Our 2 Cents

Welcome back to another great episode of Our 2 Cents! On today's show, Steve and Gabriel share which former Chicago Bulls star finally found a buyer for his iconic mansion. Then, they answer the question on everyone's mind: How do financial advisors get paid? Listen in now using a link below!

1. Finally Sold:
   • After 12 years on the market, this 32,683-square-foot Highland Park estate, often remarked as a popular tourist destination, is now under contract with the selling price unknown.
     
     
2. How Do Financial Advisors Get Paid?:
   • Uncover the various pay structures of financial advisors and what they mean for your financial future.
   • Learn about the different types of financial advisors, their potential biases, and the pros and cons for each compensation model.

After a brief break, we are glad to be back with another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's show, the hosts dive into a bank "glitch" trend gone wrong and explain how some quirky phobias connect to the world of finance. Then, they share key tax planning strategies as the year comes to a close. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Chase Bank "Glitch":
   • A series of viral videos reveals how some individuals, believing they could withdraw free money from ATMs, were unknowingly engaging in check fraud.
     
     
2. Unusual Fears and Financial Planning:
   • Explore the hardest to pronounce phobias and how they can reflect some of the most common financial concerns.
     
     
3. Year-End Tax Planning Strategies:
   • Discover proactive steps to reduce your tax burden as we approach the end of the year.

Welcome to another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's show, the hosts unpack the latest with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) regulations. Then, they explain the significance of having a "retirement jersey." Listen in now using a link below!

1. New Rules to RMDs:
   • Explore the newly added and complex regulations surrounding RMDs, specifically related to inherited IRAs.
   • Gain insights on how to navigate these changes and their impact on your financial plans.
     
     
2. Your Retirement Jersey:
   • Discover how your retirement plan is like a football jersey—where every detail can shape your financial future.

We are glad to be back with another episode of Our 2 Cents! On today's episode, Steve and Gabriel share some inspirational quotes of the month and answer some more of the most common "How Do You Know?" financial questions. Then, they explore big regrets many retirees have had. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Quotes of the Month:
   • "The successful warrior is the average man with laser-like focus." - Bruce Lee
   • "Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace." - Randy Armstrong
     
     
2. How Do You Know?:
   • How do you know when you're financially ready to retire?
   • How do you know which retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), etc.) are the best options?
   • How do you know if your retirement plan is tax-efficient?
     
     
3. Big Retirement Regrets:
   • Discover what 5 regrets retirees wish they could change and how to avoid making the same mistakes.

Welcome to an informative episode of Our 2 Cents! On today's episode, Steve and Gabriel share the economic impact of hosting the Olympics and a lesson on how to avoid those pesky financial scammers. Then, they answer some common "How Do You Know?" financial questions. Listen in now using a link below!

1. The Cost of the Olympics:
   • Explore the advantages and disadvantages for countries hosting the Olympics and how this influences the infrastructure and lives of city residents.
     
     
2. The Red Flags of Financial Scammers:
   • Discover how one man's encounter with scammers devastated his retirement.
   • Learn the red flags to watch for to avoid falling victim to financial scams.
     
     
3. How Do You Know?:
   • How do you know how much income you'll need when you retire?
   • How do you know if the fees in your portfolio are too high?
   • How do you know if you can trust your advisor?
   • How do you know how much money you should have in your savings account?

We are back with another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts recap some key takeaways from their Mid-Year Market & Economic Update webinar and share the secrets to shedding stress in the world's "blue zones." Finally, they review how money can buy happiness or at least be a major contributor to it. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Mid-Year Market & Economic Update Webinar Summary:
   • Learn Steve and Gabriel's perspectives on the current stock market performance, various factors impacting the economy, and a potential bubble on the horizon.
     
     
2. Stress Less in Blue Zones:
   • Uncover the secrets from those who live in "blue zones" and what is contributing to their longevity.
     
     
3. Money CAN buy happiness:
   • Discover how this study's findings demonstrate how your financial income can be a driving factor to your happiness.

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts share inspirational quotes and reveal tips from a 104-year-old "Lobster Lady" on how she maintains her long life. Then, they tackle common financial fibs and how to overcome them. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Quotes of the Month:
   • "A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true." - Greg S. Reid
   • "Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small." - Sun Tzu
       
2. Tips for a Long Life:
   • Uncover the secrets to a long and happy life from the 104-year-old "Lobster Lady," whose longevity habits and passion for lobster trapping keep her thriving. 
     
     
3. Money Fibs You Tell Yourself:
   • Discover the most common limiting beliefs about money and learn how to adopt a healthier financial mindset.

After a short break, we return with another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts explore the world of pensions and the various options they offer. Then, they explain the inside scoop with cash traps and answer some thoughtful listener questions. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Navigating Your Pension:
   • As pensions offer a variety of options, many individuals often ponder the advantages and disadvantages of opting for a lump sum.
   • Discover the differences between pension choices and ways to maximize your savings.
       
2. What is a Cash Trap?:
   • Learn the meaning of a cash trap and how tying up your funds now can affect future growth.
   • Gain insights into the advantages of adopting a broader perspective amidst periods of high inflation rates.
     
     
3. Listener Questions:
   • "I'm paying off my house soon and my pension, Social Security, and my husband's Social Security will add up to my monthly expenses amount. Should I stop putting more money in my 401k?" - Maria
   • "My mother recently passed and left me with an IRA with about $350,000 in it. What do I need to know about this account, and how should I invest it?" - Benny 

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts share a harder part of owning a pet and the hidden costs of veterinarian practices. Then, with Independence Day coming up, they will explore what it truly means to be able to achieve financial independence. Listen in now using a link below!

1. The Price of Being a Pet Owner:
   • As animal medicine becomes more high-tech, veterinarian prices increase, causing major concern for pet owners and their wallets.
   • Uncover how private equity firms are utilizing animal hospitals in a strategic yet deceptive way.
       
2. What is Financial Freedom?:
   • Learn the meaning of financial freedom and ways to achieve it with your budget and lifestyle choices.
   • Discover how to spend your earnings without feeling guilty and bound by financial burdens.

After a short break, we return with another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! The hosts are excited to explore the economic effects of this heat wave and the new Illinois's DMV on-the-go program. Then, they discuss ways to manage those pesky RMDs. Listen in now using a link below!

1. The Economic Impact of 2024 Heat Wave:
   • As this year's scorching heat continues to increase, learn how this heat wave negatively affects economic growth and productivity for many industries.
       
2. Illinois's First Mobile DMV:
   • Hate waiting in long lines at the DMV and wish it could just come to you? With the Illinois's 'DMV on Wheels' program, your wish is coming true. 
     
     
3. Managing RMDs Overview:
   • Discover multiple ways to approach RMDs and reduce RMD amounts that best suit your retirement needs.
   • Determine if a QLAC will be a helpful component in your retirement plan and what other alternatives are offered.