Our 2 Cents

Happy Father's Day to all the dads and father figures out there! A new episode of Our 2 Cents is here! On today's show, we're diving into quick hits, sharing our quotes of the month, reviewing the financial focus for June, and launching part 1 of our two-part retirement planning series: what to sell before you retire. Listen in now!

1. Gabriel's Quick Hits:
   • How is SpaceX performing, and what does its latest valuation mean for investors?
   • The U.S. and Iran work toward a broader peace agreement that could reshape oil supply, sanctions policy, and Middle East stability.
   • New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh keeps rates unchanged, but are rate hikes back on the table?
2. Quotes of the Month:
   • “A father is someone who carries pictures in his wallet where his money used to be.” – Anonymous
   • “A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it begins to rain.” – Robert Frost
3. June Financial Planning Calendar:
   • This June, we’re exploring how to bring clarity and purpose to your investment strategy.
4. What to Sell Before You Retire Part 1:
   • Inspired by one of the year’s most-watched retirement videos, the Lewits share their insights on what to sell before you retire and how to better prepare for the transition ahead.

Graduation season is coming to a close, but we’re still keeping the learning going with a new episode of Our 2 Cents! Today, we’re covering quick hits, the latest on SpaceX, a look at class superlatives through a financial lens, and timeless wisdom from the world’s oldest doctor. Listen in now!

1. Gabriel's Quick Hits:
   • It’s close to home for SGL Financial and now one of the top places to live in the country. Do you know which Illinois village made the list?
   • Want the best baked potato? Experts say these simple tricks make all the difference.
2. Investing in SpaceX:
   • SpaceX continues to make headlines, but can everyday investors buy in? Here's what you need to know before pursuing this investment opportunity.
3. Financial Yearbook Awards:
   • If personal finance had a yearbook, who would win the top superlatives? Here’s what the Lewits think.
4. The Longevity Rules of a 103-Year-Old Doctor:
   • Discover the 3 rules the world’s oldest doctor swore by for a long, meaningful life.

We’re buzzing with a brand-new episode of Our 2 Cents! On today’s show, the Lewits share their quotes of the month, summer vacation budgeting tips, what bees can teach us about finances, and May’s financial focus. Tune in now and catch all the sweet financial insights!

1. Quotes of the Month:
   • “When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators.” – PJ O’Rourke
   • “An acquaintance is a person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to.” – Ambrose Bierce 
2. Summer Vacation Planning:
   • Summer is almost here! Planning a getaway? Here’s what to do to keep your trip fun without blowing your budget.
3. Wealth Wisdom from the Hive:
   • What can bees teach you about handling your finances? More than you might think.
4. May Financial Planning Calendar:
   • This May, we’re spotlighting emergency and liquidity planning.
   • Learn smart, actionable ways to set aside funds, stay flexible, and stress less when life throws surprises your way.  

Our 2 Cents is back with your favorite hosts, Steve and Gabriel Lewit! This episode, we’re talking wealthy birth months, an AI portfolio experiment, and whether beating the market is even possible. Don’t miss it.

1. The Wealthiest Birth Months:
   • Find out which months are tied to financial success and whether yours made the cut.
2. Portfolio Powered by AI:
   • Should you turn to AI for investment advice? This reporter put it to the test by letting it manage a stock portfolio—here’s what happened.
3. Beating the Market:
   • Can anyone beat the market? The Lewits unpack the financial mindset behind the question.

May is here, and so is a fresh episode of Our 2 Cents! We’re diving into money scripts and common healthcare costs Medicare doesn’t fully cover. Tune in now!

1. The Threat of These Childhood Money Lessons:
   • Hidden money scripts formed in childhood can quietly run the show when it comes to your finances. Here’s how they show up in retirement planning, and what to do if they sound familiar.
2. What Medicare Won't Cover:
   • Here are five common health expenses that can catch retirees off guard.

Breathe in the fresh air and the sweet start of a brand-new episode of Our 2 Cents. This week, we’re diving into post-tax filing season takeaways, the rewarding role of volunteering in retirement, and listener questions. Listen in now!

1. Post-Tax Filing Season Lessons:
   • You filed your taxes—but what did you learn? This year’s tax season revealed more than numbers. Here are the takeaways worth paying attention to.
2. Give Back, Gain More:
   • Want more purpose in retirement? Explore the impact of volunteering and why it plays a meaningful role in your next chapter.
   • What would you do if you retired?
3. Listener Questions:
   • "I’ve managed my money myself over the years and have to say that I’ve done pretty well. Everyone tells me that I should have a financial advisor now that I’m about to retire, but I’m having trouble with the concept of turning it all over to someone else since I’ve proven that I can do it. What’s your argument for why I should have someone else manage it?" — Sam
   • "I’d like for my wife to be more involved in our retirement planning, but she’s always hated talking about money. Any suggestions?" — Eric
   • "My mom passed away last year, and we’re about to sell her house. I’ll be getting about $150,000 from that sale, and I don’t need the money, so I want to just give it to my daughter so that she can get her student loans and other debt paid off. Can I just wire the money directly to her after I get it from the sale or will that create some kind of tax problems?" — Rebecca

Today's episode of Our 2 Cents is your sunshine on a rainy day! The Lewits are covering how to spot Social Security scams, health insights, and smart ways to approach short-term investments. Tune in now!

1. Stock Market Update:
   • US stocks have climbed to record highs despite war tensions.
2. Beware Social Security Scams!:
   • Social Security scams are getting smarter—let’s make sure you do too with a few simple ways to stay ahead.
3. The Exercise That Can Transform Your Health:
   • Find out what type of exercise can cut your risk of developing 8 diseases.
4. Short-Term Parking Options:
   • Is your cash just sitting there… or actually working for you? Here are some smart ways to park your money in the short term.

This week's episode of Our 2 Cents is full of timely insights and practical advice. We’re breaking down why gas prices are rising, sharing smart financial organization tips for April, and discussing whether AI could impact your career. Listen in now!

1. Why Are Gas Prices So High?:
   • Gas prices are on the rise, but the reasons may surprise you.
   • A few small adjustments (like driving habits and maintenance) can help stretch your fuel a bit further.
2. April Money Moves to Get Organized & Stay On Track:
   • April is Financial Literacy Month, making it the perfect time to get your financial life in order.
   • We share helpful tips to get organized and stay on track with your finances; from taxes and documents to contributions, accounts, and investments.
3. Is AI Coming for Your Job?:
   • AI is changing how work gets done, but not replacing every role.
   • The key question isn’t if, it’s whether you’re prepared.

Steve and Gabriel are back again with an episode of Our 2 Cents that’s full of great conversation. First, we’re unpacking the retirement risk that many people ignore… and sprinkling in some Oprah financial wisdom. Listen in now!

1. Gabriel's Quick Hits:
   • A few quick thoughts on the Iran war and its market impact.
   • Lift-off! Artemis II began its journey around the Moon.
   • What does Easter spending look like this year?
2. Live Longer, Planning Smarter:
   • Living longer is great—if your money lasts just as long. Here’s what to do about it.
3. And You Get An Oprahism!:
   • Get inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s wisdom with our favorite quotes for financial inspiration.

Happy Spring! What’s blooming on the podcast charts? Another amazing episode of Our 2 Cents! On today's show, the Lewits dive into where retirees are moving, how to derisk your portfolio, and the surprising financial lessons we can take from the Oscars. Listen in now!

1. Retirees Next Move:
   • Where are retirees packing up and heading to in 2026? Here are the five cities stealing the spotlight.
2. It's Not Too Late to Derisk:
   • Not every win comes from chasing bigger risks. Learn how stepping back can be the smartest move.
3. And the Oscar Goes to...Your Retirement Strategy:
   • Gabriel is back with a financial analogy—this time, the Oscars! Think about it: a great retirement plan is a lot like a blockbuster movie.