Patti meets with her Chief Planning Officer, Eric Fuhrman, to unravel the intricacies of Biden’s New Tax proposal, the Build Back Better Plan.  It seems that while a lot of items are being “negotiated” off the proposal, there is a handful of line items that should be causing concern for many Americans – and not just the top-tier wealthy Americans.  Time is running out to take advantage of some “must-do’s” in financial planning and estate planning before the end of the year.  Patti and Eric give detailed solutions to take advantage of some key opportunities still available to save on taxes and help preserve capital.

Patti meets once again with her Chief Planning Officer, Eric Fuhrman, to sift through all the Plans and regulations of Medicare.  Open enrollment for 2022 starts October 15th and ends on December 7, 2021.  Each Plan offered in Medicare has different coverages and it’s important that consumers are aware of the inclusions and limitations associated with each.  Patti and Eric carefully dissect the nuances of each Plan, while also reminding the listener of dates in the timeline to be aware of.  Also discussed are key considerations if a spouse is still employed and has other healthcare coverage.

This episode is next in the podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti

answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions.  These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked, but should be asked, question).  There are many reasons people choose to move to another state.  The hot real estate market of 2021 may have accelerated the issue for many considering retirement or job change.  Before making this decision, there are several issues to consider – many involving serious potential tax consequences.  Patti guides the listener through a checklist of important items to keep in mind before making the big move, to better understand the rules when establishing state residency to fight potential tax audits.

Patti welcomes Dr. Jason Karlawish, co-director of the Penn Memory Center, and author of “The Problem of Alzheimer’s – How Science, Culture, and Politics Turned a Rare Disease into a Crisis and What We Can Do About It”.  They define the difference between mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s and address the stigma associated with this disease.  America is one of the few western global democracies that has not formulated a national healthcare plan to cover the rising costs associated with caring for individuals suffering from this disease.  Dr. Karlawish identifies the signs to look for in diagnosing this disease and reveals how recent biomedical breakthroughs can spur our healthcare system from failing these patients to saving them.

This episode is next in the podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions.  These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked, but should be asked, question.)  In this episode, Patti addresses another important question asked by her clients.  “I have a child/grandchild with special needs, what resources are out there that can assist me in providing and maintaining a good quality of life for him/her?”  Patti identifies some great state and federal programs, as well as key estate planning opportunities that should be taken advantage of.  She also offers other solutions to questions regarding the adoption of children with special needs.   

Patti meets with her Chief Planning Officer, Eric Fuhrman, to discuss concerns most Americans have right now regarding rising inflation. To understand the relationship between our economic imbalance and inflation, they first define the two concepts and then give a global historical perspective. Is history repeating itself in relation to the economic crisis we faced with inflation during the 1970’s or is this transitory, short-term inflation? What do the pandemic and global economic shutdowns for 2020 have to do with the rise in inflation we are now seeing? Patti and Eric delve into what is happening and why. As consumers, Americans should be aware of how long the economic recovery might take and what goods and services are affected more than others. As investors, Patti offers some suggestions on what steps should be taken during this time.

In America today, there are 31 million small businesses.  These small businesses represent over 99% of all companies nationwide!  Many of them fight month to month to remain profitable without the threat of a global pandemic.  What was the difference between the companies that made it through 2020 and those that did not?  In this episode, Patti interviews four different consumers in different demographics to discover their favorite small businesses they chose to support and she learns a few “secrets” as to how these businesses were able to survive – and thrive – through the pandemic.  The key to small business success may be the same key to success for major corporations as well!

This is the “wrap up” episode of last year’s Covid – 19 series entitled Covid and Courage.  Patti concludes the series with an emphasis on our nation’s recovery.  She addresses the recoveries of small businesses and the importance of knowing your corporate culture.  Smart leaders have pivoted to be sensitive to the needs of their employees and their respective family situations.  She shares her perspective as a CEO, and a consumer, with Gregg Stebben, a nationally renowned radio host, author, and journalist who has interviewed Presidents, Senators, and professional athletes.     

This episode is next in the podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions. These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked, but should be asked, question). In this episode, Patti addresses one of the most frequently asked questions by her clients…My son/daughter is getting married, “What issues should we discuss with them to better prepare them to be financially secure?” There are many financial pitfalls that can be avoided – whether it’s a first marriage or a second, Patti reveals the very important topics that must be discussed and the decisions that should be made to remain financially secure.

This episode is next in the new podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions. These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (Rarely asked, but should be asked, question). In this episode, Patti addresses the first issue of how to come up with a down payment and what, specifically, the lenders are looking at. She also warns against big mistakes that buyers make and how they can be protected from them. This is a must listen podcast for anyone looking to jump into the hot real estate market right now by buying their first home or a vacation property.