Clients always want to know what I think politically and where I stand. In this episode, I share some data on the economy and even my opinion of the two presidential candidates and how their campaigns will likely spin narratives around economic data to their favor.

As observers and participants in this democratic process, it’s essential to navigate these narratives wisely, armed with a comprehensive understanding of objective economic truths and their broader implications.

Reference sources:

GDP data: https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/gross-domestic-product-fourth-quarter-and-year-2023-third-estimate-gdp-industry-and

Trade defcit data: https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/balance-of-trade#:~:text=The%20United%20States%20recorded%20a,Billion%20in%20March%20of%202022.

Inflation data and charts: https://bilello.blog/2024/the-week-in-charts-4-15-24

Pandemic Unemployment: https://www.statista.com/chart/24363/number-of-jobs-lost-since-february-2020/

Biden job creation: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20240202

Economic forecast: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/economy/us-economic-forecast/united-states-outlook-analysis.html

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com

This topic has been heavy on my heart for a few weeks. March was an interesting month for our family, a mix of deep loss and also life stage celebration. In reflection, it’s been a stark reminder of my need - and your need - to place a better and more meaningful focus on a subject none of us like to think about but absolutely need to prepare for: the end of life.

Listen to this episode as I bust 8 common estate planning myths and share 5 things you can do NOW to protect your loved ones while you are still living.

Have questions about your financial situation and estate planning needs? Send an email to [email protected], or head over to www.lifemoveswealth.com and click the schedule button.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com

If you’re running a business, you’ve probably come across the term EBITDA. Understanding this metric can be incredibly useful, providing insights into your company’s operating performance and helping to shape your strategic decisions.

EBITDA is an acronym that stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. It zeros in on the earnings from your business's core operations by leaving out expenses that can vary widely between different companies, such as tax rates and interest expenses. This gives you a cleaner measure of your company’s profitability from its day-to-day activities.

Listen to this episode to learn more about how to evaluate and calculate this important business metric, avoid it’s flaws, and most importantly - learn how to drive EBITDA to improve profitability and grow your business asset.

P.S. This works for your personal finances as well!!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com

Bitcoin ETFs are officially available on US listed exchanges. This is a significant development in crypto trading. These ETFs providing greater access to the volatile yet potentially rewarding world of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin.

As with any investment, careful consideration is crucial. Cryptocurrency is still is a tricky asset class for many investors when it comes to deciding if, when, and how much to invest.

In this episode, I’ll break down some key factors to keep in mind when deciding how much crypto exposure may be right for your investment portfolio.

Thanks for reading The Financial Purpose! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com

Originally passed in 2021, the Corporate Transparency Act is now in effect. If you own a corporation or LLC created in the U.S. and registered with your respective state, there’s a good chance you will need to take action to comply with the law.

This episode features special guest Wendy Anderson, Esq., Business Attorney. Wendy has been following this law since enacted, and she joins us on the Financial Purpose Podcast to help us get prepared to meet the requirements.

Listen to learn more about the Corporate Transparency Act, how it applies to you, and deadlines for filing with FinCen.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com

2023 might be one of the most unexpected years of all time, certainly as the markets and economy are concerned. It seemed like everyone was calling for a recession. It never came. Most unexpected might be the magnitude of the stock market rally, which looks to be ending the year with a punctuation mark!

As we head into 2024, the major themes I’m watching include:

* Potential for Fed rate cuts

* Is the economy truly slowing based on persistently high borrowing costs and increasing household debt levels?

* Stock market may see high single-digit gains; S&P 500 price target 5,090 (+7%-8% higher) according to Fact Set

* Bond price rally as yields continue to fall

* Housing market and affordability likely to remain challenging

* Ongoing geopolitical conflict and how much money we’re sending abroad

* Election year and nasty, divisive politics

Listen to this episode to hear my thoughts on these factors and more.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com

Are you financially ready for year end? In this episode I share a few factors to consider between now and December 31st, including retirement planning, tax planning, 529 planning, and estate planning. Buckle up and take notes!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com

Signs of economic uncertainty are showing up in more places throughout the BIG economy, which impacts the LOCAL economy that you and I intersect every day. From home prices to mortgage rates, car prices to auto loan rates, inflation to wages, there’s evidence the economy is slowing down a little… or, at least taking a breather.

As the federal government continues deficit spending without much caution for later consequence, inflation continues to be a primary factor in consumer costs and driver of fed monetary policy.

What do you need to be doing as things become more uncertain? Listen as I share insights on where we are economically, where we may be headed, and what you can do to prepare for the certainty of uncertainty.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com

Many business owners start their businesses because they see a need they can solve, they’re tired of being paid less than their true value, and they want to work for themselves rather than someone else.

One day you wake up and your business is running. Revenue is coming in, costs are going out, and you’re busier than ever.

Ask yourself: is your operations engine running as efficiently as it could? Are you willing to shed the number of hats you’re wearing in order for the business to reach the next level? Is your P&L healthy?

Operations efficiency is the engine of your business. How well is it running?

This episode of the Financial Purpose Podcast features Kendi Brown, Founder of Coati Consulting. Listen to this discussion on the importance of supercharging Operations efficiencies in your business.

Want to know more about maximizing the Operations engine of your business? Contact Kendi by text or phone at 480-227-5709.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com

In this episode of The Financial Purpose Podcast, I talk with Paloma Goggins, Corporate and M&A Attorney and founder of Nocturnal Legal.

Listen for our discussion what business owners need to know about forming business entities, creating and maintaining good operating agreements, and most importantly - how to prepare for an eventual smooth exit by beginning with the end in mind.

Visit https://nocturnallegal.com/ to learn more about Paloma and Nocturnal Legal.

Learn more about Dale L Shafer II, CFP® and Life Moves Wealth here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancialpurpose.substack.com