It's not an exaggeration to say this is a historic time for stocks, interest rates, commodities, bonds and virtually every other financial asset.

News about the war in Ukraine and financial upheaval is everywhere these days. Add to that the increasing pressure on our budgets from rising gas prices and interest rates, along with a roller coaster stock market and next thing you know, you're questioning whether your retirement savings are in danger.

When events are out of your control, it's easy for emotions to affect your decisions. And that's when people are prone to money mistakes.

We recently shot a brief video discussion with Kendrick Mattox, an experienced fiduciary advisor whose firm manages more than a billion dollars.

My co-host for this show is Pam Kruger, CEO of Wealthramp, a free matching service that pairs investors with fiduciary advisors.

Watch the video version of this podcast on youtube.

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For the vast majority of my 40-year career offering financial advice, my advice on paying for a financial advisor was simple: don't do it.

My logic: Managing your money isn't rocket science. What you don't already know you can easily learn, and since nobody cares as much about your money as you do, you should be the one doing it. Plus, after spending a decade working for major Wall Street firms, I learned that when it comes to commission-based advisers, the advice you pay for may be fattening that advisor’s wallet and not yours.

As I approach my own retirement, however, I’ve gotten less rigid. Now I realize not everyone's the same, nor are their situations. There are decent advisers out there. And just because you're theoretically capable of learning something doesn't mean you'll take the time and effort to do so. Even more important, as retirement nears and your nest-egg grows, the moves you make, or don't make, can have life-changing repercussions.

In short, I now believe that there are people and situations that can benefit from paid financial advice. But that begs two critical questions:

• How do I know when it's time to hire help?
• How do I find the right person to help me?

That's what this week's "Money!" podcast is about. We're going to talk about the different types of financial advisers, how to determine if you need one and if so, how to find the right one for you.

As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman. And this week we have a special guest: Pam Kruger of Wealthramp.com.

Want more information? Check out these resources:

• 11 Tips to Help You Figure Out if You Need to Pay for Financial Advice
• 6 Silly Tidbits of Money Advice That Will Make You Poorer
• How to Find Your Perfect Financial Adviser
• 4 Times You Don't Need a Financial Adviser
• The Top 9 Ways People Near Retirement Use Fiduciary Advisers
• Ask Stacy: Do I Need a Financial Adviser, or Can I Manage My Money Myself?
• Stacy's stock portfolio
• Subscribe to the Money Talks News newsletter
• Take our course The Only Retirement Guide You'll Ever Need
• Take our course Money Made Simple
• Miranda Marquit's website

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you gassed up lately? Then you've noticed prices are rocketing higher. And it's not just gas prices. In every area of your budget, from groceries to rent, you've experienced inflation eating away at your buying power.

We've talked about the reasons behind inflation in recent episodes, but we haven't talked about what you can do to fight back: in other words, to hedge higher prices.

That's what this week's "Money!" podcast is about. As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman. We've also got a special guest, Josh TK from personal finance website Money Crashers.

Want more information? Check out these resources:

• 5 Surefire Ways to Beat Inflation
• 7 Ways Americans Plan to Fight Inflation
• Inflation Is Surging: Here Are 8 Ways to Beat It
• 15 Golden Rules for Saving on Every Purchase
• 7 Smart Ways to Save Money at the Gas Pump
• 8 Bad Driving Habits That Cost You at the Gas Pump
• 28 Ways to Save on Gas You Already Know – And Maybe One You Don’t
• 6 Gas Rewards Programs to Ease Pain at the Pump
• 30 Tips to Save on Food
• The 27 Absolute Best Ways to Save on Food
• Stacy's stock portfolio
• Subscribe to the Money Talks News newsletter
• Take our course The Only Retirement Guide You'll Ever Need
• Take our course Money Made Simple
• Miranda Marquit's website

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think tax time is tough? Take it from me: It used to be a lot tougher.

When I became a CPA 40 years ago, you did taxes with a pencil, not a computer. To uncover deductions, you waded through wads of paper rather than opening an expense-tracking app. When you were done, you mailed in your tax form, along with a paper check if you owed. If you didn't, you waited weeks for your refund check.

If you went to an accountant or other tax professional, which was the only thing you could do if you didn't do it by hand, you paid through the nose for the privilege.

These days paying taxes may still be painful, but the process of filing is easier, smoother and much faster. If they're simple, now you can do your taxes in five minutes on your cell phone. Even if they're complicated, if you keep good digital records, you can be done in an hour or two.

While there are still pros out there who want to charge big bucks to do your taxes for you, now there are myriad ways to get your taxes done for nothing. According to the IRS, about 70% of Americans who file taxes, about 100 million of us, are eligible for any number of free programs through the IRS.

But even though filing is easier today, one thing that isn't is keeping on top of all the potential tax savings available. There are tons of tips and tricks you can use to legally lower your tax bill. You just need to know what they are.

That's what this week's "Money!" podcast is about. We're going to talk about often overlooked deductions and tax credits, including things you can do now to reduce your 2021 taxes. And we're going to try to do it without boring you to death in the process.

As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman. 

Want more information? Check out these resources:

• Commonly Overlooked Tax Breaks and Other Tax Stuff to Know
• Tax Strategies That Save You Money
• TurboTax: The 10 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
• Investopedia: The Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
• Kiplinger: 20 Most-Overlooked Tax Deductions, Credits and Exemptions
• Jackson Hewitt: Top 50 Most Overlooked Deductions
• MoneyWise: 9 tax breaks and deductions that are easy to overlook — start thinking about them now
• US News: Tax Write-Offs You Shouldn't Overlook
• NerdWallet: 12 Tips to Cut Your Tax Bill This Year
• US News: 18 Legal Secrets to Reducing Your Taxes
• CNBC: 5 tax tricks that could save you thousands
• NerdWallet: IRS Free File & How to Get Free Tax Preparation or Free Tax Help in 2022
• Stacy's stock portfolio
• Subscribe to the Money Talks News newsletter
• Take our course The Only Retirement Guide You'll Ever Need
• Take our course Money Made Simple
• Miranda Marquit's website

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Managing finances is never easy, and the more uncertain the outlook, the harder it gets.

But this is getting ridiculous.

First, we had a pandemic, which turned our lives, and the markets, upside down. Just as life finally started to look a bit more normal, inflation rears its ugly head. And now a war threatens a world order that's been in place since NATO was formed in 1949.

None of these seismic events was predictable and all are roiling markets.

Not to worry. After you listen to this edition of the "Money!" podcast, you're going to know why we're experiencing inflation. You're also going to have an idea where interest rates are heading, what "stagflation" means and whether it could be on the horizon. And you're going to understand how a war in Europe can affect your investments here at home.

In short, you're going to have ideas about what's likely to happen next, and what you should be doing about it. We'll also recap other important personal finance news that's happened this month and check in on our personal investments.

As usual, my co-host is financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman.

Want more information? Here are news stories published throughout the month, with the oldest first.

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There's nothing that better fits the definition of "double-edged sword" than rising interest rates.

If you're a saver, you love the idea of rising rates. It's been years since we've had bank accounts and other safe havens paying more than a pittance.

But if you're a borrower, you're no fan of rising rates, since that means paying more for everything from credit card balances to home mortgages.

Investors also prefer lower rates, since cheap money leads to higher asset prices, as you've doubtless seen if you've bought houses or stocks over the last few years.

No matter who you are -- saver, borrower, investor or any combination thereof -- your world is about to change. Because the nation's central bank has signaled that within a month or so, rates will rise.

Most experts predict the Federal Reserve will hike the federal funds rate by at least 0.25 percentage points at its next meeting in mid-March. And experts are forecasting as many as five additional rate increases before 2022 is over.

Therefore, whatever your situation, now is the time to prepare.

That's what this week's "Money!" podcast is about. We're going to talk about specific moves everyone should be considering in the weeks and months ahead.

As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman.

Want more information? Check out these resources:

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you made a New Year's resolution to put more money away this year, join the club.

In a recent Fidelity survey, nearly half of those creating financial resolutions this year included "saving more" as one of their goals.

But now that the first of the year is fading fast, your enthusiasm to meet those 2022 savings goals may be fading with it.

That's why we're here now, in February: to rekindle your motivation with tips and tricks to help you get back on track and meet your goals.

Unless you earn more than you can spend, saving money isn't easy. But there are tried and true techniques that can help. For example, automating your savings. That's been proven to radically enhance the amount you put away.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

That's what this week's "Money!" podcast is about. We're going to talk about ways to put more money aside, including psychologically proven techniques to fool ourselves into saving. We'll also try to add a little inspiration to that information.

As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman.

Want more information? Check out these resources:

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This will probably come as no surprise, but according to surveys, fights about money are second only to infidelity as a cause of divorce.

What's the right way for couples to deal with money? There isn't one.

I've read that couples who don't combine their finances can never be completely bonded. Hogwash. My wife and I have been very happily married for 10 years and our money is completely separate.

I've also read that it's important to keep at least some money separate so both parties have a sense of independence. Sounds reasonable, but it depends on the parties.

Bottom line? Anyone who tells you there's one correct way to mix money and relationships — and there are plenty of "experts" who do — is just plain wrong.

As far as I'm concerned, there's only one thing that's universally true when it comes to money:  secrets are bad. My wife and I don't combine our money, but we do discuss it. Often.

Whether you've been together for 30 months or 30 years, avoiding talking money puts your relationship at risk. This is especially true if finances are tight, or if you combine your finances and have different money "personalities" — such as a spender or borrower in a relationship with a saver or investor.

So when, and exactly how, can we discuss money with our significant others without causing friction? How do we get on the same page and stay there? Or are differences about money just something couples have to learn to live with?

That's what this week's "Money!" podcast is about. We're going to talk about how and how often, you should be talking to your honey about your money.

As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman. And this week we have a special guest: Pam Kruger of Wealthramp.com.

Want more information? Check out these resources:

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I was asked to write my first personal finance book more than 20 years ago, choosing the topic was easy. It's in the title: Life or Debt.

At the time, I'd been a nationally syndicated money reporter for about 10 years, and had seen first-hand the number of lives destroyed by debt. To this day, it seems like nearly everyone has a debt story to tell: getting in over your head, then the threatening calls, followed by months and years of digging out.

As far as I'm concerned, debt in this country is a national disgrace. I'm not so much mad at the folks roped in by debt, although it's true people should accept responsibility for not being responsible. What gets me riled up is the way credit is peddled. The credit industry has sold it like it's crack cocaine. When I was in college, nobody was handing out credit cards or car loans to unemployed students. These days, if you can fog a mirror, you can get credit. You're encouraged to borrow to buy clothes, cars, vacations; anything and everything.

This is insanity.

Here's my philosophy: There are two ways to achieve financial freedom. The first is to make more money than you can ever spend. Tough to accomplish. The second is not to owe anybody anything. Not quite as good as option one, but it's possible for anyone to do.

That's what this week's "Money!" podcast is about. We're going to talk about the fastest ways to destroy your debts forever. If one of your goals this year was to end it paying less interest than you did when it started, you're about to get a bunch of great information and great motivation.

As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman.

Want more information? Check out these resources:

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the hardest things you'll ever do is alter your habits. Whether it's losing weight, quitting cigarettes, saving more or paying down debt, making big changes, especially over long periods of time, is exceedingly difficult.

According to one university study, of those making New Year's resolutions, 77% were successful in modifying their behavior for a week, but only 19% could keep it up for two years.

This comes as no surprise to those who have attempted to change our ways, which I assume is everyone.

Why is it so difficult to accomplish things we really want to do, like save more, spend less, drop a bad habit, pick up a good one or otherwise modify our behavior?

That's what this week's "Money!" podcast is about. We're going to give you every tip and trick we could find to help you create great goals and succeed in reaching them. And this is the perfect time to do it, now the year is well underway and those promises you made to yourself on New Year's Eve are starting to get hazy.

Let's get you refocused and back on track.

As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman.

Want more information? Check out these resources:

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.