How should I deal with short-term savings? Should I max out my 401(k) in the first quarter or spread it out over the year? Does the bank own my mom's reverse mortgage after she died? What are the best retirement options for the self-employed?

We're answering YOUR questions! And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!

Originally aired 2/7/2024

Consumers have absorbed almost 3 years of high inflation, yet demand for luxury goods is still strong. What's driving consumer confidence and spending? We break down the data on sentiment, credit card debt, big-ticket purchases, spending on goods vs services, and what it means for the economy and your investments on this week's Fastest Four. 

I've got an old pension from a previous job. Should I move it to my current 401(k)?

We're answering your questions! Should we try and fund our 3-month emergency fund up to 6 months, or max out our IRA contributions? What should our next steps be toward our "forever home?" Do millionaires really only have 3-6 months of expenses in cash?

And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!   Originally aired 1/31/2024

Does political preference impact stock performance? History says NO! On this week's Fastest Four, we're looking at the data showing the stock market performs well overall during election years (regardless of who wins), average returns are positive 100% of the time when the incumbent president runs again, and more on why you should stay invested based on your financial goals, not politics.

How do I make my wife feel wealthy when she says I make her feel broke? How can I help my mom gift some stocks to her church? Should I just leave my old 401(k) plans at my old jobs? How do I repair my retirement savings after my divorce?

We're answering YOUR questions! And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!

Originally aired 1/24/2024

Disclosures: A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.   Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA.

The S&P 500 just hit a new all-time high for the first time in over 2 years! But history shows this could just be the beginning of a longer run. Data shows the index has averaged 14% gains 1 year after breaking long high droughts. We're breaking it all down on this week's episode of The Fastest Four Minutes In Finance. 

The weather outside was frightful! We couldn't make it to the studio this week, so we're here with an encore presentation of our show debunking Dave.

Ramsey Solutions has done a lot of good for a lot of people searching for financial independence. And we agree with many of their philosophies! But recently, Dave gave some investment advice that was just plain wrong and you've got some questions about it!

And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!

Originally aired 1/3/2024

A new retirement account is here! Learn all about Pension-Linked Emergency Savings Accounts (PLESA) in this episode. We explain how the SECURE Act 2.0 created PLESAs in 401(k) and other employer retirement plans in 2024.

I've driven myself to distraction trying to understand my upcoming retirement! Is it okay for me to leave my 401(k) at my previous employer? How should I handle the money I recently inherited from my father? What do I need to know about converting pre-tax money to a Roth option?

We're answering YOUR questions! And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!

Originally aired 1/10/2024

The "Magnificent 7" stocks like Apple and Tesla soared in 2023, but data shows 75 other lesser-known stocks have strong growth potential in 2024. Learn why the broader market may outperform the big tech names this year. In this episode, we cover the stock market outlook for 2024, earnings growth forecasts, S&P 500 index performance data, and investment opportunities outside the common big tech stocks.