Our 2 Cents

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! The hosts begin the show with their spin on some of Yogi Berra's famous quotes, then they discuss the possible revival of a tool that had a major impact on the 2008 Housing Crisis. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Yogi-isms and 2024 Baseball Stats:
   • Discover legendary baseball player, Yogi Berra's "wise" words turned into financial advice including, "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." and "It ain't over 'til it's over." 
   • Plus, a quick check-in on how well (or not well) the White Sox, Cubs, and Yankees are performing this baseball season.
       
2. Housing-Bubble Era Comeback:
   • June is National Homeownership Month, so let’s take a look at a headline that immediately caught our attention.  
   • History is repeating itself, as zero-down mortgages return, offering hope as well as risks.
   • Understand the implications of a no-down-payment home loan and how to determine if it is a good choice for you.

Welcome to another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! They are excited to share the cicada craze this year, how to not make any big financial decisions based on predictions, and their financial take on money management with some listener questions. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Cicada Emergence 2024:
   • Learn about the rare occurrence of two broods of cicadas appearing together at the same time this year and how they make their "lovely" screeching noises. 
      
2. Morgan Stanley's Poor Predictions:
   • A Morgan Stanley exec went back on his own word for the S&P 500 target, as he realized the market did not take a turn for the worse.
   • Discover why it's in your best interest to not make a financial decision based a prediction.
       
3. Write-In Article Question & Listener Questions: 
   • Write-In: "Do I continue with my current financial adviser or is it time to DIY?"
   • "I’m recently divorced and have just received money in a QDRO as part of our settlement. What are my options for what I can do with this money?" - Rebecca
   • "Should I continue with my 401k rollover or hold off since it’s performing well?" - Eric
   • "I’ll be receiving a settlement from a lawsuit and have some credit card debt and car loans that could be paid off entirely with the settlement, or I could invest the money instead. Do you have a recommendation?" - Alina

We’ve got another new episode of Our 2 Cents for you this week! Steve and Gabriel kick things off with traveling advice you can use this summer. Then, they share some eye-opening cost comparisons underscoring the impact of inflation on our pockets. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Summer Travel Tips:
   • We've got the best time and destinations to travel this summer to make your vacation getaways a breeze.
   • Learn how to travel smart through cost-effective strategies to create an enjoyable, yet affordable trip.
      
2. Inflation Data in Perspective:
   • Recent data demonstrates that inflation rates have cooled just slightly, although still not where the Fed wants to be. 
   • Can you believe this fast-food giant’s price increases over the last decade? Plus, their small attempt to bring back customers.
   • Understand 'shrinkflation' and how this country is taking a stand against such practices for the benefit of consumers.
      
3. Can You Really Get Paid to Move?: 
   • Learn what a "relocation package" is and why some U.S cities are willing to pay you for moving.
   • Discover what interesting incentives are involved in relocating to these smaller locations.

We are back this week with another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit. They are excited to share how to work through the challenge of making financial decisions and the benefits of simplicity when planning for retirement. Listen in now using a link below!

1. The Difficulty in Financial Decision-Making:
   • Discover that people who view themselves as emotional thinkers have a more difficult time processing and making financial decisions.
   • Learn how reframing and using more practical thinking can better your approach to making decisions with your finances.
      
2. Gabriel's Quotes of the Month:
   • "It's not who you are that holds back, it's who you think you're not." - Denis Waitley
   • "Investing should be like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas." - Paul Samuelson
      
3. The Benefits of Simplicity in Investing:
   • Understand how diversification, patience, and time are keys to a simpler approach to investing.
   • How the concept of Bucket Planning can help you view your investments in a simpler to understand way.
   • While there are more complexities behind the scenes with Bucket Planning, the idea that you know the purpose and goals for each bucket can help simplify your investment decisions.

Welcome back to this week's episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit. In this episode, the hosts share saving tactics useful for all ages and how inheritance does not have to be a difficult discussion. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Chicago Bears Update:
   • With the debut of the new Quarterback, there is renewed hope for this upcoming season.
   • The new Bears stadium causes uproar with mixed reviews and its use of taxpayer money.
     
     
2. Saving Strategies at Every Age:
   • In your 20s, develop a habit of saving in tax-free accounts and consider more aggressive investments.
   • In your 30s, navigate career growth and family planning through managing current expenses and financial goals.
   • In your 40s/50s, plan for the future while hitting your peak earning potential by hiring a financial planner.
   • In your 60s, ensure a peaceful retirement by being mindful of your spending.
     
     
3. Inheritance Conversations:
   • Learn how an open approach to discussing inheritance can lead to clarity and harmony among family members.

We are back this week with a pensive episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel. They take a deep dive in discovering the magic number for retirement and explore a new AI invention that will having you thinking! Listen in now using a link below!

1. Gabriel's Quotes of the Month:
   • "I'm going to retire and live off my savings. What I'll do the second day, I have no idea." – Unknown 
   • "A good plan, executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week." – George Patton
2. What's the Real Magic Retirement Number?:
   • Discover that the magic retirement number is not what you may think.
   • People tend to overestimate the amount they need to retire, and we'll share why that is.
   • We'll discuss how you can calculate your own retirement number.
3. Humane AI Pin:
   • Learn about the Humane AI Pin, a new artificial intelligence (AI) product designed to potentially replace your smartphone.

Welcome back to a very "mindful" episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel. They are excited to explore the intriguing main topic of Money Mindfulness. Then, they offer insight into a controversial take on a question from a client. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Money Mindfulness: Cultivating Financial Peace:
   • Uncover practical techniques to harness the power of mindfulness in reaching your financial goals.
   • Learn to be present in your current financial situation to embrace self-awareness and mindful investing habits.
   • Take time to reflect and understand your feelings about your finances to achieve a prosperous wellbeing.
     
     
2. Listener Question:
   • "Hi Steve, what is your opinion on this 'Ask Terry' question I saw online? I used to be a fan of Terry Savage, but after seeing this response, I'm not so sure anymore." - Sharon

We are back this week with another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel. They are excited to share some quick hits with you before diving into their main topic for the remainder of the episode: Retirement Wellness. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Monday's Moon Shadow:
   • Those in a 115 mile path stretching across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada will get a brief glimpse at a "hole in the sky" moment on Monday. 
   • Be sure to wear your Solar Eclipse protective eyewear, and we hope you enjoy the sight!
2. Retirement Wellness: Financial Checkup & Tips:
   • Where to start: Checking your vital signs (a.k.a. your cash flow).
   • Goals check-in: The progress made towards your goals.
   • A strong immune system: Maintaining healthy saving and spending habits.
   • Debt evaluation: Any extra debt dragging you down?
   • Portfolio screening: Investment alignment with your risk tolerance and goals.
   • Prescriptions: Your homework for maximizing your financial health for your next check-in.
   • The follow-up: Regularly re-visit your retirement plan, your investment goals, and your overall financial health.

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents! Steve and Gabriel are back this week with some interesting topics, including the latest news from the Federal Reserve, the rising cost of car insurance, and the importance of staying active and engaged in retirement. 

1. What's Up? Car Insurance Costs!:
   • Over the past 12 months car insurance costs have gone up nearly 21%. So, what gives?
   • We'll share the three main reasons that are driving up prices.
   • Plus, things you can consider to help keep your car insurance costs down.
2. Working 9 to 5 'til 95?:
   • The story of a 101-year-old woman who continues to work, but it isn't for the money.
   • Why she says her long career has prolonged her life and happiness.
   • The importance of staying socially connected and engaged to maintain cognitive health and overall well-being in retirement.

On today's episode of Our 2 Cents, Steve and Gabriel discuss two great topics. First is the best islands for retirement and then they pivot to common mistakes to avoid with IRAs. They share the significance of proper tax planning to maximize the benefits of IRAs and avoid potential costly mistakes.

1. Island Living in Retirement:
   • Retiring to an island may appeal to many retirees, and we're sharing the best scenic locales to consider.
   • Some international islands offer incentives to retirees.
   • Plus, a U.S. based island location that may surprise you!
2. Deep Dive: How to Avoid IRA Mistakes:
   • The importance of contributing to IRAs before the deadline.
   • Consider the benefits of both Roth and traditional IRAs based on individual circumstances.
   • Utilizing backdoor Roth IRA contributions.
   • Exercise caution against speculative investments in IRAs, putting the wrong types of investments in IRAs, and forgetting about required minimum distributions (RMDs) for traditional IRAs.