal. This time for his student loan forgiveness program. Mike explains how this adds to the instability of our economy, the stock market, and the likelihood of higher taxes in the future. He also points out what options to be aware of that are being promoted as solutions for uncertain times that may not be a great fit for your retirement plan. Every situation is different, but Mike wants you to be aware of all of your options during this volatile period while the Fed gets ready to raise rates again.  

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    20 min
  • Inflation, Interest Rates, Target Date Funds & Your Financial Outlook

    After a fun discussion about renting goats to maintain some property, we dial in on what many Americans are concerned about: After a good July, what’s to come for wall street, inflation, interest rates, and our overall economy? Mike weighs in on the Fed’s rate decision, the recession debate, and the paralysis many are feeling about making changes to their retirement accounts. We also discuss target date funds and if they are leading baby boomers to the right target these days, and if iBonds are a good option for those seeking fixed income for retirement.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min

About Guarding Your Nest Egg

From the publisher's feed

Too many financial salespeople are masquerading as fiduciaries trying to make a dollar off your hard-earned money.  We’re on a mission to cut through the noise and provide level-headed, unbiased insights to help you retire better. Our show is unfiltered, unbiased, and real-talk about retirement planning to help you maximize your wealth and lifestyle.  Join fee-only fiduciary Mike Lester, along with Kristen Charles to cut through the noise of retirement planning gossip.