Alternative investments like SPACS, crypto, and others have become very popular in recent years. Should you ignore them or jump on them? We’ll shed some light on what they are, how they work and whether they’re worth your time.

Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/1283/ep-22-are-alternative-investments-right-for-you/ 

What we discuss on this episode: 

2:50 – What are alternative investments?

4:00 – Cryptocurrency

9:02 – SPACs

11:48 – Real estate

15:40 – Private debt or direct lending

20:00 – Angel investing

If you don’t know the answer to the question, then this episode is for you. On this episode, we’ll explore the three qualities of money, discuss whether you can achieve them in a single investment, and how to put the right emphasis on the different qualities. It’s really quite basic, but understanding these fundamentals can make an enormous difference in your financial life.

Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://makeretirementwork.com/498/ep-21-what-are-the-3-qualities-of-money/ 

What we discuss on this episode: 

0:58 – Starting the new year

2:49 – What are the three qualities of money?

4:14 – Can one single investment achieve all three?

5:36 – Qualities of cash

7:28 – Qualities of stocks, bonds and mutual funds

9:51 – Qualities of annuities

14:11 – Do people put an emphasis on one quality over the others?

The idea of diversification is pretty common within financial planning, but how effective is the average investor at executing that strategy? Today we’ll talk all about diversification, what it means, and where the biggest issues arise.

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/466/ep-20-is-diversification-for-suckers/ 

What we discuss on this episode: 

1:29 – A quote about diversification

2:09 – How does the average person define diversification

3:11 – How does Marc define it

6:07 – Do investors put enough emphasis on diversifying

7:36 – Can you be too diversified?

9:05 – Target Date Funds

Do you know all you need to know about your 401(k)? Find out in today’s episode of the podcast as we unpack some frequently asked questions.

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/462/ep-19-answering-the-top-401k-faqs/ 

What we discuss on this show: 

1:17 - Is it a good idea to take advantage of free advice? 

5:46 - Are 401(k) loans good or bad? 

8:20 - When do 401(k) rollovers make sense?

10:36 - Should you do target date funds?

13:53 - Should you just get the match or max it out?

15:42 - Which is better: Roth vs. traditional 401(k)?

We’re all facing financial challenges in 2020 but the generation impacted the most might be the Baby Boomers because millions are entering retirement or already there. Today we’ll share the biggest financial concerns we’re hearing from clients and other people in that generation as they get ready to retire.

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/458/ep-18-challenges-facing-baby-boomers-in-retirement/ 

What we discuss on the show: 

1:40 – The uncertainty of everything around us.

6:55 – Is your client base made up by a majority of that generation?

9:46 – Specific financial fears we’ve seen from Baby Boomers

12:08 – Tax liabilities in retirement 

15:18 – Time horizons are getting shorter so take action.

This episode is all about you and the questions you have about finance. Join us as we go into the mailbag and talk about retirement spending, financial fallout from divorce, the upcoming election, taxes, and how much retirement savings you need.

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/452/ep-17-answering-your-financial-questions/ 

What we discuss on this show: 

2:52 –  Mailbag Question #1: I’m thinking I’ll spend a lot of money during the first few years of retirement and then not so much after five years or so. Is this normally how it works?

4:50 –  Mailbag Question #2: I’m in my late 50s and recently divorced. I’m worried about what retirement is going to look like with one Social Security benefit and half the assets. Can you overcome divorce this late in life?

7:13 –  Mailbag Question #3: Should I be investing differently with an election on the horizon?

12:14 – Mailbag Question #4: I’m getting a big tax return this year and have for a few years. Am I better keeping more money throughout the year?

14:49 –  Mailbag Question #5: My husband and I always argue because I want to redo the kitchen and he wants to save more for retirement. How much is enough?

Financial planning can get really deep and detailed but that’s not always necessary for everyone. There are, however, some essential financial items that everyone should be aware of when putting together a plan. Today we’ll list out five of those and tell you what you need to know.

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/447/ep-16-financial-stuff-you-should-know/ 

What we discuss on the show: 

1:50 – Bonds and the Bond Market

4:44 – Tax Rates

9:25 – Living Benefits or Accelerated Death Benefits

11:35 – Risk

14:39 – Our own emotions get in the way

Even with a few months left in 2020, we’ve already experienced enough to last us a decade it seems. Along the way, we’ve learned quite a bit and looking back on that is a valuable exercise. Join us today as we reflect on a busy year and share what we know in hindsight.

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/441/ep-15-hindsight-is-2020-reflecting-on-a-busy-year/ 

What we discuss on the show: 

3:42 – The coronavirus and the stock market 

5:57 – Why diversification is important during times like this.

9:40 – Wish we would have known how much risk we had in our portfolio. 

12:22 – Social Security options

15:14 – I might have retired too early. 

How do you compare to the average American when it comes to saving money? Today you’re going to find out as we sort through the statistics from the latest Vanguard report. We’ll also see how the data compares with what Marc sees from clients.

Read more and see the full Vanguard report here: http://makeretirementwork.com/435/ep-14-eye-opening-stats-on-how-america-saves/

What we discuss on this episode: 

2:06 – Defined contribution plans are now used by 100 million Americans.

3:13 – 15% of plan participants use the catch-up contributions.

4:17 – Only 20% of plan participants use a Roth or after-tax option.

5:24 – Average number of funds offered in a plan is 17.4 but only 2.4 used.

8:00 – Contributions and employer match stats

11:31 – Average rate of return over the past five years. 

13:30 – Leaving funds with a previous employer.

15:16 – 76% of participants were deemed to have a balanced strategy.

Let’s talk about scrutinizing our IRA. It’s a very popular choice for retirement, but are we being too passive about how we save and invest inside that account? Today we’ll talk about the pros and cons and make sure you’re getting the most out of your investments.

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://makeretirementwork.com/429/ep-13-lets-scrutinize-your-ira/ 

On today's show: 

2:15 – 100% of IRA in the stock market?

4:14 – People don’t always know options, risk

5:54 – Does the same concept apply to 401Ks, 403Bs, etc.?

6:26 – Tax implications of moving investments within IRAs

8:21 – Converting to a Roth

9:00 – Are people still interested in Roths?

10:07 – Another push for Roths later this year?

11:57 – Mailbag: The rule of 100