Up Your Assets

In this "Part 2" episode with guest Jon Brethauer  CFP®, AIF®, CPFA, MBA and Ray go further into the intricacies of managing retirement plans from a participant's perspective. They cover essential topics such as understanding eligibility, maximizing employer contributions and the differences between traditional and Roth contributions.  The conversation emphasizes the significance of financial planning and the need for participants to engage actively with their retirement savings to ensure a secure financial future.  Ray and Jon also share the importance of early savings, the power of compound interest and how the role of target date funds can be a useful tool in ones plan.

Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

In this episode of Up Your Assets, host Ray Ferrara CFP® and guest Jon Brethauer CFP®, AIF®, CPFA, MBA discuss the complexities of being a retirement plan sponsor. This is part 1 of a 2 part series, where they delve into fiduciary responsibilities, the importance of hiring fiduciary advisors, and the various types of fiduciaries. The conversation also covers investment performance, hidden costs in retirement plans, the necessity of benchmarking, and tax considerations for new plans. Additionally, they explore strategies for business owners to catch up on retirement savings and emphasize the importance of seeking professional advice for plan improvement.

Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

In this podcast episode, Ray Ferrara and Jonathan Ainsley discuss the implications of increased longevity on financial planning and lifestyle. They explore how living longer requires a shift in mindset, financial strategies, and the importance of reframing aging perspectives. Jonathan introduces the Flourishing Longevity Scorecard and discusses the three revolutions affecting longevity: the revolution of longevity itself, the impact of technology, and the evolution of relationships. They also address the role of AI in supporting aging individuals and the need for financial professionals to adapt their strategies to accommodate longer lifespans.

Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

This episode is a unique conversation with Sandy Risgaard, CFP ® and Ray Ferarra, CFP® where they discuss essential information regarding Social Security and retirement.  Included in the conversation is how to access benefits, the importance of having a strategy, tax implications and recent updates in the Social Security system. This great discussion emphasizes the complexity of Social Security and the need for personalized financial planning.

Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

In this episode of Up Your Assets, host Ray Ferrara and insurance expert Bill Askins delve into the complexities of Medicare, discussing its various parts (A, B, C, and D), the importance of understanding enrollment periods, and the differences between Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans. They emphasize the need for personalized advice and the potential pitfalls of late enrollment penalties, providing listeners with essential insights to navigate their Medicare options effectively.

In this unique episode Ray, provides great perspective on the major tax law changes that are here! During this educational session, he describes how the Big Beautiful Bill could have a significant impact on your retirement, investments, and estate planning.  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings sweeping changes to the tax code that could directly impact your income, retirement, and estate plans for years to come. Understanding these changes now is essential to making informed decisions that protect your wealth and take advantage of new opportunities.  This episode will give you the clarity and actionable insights you need to adapt your plan with confidence.

Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

There are several complexities that factor into retirement, adding to the conundrum is how to factor in the potential of "living longer" and what that might entail.  In this episode, Ray sits down with longtime friend and fellow CFP® Rick Kahler to contemplate these challenges and biases that affect retiring.  Over his enduring career, Rick has accumulated a vast knowledge base, professional credentials and accolades...during the podcast it is quite evident the wealth of information between these two colleagues.  What is also clear, the genuine heartfelt calling they both have for their craft,  clients and family... we hope this podcasts message will educate and inspire those who listen.

Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

Congratulations! You have made it to the conclusion of the amazing three-part series on understanding Social Security, with Ray Ferrara CFP ® and award winning author / journalist and Social Security expert Mary Beth Franklin. During Part 3, Ray and Mary Beth take a look down the road on what the future of Social Security may look like given that it is projected to run out of money in 2032...

A must watch for anyone who wishes to learn more about the complex system that will affect all of us as Americans.  www.MaryBethFranklin.com

Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

Welcome to part two of this superb three-part series with Ray Ferrara CFP ® and award-winning author / journalist and Social Security expert Mary Beth Franklin. During this exciting and informative session, Ray and Mary Beth give some well thought out tips on how to navigate the sometimes-overwhelming process when claiming your Social Security Benefits. A must watch for anyone who wishes to learn more about the complex system that will affect all of us as Americans. www.MaryBethFranklin.com

Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures

In this amazing three part series, Ray Ferrara CFP ® speaks to award winning author / journalist and Social Security expert Mary Beth Franklin. During this exciting and informative session, Ray and Mary Beth roll up their sleeves and have a detailed discussion about all things Social Security! A must watch for anyone who wishes to learn more about the complex system that will affect all of us as Americans. www.MaryBethFranklin.com

Acknowledgements and Important Disclosures