Our 2 Cents

Here’s Part 2 of our State Estate Tax Planning series! Plus, the Lewits share some St. Patrick’s Day data and highlight what’s on the agenda for our March financial planning calendar. Tune in now!

1. Quotes of the Month:
   • “Saving is a very fine thing. Especially when your parents have done it for you.” – Winston Churchill
   • “I’ve got all the money I’ll ever need…if I die by four o’clock.” – Henny Youngman 
2. St. Patrick's Day by the Numbers:
   • From green outfits to festive celebrations, St. Paddy’s Day spending adds up. Here are a few statistics that show the financial side of the holiday.
3. March Financial Focus:
   • This March, we’re focusing on maximizing tax-advantaged accounts.
   • Discover actionable steps you can take to make the most of these valuable tax-saving strategies.
4. State Estate Tax Planning Part 2:
   • Explore additional planning strategies that can help preserve more of your estate from Illinois estate taxes and safeguard your legacy.

A fresh episode of Our 2 Cents is here! On today's show, Steve and Gabriel give you the inside scoop on whether retiring overseas is really worth it and launch part 1 of their state estate tax planning series. Listen in now!

1. The Iran Conflict:
   • Quick comments on the economical impacts of this ongoing matter.
2. Retiring Outside the U.S.:
   • Retiring abroad can sound like a dream, but is the reality as simple as it seems?
3. State Estate Tax Planning Part 1:
   • How does federal estate tax differ from state estate tax?
   • What planning strategies can help minimize Illinois estate taxes?

We are back with another great episode of Our 2 Cents. The Lewits are sharing timely financial tips for February and weighing in on some headline-making celebrity money advice. Tune in to hear our take. You won’t want to miss it!

1. Gabriel's Quick Hits:
   • What happens now after the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs?
   • What's the 2026 market and economic forecast?
2. February Financial Focus:
   • Take advantage of February to review your investments and sharpen your tax readiness. Here’s our step-by-step guide.
3. Controversial Financial Advice?:
   • What are the financial celebrities saying? Find out if Steve and Gabriel give it a thumbs up or down.

On this episode of Our 2 Cents, Steve and Gabriel use the Olympics as a powerful metaphor for retirement, from preparing for your “opening ceremony” to optimizing your financial game plan. Tune in for practical insights on rebalancing, tax prep, and what it really takes to earn your own gold-medal retirement.

1. Quotes of the Month:
   • "We live by the Golden Rule. Those who have gold make the rules." - Buzzie Bavasi
   • "If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments." - Earl Wilson
2. The Jetsons or Reality?:
   • According to this team, flying cars are already here... this has us asking, "Are we living in a sci-fi movie yet?"
3. Olympic Lessons for a Successful Retirement:
   • There are a lot of lessons to be learned about retirement when you watch the Olympics.  
   • We're highlighting the significance of optimization in financial planning, drawing parallels to athletes' precision and practice. 
4. February Financial Planning:
   • A quick introduction to our Financial Planning Calendar topics for the month of February.

Game on! In today’s episode of Our 2 Cents, the Lewits break down early February headlines, share their Super Bowl insights, and tackle listener questions. Tune in using the link below!

1. Gabriel's Quick Hits:
   • The torch is lit, and the Winter Olympics are officially underway.
   • Groundhog Day verdicts are in! Are you Team Punxsutawney Phil or Team Woodstock Willie?
2. The Super Bowl Indicator:
   • Is your Super Bowl pick also your market prediction?
3. Listener Questions:
   • "My daughter is 12 years old and helps with work around our home. We pay her to teach her responsibility and the value of earning money. Does her work qualify as earned income and can I fund a Roth IRA for her based on that?" — Hisham
   • "I was paying $113,000 for both of my kids to go to school out east 8-10 years ago. I had two in college at the same time. Can I ask what you think of donor advised funds?"— Scott
   • "Do you consider bonds to be a good source of retirement income?"— Megan
   • "I retired three years ago thinking that my wife would be retiring soon after me. I bought a camper and everything; I’m ready to see the country. She keeps saying that we need her to work for six more months, but then when that six months is up, she says we need her to work for six more months. How do I convince her that it’s ok to retire?"— Richard

We’re ready to roll on this episode of Our 2 Cents! On today’s show, the Lewits close out January with a timely discussion on financial wellness—plus a clear roadmap to help you set your financial course for the year ahead. Tune in using the link below!

1. Gabriel's Quick Hits:
   • Just a little Fed update...
   • What do Americans think about the morals and ethical standards of these professions?
2. January is Financial Wellness Month:
   • What is financial wellness, and what does it mean for your financial future?
3. Annual Financial Planning Calendar:
   • Here's your month-by-month guide designed to help you stay organized and confident throughout the year.

Welcome to another out-of-this-world episode of Our 2 Cents! Today, Steve and Gabriel explore the latest headlines, key market trends, and what the 2026 economic outlook could mean for investors. Listen in using the link below.

1. Blast Off!:
   • A 322-foot-tall rocket is rolling into position as NASA gears up for its next big launch into orbit.
2. Inflation Grocery List:
   • How has inflation impacted everyday grocery prices? Take a look at what a recent price check at Walmart reveals.
3. Precious Metals Shining Bright:
   • Gold and silver are stealing the spotlight with record highs and major investor interest.
4. Economic Optimism?:
   • Steve is wearing his economist hat and breaking down what 2026 might have in store.

A new year is the perfect time for new goals. The Lewits are sharing practical lessons to help you start the year strong. Plus, they explore the financial takeaways you can learn from a snow day. Tune in using the link below.

1. 2025 Podcast Stats:
   • A huge thank-you to our listeners for continuing to help Our 2 Cents grow, and we’ve got the metrics to prove it!
2. Financial New Year's Resolutions:
   • What’s top of mind for a successful year ahead?
3. Financial Lessons from a Snow Day:
   • A snow day is the perfect reminder that life (and finances) don’t always go as planned. Here are a few money lessons we can take from an unexpected day off in winter.

Welcome to 2026! Steve and Gabriel are kicking off the first episode of the new year by sharing key updates and a warm outlook on what’s ahead. Tune in and start the year informed! Listen now using the link below.

1. Quotes of the Month:
   • "Money is the best deodorant." — Elizabeth Taylor
   • "People who advocate simplicity have money in the bank; the money came first, not the simplicity." — Douglas Coupland
2. 2026 Money Updates:
   • Discover what's changing for retirees and pre-retirees this year.
3. 2025 Market Recap:
   • Here are 5 ways the markets surprised us in 2025.

From navigating new chapters in retirement, to looking back at the year behind us, Steve and Gabriel are covering it all in our last podcast episode of 2025! Listen in now using a link below.

1. Quotes of the Month:
   • "Aging seems to be the only way to live a long life." — Kitty O'Neill Collins
   • "It's better to live rich than to die rich." — Samuel Johnson
2. Retirement, Reflection, and Relationships:
   • All the "firsts" in retirement can feel like a new journey. We'll share ways to make your first retired holiday season merry and meaningful!
3. What Mattered for Your Money in 2025:
   • We're giving you a 2025 Year-in-Review, breaking down the biggest headlines from the year and sharing how they may have impacted your financial planning.