Our 2 Cents

The Coronavirus pandemic has likely led you to hearing a lot more financial buzzwords and it’s possible you aren’t familiar with some of the terms getting thrown around. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones and see what we can learn from them.
Tune in now to join us for this discussion!
Today’s Topics
· What to Call What Happened: Bear Market, Downturn, Bubble, meltdown?· Recession vs. Depression: What’s the difference and why?· Types of Recoveries: U-Shaped, V-Shaped, W, Shaped, L Shaped – what does this mean?· VIX: or simply volatility· Tax Loss Harvesting: What is it and can it help?· Index Funds: Are they worth it?· Rebalancing: What does this mean and how often should you rebalance your portfolio?

It’s been quite the ride in the stock market. Gabriel and Steve are back to discuss the market during the COVID-19 pandemic and what you should be doing today with your investments.
Tune in now to join us for this discussion!
Today’s Topics

• ·What’s happened in the stock market recently?
• Will volatility continue?
• Have we reached the bottom of the bear-market?
• What is SGL recommending to clients?
• Should you make any changes or reduce your risk?

There is no doubt that we live in a world economy that needs supplies chains, people working, airports open and tourism to continue. But when the Stock Market follows suit, it leaves investors with a sense and feeling of uncertainty. After we discuss the fears and woes of the coronavirus, we answer Max and Scott’s questions on finding the right advisor and preparing for retirement.
Tune in now to join us for this discussion!
U.S Stocks Set for Further Selling After Quickest Retreat Into Correction in 70 Years (Barron’s)
Wall Street is telling clients the coronavirus meltdown could get worse (CBS News)
Caller Question: “What questions should I ask a financial advisor?” (Max - Kildeer)
Caller Question: “I’m retiring in 6 months, what should I be doing to prepare?” (Scott – Mount Prospect)
Fidelity Customers freaked out Wednesday when a tech glitch caused their 401(k) balances to drop to $0 (MarketWatch)
Walmart Expects to save $60 million annually on shopping bags (MarketWatch)

Wages are no longer keeping up with the high cost of living. With the costs of home, healthcare and childcare expenses, how can you stay ahead of the curve while maintaining your standard of living? The national debt certainly plays a large part in your cost of living so we can’t underestimate how interest on debt, is a silent killer.
Tune in now to join us for this discussion!
The Great Affordability Crisis Breaking America (The Atlantic)
Alcohol-Free beer helps Heineken to best year in a decade (Yahoo Finance UK)
U.S. runs $32.6 billion January budget deficit, Treasury says (MarketWatch)
Millions of Americans are missing out on Earned Income Tax Credit (USA TODAY)

Do you like to make money? Because if you do, it all starts with a budget. On today’s episode we’re back with another ‘Deep Dive’ into the world of budgeting and how it can protect you from losing more than you think. Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy this one, even if you don’t enjoy budgeting!
Here’s what was covered in this episode:1) Budgeting basics2) Budget Types / Funding Goals3) Biggest budget miscues4) Advanced Budgeting Tune in now to join us for this discussion!
Kobe Bryant Shock Death: $500M Estate Plan Gets Complicated Fast (TheWealthAdvisor)

Everyone is curious or concerned about how well the stock market will perform this year. But can you really believe everything you hear? After we discuss the market forecasting myths and mysteries, we revisit the list of tax deductions that have disappeared in preparation for the upcoming tax season!
Tune in now!
Forget Stock Market Forecasts. They’re Less Than Worthless (The New York Times)
12 Tax Deductions That Have Disappeared (Yahoo Finance)
How to make self care a priority in 2020 (Chicago Tribune)
Renting is more affordable than buying in almost 50% of these housing markets – and they tend to have one thing in common (MarketWatch)
Megamansions of Michael Jordan, Richard Marx amount 9 priciest languished listings in Chicagoland – here’s where they stand (Chicago Tribune)

The New Year and new updates to your retirement plan! Today we discuss how the SECURE Act is changing the way you can contribute to your retirement accounts and the new start date to take your RMDs. After that, we converse about all the tax dollars that state of Illinois received after the first day of Marijuana being legalized!
Tune in now!
2019 Stock Market Review: Quick Hits – SGL Financial
How Changes in Retirement and Tax Law Will Help Save You Cash in 2020 (Yahoo Finance)
Why The SECURE Act makes 2020 The Year of Missed RMDs From IRAS (Forbes)
Nearly $3.2 million in legal weed sold in Illinois on the first day of sales, marketing one of the strongest showings in history of marijuana (Chicago Tribune)
Google’s AI system can beat doctors at detecting breast cancer (CNN)

In honor of our 30th episode today, we take a ‘deep dive’ into reviewing what a retirement income plan really is and how to build one. After our ‘deep dive’, we come up to the surface to see what new technology Elon Musk and Ford have in store for us.
Tune in now!
Special Podcast Deep-Dive
Reviewing Your Retirement Income Plan

• What is a retirement income plan?
• Do you have a plan?
• What should you be reviewing?
• What could go wrong?

Ford is turning McDonald’s coffee waste into headlights (CNN)
Tesla reveals Cybertruck, but breaks its ‘unbreakable’ windows during unveiling (CNN)

Trump’s impeachment trial is leaving everyone with one big question; how is this effecting the markets? Then we jump into spending and saving this holiday and why you need to stay disciplined with your budget. Concluding with a ‘course correction’, we review today’s top ten most expensive cars in the world!
Tune in now!
The stock market heads to record heights even as the Trump impeachment hearings enter a new phase – here’s why (MarketWatch)
How to Choose the Right Budget System (NerdWallet)
Hotel Zachary opens ‘glamp’ site on its terrace, with hot toddies, a hygge vibe and views of Wrigley (Chicago Tribune)
Amazon announces deals, says Black Friday sale starts Nov. 22 (WGN News)
Survey: 1 in 6 shoppers are still paying off last year’s holiday debt (Yahoo Finance)
The 10 Most Expensive Cars in the World (Esquire)

It’s a cold brisk morning so the heat is on! Callers questions are discussed and answered on investment fees and Medicare options. Then as Gabriel steals the ball back, we get right down to the paint on the court; should students get paid to play.
Tune in now!

Daylight savings time: These states want to make DST permanent (Yahoo)
Caller Question"It’s open enrollment time, should I explore other options for Medicare Part D?" (Rick)
Caller Question"Am I being overcharged for investment fees?" (Debbie)
The NCAA Votes to Allow Student Athletes to be Compensated (Morning Brew)
Tesla’s solar-roof sales will grow ‘like kelp on steroids,’ Musk vows (Market Watch)
Here’s everything Apple isn’t telling you about its new credit card (Market Watch)